CheckMate (Completed)

Chapter 22

(Nattlie's pov)

I sat there laughing at Leon, at myself and the fun we were having. My dress is ruined and I don't even care. Any girl would flip but I don't want the moment to end.

A part of me just wants to lean forward and kiss him but I know if I do I'll be making a fool of myself.

Yes it was pretty cute when he started blushing when Isabella and Antonio asked him if he likes me and I will admit I got a little excited, but like he said I'm his only female friend who they have met. Of course they gonna think he likes me.

That thought brought me back to reality. We just friends. Nothing more. Even if I want something more and it could actually work he doesn't feel the same.

He laid back on the floor in the mountains of foam. I shuffled closer and started placing handfulls of the foam on top of him.

"What are you..." asked Leon before I cut him off with a simple "shhhh"

He didn't say a word after that and just closed his eyes. I covered him completely, only leaving room for his eyes.

"Okay open your eyes" I said with a little giggle.

He opened but didn't move.

"You look like a Olaf, all white and cute and love...able" I said quickly but slowing down as I said the last word. It just came out and I wasn't thinking. I just said it. But he didn't think anything of it.

He laughed and grabbed me, pulling me into a hug. He rubbed his face all over mine, trying to get the foam onto me. I just laughed and tried to get away.

Then he stopped and looked at me. I stopped and looked at him. Our noses were less than an inch away. He placed his hand on my cheek and slowly started to lean in.

My heart is racing and I wanted him to kiss me but in that moment I pulled away and a tear fell from my cheek. I wanted to kiss him a few minutes back and now that he's making the move I pull away. I feel so stupid and indecisive so please don't judge me but I just couldn't at that moment.

He sat up and looked at me. I couldn't look at him. I can feel I really really like him but I've been hurt too many times. There are two types of guys in this world. The ones who ran after me in the hall and the ones I give a chance, like Luke. Leon might be different but I fear getting hurt. Leon doesn't fit into any of those two groups and that scared me even more.

Besides he doesn't like me. It's one of those 'in the moment' moods. He's not thinking clearly.

"Hey... look at me... I'm sorry I won't hurt you" said Leon in a low gentle voice. I wanted to believe I really do. I just fear me getting hurt. I will never admit this to anyone but I'm really sensitive. That's why I am use to being mean to people, I looked tough. Like nothing could bring me down.

But inside I feel broken. My parents never being around and when they are most of the time they fighting. Nothing works out with a guy, I always get hurt and friend wise, I only started being friends with Anna-beth as she also has a lot of money. Many people over the years wanted to be my friend hoping they would get something out. After they figured out they won't, they left and Beth was the only one to stay. So when high school came it was Beth and I against the world.

And now... now I don't know anymore.

(Leon's pov)

I could see she was hurting and just as I was gonna move closer to hug her Isabella and Antonio walk in. They saw her crying and rushed over.

"What's wrong?" Asked Isabella.

But Nattlie didn't say a word.

Isabella looked at me and gestured with her head for Antonio and I to leave. I slowly got up and we left. We sat in the dinning area while they spoke.

"What happened?" Asked Antonio.

"I don't know. We were having fun and when I leaned in to kiss her she pulled away. That's when she started crying and wouldn't say a word" I told him.

"You really like her don't you?"

I looked up at him.

"More than anything in the world. I know she might not feel the same but I had to try. I had to take the chance. I've liked her for a while and tried hard to get over her. I didn't want to like her... but my heart decided for me. I hate not having control. I just wanna walk in there and hold her, take all her hurt away. But I can't..." I said feeling weak and defeated with my last few words.

"Give her time my son. Yes I can see she's hurting but... I can also see she cares for you."

I smiled a weak smile. Wanting to looked convinced.

Antonio and I spoke for a few hours and caught up as I haven't seen them in a while. Antonio even brought out his chess board and we played a few rounds.

Isabella and Nattlie walked out the kitchen both smiling. I could see Nattlie has been crying but there was something happy about her. I stood up as I saw them, slowly joined by Antonio.

I walked over to them and took Nattlie's hand. I didn't care anymore. I wanted her to know how I feel but all I could get out was "... are you alright?"

She smiled and gave a nod.

"Aaah Nattlie " said Antonio and called her over. It's funny how Antonio got everyone's names wrong, including mine, but got hers right.

She walked over and took a seat on the chair I was sitting on.

"Leonie always manages to cheat. I have never lost a game until I met him so I know he's the cheater" said Antonio looking down at the board.

Nattlie laughed and took a look. I couldn't help but smile when I heard her laugh.

"She's really broken" said Isabella soft enough for them not to hear.

"Yes I know... her parents are never around"

"Not just that. Certain... events? Yes events has happened in her life, mainly when she was a little girl. She asked me not to say anything so I won't further but just be gentle with her Leon. Now I'm not saying treat her like one of those glass dolls but give her time" said Isabella giving me a hug after.

After all that we sat and all talked a bit. At 3am Antonio threw us out as he needed sleep. We said our goodbyes with Nattlie giving Isabella a long loving hug and I took her home.

She invited me in for a while and we had some hot chocolate. I told her I wouldn't bring it up but if she wanted to talk or if she was ready to talk, that I will always be a phone call away.