Finding Natalia

Honesty is the Best Policy

I woke up after a deep sleep to find arms wrapped around me. I looked over to see Tre sound asleep. He just couldn't give me space could he. At the same time I didn't want him to, but I just want to know what happened. He killed Jermaine. I slid his hands off me slowly, and slid out of the bed. I started walking down the steps toward the kitchen to go for a short walk . As I reached the bottom step the guys stood there. They all wore serious expressions on their faces. 

"Natalia we all need to be more open with you. You see Tremaine shot Jermaine, but we thought he died. When we went out to recover his body he was gone. We have no idea where he is, and we can't let you out of our sight. I saw the way you ran from Tre after it happened Nat, but the only reason he did it was because Jermaine wanted to kidnap you, and it literally is a long drawn out story. I just couldn't let you be mad at Tre, this is a gang , a mafia, violence is the normal. I'm sorry you had to see it firsthand and for the first time in that situation, but please don't look at Tre as a bad guy, or a murderer. Look at him, look at all of us as your protectors." Enrique said softly. 

I nodded my head slowly showing him I understood, but I walked away and over to the cabinets. I got a bowl of cereal, and sat down at the table to eat when Tre came down the steps yawning, and stretching. He walked over, and grabbed a bowl also getting cereal . He slid the chair out across from me, and sat down . 

"Natalia, we need to talk." Tre said seeming nervous.

"Yes Tre?" I asked raising my eyebrow.

"You see we can't leave you out alone around this house, or public. You will always have to be with one of us. I'm sorry you had to see what happened, but Natalia I love you. I can't sit back, and watch shit happen to you. It's not just because I have feelings for you, but all the guys would have done that same thing." Tre spoke between bites of his cereal.

"I'll be fine Tre." I said, trying to ease his worrying.

"Natalia you won't. Not if you are alone. " Tre said softly.

"Then obviously you think I'm weak. You think I can't handle myself. You watch Tremaine." I spat angrily.

I walked away from the table, and ran upstairs locking the door behind me. Warm tears flowed down my face as I realized they thought I was some frail girl living with them. It was pathetic for me to think they thought I was strong. They said I was, but it must have been nothing but comforting words. I slid open the desk drawer, and opened my old phone. It still worked, but I'm sure everyone forgot me. I opened my text messages, and asked my cousin if she could meet me at the mall. I sent her the address, and she said yes. I got dressed in a pair of the shortest, tightest jean shorts I owned. I admired my curves in the mirror, and went to grab a v neck crop top that had a lace design on it. It was pink so I grabbed my black zip up knee high gladiator sandals. Walking past my mirror again I realized how proud I was to be the girl I am. I left my long brown hair down over my shoulders, and went over to my makeup dresser. I had gotten good at winged eyeliner so I did that first, and then found the matching shade of pink eyeshadow applying that behind, and then mascara. Finally I applied a clear lip gloss to my lips. I stood up proud of my work, and walked to do the finishing touches. I put on a black lace choker, and my heart necklace around that. I slid my Pandora princess ring on my right ring finger, and then slid a diamond ring on my left middle finger. I made my way over to my window, and slid it open. I grabbed my crossbody bag, and slipped out of the window. I climbed out onto the ledge of the house, and slid the window down. I made my way down onto the solid ground, and made a run for it. I ran through the trees, and out to the main road. My cousin was waiting on the other side of the fence, and I got in her car. She stepped on it realizing I was rushing to get away. She pulled over a few minutes down the road, and embraced me. We took the long way to the mall, and I was thrilled when we pulled in the parking lot. This would show Tre not to doubt me, and he sure as hell would realize that I'm fine alone. My cousin parked the car, and we got out in front of Macy's. In the end, the jokes on Tre. I was fearless, and knew I would be fine. So I left the worries go, and walked into that mall alone.