NATALIE

Week 7

"Get your ass over here, and maybe I won't kill you in your sleep."

"You know, I don't think that's how normal people invite their friends over."

I roll my eyes. "Thomas."

I can practically hear Tommy pouting through the phone. "Don't call me that. It's unfair because you go by your full name."

I'm about to correct him, but then I realize that he's talking about Natalie, not Nathaniel. I'm still not used to it, and every time he calls me that, it still has the same effect on me.

"Can you just come over?" I ask. "This is important."

"Yeah, sure, I'll just have my very busy mother stop working and drive me over to your house," he says sarcastically.

I grin, even though he can't see me. "You're the best!"

"I know. I'll see you in a few minutes."

I go downstairs and wait in the living room. My parents are both sitting at the kitchen table, staring down at their phones.

When I hear the doorbell, I call out "I'll get it!" and sprint to the door. I throw it open, and I see Tommy standing there with his arms crossed and a scowl on his face.

"What do you want?" he demands.

I laugh. "I like how you just showed up without asking why."

"I'm asking right now," he points out.

I grab his sleeve and pull him inside before shutting the door.

"Practice got canceled, and I'm bored," I tell him.

He raises an eyebrow.

"My parents are right behind me," I whisper.

He looks over my shoulder. "Hey, Mr. and Mrs. Mills."

My mom sets her phone down. "Hello, Tommy. How are you?"

"I'm okay, thanks," Tommy answers politely. "How are you?"

"I'm good, thank you." She turns to my dad. "Dear, say hi to Nathan's friend."

My dad grunts.

My mom rolls her eyes. "You'll have to excuse my husband for his lack of manners. You can tell who Nathan gets his rudeness from."

I stare at my feet and frown.

Tommy puts a hand on my arm. "Nathan and I are going to hang out for awhile. Maybe go get something to eat."

My mom nods. "Alright. Do you need money, Nathan?"

I shake my head. "Nah, I have some."

"We'll be going now," Tommy says, leading me towards the front door.

"Have fun, boys!" my mom calls.

I slam the door shut behind me.

"I haven't told them," I explain.

Tommy purses his lips. "I'm sorry I called you Nathan."

"S'okay," I mumble.

He puts an arm around me in an awkward side hug, and I lean into it.

"What did you need?" he asks gently.

"Remember when you said you'd take me to the mall?"

"Now?"

"Now," I affirm. "I'm ready."

***

"I've actually never been here before," Tommy says as we walk through the revolving door. "I mean, I've only been living in Blythe for a month. But we drive past this place all the time."