NATALIE

Week 11

Before the PA had crackled to life, I was thinking about what I'd do after school. I'm in my last class of the day, so there's really zero chance of me paying attention in here. Still, when the voice came through the speaker-

"Would Nathaniel Mills please report to the clinic? Would Nathaniel Mills please report to the clinic, thank you."

The entire class swivels their heads to look at me. I keep my face impassive, but I start to freak out.

Am I in trouble? Why'd they use my name? That name? Oh no, is this about the time I told Mr. York to deep throat an apple? I swear I wasn't serious.

Thankfully, the teacher speaks up. "Why don't you take your books, Natalie? In case they keep you there until the end of school?"

I nod and gather my stuff. Everyone watches as I walk out the door.

The hallways are really quiet. The only noise echoing off the walls is the sound that my shoes make every time I take a step. High heels are uncomfortable, but I love the way that they click. I also love being taller than most of my friends.

"Nathan."

The familiar voice puts up an invisible wall, making me stop in my tracks.

"Hey, Delaney."

Unlike when we were dating, there's so much that I want to talk to her about. There are so many questions that I want her to answer.

I understand why you dumped me, but why'd you react that way? Why didn't you give me a chance to explain? To apologize? Why'd you cut me off? I would've been okay with being friends after we broke up. I know we didn't have a great relationship, but you still hurt me. I'm sorry that you felt like you had to do that.

"You disgust me."

That's okay. I understand.

"God will judge you."

You've already told me that.

"You're going to hell."

That too.

I don't respond out loud, but oh man, there's so much I want to say.

"I have somewhere to be," I say calmly. "We can talk some other time if you want."

Delaney scowls. "Why would I want to talk to you?"

Those words are just more drops of mild poison. They sting, but they don't kill me. As Delaney flounces off, it's like a final punch to my heart.

I forgive you.

A couple months ago, the thought of even getting along with Delaney never would've crossed my mind. I've definitely changed.

The next person that I see is Richard. I wish I could corner him and demand him to tell me why the hell I don't exist to him anymore, but before I can do that, he ducks his head down and power walks past me.

When I get to the clinic, the door is already wide open. I walk in, and I'm directed to a room that smells like really strong hand sanitizer.

There's a woman sitting behind a desk. Her computer monitor is tilted, with one edge against the wall. Her gray hair is pulled back into a bun, and her hands are folded as she peers at me curiously.

"Natalie?"

I nod slowly. "Uh... yeah."

She gestures to the chair on the other side of her desk. "Please, have a seat."