The Quiet

Chapter 40

Chapter 40

*Athena's Point of View*

I reflected my outfit in the mirror that was attached to my wall. A flowy white dress hugged my body in the right area, it was my favorite outfit. I trailed my reflection all the way down to my feet where I had nude heels on. I couldn't bear to take off my grandfather's dog tags, but I knew I had to. I slid the cold metal chains off my skin and placed them on my wooden desk. I despised taking them off, but I wanted to appear fancy for today's occasion.

I felt my body shaking at the thought of what was going to happen today, I was going to meet Nathan's family. I have never met anyone other than his brother and his father who hates me. Nathan assured me that he had work and wasn't going to be able to make it to the party. He said it was his aunt's birthday and they were very close. The temperature outside was high and the sun was out like it has been the past few days. It was a little after noon, Nathan said the house was near the beach and the dinner was going to be earlier than usual.

My heart began beating at an unhealthy rate when I thought about them not liking me or something bad happening. I heard the doorbell ring and I had a minor heart attack, knowing it was Nathan. I walk downstairs to see my mother standing next to a handsome looking Nathan. He was wearing a pair of dark shorts and a buttoned-up white shirt. His hair was getting long, but he had it slicked back. He was speaking to my mom until he heard me walking down the creaky stairs. His head snapped in my direction, immediately smiling when his eyes laid on me. I glanced down at his hands where he held a small bouquet of red roses.

He handed me the roses while stating, "you look stunning." My mom looked giddy at his comment, she absolutely loved Nathan. I thank him for the flowers and tell him that I would be back to put them in a vase. My mom followed me, speaking to me in Spanish about how adorable Nathan and I were. We are still speaking in fluent Spanish when we walk back to Nathan who looks absolutely confused. I understood that he had no clue what we were saying. I mumble a few slang Spanish words that my mom uses in her country which causes her to throw her head back in laughter. We exited the house, hearing my mom's laughter until we got to the car. "Are you okay? You seem a little nervous. I can drive if you want." I nodded at his words and threw him my car keys.

Throughout the drive Nathan asked me how I was doing, he could see how shaky I was. I have never been nervous about meeting anyone, but these people are Nathan's family. I was worried that I was going to screw it up and have them hate me just like his father. I voiced my thoughts to Nathan and he assured me that nothing was going to happen. Almost immediately, my boyfriend rested his hand on my thigh to show me some comfort. He continued to say how his family was going to love me. Nathan decided to play music on the stereo to make me feel better which it did. I danced in my seat and sang my heart out, allowing me to forget about my anxious thoughts.

When Nathan parked the car, I knew we were in front of his aunt's house. I felt paralyzed in my seat as I gawked out the window. I didn't understand why I was letting this party get to me, nothing was going to happen. I trust Nathan to bring me somewhere that was safe for me in every way possible. I go to grab my dog tags to give me relief, but I only felt my skin. I forgot that I took them off, it's been years since I have taken them off. I felt alone, sad without them around me. I took a few seconds to analyze his aunt's house, it was like a mansion. It was located in a beautiful area near the beach, I knew automatically she was wealthy. The homes in this area are expensive and only certain people are able to purchase them. Celebrities, politicians and other important people lived around here. The house stood out from the rest simply from the appearance. There were various types of flowers scattered in front of her home, bringing out the beautiful color of the house and grass.