One day

Chapter 3

“Welcome to my humble abode.” I spread my arms out wide, to my tiny apartment.

“How do you afford this. I could barely afford Haley, but a house of my own? Yeah right.” He chuckled.

“Well, for one I’m single, and secondly I work a bit more than you.” I nudged his shoulder, and he pushed me. Unlike my usual balance issues, I kept myself from falling. I placed our jackets aside, and clapped my hands together. I hadn’t had this alone time with Nate in so long.

“Am I the only one that finds this to be a bit..Awkward.” Nate said, reading my mind.

“You are certainly not wrong about that.” I looked at the floor, and brushed a few strands of hair behind my ear. “What about a movie?” I suggested after a few more seconds of awkward silence.

“Sounds great.” He shined his smile up at me. I began to walk up the stairs and he trecked behind me, just as unsure as I was about our situation. “Wow.” He sighed when we entered my room.

“A lot better than my bathroom.” I gestured to the broken down sink and barely ever cleaned toilet. “I apologize.” I laughed nervously.

“Your room makes up for it.” He said, comforting me as best as he can. We spread out on my bed, and I grabbed the remote for my small television set. I was laying beside Nate, but he surprised me when he pulled me into his chest and sighed. He was happy, and I was so glad because so was I.

--

I stretched, and groaned at the ringing of my alarm clock. When I moved my hand, I felt a chest underneath me. He slept over last night, and I don’t think I’ve ever slept so well. He groaned as I nudged him to wake up for school. He looked half asleep, but he pulled me into his chest once again, but an even tighter grip. Maybe I could just stay like this, with him instead of going to school. Staying with my crush, cuddling or school not cuddling. I think I’ll choose the cuddling over school any day. After the few more times my clock rang, Nate finally shook me awake this time.

“We should probably get ready for school.” He said, gesturing to the time displayed - 10:30. We missed a couple classes, which wasn’t that horrible for me because my grades were pretty good right now. I whined like a child, and gripped his arm around me. He chuckled, “Come on Ally, we have to.” I finally gathered all the strength I had, and got ready to go.

--

We got a good amount of stares as we walked through the school halls, late. The teachers weren’t mad, we just needed to make up a quiz. Nate and I stared at each other at our lockers, until Haley came over to talk to him - This should be interesting. When I walked to lunch, I saw them holding hands and kissing all over again. It’s like what just happened was my wake up call that was just friendly stuff. It didn’t make sense still, because I saw them break up yesterday right in front of my eyes - At least I thought I did. When I got over to them, I couldn’t take it. I ran away from the scene playing out in front of me, and right before I took my gaze away Nate saw me crying because of him. After I told the office I wasn’t feeling well, they let me go home, but right when I was about to exit the door I heard Nate calling after me. I hesitated to walk out the door, but he’s with Haley still. Like Daphne said, they are deeply passionately in love and I have no where close to a chance with him. I cried into my hands, and felt him grip them tightly.

“I’m so sorry Ally. I-”

“Save it Nathan, you’re with Haley now, what happened was just friendly. Right?” I shined a fake smile his way and he shook his head.

“No Ally, I loved what happened. It’s the best I’ve slept in so long. Please I-”

“Stop Nate, okay? You’re with Haley, end of story.” I interrupted his try at explaining himself.

“Ally, stop trying to push me away, I like you a lot.” He gripped my wrists as I shoved at his chest.

“If you “liked me a lot” Nate, why are you with her again? Huh? If you “liked me a lot” you would’ve been just friends with her, but you’re not. You are dating her. We’re friends, like always.” I finally pushed the door open, and left Nate speechless. I felt torn, confused, unsure in every part of me. I stumbled to my house, to see the door was partly open. I swear I hadn’t left it open, could Nate be here? I was going slow, but I don’t think slow enough for him to beat me here. “Hello?” I searched my apartment, a few things were knocked over, but it didn’t look like I had been robbed. After searching awhile, I saw a note on the table. Dear Ally, here’s the money for your apartment, it will be all paid off with this. I miss you sweetie, so does your dad. We aren’t having as many issues, and I hope you’re doing good as well. Feel free to come home any day, you will ALWAYS be welcome.-Your mom

I reread the note at least 5 or 6 times, replaying some of the words in my head. Always be welcome, we aren’t having as many issues, I miss you, and the complete payment of my apartment. I couldn’t really believe this was real, so I needed to find out for myself. My parents house wasn’t very far from mine, but a good walk. When I arrived to the front yard I couldn’t believe I was actually here, my old house. Once I knocked on the door, I heard an unfamiliar noise - a dog barking. We had never had a dog when I lived here, maybe my replacement? She was shocked when she opened the door to see me standing in front of her.

“How’d you get into my apartment?” The first thing I said when I walked inside.

“The door was left open, I’m sorry.” She was still in shock that her daughter was in front of her.

“And why were things knocked over?” I questioned, avoiding all the nice things that came from her invading my space.

“I’m sorry again, I brought Nico along with me.” Such an unoriginal name for a dog his size. I nodded, playing with plant leaves. “Why are you here?” She got closer to me.

“To wonder why you gave me this?” I paused, showing her the money. “And why you said all those things in the note.” I was fighting back tears, biting my tongue.

“I gave you that, because we wanted to help you with your apartment-”

“I was perfectly capable of paying for it myself.” I stopped her.

“And I said those things, because they’re true.” She continued, not caring about my interruption.

“About being welcome, you and dad?” I finally let the tears go, and let her see how hurt and confused I was.

“Yes honey.” She began to cry along with me. “He and I are..Doing better than the last time you were here, we just want to be a family again.”

“Where is he now?” I avoided what she said, not believing it.

“At work. He should be back soon.” She said as she picked up a few tissues and handed one to me. I wiped my eyes, and softly blew my nose.

“Caron! We seriously need to talk!” The familiar yelling from my dad echoed in the house. I knew my mom was lying. Just like I did to Nate, I ran away from her before she got the chance to grip me to her. They were no where close to doing better, if anything, worse.