HUNTER
Our walk was silent. Nate said nothing as we walked home from the Cafe we were at. He kept his head low as he walked. He seemed very quiet. I wonder if something happened with Cristina. Or he's just not feeling well.
We walked towards our houses, but the silence he was giving me was killing me.
"So?" I ask. "What happened today in the life of Nate Smith?"
"Mmm," He looked up pausing to think of his words. "I helped Cristina with her piece for the Competition... Then, I uh, I got bombarded by Cristina's Aunt and Uncle," He added.
"Oh yeah, I should've told you, Her Aunt and Uncle are big fans of your work," I say.
"Mhm, thank's for that," He said to make with a smile. His smiled seemed forced. Something is bugging him.
"So," I start off, taking his Violin case from him. He didn't really fight me on this. "Do you think Cristina is ready for the Competition?" I ask him, hoping to get his mind off of whatever may be bugging him.
He continued to walk by my side silently. "Mm," He started as he stretched his arms out, resting them behind his head. "Yes, she's ready. But, not in the way, I want her to be,"
"What do you mean?" I ask him now confused about his indecisiveness.
He looked at me, expecting me to understand his Music talk. I've known him for 12 years, and I never know what he's talking about. He's been studying Music most his life, yet he's still confusing me. "I mean," He started. "At a Judges Standard, she's perfect. She plays her notes to Perfection, and her tempo is perfect," Nate explained to me.
"But..." I press him.
"But, to me, that's the problem." He continued. "She's too accurate with her playing. She's not giving it any heart. She plays like a Robot."
"And that's a problem, why?" I ask.
"Because, why does she play in the first place?" He asked me. "What is she trying to accomplish."
"You're one to talk!" I joke, making me look at me. "I'm kidding, I know why you do what you do!" I explain.
"I'm not trying to throw shade at Cristina in any way!" Nate countered his previous statement. "It's just, if you don't play with any passion, what's the point in playing in the first time?" He added on fighting a cough, causing me to stop.
"Either way," He continued after he stopped walking. "She's further now than she ever has been." He sighed almost defeated. "She's better than I could ever be." He forced a laugh.
"Oh, you're just saying that to be modest!" I say.
"No, you're actually wrong," He looked at me walking towards the corner of the street. "Hunter, I can barely hold a Bo," He smirked. "What does that make me?" He then asked.
"It makes you a Survivor," I say to him. "This has happened to you once before, and you gave up everything because of it. I'm proud that you picked up music again." He only looked at me unsure of himself as I spoke. "You were unstoppable. You still are. I believe in you, but you don't believe in yourself anymore,"
"Mm, maybe you're right. But this isn't about me anymore. This is about Cristina. Her competition is right around the corner. We need to support her," He explained.
"And do you?" I ask.
"Of course!" He smiled, actually sounding genuine. "I support her more than anything,"
"I hope so,"
"Do you doubt me?" He asked me, looking at me. His frail figure dark against the street light. "Do you?"
"No, of course not!"
He only smirked again, before turning around again looking at the street signs. He studied the sign for a moment. One named off a street leading to our neighborhood, and the other listed off Bon Secours Richmond Community Hospital.
He studied it for a moment, before turning around to me again. "Are we going home?" I ask him.
He walked to me, carefully taking his bag and Violin Bag from me. "You go on home." He said to me forcing a calm smile. "I'll be home shortly. Tell your parents not worry about me,"
"You sure?" I ask. "Do you want me to come with you?"
"Mm, No it's okay!" He answered me, fixing his uniforms jacket sleeve. "I'll be okay on my own."
With a sigh, I give him a look. "Alright, please text me when you get home! I want to know you got home safe,"
"I won't walk home if it makes you feel better. I'll take the bus,"
"Alright," I answer. "I'll see you later, Nate,"
"See you later," He replied walking the opposite direction of our houses, disappearing into the darkness.
YOU ARE READING
Hourglass (NateWantsToBattle & Cristina Vee)
FanfictionNOTE: Gonna continue this even though they split! They met by chance, though their fates were always tied. She was quiet and reserved. He was the wild Card. Two complete opposites though exactly alike. He held a secret, and she hoped to fade away...
