Love and Friendship

Twenty Two

Leo and Ginny followed closely behind Nathan.

Leo: (puzzled) Erm Ginny, who is Mike?

Ginny: He is one of my dad's men. He was Nathan's personal bodyguard and although I know he is nice and all and Nathan trust him, I cant believe Nathan would actually get him involved. If my dad finds out about Selena, god knows what he will do. This marriage is so important to him that he was willing to accept my threat of leaving the house.

Leo sense Ginny was very upset about her dad letting her leave.

Leo: Im sorry. I didnt know.

Ginny: Its not your fault. I like Selena. She brings out the best in Nathan. Ive never seen Nathan happy in like ever. He was always very guarded and accepting of who he has to be.

Leo: She does. She has that effect on everyone.

Ginny glanced at him and was about to say something when Leo pipe in.

Leo: We're here.

They saw Nathan parking the car and walked into a hotel.

They parked a distance away and followed him.

--

Selena realised she did not pack anything for her stay. Reluctantly, she went out to get some clothes and essentials before returning to her room. She took a long shower to calm her nerves. She has stopped crying but she is still shaking inside.

A lot of questions came into her mind. She trusts him. Her heart still do. But she cannot fantom all this. The picture? Last night? He did say he had something he had to do. Is this it? Was she a fool to trust him. Her mind just cannot accept.

She sat on the bed looking at a picture of her and Nathan during their beach vacation and started crying again.

She was startled by the doorbell.

She slowly peeked through the peep hole and gasped.

"Nathan? How the hell he knows Im here?"

Nathan: Sel baby. I know you're in there. Please open the door.

Selena: Go away Nathan. I really dont want to see you.

Nathan: Come on baby. Lets talk. I really dont know what this is about. Please baby.

Selena: Go away. Leave me alone.

Nathan: Im not leaving until I see you. Ill wait out here.

Selena refused to budge. After a while, she heard a commotion outside her door. Worried, she opened the door to find not only Nathan but Ginny and Leo too.

Selena: What the hell are you guys doing here? (She whispered harshly)

Ginny: Selena! (She came and hug her) We were so worried Sel. You left without a word.

Selena: I wanted to be alone to think which is impossible now you all have come barging here. Please just go away.

She walked to the bed and bury her face in her palms and started crying.

Ginny came and sat down next to her, hugging her tightly.

Nathan wanted to but Ginny shot him a look to tell him its not a good time.

He and Leo shut the door and stood near them.

Ginny: Did Ashley say something to you?

Selena's face shot up and glared at them. She was hurting so bad.

Selena: How did you know she came to see me?

Ginny: I saw her before I came to look for you at the cafe. The counter staff told me that you were there with her. What did she say Selena? She is a carniving bitch and a great liar. Please dont believe anything she said.

Selena: I doubt what she said was a lie. (She stared angrily at Nathan)

Nathan looked confused. "Baby. What did she tell you?"

Selena stood up and walked to her bag. She took the picture Ashley was happy to have left with her and throw it on the bed.

Selena: I guess I should show you.

Nathan looked horrified. "What the hell? I dont know anything about this picture. Baby you have got to believe me."

Leo took a look at the picture and started throwing punches at Nathan.

Leo: You bastard! I trusted you. I trusted you with her. (He yelled)

Ginny broke the fight by kicking both their shins.

Ginny: Stop it you two before I break your faces!

Leo who is still fuming continued. "I trusted you with her Nate. I let her go because of you. And you do this?!"

Nathan: I didnt do that! I swear! (Turning back to Selena and holding her hands) Please baby. I swear. I didnt do that. You have to trust me.

Selena: (yanking her hands away) How do you explain the picture Nate? How? I tried to think this was a setup, an edited picture but its a damn polaroid Nate. You cant fake a polaroid.

Nathan: I dont know how but I really didnt do any of that.

Ginny: Sel, I know this dont make sense right now but I do believe my brother. I dont think he will do any of this. This has Ashley written all over it. We will investigate all this ok.

Selena dropped to the floor.

Selena: I dont know Ginny. I dont know.

Ginny wrapped Selena into her arms while she bury her face in her shoulders and cried.

Nathan was so desperate to hold her in his arms. He wanted to ease the pain which he have caused her bringing her into his life. But Ginny was right, he needs to focus. He needs to get to the bottom of this.

Ginny gave Nathan a nod telling him to go. She will stay with Selena.

Nathan took one last look at his girlfriend and turned to face Leo.

Nathan: Leo, I know you are mad still but I swear I didnt do any of it. I will get to the bottom of all this. I need your help Leo.

Leo begrudgingly nodded. "Fine. If I find you lying Nate, I swear Ill take Selena away from you. She dont deserve any of this."

Nathan gritted in between his teeth: Dont worry. I wont let it happen.

With that, he took the picture and both men left the room.