Tamed

Chapter 24. Heartwarming

With a heavy heart, Natalie dragged her feet into the institute and slowly trudged her way up the stairs, without being aware of where she was headed.
The very christmassy atmosphere didn't really seem to cheer her up.  The cold crept its way into her skin and even her mind was starting to feeling numb, if that was even possible.

 She twisted the knob of the door on her left and got inside. It was a room where dragon eggs were incubated. She closed the door behind her and leaned against the wall and finally the emotions started to burst out of her.
She plopped down on the floor, hiding her face in her palms, bawling like a small child.

"I miss you!" she screamed in her palms. "why did you have to leave me? Now I don't even have anyone to wish me on Christmas!" she cried.

The walls stared back at her, as cold and silent as ever.
She didn't hear the door click as she was too busy trying to stifle her uncontrollable sobs.
She felt someone plop down next to her, but she refused to look at whoever it was. Because, at the moment, she didn't even care.
"it's okay" a soft voice whispered in her ear. The person had wrapped an arm around her shoulder and their thumb was stroking her arm. She felt like leaning on their comfortable shoulder and closing her eyes, but the stubborn girl in her refused. Natalie tried to push away the person with all her might, but their hold was strong enough not to budge. 

"You don't have to be brave all the time Natalie. We have all got some moments in our lives where we stumble. and it is ok" the familiar voice said.

She looked over at them and found a pair of chocolate brown eyes staring into hers. There was nothing but concern and kindness in those eyes. Her eyes gave away again and fresh tear droplets rolled down her cheeks which Charlie wiped away with his thumbs.

"sshh it's all right. I am here for you" he said, without even thinking about the impact that it would make on her. She threw her arms around his neck and he pulled her closer. She hid her face in the crook of his neck and cried her heart out. Charlie silently held her in his arms until her tears subsided.

Natalie pulled away, but was still wrapped in Charlie's arms. She looked at him with red, puffy eyes and a tear stricken face which glistened under the shade of the lamp.

"Merry Christmas Ellie" Charlie smiled at her, stroking her cheeks with his thumbs.

"Merry Christmas Charlie" she said, a smile finally landing on her face.

"let's go, shall we?" he asked.

"yeah" she said, getting to her feet, her cheeks a little flushed.

They both walked upto the dormitory, without uttering a single word to each other.  As soon as they opened the door, the entire room fell silent. Even Jason and Boon were surprisingly silent. Natalie kept her head down, not wanting to make eye contact with anyone and slowly walked towards her bed.

"Nat! where were you? We didn't see you all day! you got us all worried" Marshall came running to her and engulfed her into a warm hug.

Charlie stood there observing Natalie closely. she wasn't speaking.  He could tell that she was this close to crying. He felt a lump in his throat. Her teary eyes seemed to be pricking his heart.

"Does it feel weird when I say that I missed you?" Owen came and hugged her from behind. It was so overwhelming for Natalie that she began to sob silently into Marshall's chest.

"Aww Nat. I hate to see you cry" Aiden said, joining the other two boys and hugging her.

"We all love you Natbud. We are your family" Jason and Boon joined the hug. Joseph came right behind them.
Ezra and Nathan exchanged  looks unsure of what to do, but finally they made up their minds to join the others.

A broad smile landed on Charlie's face. He joined the big group hug as well. But it wasn't the same as the moment when he was the only one holding her in his arms. It had felt much heartwarming than this.