Alone

Chapter 10

"Hey! What are you doing to he? Leave her alone!" I looked up to see Nathaniel standing on the corner of Arrow Street holding grocery bags. He dropped them to run over to us. He helped me up and stood between us. Just as Thomas was about to say something, the cop came around the corner holding a gun. I let out a scream. I felt Nathaniel grab on to me.

"Officer, is that necessary? There's nowhere for him to go. You could hurt her." Nathaniel said. The officer put away his gun and pulled out handcuffs. Thomas went willingly while glaring at me.

"Are you two alright?" Officer Leonard asked. Nathaniel looked at me and I just nodded.

"Miss. Ames, you brother has been notified. Do you want me to drive you home?" He asked.

"No, that's alright. I'm her friend, I'll drive her home." The officer looked at me and I nodded again. He nodded and took Thomas to his car.

"Thanks again. You keep saving me." I said with a smile. He smiled back.

"Glad to help. Who was that guy and why did that cop say your brother has been notified?" Nathaniel asked. I looked down and wrapped my arms around myself. Nathaniel then took off his jacket and wrapped it around me. I smiled as I pulled it closed.

"Um, he was one of my mom's ex-boyfriends. He was the one who sent me to the hospital twice. I guess he showed up at my house this morning and then he kidnapped me." I explained. Nathaniel seemed speechless. He started to say something but he stopped. Then he cleared his throat and shifted his weight on his left foot.

"Lori, are you hurt?" He asked. I looked down. "Did you cut yourself?" He asked again. Then I moved my arm and I felt a stinging pain right between my shoulder and my elbow.

"Ouch, that really hurts. Ha." I smiled at Nathaniel. I chuckled a little. "What can't stand the sight of blood?" I asked. He smiled weakly.

"Something like that. Come on, let's get you home." He said. And he drove me home.

When he pulled in the driveway, I smiled over at him.

"Thanks again, Nathaniel. I really mean it. You really saved me back there." I said. He smiled back and patted my knee. The whole way home, we talked about his parents and how his mom died when he and Abigail were very young and about being raised by their grandmother because his father was never around. I talked about my dad and how he left and tried to come back.

"Ah, Lori, I've been meaning to ask. Would you like to get coffee with me later?" He asked. That brought my smile back.

"Yeah, I would." I answered and then he smiled back. I looked at the clock on the dash and was surprised that a whole hour had passed since I woke up. "I better get inside. Matthew must be worried sick." And like he was on cue, Matthew walked out the door. He walked to the passenger side and opened the door.

"Nathaniel? Are you stalking my sister? You always seem to be around." I looked at my bother.

"Matthew!" I started to say.

"Lori, it's alright. No, I was buying some groceries for my house the grocery store is open twenty-four hours. And I was walking back to my house when I saw her and the other guy. I helped out just as the cop got there. Then I drove her home. I swear I am not stalking her." Nathaniel answered. I smiled and looked up at Matthew.

"See, nothing to worry about." He glared down at me.

"Sorry, man. It's been a bad morning." Matthew said. Nathaniel nodded.

"I understand. She explained everything to me. Lori, I'll swing by around nine to pick you up." I smiled and nodded.

"Okay, see you then." I said and closed the car door and watched as he drove off.