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Chapter Thirteen

Natalie 

The real reason I called Zach wasn't exactly because of the spider. I mean, it was. I'm deathly afraid of spiders. But it was also because I was feeling extra lonely that day. I didn't know how to ask Zach to come over without there being a bigger reason than me being lonely.

And it worked. Zach spent about 2 hours with me, until Aunt Agnes came home from her church group meeting. And we had a good time. A very good time, messing around and talking and having fun.

Aunt Agnes asked me what was happening between us that night, ad that raised a lot of questions in my mind. Why would she ask that question? There was nothing going on. We're just, you know, me and Zach, right? Why? Were people thinking things about us?

When I responded in a defensive way, Aunt Agnes told me to calm down and that she had only meant to ask how we were getting on after the accident, which made me blush. But, can you blame me?

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Two months after the funeral, things seemed to be a bit more normal. We were all back to our usual schedules, and our structure had seemed to return, but we were all still walking around missing someone. I think all of us were getting used to not having Max around though.

I found myself spending more and more time with Quinn and Zach and even Mrs. Wilard. I hadn't spent much time with the three of them before because I was always spending time with Max. And, while I think that the love that Max and I had for each other was perfect, I saw a flaw in how we went about it now. We spent so much time with ourselves, loving each other, learning about each other, that we overlooked the people who were around us.

For example, I learned that Zach wanted to go to Germany more than anything. I never would have thought that he wanted to visit Europe. He seems like an all American boy who never would want to leave this great country of ours. But he was really interested in Germany, and I learned that he had even taken German in high school.

Quinn, I found, was extremely good at fixing cars, which is something I never would have imagined her doing. I don't know why though, since she had two brothers for siblings. But she was even better than Max had been. Like, when you got that girl started, she would go on forever about what you should do to keep your engine in good shape.

Mrs. Wilard, I learned, had been taught to cook by her father, not her mom. I know that this all seems like simple things, but I'm fascinated with people. I'm amazed at all the different hidden talents a person can have, or how someone can look at something in such a different way than another person does.

See, people are like puzzles. Little pieces of information, back story, and experiences all get put together and then end up making a whole person. Every part of us, every aspect, was caused by something, and in turn causes something else. I don't think I ever would have found this all out about them if such a tragic event hadn't happened. I found that all of us had gotten much closer and had formed a tight knit support group amongst ourselves.

One day, I was out running with Zach, and we decided to take a stroll through the park after our run, in order to cool down. It was a beautiful day, and neither of us wanted to miss out on it.

Suddenly, as we were walking, I heard myself speak up, "I love this."

Zach looked down at me and then motioned around us, "this? Like, the day? The park? What?"

I smiled, "this. Like, us. The fact that we've gotten so close. And you really have helped me through this whole situation. And, I love you for it."

Zach let out a small sigh, "don't use that word."

"No, I mean it. I love us. And you. And I'm even...even starting to let go. And I have you to thank for it."

Zach shook his head, "no. It's not me. It's you. Growing, getting stronger. Max would be proud." His tone of voice changed a little at the end of that. It got a bit rougher and deeper. I figured it was because he was getting emotional.

I slid my hand into his and smiled softly, "still. Thanks."

He looked down at me and his eyes twinkled a little, "you're welcome, Sport."

I rolled my eyes, "why do you call me that. It's so degrading." I teased.

"Well, what would you like me to call you, my lady?" He asked, looking forward again.

I giggled a little, "not my lady, that's for sure. And honestly, I'm giving you a hard time. I like it when you call me sport. I think it sort of explains our friendship."

He was quiet for a moment and then spoke, "our relationship?"

I nodded, "yeah. Because we're all casual, you know? And we're friends. And it's just nice."

He smiled a little sadly, looking at the ground, "yes. I guess it is nice."