california here we go (sequel to gas)

chapter eleven

It was two days. Two whole days before Natalie finally came home. Shania had become convinced at around 1 am that night Natalie would never come back. She cried, over and over the tears never stopped. All Gus could do was hold her, and hope that she could overcome it.

She leaned against the large window and looked outside on the second day. It's all she would do, with her arms wrapped around her. She heard the knob turning, but she assumed it was Gus. It was Natalie. She had a small smile on her lips and she had finally brought the promised food.

Normally, Shania would've been overjoyed by the sight of Natalie. However, this was different. She had never texted or called, or explained anything. She was just gone, again. She tried not to look at her, in fear that she would cave in.

Natalie made her ways towards her, and crouched in front of Shania.

"Hey, I'm home."

Shania avoided looking in Natalie's eyes, she looked down. Natalie grabbed her chin and forced her to stare in her eyes. Shania slapped her hand away and began to cry. It seemed Shania loved to cry. Natalie's expression changed, her eyebrows contracted together in concern.

"I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't have left without saying anything." she took a hold of Shania's left hand.

"I thought you were leaving me again. I thought you were gonna leave forever, and never come back. How could you? I was worried sick? Am I just a game to you?" she forcefully removed Natalie's hand from her own.

"No you're not just a game to me. I promise you, you mean the world to me. More than words can describe, you're so special to me. You have no idea. Since I met you and you were opinionated and christian." she smiled remembering the past. It seemed so long ago now.

"Where were you? It doesn't take two days to get some groceries! Why didn't you text me once to let me know that you were alive.. I was so so worried." she sobbed. Natalie wrapped her arms around her tightly and let Shania's wet tears stain her shirt.

"I didn't want to the ruin the surprise I had for you. It's special, I think you already saw when i was coming in." Shania shook her head no as she sniffled. Natalie walked away and brought what looked like a light pink cage. Shania got a closer look and noticed that there were two tiny animals running around the cage. She hoped that the tiny creatures weren't rats. That would be bad, Shania hated rats. Natalie noticed her face and put the cage down on the floor next to them.

"You're scared aren't you? Don't worry, they're not rats. They are guinea pigs! I got them as a housewarming gift for us. This one is Sir" she pointed the ginger guinea pig.

"This one is Pitou. I thought that was really weird so I chose that name." she pointed to the bigger guinea pig that had white and blonde splotches through its fur. Shania nodded her head, mesmerized by the guinea pigs in front of her. She had two little responsibilities now.

"What else did you go do? It doesn't take two days to get guinea pigs. So start explaining.." she tried to have some authority in her voice.

"Can we wait until Gustav is here? This is kind of a surprised for both of you. I promise you won't be disappointed when you I tell you. It's a good thing, I promise."

"You know I hate surprises."

"Well I'm holding my ground on this one."