By The Way

Chapter 37

I walked into school the next day desperately hoping Jameson hadn't told anyone my secret. I was lucky. Nobody was staring at me in betrayal. Some people were asking where I was yesterday. It was mostly a blur of faces and words that I couldn't distinguish.

I went through the motions of the day without really thinking. I felt so numb and alone. When it was time for Art, I could feel my heart racing. I was almost late, trying to avoid Jameson. I fell into my seat and wouldn't look him in the eye.

"Natalie, would you like to share your piece?"

I snapped to attention. As I moved to the front of the room, I felt like I was moving through jello. My hand fluttered up to the cloth then dropped back to my side.

"I registered under the name Hunter because my brother didn't want me to be associated with his crimes. My name is Natalie Elaine Caffrey," I said while tugging on my flannel shirt.

There was a murmur throughout the room.

I reached up and pulled the cloth away, revealing my work. I knew I would have to explain it, but that would be okay. It was something I had to do.

"I started with the blue flowers because my favorite color is blue and blue flowers signify trust, but also hope. I know it's probably hard to trust me right now." I made eye contact with Jameson. "But I hope that I can regain it."

My fingers brushed over the canvas to the crossed paint brushes, "The paint brushes are because I love to paint; it was something my brother taught me how to do, and we would do it together. They are also symbols of change. My life has changed and been turned upside down more times than I can count. This class is one of the good changes."

I continued pointing to the images and giving short explanations, "The handcuffs connecting my name are because that's how it feels. As soon as someone hears the name Caffrey, they practically shut down with their preconceptions and assumptions about who I am based on what Neal has done.

"The plane with the signature is because of an event that shaped my life, really. I left home when I was eight. I grew up on my own, really, until I found Neal. He practically raised me, and his girlfriend, Kate, helped. She was practically his fiancée. Actually, he was going to propose," I paused to clear the tears from my throat, "He was going to propose the day they were getting on that plane. A friend had come to say goodbye, so Neal wasn't on the plane when it exploded. Kate was. That was one of the hardest things to go through. I'm about eighteen years younger than my brother, but I had to take care of him for a while after the explosion. He was so hurt and sad. It was killing me. Everything got better, but it was hard. And this is who I am."

I made my way back to my seat while everyone applauded. As I shrunk down, I noticed a slip of paper on my desk. It was a note from Jameson, apologizing. I felt a weight lift from my shoulders. I turned to him and smiled. He smiled back, and I knew everything would be okay. At least between us.