Something Worth Fighting For

Chapter Nine: Snow Flakes

Winter break started the day after Dallas had confronted Raine. Natalia hadn’t even bothered to go to the semi-formal. At least now with winter break, things became more relaxed in the house. The first few days Natalia slept in. She had managed to persuade her brother to go out for dinner on Wednesday simply because she wanted to stay home and sleep, and of course watch a few movies.

“Hey, what are you up to?” Derek asked as he entered the basement. Natalia was curled up on a couch watching ‘Death Race’. “Watching movies.” She told him. “Haven’t you seen that one before?” Derek questioned her. “Yea, except I like watching it.” She told him. Natalia paused the movie and looked up at her brother.

Derek had taken off his jacket and was hanging it up. “You do know that I brought new movies?” Derek asked her. “No, where are they?” She asked him. “Over there on the side of the table.” Derek went and got them. He sat beside his sister. “Where’s Dallas?” Derek asked her, as Natalia shuffled through the movies. Natalia looked up from the pile. “I haven’t seen him. I think he would have died in shock if I asked him to watch movies with me.” Natalia snickered. Derek laughed. “I’ll go find him. Pick out a good movie for all of us to watch.” Derek left Natalia to find Dallas.

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Dallas was in his room. He had finished the last of his exams earlier that day. He hadn’t seen much of Natalia in a few days. He had been studying for his courses. Next term he would be going through the training camp for the Toronto Football Club. It was so close, it was his last shot. Every time he thought about it, he got nervous.

Dallas had settled on his bed with two books to read. He had been waiting to read ‘The Up and Comer’ and ‘The Promise of a Lie’ both were by Howard Roughan. Now that he had nothing to worry about he thought it was the perfect time, and it would keep his mind off Natalia.

Someone knocked on his door. For a minute Dallas couldn’t stop himself from hoping it was Natalia, and then when Derek peered in, Dallas could feel the disappointment brewing in him.

“Hey. Do you want to watch movies with us?” Derek asked. Dallas thought about it. He put his book aside. The book could wait till later. “Sure.” Dallas climbed off the bed and joined Derek. They both walked down stairs. “I’ll bring the pop corn and junk food. Just grab a few drinks from the fridge, will you?” Derek asked. Dallas nodded. He went over to the fridge and pulled out some cans of Coca-Cola.

Dallas and Derek headed to the basement together. “Did you pick out a movie, squirt?” asked Derek. “Yea, it’s all set up. We’re watching ‘Fast & Furious’.” She told them. They all settled down to watch. Dallas was sitting next to Derek. Natalia was seated away on his other side. At times, Dallas was watching her reactions more than watching the film.

Strange, why am I just staring at her? He wondered to himself. It was as if he were compelled to just watch her. She never noticed, not once did she turn to look his way. He was grateful for that.

Once the movie ended Natalia headed upstairs for her room. It was late, tomorrow they would all be going out for dinner. “Night!” She called from the steps as she headed up. Dallas waved to her, while Derek told her good night.

Dallas stayed behind to catch up with Derek. They had been pretty busy for the last few days, with Dallas having exams and Derek staying late to work.

“So, how’s everything going?” Dallas asked his friend. “Lately, it’s been a nightmare. Christmas time comes and everything starts to turn into a rush.” Derek told him. They were quiet for a moment. “I heard you punched Raine.” Derek told him. “Really? Natalia told you?” Dallas asked. “No, some of the guys were talking about it during soccer practice last night.” Derek told him. “Oh.” Dallas muttered. “So why did you?” asked Derek curiously. “Why did I what?” Dallas asked. “Why did you hit him?” Derek pressed.