Switched: The Complete Series

Chapter Three- Blurred Lines

~~Natalie's point of view~~

The next morning, I wake up before River. I shower and run into town. The liquor store and then the grocery store. I can't go through another night like last night. That was torture. I never drink. Never. I need it today Malibu rum and pineapple juice. I just need one. Just one.

Luna: "Natalie!"

I turn towards the voice.

Natalie: "Luna!"

Luna: "It's been forever."

Natalie: "It has."

Luna's parents live next to mine.

Luna: "I don't see you come around often."

Because I don't want to, I'm not normal.

Natalie: "You still live at home?"

That would be why I don't see her. I don't go home.

Luna: "I do. Student loans. I can't afford to live alone."

Natalie: "I understand."

That's what happens when you decide not to work while you go to school.

Luna: "How have you been?"

I hate small talk, especially when I'm uncomfortable.

Natalie: "Great. I have a great job, a home. I'm happy. How about you?"

Luna: "Good. Still not using my degree. I work, though. I got a decent job at Townley."

Natalie: "That's great, Luna. How're Your folks?"

Luna: "Dad died three years ago. Mom's had a rough go of it."

Natalie: "I'm very sorry to hear that."

More than likely, that's why she still at home. Her parents were in their fifties when she came along. I bet she's helping her Mom.

River walks up.

Luna: "Oh my god! River!"

Luna rushes to hug him.

River: "Hello, Luna."

He gently pushes her away.

Luna: "Hello, River."

I'm not sure how he wants to play this. I don't know if he wants people to know that he's home.

River: "Luna, could you give Natalie and me a minute? It's been a while. We kinda need to catch up."

She writes something on a piece of paper and hands it to him.

Luna: "Not a problem. Call me."

She walks off.

Natalie: "Thank you."

I whisper.

River: "You would have been here all day, Nattie."

Natalie: "How did you know that I was here?"

We're standing in the juice aisle whispering.

River: "I didn't. I came out to run an errand. I saw that you didn't have orange juice. Thought I'd come to get some."