Switched: The Complete Series

Chapter Seven- Bad Decisions?

~~River's point of view~~

It's been a week since our Mom showed up unexpectedly. Natalie and I are in a very good place. We both love each other. We also both know that we have to keep the charade up. We've been sleeping in my bed since we confessed feelings. I love waking up to her in my bed. She and I have both spent time with the "others," as we call them. She isn't going to like this, but she has to.

River: "Nattie?"

Natalie: "Hmm?"

It's Saturday, and she's off. We've been lying in bed. Her hands in my hair.

River: "You need to have lunch or dinner with Mom and Devon."

Natalie: "No."

River: "I can't. I'll get there, but I'm not yet. We are together; no one can change that but us. Mom needs to see that we're trying."

Natalie: "How is "we're" when it's me?"

River: "You make plans with Mom and Devon. I'll make plans with Luna at the same place. We can pretend that we didn't know each other was there. Just because we live together doesn't mean we talk."

Natalie: "Fine."

She calls Devon and puts it on speaker. I stay quiet.

~~Phone conversation~~

Devon- "Hey, Beautiful."

Natalie- "Hey."

Devon- "You're off today, aren't you?"

Natalie- "I am. I wanted to see if you would be up for having lunch or dinner with my Mom."

Devon- "Are you sure you want to do that?"

Natalie- "Yes."

Devon- "Let me know the details. I'll come pick you up."

Natalie- "Ok."

~~End phone conversation~~

Natalie: "Call or text, Mom?"

River: "Call her."

She's sitting against the back of the bed; her legs are crisscrossed. I have my head in her lap; she leans down and kisses me.

Natalie: "I'm doing this for you."

She dials moms' number.

~~Phone conversation~~

Phil- "Hello?"

Natalie- "Dad?"

Phil- "Natalie?"

Natalie- "I called Mom."

Phil- "She's in the shower, Sweet Pea."

Natalie- "Have her call me when she gets out."

Phil- "Everything ok?"

Natalie- "Perfect."

Phil- "Ok. I'll have her call."

Natalie- "Thank you."

~~End phone conversation~~

River: "That was awkward."

River says before I could say anything.

Natalie: "It was."

River: "Why did Dad answer Mom's phone?"