Fix Your Heart

10

I spent the next four hours talking to Elisabetta and then helping her out a little by making coffee and other beverages.

She is a really interesting person and has traveled so many places, she forgot to count over the years.

We had a great time and an even greater connection afterwards.

In the meantime Nate worked as a waiter in the diner. There were surprisingly many people here in the morning. I didn't want to know how much stress it must be in the afternoon.

Every now and then Nate looked over at me, which made me blush and look away.

Elisabetta commented that with a giggle.

But then she got serious. "Whatever Nathaniel might think we do not know, we do know that he is still in high school and from the age you are I am sure you go there too." I stared at her wide eyed.

How did she know when he kept it a secret from them?

"We know how hard his life is, if he wouldn't have gotten the job here god knows where the poor boy would be now." Her eyes started to swell up with tears but she managed to keep them away.

"I really wish for you to help him with school. Would you do that for us?" Hopeful she looked at me and I nodded.

Of course I would do that. He seemed to start to warm up to me but we still had a long way to go. Hopefully I can keep my promise.

I just don't know...his behaviour towards me changes by the second.

Why is life so complicated?

"...Lumi?"

"Huh?" Confused I looked up at Nate. He tried to hide his smirk but it didn't work.

"Don't just sit here dreaming. I'm done so let's go."

I hopped down the barstool. "I haven't paid for my food yet."

He rolled his eyes. "Eli would never let you pay for that." He took my arm and pulled me out of the diner.

"Won't we say goodbye? I really don't feel good for just leaving and not paying. Nate!" I protested.

"I already told them we are going. They are stressed, you can come back later if you really want to." Tired I gave up and began walking next to him.

He still hasn't let go of my hand. It was strange but somehow I felt really save with him.

I looked up to catch a glimpse at him but he noticed.

Embarassed I looked away again. My skin betrayed me and I blushed.

I guess Nate noticed he was still holding my hand now because he quickly let go and cleared his throat.

"What will you tell your parents why you didn't go to school today?" That question got me.

The wound of loss was still fresh and I couldn't fully believe it yet that they were never coming back.

"Nothing." My voice sounded raspy, like a fish desperately gasping for oxygen.

"Is everything okay?" With eyes ready to cry I looked up at him. "No?" I more asked than giving a straight answer.

"Thank you for taking me to the diner with me. I have to go." Quickly I turned away and started walking back to my house.

I could feel his stare boring into my back.  "Lumi?!"

As I heard him following me I began to run and didn't stop until my aunt's house was in sight.