Nate, as he was called, was snapped up by the Populars. And as I always made a note to stay as far away from the Populars as possible, I knew that our non-existent relationship would not work out.
Its nothing personal between the Populars and I…
Okay, I lie. It is personal.
Though I doubt anyone could forgive Krista Tamblyn for ruining most of their high school years. Her bitchiness I could put up with, but when she managed to manipulate the entire school into not being my friend, I'd say that it was the last straw. Hence why I steer clear of Krista and her brainless followers. So Nate being friends with Krista's boyfriend Kyle, then even a spark of friendship for me and the guy is already potentially doomed.
Funnily enough though, I was one of the first people (other than the teachers) to have a conversation with the oh-so-gorgeous Nathaniel McCarthy. On the day he arrived, I was sitting by myself as usual and for some obscure reason, the only free desk was next to me. I sat there doodling in my notebook, trying to cure my disinterest in everything the teacher had to say and I hadn't registered that the only place for Nate to sit was next to me. He dumped his stuff onto the desk quite loudly and sat down. I stared at him for a few moments, making an even bigger fool of myself than I already was. He merely smiled at me.
"Hi, I'm Nate McCarthy," he announced and gave me a big grin.
"Audrey Markham," I replied, watching him warily, but I knew that a small smile had formed on my lips.
"Nice to meet you Audrey," he said with another heart warming smile and I could feel my brain melting into goo.
That was the start and basically the end of our conversation and conversations to come. He didn't sit next to me again but whenever we passed each other in the hall, he would say hello and didn't even take notice of the glances the Populars gave each other every time. Occasionally he'd ask to borrow something of mine or ask me a question about school work, but life continued, except this time, Nate had my heart in his own hands and he didn't even know it.
Exam week neared which sent most students into a studying frenzy. The greetings and questions had stopped and it was almost like I had never had any communication with Nate. Then came exam day number one. All students had to be lined up in alphabetical order, placing Nate right behind me.
Once our first exam finished, students who didn't have an elective exam were sent into the hall to do independent study. Nate sat directly behind me as I studied, well attempted to anyway. I was off in a daydream. I stared out the window and watched the swaying of the trees, their bright green leaves capturing the light from the sun, a peaceful smile was placed on my face.
I was brought out of my daydream when I felt something lightly hit my head. I turned around curiously and saw a little paper ball sitting right next to my chair. I stole a glance at Nate, who sat there looking immensely interested in what the textbook he was reading had to say. I picked up the paper as curiosity got the best of me.
Hi Audrey Markham.
I read the note with a small smile. I could tell from the handwriting that the note was from Nate.
Nathaniel McCarthy, it is against popular rules to be socialising with me, you did know that right?
I folded my reply, leaned back and placed it on his desk and watched him open it and read it. He smiled.
Who even follows those rules?
Um…everyone, so if you planned on keeping your high status, you are going to want to follow them too.
High status? And no where is the fun in that? Believe it or not, I enjoy talking to you Audrey.
Oh please, don't tell me you haven't noticed the 50 girls who swoon every time you walk past.
Well no, but obviously you have.
I'm not a stalker, I swear. But girls just notice these things. I roll my eyes at those girls. Obviously they have no life.
Oh so you're not one of them?
Miss Markham, good day.
Mr McCarthy, indeed it is. Do you enjoy sitting behind me?
The view is pretty good.
Excuse me?! Perv.
I was talking about what's outside the window, but yeah I guess your backside is pretty good to look at too.
You have no idea how much I am resisting the urge to hit you right now.
You're cute when you glare at me.
Oh shut up.
Middle of the week. Are you going to Tom's end of exams party?
You really think I'd be invited. The entire school hates me for no apparent reason but sure they'd invite me to a party.
You don't need an invitation. Will you come? Please?
I'll think about it.
Uh oh, Mrs Davis is coming. I think she noticed us passing notes.
Why do I always start the conversation? You're not contributing enough to the relationship Audrey.
Relationship? And I didn't know you wanted me to start the conversation. I'll start tomorrow then. Jeez.
Speaking of tomorrow, are you going?
Going where?
To the party.
Oh, I don't know Nate…
You've got to promise me you'll come.
Fine, whatever.
Promise?
Promise.
Good. And by the way Audrey, you underestimate yourself.
Huh? What are you talking about?
Conversation started.
You actually started it! I didn't think you'd listen.
Of course I did. Why did you want me to start it in the first place?
Because it felt like you didn't want to talk to me.
Of course I want to talk to you Nate. You're the only person who talks to me, why wouldn't I?
I don't know, just forget it. So last day of exams. Thank god.
I know. I prefer school when there isn't that feeling of stress in the air.
I know what you mean, but I prefer this because it means I get to talk to you more. I prefer that above everything.
Liar.
I'm not lying. So I'll see you tonight?
If you're lucky.
Dear Audrey,
I didn't see you at the party, so I'm assuming you didn't come. Why didn't you? You promised me you would. I was disappointed. I was really looking forward to seeing you there. It was quite boring anyway and I know you wouldn't have liked it too much. Anyway, write back to me. Nate.
-
Nate,
I was at the party. I promised and I don't break promises. I'm sure you had a great time. In fact, I'm pretty sure I know you had a good time. But you're right about one thing. I didn't like it at all. Audrey. PS. May I ask how you found my locker by the way?
-
Dear Audrey,
If you were there why didn't you come find me? I was looking out for you all night but I never saw you. You should have found me, I don't like the fact that you were wandering around with no one to protect you. And what are you talking about? I didn't have a good time. And as for the locker thing, I found your locker the same way you found mine. Connections. Nate.
-
Nate,
I did come find you, but you were…uh…busy. So I felt it best to leave you be to continue sweeping Jacqueline Hanson off her feet. She sure enjoyed it. I'm sure she's bragging about it right now. She is by the way, and I'd tell her to shut up, but it'll give them a reason to hate me more than they do. And just for the record, I don't need you to protect me. Audrey.
-
Dear Audrey,
Fuck. You saw me and Jacqueline? And then you left because of that? Shit Audrey I don't…I just…I'm sorry Audrey. She came onto me I swear. I didn't kiss her. Ugh. Nate. PS. Everyone needs someone to protect them Audrey.
-
Egotistical boy,
I didn't leave because of you. I wasn't planning on hanging around the pool watching you two like the others, so of course I went inside to get a drink, maybe talk to someone drunk and humour myself. But then something happened. And I had to leave. That's it. It had nothing to do with you and stupid Jacqueline so all you male species should deflate your stupid egos. And its always the girls who kiss you isn't it, you just can't help kissing back? When will boys stop those stupid excuses. But whatever, I'm not some clingy girlfriend. No need to explain. And by the way Nate, when I needed someone to protect me the most, no one was there. So I've learnt how to be alone. I don't need anyone. Let alone someone to protect me anymore. Audrey.
-
Dear Audrey,
I asked Kyle what happened. I'm guessing it was something to do with Krista then. They had no right to kick you out of the party and say all that shit to you. I'm going to ignore that comment about males and our egos. But Audrey, you can trust me you know. I'm not going to hurt you. I would never purposely do that. Nate.
-
Nate,
They did have a right to kick me out. It was their party and I was uninvited. I told you it was a bad idea but no. You didn't listen. And the stuff they said was nothing. I've heard plenty of it over the years. Sticks and stones baby. PSHHH. Me trust you? I don't even know you. We aren't even friends. Audrey.
-
Dear Audrey,
What are you talking about? Of course we're friends! Nate.
-
Nate,
We aren't friends. Friends have real conversations, not letters. Friends hang out with you, they love you, they will always have you back and they would never EVER leave you. See all those things above? We don't have that. But don't protest. Being friends with me can ruin your reputation. I don't want you to be in the same situation as me. I would never want to enforce that on anyone. So continue with your life Nate. Just like everyone else did. Audrey.
-
Dear Audrey,
You can continue your false belief, but we are friends, whether you accept it or not. How did you go in the exams? I did well. Straight A's all around. The parents were ecstatic, as parents are. Nate.
-
All A's.
Audrey.
-
Dear Audrey,
Nice use of alliteration there. The English staff must be proud. Nate.
-
Leave me alone Nate.
Audrey.
-
"A friend is someone who is there for you when he'd rather be anywhere else."
-
"I love to be alone. I never found the companion that was so companionable as solitude."
-
"A friend is one who believes in you when you have ceased to believe in yourself."
-
Nate,
Please just stop it. Audrey.
-
Dear Audrey,
We're FRIENDS. How many times do I have to say it for you to grasp that concept? Nate.
-
Nate please just leave me alone. I can't do this. I just can't.
Audrey.
-
Dear Audrey,
Please put back what you took then. Nate.
-
I never took anything from you Nate.
You took something of mine. Audrey.
-
Dear Audrey,
Please. Nate.
-
Nate,
Only if you put back what you took. Audrey.
-
Audrey,
This is getting stupid. I need to see you. Nate.
-
You see me in class Nate. That should be enough.
Audrey.
You've taken it over and torn it apart
I've got nothing to lose and a whole lot to gain
I've got infinite reasons and nothing to say
Cause its now or never"
-Mumm-ra
Nate weaved his way through the crowded hallway of the school. He was only focusing on one thing, and that was locating Audrey before she went home. It was now or never. The schooling year had finished and Nate knew that if he didn't act now, then he wouldn't see her for two months.
His eyes fell on a familiar small figure and he immediately made a beeline towards her. He ignored his racing pulse, nothing else mattered at that moment except getting to her.
Their note exchanging brightened his day. Just seeing her handwriting was enough to make him smile. Though he knew that he had fucked things up at the party, because since then her notes were distant. Like she was pulling herself away and blocking him out. He had never given Jacqueline Hanson a second look after that night. He tried not to associate himself with girls like Jacqueline. She had forcefully placed herself on top of him that night and before he had the chance to get her off, her lips had locked with his.
Needless to say, apparently that was when Audrey made her entrance. It was incredibly cliché and made him cringe at the thought of the way Audrey reacted when he gave her his explanation. He hated using it, but it was true. Some idiots may use it to get out of a situation but Nate wasn't one to lie to Audrey.
He knew that the metaphorical use of the fact that they had each taken something from the other meant that she returned his feelings. Though he knew that she was scared. But he wasn't. He wasn't afraid to tell Audrey. Because he wanted Audrey. He needed her to function properly.
He caught her just as she was closing her locker door. She turned to him with wide and startled eyes when he greeted her. Wordlessly he slipped her hand into his and led her outside. Surprisingly she followed with no objections, but he knew that she was unsure what to do.
The students who were still hanging around eyed their linked hands warily, but none said anything. Audrey ducked her head, not wanting to meet their gazes. A protective wave rushed over Nate as he gently pulled her along. He didn't want them sneering at her. He silently vowed to make them all apologise to Audrey next year. He tightened his grip on her hand.
"Nate, what are you doing?" She asked him softly.
He didn't answer her, but continued leading her to their destination, not letting go of her hand at all.
A smile graced his face as they reached their destination. A small park. It was conveniently empty as big rain clouds loomed ahead, which was perfect for both of them. He turned to face her and she watched him curiously.
"You can't run from me Audrey," he finally spoke, his voice low, but filled with certainty.
"What do you want from me Nate?" Audrey asked, watching him with frightened eyes.
"I want your heart Audrey."
"Wh-what?"
"I want your heart. You have mine so I think its only fair that I have yours."
"Stop it Nate. This isn't funny."
"I never said it was. I'm serious Audrey. I love you. I love you. I know that it's hard for you to accept. But you brighten my day. Just seeing your handwriting makes my heart soar. I know you feel the same way. But you're scared. I'm not though Audrey. I'm not scared. I know that I want you. I know that I have never wanted anything so much and I wish you would stop trying to push me away." Nate spoke with a firmness in his voice, a certainty.
Audrey stood there for a few moments. Silence consumed them both. She breathed in, and chose her words carefully.
"I can't run from the fate I've been fighting for so long," she said softly, her eyes meeting his. He looked confused but she continued. "I have walked alone but you tie up a storm when all hope was lost."
"Audrey, I don't know what you're saying."
"I'm saying, that I love you too idiot."
And with that she closed the gap between them, fitting her lips on his. He snaked his hands around her waist and pulled her closer, not letting go. Their bodies were perfectly moulded together. A surge of happiness overcame them both.
They were in love.
Their time was now.
♥
A/N: My first one shot. OO It is full of sap and fluff but I hope you like it. :) I'm beginning to love one-shots, so don't freak if you see me posting more. xD
Reviews would be wonderful.
-K.