Natalie 4

RYANS POV

Today is the day. Yesterday I went to get my hair cut for the first time in months and bought a cool new shirt. So I feel ready. I am finally going to ask my best friend out on a date.

 I have watched so many guys ask her out. Every time that it happens when I am around my heart practically stops beating.

She always replied, "No thank you" with a hint of irritation in her voice but it still scares me.

To say I am nervous about getting the same reply is an understatement.

I have already taken two showers this morning because I am sweating so much. I used way to much deodorant and half of my favorite cologne bottle. I brushed my teeth for at least ten minutes while rehearsing my speech. So yeah, I'm nervous.

Today is her birthday. I figured it was the best time to ask. I plan to pop the question while I give her our homemade cards, some flowers and a necklace by mom helped me pick out. I prayed so hard last night for guidance. My biggest fear is her rejecting me and then losing her friendship.

My dad always says learn a girl's heart before falling in love and I had followed that advice to the fullest extent. She is my best friend. No conversation ever seems forced between us, and we listen to each other when we disagree about something. In my opinion her heart is made of gold.

 She hides hurt feelings with snappy, sometimes, hurtful comments but she always has guilt shining in her eyes immediately after. She is a bit judgmental about others and quick to negative assumptions but no one is perfect. Behind her gorgeous face is a gorgeous calculating mind.

During last weeks' family meeting I told my parents my plan and my mom took me shopping for the necklace immediately after. 

Mom and the girls are already in the livingroom when I finally come downstairs. I can feel the heat on my ears when I see them watching me. Stacy is giggling at me, Lacy is holding her nose, and mom is tearing up like I am graduating.

"Way to much perfumee, Ryan," Stacy says through her giggles.

Crap. I guess it is even stronger then I thought it was.

"Let's just go," I finally say after standing there awkwardly for a fee seconds.

Mom pinches my cheek and gives the girls hugs before we leave. I use the car ride to school as my meditation time and ignore the girls innocent jokes. 

I couldn't concentrate in any of my classes. I just kept thinking about her gifts in my locker and if I should actually do this. I should just give her the gifts and not ask her out. If she doesn't like me back then I will lose her as my friend. My hands are dripping with sweat when the bell for lunch finally rings.

The girls are going to join us for lunch to celebrate Nat turning 18. So my sisters and I set up the table as fancy as we can make it with all her gifts in the middle. Many girls say "aww" as they pass by our display.

Natalie never shows up and worry begins to creep up my spine. I text Nat several times during lunch but I don't get a reply. She messaged me this morning after I messaged happy birthday to her. She would have told me then if she wasn't coming to school.

After the lunch bell rings I decide that I should check with the office if Natalie called in sick. Ms. Lee likes me so I figure she won't mind.

 When I open the office door I hear multiple sniffles at the front desk and loud sobs coming from Mrs. Sheppards office. When I get to Ms. Lee's computer I realize she is the one making the sniffing sounds.

"Ms. Lee are you okay," I ask feeling awful for whatever hurt her and Mrs. Sheppard.

She looks up and whispers, "I'm fine Ryan. I'm just a little shook up. What can I help you with?"

"Oh, I was wondering if my friend Natalie Marshall called in sick today she wasn't at lunch and it's her birthday," I ask and Ms.Lee's eyes widen before she just completely breaks down.

 It's like the flood gates have been opened. I immediately go around her desk and grab her hand.

"Ms. Lee, you should go home. You can't be here in this condition. You are having too hard of a time today. Should I call my Dad for you. He is my next period and he has an aid so the students won't be alone. You shouldn't drive in your condition," I say and Ms Lee shakes her head.

I open my mouth to plead my case again, but all the sudden Mrs. Sheppard's door slams. I jerked around quickly to see what's going on and my breathe leaves my chest as I stare at the girl I love looking broken and beautiful.

Her hair is curled and she is wearing a beautiful dress. But her face is covered in makeup streaks and tear trails.

I stand up so fast I get dizzy.

"Nat wha," is all I manage to get out of my mouth before she runs across the room and slams into my chest sobbing.

I look up to see Mrs. Sheppard, a police office, and our school counselor all crying while watching us.

Natalie slowly sinks to the floor and I follow rubbing her head. I have no idea what is wrong but I know it is bad. Natalie never cries. Natalie is the strongest girl I have ever met.

"Dear lord, please give me strength to aid Natalie with whatever this is about," I silently pray while stroking Natalie.

"Ms.Lee, can you page my dad please," I whisper after a few moments and she nods.

When dad arrives Mrs. Sheppard whispers something to him that makes him look as sad as the day the girls were born too early.

He quickly calls my sisters to the office and they get all of our belongings together. I am still rubbing Nat and praying. It must be something really bad for dad to pull the girls out of class.

 "Ryan, carry your friend to your car and take her to her house. Have her pack an overnight bag. She is gonna stay at our house for a few days. The girls and I will meet you at home. I need to warn your mom," dad commands in a quiet voice.

Once I get Nat settled in the car I have to get her to tell me where she lives. Although Nat has been to our house several times to study I have never been to hers.

The apartment building just down the street from the school is old, but looks clean. She opens a door on the ground level and when she walks in she heads straight to the back of the apartment. I follow feeling extremely uneasy and unsure.

Nat didn't tell me anything in the car besides whispering her address. When I get down the hall I find her in the master bedroom curled up on the bed crying.

"Nat, what happened," I asked quietly while sitting down on the end of the bed facing her.

She sobs for a few more minutes before mumbling, "my mom died today."

As soon as those words leave her mouth my heart breaks for her.

She lost her mom on her birthday. Her only parent. The parent who frustrated her and leaves her feeling lonely all the time. The parent who I get mad at all the time for not hanging out with her.

"I'm sorry Nat. I can pack your bag for you if you just tell me were your stuff is. My dad is totally right you need to come home with us," I whisper and Nat nods while slowly standing up from the bed. 

I want to hold her hand but I don't figure now is the best time. I wrap my arm around her shoulders instead. She guides us to her room.

 Her room is very basic. No bright colors or pictures. It has a twin bed, desk, vanity, dresser, and a half bath. She pulls out a duffel bag from her closet and starts silently packing.

"Nat, I can do that for you," I say but even before I am done talking Nat is shaking her head.

She gathers three outfits and some hygiene supplies from her bathroom. I watch while sitting at her vanity. I dont know what to say to her. I have never lost anyone before. She finally drops the bag on the bed and asks if I can give her a minute.

"Sure, I will meet you in the car," I say before grabbing her bag and heading outside.

 Once I am inside my car I immediately call my dad for advice. Dad lost his parents before I was born so maybe he will know what to say.

"Hello."

"Dad, what do I say to her?"

"Nothing yet Ryan. She is in shock. Just get her home okay. Is she not wanting to come?"

"No she packed her bag and everything she asked for me to give her a minute alone. I think she is gonna change, knowing her, dresses arent really a common outfit for her."

"Okay, son. Dont press her right now its gonna take a while for the shock to pass. Just put on some music when she gets in the car so she has something to think about."

"Thanks dad that's a great idea."

"Bye"

"Bye"

When Natalie finally comes out she looks like she took a shower. Her hair is braided and wet. She is in pjs and house slippers. And she doen't have any of her usual makeup on. She looks so beautiful and so so sad. The drive home is a comfortable silence due to the low music dad suggested.

I show Nat to the guest room once we get to my house. Mom brings in a sandwhich and two water bottles. Then mom tells me to go to the kitchen while she talks to Nat.

I feel exhausted, and it is only 5 in the afternoon. I know Nat must be super tired from all her crying. Being told to go to the kitchen means only one thing, "Emergency Family Meeting."