Chapter three: The Start.

Nathaniel and I walked the corridors of the first floor of Budoun High School. The school was adorned with red and black streamers and banners with "Go Crusaders". The walk was quiet as I pointed out the basic class rooms like the weight room in 106 and the nurse office in 115. Nathaniel broke the silence by asking how the school was so big for such a small town. That was an excellent question that I didn't know so I just shrugged. "So Nathaniel where are you from? "I asked as we passed Ms. Robertson's English class. Nathaniel didn't immediately answered but imagined he lived in a foreign country like England, Germany, or Japan. "My parents and I lived in Arachova but moved to England" he paused to get a drink from the water fountain "gross that water doesn't taste right". I began to laugh as the poor cute fool took a drink out of the fountain that the senior class ruined with soap. "That fountain had soap in it that hasn't totally been cleaned out and where is Arachova" as I give him the extra water bottle that I carry around for cross country from my bookbag. Nate looked at me with those gorgeous blue eyes that looked somewhat darker, "Thanks Fuentes you're a life saver and Arachova is in Greece. I was born there and then my family moved to Little Whinging in England after my sister, Arabella, was born. I guess they wanted a change of scenery since there was a lot of drama in the town." As he said that I got the feeling that there was more to his story but I wasn't going to push yet until I knew if he was going to be a friend or a jerk. The bell for third period had ended which left the two of us to part ways at his next class. "Fuentes, can I join you for lunch? Or are you going to force me to sit at a table all by myself and be stared at like a fish in a fish tank." I didn't expect that question but I nodded immediately and wrote my number on the inside of his palm. As I walked down the corridor I couldn't help but blush at the thought I would be eating with someone who was attractive and had secrets that I was dying to learn. Could I actually be crushing on someone who wouldn't laugh at the thought of them with me? I quickly threw that thought out because who would want to be with a loser transplant like me.

Lunch period finally came after fourth period and Nathaniel was waiting for me at the nacho bar station. " I grabbed you a carne asada fries and a Dr. Pepper but I wasn't sure if you wanted this" as he held out the food. Smiling I nodded and walked with him to a table towards the checkout line. My friend group had third period lunch so it was just the two of us which felt awkward despite him having bought me lunch. " So Nate. I can call you Nate right? " he nods his head as he eats his enormous nachos "Why the States and better question why Budoun, Georgia?" He sets his soda down and looks at me questioning " Um am I being interrogated right now? Kidding. I guess my parents wanted me and my sister to have better lives and meet people who would open our eyes to unbelievable experiences. What about you? You're clearly not from around here so what's your story?" Nobody ever cared to ask me about my old life even it was short and uneventful. How much do I tell him or do I even have anything to tell that would even make him happy for asking. "You know it's okay if you don't want to say anything. I'm not trying to force you" he says after grabbing a mouthful of his chicken nachos. "No it's okay I was just trying to think where to start. Well I was born in Texas more specifically Corpus Christi like Selena. I grew up eating street tacos at the Bay and going to church with my grandparents. My mom met her 2nd well 3rd husband technically at a bar when she was out with her girlfriends. I think I was 3 at the time but they dated and by the time I was four they were married and my little brother was born. Not a lot happen in Texas before we moved but I spent a lot of time at my grandma's or my mom's work when I wasn't in pre-school. Moved here and had issues making friends because I talked different and ate foods that weren't bland or sweetened. But that's it for my story so tell me about Arachova" I looked at Nathaniel as he was clearly confused but he didn't say anything and I wasn't going to push it. Just as he was about to tell me about Arachova the lunch bell rang to signal we had to head to our next class. We parted ways and agreed to meet up before my after school cross country practice. Secretly I was excited about hanging out with Nathaniel before practice but I was waiting for the other foot to drop. Something bad had to happen or I would be constantly looking over my shoulder.

It felt like it took a century for the rest of the school day to end but by sixth period I was almost jumping out of my seat to change and meet with Nathaniel. I ran to the concession stand's bathroom to change and wait at the benches for our coaches and Nathaniel. As I sat there waiting for Nathaniel to walk over from the gym corridor I was tapped on my right shoulder. I turned around half expecting Courtney to be the one tapping on my shoulder but there Nathaniel is in full cross country gear. "Hey there teammate want to do our warmup?" Nodding to his question we began to run the track twice at a well matched pace. We didn't talk much at practice except but to say our goodbyes and agree to meet at the party. My phone buzzed as I was driving home and I looked over to see that it was from a new number.

New Message from : 361-678-1528

Hey so are we going together or are we meeting there tonight? -N

Is there a date or am I reading into this? Maybe he is just wanting to go with a friend so that he isn't in a crowd of unknown faces. Placing my keys on the counter and running to my room in the attic I quickly respond.

(A)- We can go together if you want to pick me up at 9?

(N)-Awesome it's a date. Text me your address and I'll pick you up at 8:30ish.

Looking at my phone clock it read 6pm so I had a few hours to kill. Mom should be heading home any minute for dinner but assuming since she hasn't called me to ask what we wanted for dinner. Hearing a door open and close downstairs I run down the stairs to see my mom setting down groceries. "I'm making spaghetti with rigatoni for dinner but what time are you heading out tonight?" Mom asks as she unloads the groceries for dinner into the fridge. "Um my friend is getting me at 8:30 and we'll be home before midnight most likely. I'll text you if I'm coming back early" as I pause to snag a piece of celery she is putting the other groceries she bought away. Mom tells me about the drama from the hair salon she works at and how her co-worker, Liza, is a mess who thrives on drama. We all eat quickly as possible as it is Friday night and the boys have to go to their dad's for the weekend. After my shower I ran upstairs to get ready and threw on blue jeans with a black V-neck. Nate rings the doorbell and running down the stairs as he opens the door I run right smack into him. "Alright speedy Gonzales slow your horses down" he says as he laughs still holding the side of my arms. Nodding as he walks me to his black Nissan altima I glance at what he's wearing. Nate looks amazing in his jeans and Beatles shirt and high-top maroon converse. The drive to the party didn't take long but the car ride was silent with the exception of the 90's rock playing in the background. Lisa's house was giant for Budoun and was already filled with drunk teenagers from the long staircase up to the first floor of the house. Taking a deep breath we both step out of the car and walk up. Nate was the first to break the silence by asking me if I wanted a beer to which I almost screamed yes to his question. As Nate walked away, I turned to find Lyria and the captain of the lacrosse team making out in a corner. Instead of interrupting I kept walking to the back porch where it exited to the beach. Taking off my shoes I walk to the edge of the water waiting for Nate to find me. I hear a girl shrieking upstairs and the music shutting off. Silently cursing to myself I grab my converse and walk back up to see what the commotion was about. Lisa was standing with her slip dress drenched and pointing at me. "YOU!!!I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU HAD THE NERVE TO SHOW UP WITH HIM. SHE'S SUCH A LOSER WHY WOULD YOU EVEN WANT TO GO ON A DATE WITH HER? AND YOU RUINED A $300 DRESS!!!! GET OUT YOU WILL NEVER BE LIKE US!" Lisa begins to throw cups filled with different alcohol at me and starts moving towards me. Nate is nowhere to be seen but I began to look around for a way out. As I'm turning around to leave Lisa grabs my hair and throws me onto the ground. Nate grabs me from underneath her and we sprint out of the house before it could get worse. "Sorry about that. I didn't mean to drag you into this but I didn't think Lisa would freak out when I turned her down" he says as he looks at me as we stop at a light "but to be honest I wasn't there for her or her party." "Well what were you there for?" I asked as he speeds off from the light. He doesn't respond but drives us to a different part of the beach where he parks and gets out of the car. Following his lead, I walk on to the beach with him where he just stares at the water that is reflecting the stars. "You. I came there for you." He says this and my heart flutters but I knew it was the start of something life changing.

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