the next generation

Settling in

As I untangled myself from Nate and dryed my tears with the palms of my hands I try to regain myself. He was looking at me with great endearment. I was really planning on being angry at him, but my body, my soul was betraying me greatly and I just bursted in tears and threw myself in this arms. All my life I have been a very reserved person. I had to be, since everybody always saw me as the best friend from Mary, the orphan or the 'hot' girl from the bar. Almost every title I gained, brought people into my life and most did not have the best intentions. If guys talked to me because of Mary, they just wanted to hook up with her, knowing I would enlarge their changes. Little did they know I would never do such a thing, I know what they wanted from her. At the bar they wanted to hook up with me or get a free drink and they came because I am an orphan, you could already see it in their eyes. People look at you like you are a science project. I don't like to be pitied at all so I would just turn away and leave the conversation as soon as I could. The fact that my parents are dead is punishment enough, not being able to have a normal life is just cruel. Somehow, Nate was not looking at me as if he was sobbing for me. He was looking with a caring, loving, somewhat devoted look in his eyes. I take a few steps away from him and towards my destroyed house. "It's might be better if you do not go inside Elisabeth.". There is was again, the firm and concerned tone in his voice, demanding me to stay put. "I need to see it Nate. Don't tell me what to do." I bit him back. My anger was coming up again and this time I would not let myself be tamed. I strode to the front door, and pushed myself to go inside. As I looked around I gasped at the sight. Everything was ruined on the side of the house where the tree fell. The wood just broke all my belongings. The side of the house I thought would still be safe and untouched was roughed up as well. Sure there were some things I could still safe and use, but I really hoped it would be more. "NATE!" I yelled to get him to come inside. He almost ran in imediately, waiting for my next order. "Let's safe some belongings and get out of here, please.". He nodded at me and walked back to his truck and came back with some garbage backs. "Let's gather your clothes and stuff and throw them in my car. You ride back with me. To our home", he smiled a little uncertain. Our home, that was a quick development. I must not think to much of it. We went trough the house in a fast and determined rate. I just threw in all the clothes that could be saved as well as some books that did not get wet. The pictures I owned were destroyed so I just left them. It would only hurt me to look. Within a hour we were finished and all my belongings fitted in his truck. I took a last look at my house with nostalgia. Right now I am leaving my house and the life I knew behind. I heared Nate's footsteps come closer and felt his hands as he was holding me by my hips from behind. His fingers graving into me, trying to pull me around. I understand that he is trying to make me leave and make this easier but it took everything of me to turn around and lock my eyes with his. "Grey.. Such a deep grey. My heart is mourning with yours", he placed a small, short kiss on my cheek. Can you believe this guy, how cheesy was that line?! Alright, I must admit he kind of got to me. I feel like he is being serious but I can't wrap my head around his mood swings. He is so handsome, strong and demanding, yet so sensitve when he comforts me. His eyes have this beautiful deep blue colour. The sun has kissed his skin and you can see he loves to spend time in nature, he feels one with the forest as well as with my soul. As he is looking at me with this intense look, I feel connected. As if he was always ment to be in my life, safe me from this day. He broke our staring contest suddenly as he walks towards his truck and takes a seat. "Coming?" he asks playfully and I obey him by getting in the passenger seat. Ready to go to my new home. 

We arrived at his house and before I could even walk into the house, Josh already ran outside. "You guys are back! Liz! Are you okay?". He ran towards me and gave a brotherly hug, lifting me up in the air, as if I have been his sister all his life. Josh is has a sweet personality and even though he is a very well build, strong guy, he has the heart of an eight year old boy. Always wanting to play and have fun, trustfull and adventurous. Only he could be so happy and sweet at a time like this. I asked him to help me with my stuff and he jumped into the truck and started to throw the bags full of my clothes to Nate at a fast rate. Nate could keep track and within minutes the truck was empty and everything was already in the guestroom. Well, maybe I should call it my room from now on, since I won't be going anywhere else soon. I unpack the clothing put everything in the closet or in the washmachine, depending on the state. Luckily I never owned a lot, even less now, so I did not take long at all. I heared the engine of the truck start and walked towards the window. Nate was leaving. Maybe he will go to work or something? My mind was wondering of, to last night and this morning. To his hot and cold behaviour. Just when I got lost in thoughts gazing at the window I hurt a subtle knock on my door.

"May I come in?". It was Oliver. "Yeah, sure! Thank you again for letting me stay here. I was just finishing up" I replied, trying to get the conversation started. He looked a little worried. The situation must be as weird for him just as it is for me. "That's good Liz. I'm glad we can help you out a bit. So, are you going back to your work at the bar?". He must mean I should also pay him some rent, I do make my own money so it should only be fair. "Yes! Yes I will, I will make sure all the extra expenses will be covered and I will pay rent" I hastly blur out. "No, Liz. We do not want your money. I asked because.. Well, a girl alone in the woods every night. It troubles me a bit. Maybe you could take some time off? Just to settle down a bit", I can see his awkwardness while asking me this. He knows he is in no position to ask me this since I am not his daughter. I also know he does look at me this way because of my grandmother. He feels like he should protect me as a service to her. I could take some time off. A lot has happened lately and maybe I should get some rest. "If it pleases you, I can take a two weeks long vacation. But sooner or later I will have to work again..", a slight smile appears. "Wonderful. Thank you.", he nodds in appreciation and leaves the room. As soon as I hear him walk downstairs I grab my phone to call my boss when I see Mary blew up my phone with a lot of messages. She must have been worried.

Mary:  Liz! Where the f**k are you!? 

Mary: Are you home?? Someone told me about ur house.

Mary: LIZ PICK UP THE DAMN PHONE

Ah s**t. She will have my head for not answering her. I was so occupied with everything that I just forgot about my phone.

Elisabeth: Bby, I'm so so so sorryy. Please don't kill me.  I'm safe at Nate's. You can come by tomorrow? Lost a lot of s**t though. U ok? 

I hope my reply will suit her mind enough for now. She is right and I should not neglect her like that but I really feel like I need some space from the outside world and focus on everything that has happened lately. Show I will not burden the whole family. Wait.. Do they have a last name? I don't even know their last name.. GOD LIZ. I am living with people of which I do not even know the last name. Maybe it is written by the front door. I sneak to the door and take a peak, there is a plate with the name; Bellator. Hm. Seems fitting somehow. It is a lot nicer than my own boring typical English last name; Matthews. I mean, it is okay but it does not have a nice ring to it such as Bellator has. Might be Italian or something? 

Later that day Oliver came to me again while I was standing in the kitchen, making myself some lunch. "Hi Oliver, you want a sandwich as well?". He chuckles. "No thank you dear. I was wondering if we could pick up our reading sessions again tonight? It might be a good distraction?". 

"Hmm. That might be a good idea. Yeah, sure. But I did not finished the book about anxiety yet?". I feel awfull for not putting in enough effort. He might think I do not really care, which I do.

"No problem, for tonight, I wanted to tell you some stories of the past. Of the history of this area. It might interest you. I have to leave for the rest of the day, will I see you at eight in the library?". I nodd with a bright smile on my face to show my enthusiasm.