His Keeper

Chapter 3

Once they landed, they were greeted by Nate’s entire family with signs welcoming Jeff, Adrian, and him home. Nate’s mom was the first to run into his arms and for what seemed like a life time would just hold him and cry because her baby was home. Mr. Harris shook Jeff and Adrian’s hands and said “welcome home and welcome to the family.” Isabel and Julie hugged both men then traded places with Mrs. Harris to hug their brother. As they walked to the car, Mr. Harris and Nate talked about little things, how the family was, how was basic, all the things his dad did to his room, and how the celebration BBQ was going to be a fun one.

            The celebration BBQ party was on and all of the best BBQ was being grilled, from Steak, Brisket, Chicken, German Sausage, Hot Links, Hot Dogs, Shrimp, and the sides, Mac Potato Salad, a Garden salad, Corn on the cob, Chili Beans and Rice Pilaf. Half way through the party, Nate noticed Isabel and Jeff talking a lot and getting to know each other. He could see the look in both of their eyes and faces that something was stirring up between them, but he trusted Jeff and knew if things did go in the direction it was looking like it was going to, he knew Isabel was going to be in great hands. Adrian himself was talking with Nate’s other sister, Julie. So, it looked like both of the members of the wolfpack were getting to know his family well. Nate just stood to the side, surveying all the guests that were there, then as he was looking to the left Nate’s long-time friend, Stacey walked up to him. Stacy gave him the biggest hug and they talked most of the night. Nate had always had feelings for her, but never had the courage to ask her to be his girlfriend even if they went to dances and on a few dates. Nate never could muster the courage to ask her to be his girl for fear of rejection. Stacey felt the same way for Nate but always thought he didn’t see her like a girlfriend but only a best friend. Stacey did have a boyfriend for half of senior year and when Nate left to the military. As they talked, Stacy told him that her and her boyfriend had recently broken up because he had cheated on her with her best friend. Nate was left surprised and caught off guard because in his mind he thought why in the world would someone ever want to cheat on a woman like Stacey. But hey, that guys loss is his moment to shine, but he wanted to take his time with her because Stacey and her boyfriend had just broken up and Nate didn’t want to be a rebound. But I knew Stacey’s heart and mind that she belonged to him, but once again all Nate had to do was ask.

            Stacey was in college to become an elementary school teacher for special needs children so she decided it was time for her to call it a night. As the night and party was coming to an end and everyone was pitching in to clean up, Nate walked Stacey to her car and before she got in her mind, she thought to herself “hell with it” and gave Nate the biggest kiss any guy could ever want. Stacey then asked him “why have you never asked me to be your girlfriend?” To Nate’s surprise he responds, “because I didn’t think you liked me in that way and I was afraid that if I got rejected it would change our entire friendship. And I don’t know if I could have recovered from that kind of rejection, but I want you so bad in every way possible. I love you, and I would be honored to take our friendship to the next level where it should have been all along.” Stacey, with tears in her eyes, says “finally, hell yes!” Nate’s parents were spying on the two the whole time and slowly faded away into the shadows to give them their privacy. Nate opened her car door and gave her one last kiss for the night. He asked her to come over for breakfast in the morning to which Stacey was more then happy to accept the invite. As Stacey started driving away, Nate turned around to go back to help finish cleaning up and putting the tables and chairs away, a loud crash could be heard in the background. Nate turned around to see that Stacey’s car was smashed in the front from a head on collision. Nate ran to her car to check on her, but as he ran to the front of her car, he saw that it was completely caved in. He knew at that moment that Stacey was gone.