Love Against the Odds

Chapter Thirteen

Rayne

I am off work on a Saturday night and Nate is with his parents. Ugh! He promised he would be home in the early afternoon but I get the feeling his mom may keep him longer. I don’t think she likes me. She seemed a little cold at the art show. But Nate is an only child so she may just be one of those mothers who doesn’t think anyone is good enough for her little boy. I have heard from co-workers how an overbearing mother-in-law can be. Guess I just need to get used to the idea she may never really like me. I just hope she doesn’t try to cause problems between me and Nate! 

“Anybody home?” I hear coming from the door- Nate is home!  I ran to give him a kiss and got a great big hug. 

“How was your visit?” I asked

“Pretty good.” He replied “Mom was her usual cheery self today. But she did ask me to do a geneogly DNA thing for her. Guess it is her new hobby. She even asked if you would do it.”

“Me?” I was shocked 

“Yes. Guess she is ok with you, huh?” Nate chuckled

“Not so sure about that.” I mumbled under my breath

“So have you decided what to do with the money for the sale of your sculpture?” Nate changed the subject. 

“Save up for a bigger apartment.” I said while looking around at the tiny space we both occupy.  “How long do you have live on campus?”

“Just one more semester.” Nate said “Then we can stop paying for 2 places.” 

Nate does get some housing allowance from his scholarship but it is not enough to fully pay for his campus room. Moving in with me would help so we could save up. We started a joint savings account in hopes we have a little cash in the future. His intern job barley pays anything right now but someday it he will have a job in broadcasting and probably make more than his artist wife. 

We decided to go out for dinner being we rarely go anywhere. There is a cute little sandwich shop just a few blocks from my apartment and it not too overly pricey so we decided head that direction. When we came out of the building I saw the spirit that was at my art show. He was standing on the sidewalk smiling at me.  I normally don’t see spirits unattached from a living person so this one was starting to puzzle me. The only thing in common from the art show and my apartment building was me and Nate. Could he have a message for one of us? I have never approached a lone spirit so I am not really sure what my next step should be. It would be a lot simpler if he just approach one of us, that I know how to handle. Nate noticed I was in my own thoughts and asked if I ok. I told him I was thinking about a plan for a sculpture as I didn’t want to worry him. This spirit seems friendly, I just can’t figure out who he is trying to communicate with him.

Once at the sandwich shop Nate asked me if my parents liked him. 

“Yes, they love you!” I assured him “Why do you ask?” 

“I don’t know. Mom seems to think we are going to fast in our relationship and I would die if your parents thought I was forcing you into anything.”

“My parents know very well that I can handle myself and make my own decisions. They know nobody can force their strong willed daughter into anything she don’t want to do!” I said with a little attitude in my voice.

“Guess it is good your parents know you well! Sometimes I don’t think my mom knows me at all.” Nate replied with a little sadness in his voice.

“Well she is missing out on knowing the kindness hearted person I know! Her loss if you ask me!” I replied. 

“This is why I keep you around Rayne, you can always ground me.”  Nate smiled at me.  “How about a sundae, on me?” 

I nodded my head, ice cream has always been Nate’s comfort food.