When it Happens

Chapter 9

I had opted out of going to Church with my family on Sunday just in case Nate decided to call. To make matters even more difficult, it was Halloween. Maybe he would ask to hang out or pass out candy together. After we nearly kissed, he had to call me! In my mind, there was no possibility that he couldn't.

I sat next to the living room landline all day. I had even dressed a little cuter than usual in case he maybe decided to stop by unexpectedly. Every time the phone rang, my heart started beating a little faster. No such luck, however, because none were him. One was a business call for mom, one was a friend of Bobby's, and one was Shannon.

"Wanna come over and help pass out candy with me? We've got Skittles and Nutter Butters!" She sang through the other end of the line.

"Sorry, I can't tonight, Shan."

I hear her sigh. "Why?"

"I'm busy."

"Vivian, I can't take this anymore. It's Halloween. I try so hard to still act like a good friend but your mind is always somewhere else, and most times, that somewhere else is Nate. I'm getting tired of it."

How could it have not been!

"I'm sorry. I know you still try, but-"

"You know what he told me a couple weeks ago on the anniversary of your father's death? That he isn't looking to date. He's just, quote-on-quote, 'adventuring'."

What the hell does adventuring mean?

I paused for a moment, as we were both silent. A million thoughts were going through my head. Was he using me? Did he only want to get into my pants? I finally spoke up when I said, "You're lying."

I can practically see the steam coming from her ears. "Vivian, I'm your best friend. Why the hell would I lie to you?"

"Look, Shan-"

"No. Everybody in the whole school notices your love for Nathaniel Remington. I'm done listening to all of it. You need to end whatever you have for him because I can guarantee he doesn't feel the same way. You're wasting your time!"

Where the hell does she get off! What does she know? My blood was nearly boiling when I said, "You're overreacting." Is this how you treat a friend?

"I'm not overreacting. You know, talk to me whenever you get over this phase." And with that, she hung up.

Talk about harsh!

I couldn't decide what was worse: your best friend not supporting you, or not even having a best friend anymore. I was completely disappointed in Shannon. I was only hanging out with Nate so much because Shannon was so busy with her new boy-toy Nate. The more I thought about it, the angrier I got.

It was around 9:00 with still no call from Nate. I had wanted to stay positive if I didn't get a call, but thoughts started to roam my head. There was alcohol at the homecoming, what if he was tipsy when he leaned in? What if he just fell? What if he was drunk when he said those things to me? Was I just imagining it all?

Why the hell am I not getting a call?

My heart was beating faster and faster the madder I got. That asshole wanted to get my hopes up for no reason? He'll pay.

Nate's winter was going to be colder than ever.

***

When I went to school that next day, the first thing I did was swing by Shannon's locker. She shuts it, and I was standing there waiting for her.

"I'm sorry," was the first thing I said.

She frowned and let out a sigh. "Don't be. I'm sorry, I was too hard on you. I was wrong about Nate. You aren't wasting your time. Maybe he really does like you. I felt awful as soon as I hung up. What the hell do I know?"