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"I was a very young child when it happened, and it wasn't until years later that I realized what he was doing was wrong. My parents found out after I mentioned something to my teacher. They sent me to my grandparents for the summer, and then they moved us all away, so I never had to see him again."
"Oh Bella, I'm so sorry this happened to you." I try my hardest not to show my anger because I know it's her trauma, not mine, and she deserves to deal with it however she needs to.
"Honestly, I don't even remember it. It wasn't until a few years ago that I even remembered and understood what happened. It started when I was between five and six," she admits.
"Bella, would you feel better if I slept somewhere else? I don't mind. I don't want you to ever be uncomfortable or afraid of someone hurting you, or touching you without your consent again," I offer, lifting the covers to climb out of bed. But she surprises me by reaching and grabbing hold of my wrist to stop me.
"No, Nate, please stay with me. I didn't say this to push you away. I don’t want my confession to affect the way you see me or how you interact with me. Don't treat me like a fragile doll in need of gentle care. I’m determined not to let my past define who I am and what I can become.
Besides, with you, I've always felt safe, and I know whenever I'm with you, I’ll always be safe. We might have grown apart, but I know you, Nathaniel Scott. You'd never do anything to hurt me," Bella says, reaching for me. "I told you so you would understand why. Even though I know and trust you, I'm still not ready for more yet." She adds, hesitantly, as she drops her head to look at the floor and whispers, "But I want to be one day soon."
My mind races.How can she think just because we're here together that she owes me anything?I reach forward, so I can gently stroke her cheek.
"Look Bella, I'm not expecting anything apart from friendship right now. I like you, and I hope you like me too, especially after that kiss on the dance floor tonight." I see her cheeks blush. "But I'm not expecting any more from you tonight. Tonight, we're just two old friends having a sleepover. We can decide on the rest another time."
I roll onto my back to give her some space, but she just shuffles closer, laying her head on my chest. "I'm so glad you're back, Nate. I've missed you so much," she replies tiredly, before I hear her breathing soften and sweet, sleepy sounds begin.
I lie there for hours, listening to her soft breathing, smelling her hair, and holding her tightly in my arms until I drift off to sleep myself. For the first time in as long as I can remember, I finally feel at peace.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
ISABELLA
Ahairy arm is sprawled across me, prompting a rush of panic to engulf my chest. While I attempt to create some distance, I am interrupted by a voice that sounds groggy and sleepy, softly uttering, "Bella, don’t be afraid; it’s alright, you're safe. It’s just me."
I turn around and come face to face with his big, beautiful eyes. "Nathaniel? Sorry. I was so disoriented. Shit, I must look terrible."
I blush, trying to move, but my head is pounding. "Ouch, my head."
I rest it back down and pull at the blanket, realizing I'm only wearing a t-shirt. "Wait, we didn't?" I ask nervously, avoiding his eyes, as I attempt to recall what happened last night.Please don't say anything happened, not with him, not like this.
"Woah, woah, no, we didn't do anything but have the world's best snuggle," Nate quickly replies, placing his hand on my cheek.Thank God for that!I feel my heart stop racing at his words.
"And you can't possibly look like a mess. The first time I met you, you were dirty and covered in leaves. And if that didn't stop me from seeing your beauty and befriending you, then why do you think a little messy makeup and bedhead will?" he says sweetly before pressing a little kiss to my lips. Nate sits up and stretches.
That's when I realize he's not wearing a shirt.Duh, because you're wearing it, you idiot, my brain decides to remind me. Nate must have caught me looking because when I finally wake up from my daze and lock eyes with him, he just gives me a playful grin. "You like what you see?" he asks confidently.
My hungover brain is too discombobulated to think of a witty answer, so instead I just stick my tongue out. Nate lays back down next to, shaking his head and smirking.
"How about we get up now, get dressed, and go to breakfast? It's only eight o'clock," he finally asks after a few minutes of silence.
"Wait, what about—" I start to ask, but he cuts me off.
"I texted your grandparents last night, remember? I told them you were staying over at a friend's house."
"Did you tell them–" I interrupted again.
"No, I didn't tell them where or with whom. I just said you were with the girls," Nate replies, already anticipating my questions. Even after all these years, he seems to still know me so well.
"Oh good. I didn't want them to have a heart attack on me," I joke, but obviously say something wrong as I see Nate’s once happy smile fade.
"Would it be that bad if they knew?" Nate questions, suddenly sounding so cold and dismissive.
Realizing now how it must have come across, it’s my turn to reassure him. "No, it's not about you; to be honest, they love you and I can't wait to tell them that we've reconnected again.
It's probably best not to mention that the first night they let me out, I went partying, got drunk, and slept with a boy, though," I say quickly.
I see Nate's eyes widen before a cheeky glint appears in his eyes as he rolls over and pushes himself up to rest on his elbow. "Wait, that came out wrong. Not slept with a boy; I mean SLEPT with a boy as in sharing a bed with, I mean slept OVER at his place," I stumble over my words as they fly from my stupid mouth.
