Because I'm a Nerd.

Chapter 17- "Me neither."

Chapter 17- "Me neither."

SCARLETT POV

I watch, dumbfounded, as Nathan and Dad burst into tears on seeing each other. Either those two know each other and go way back, or else the bitchy tension between Mom and me has gotten to the males. It's more sensible to assume the former, although the atmosphere right now is such that the latter could also easily be the reason.

I look from Nathan to Dad and then to Nathan and to Dad again. There's happiness on both their faces, so it's safe to guess that they go a long way back. My only question is: HOW?

I mean, Dad was never really the social type, and as far as I know, Nathan has never visited any of our neighbor's houses. So, I really don't know where Dad and Nathan came in contact. I guess we'll just have to wait and watch until one of them regains composure.

I contemplate getting up and getting Nate a box of tissues, but then decide against it. I do not want Mom to make another stupid remark just because my boyfriend is on the sentimental side. I heard what she asked Nathan. I didn't show it when I came back, but I heard it all the same. And although I feel bad about what she asked, Nathan's reply was more than enough to make me feel better.

It's clear that he likes me as much as I like him. And that thought calms me down considerably and gives me enough strength to endure whatever Mom throws my way.

NATHAN POV

I catch Scarlett looking at me expectantly, and I try to blink back my tears. It has been a very emotional rendezvous and I can't help it. Dave, as I call Mr.Woods fondly, then shakes his head at me and signals at me to explain all of this to Scarlett and her Mom. For once, I'm at a complete loss of words.

"Um, I don't know how, rather where to begin. Dave and I go back a long way." I stammer.

"Nate, why don't you begin from where you first met Dad? I reckon that's what normal people would do." Scarlett says snarkily, a hint of impatience in her mellow voice.

I nod. "Yeah, um, that'd be a good way. Dave and I first met about eight years ago, when my Dad was looking for potential partners. Dave had come over and luckily, he and Dad hit it off and started a company together. Ever since, he was a regular visitor at my place. We used to hang around quite a lot and he was almost like a father figure to me. He really was there for me more than Dad was. Both Dad and Dave reminded me of each other quite a lot. Dad was never really the social type and never had many friends. Ever since he passed away a little over five months ago, Dave is the only link I've met to him, besides Lauren's father, Uncle Dave. I guess the emotions kind of got a little too much to handle and I broke..." I finish off, not really having any idea how to end my touchy monologue.

Mrs.Woods sniffs a little and pretends to wipe a tear away. Whether she is mocking me or making up for the apparent absence of tears in her eyes, I don't know.

Scarlett, on the other hand, looks completely blank. She's emotionless and I guess that's because she doesn't want to cry in front of her parents. Dave appears to have regained his composure and gestures for someone to get him his food.Dave was always one for the grub.

I remember, how once, there was a huge presentation of sorts in my school. Dad was away on some business trip and Mom had sprained her ankle so badly that she couldn't walk. Dave, however, was in town and agreed to come watch it for my sake. In the end, I could see all other parents clapping; more than half evidently bored but not Dave. Dave, he clapped like he genuinely enjoyed it. And from that moment on, we formed this special bond. Dave was closer to me than any Uncle I had, yet he took care not to try and replace Dad. That is something I will always respect him for. He knew how to be there. But, he also knew how to never cross the line.