Something New

3.

We arrived at my Air BnB without a single word between us. I got out and unlocked the door while Samuel followed me in. We both went and sat down on the couch in the living room. Neither one of us wanted to say a word. I didn't.

" So are you just gonna pretend that you aren't hurt?" he said to me 

" I don't know what you want me to say. It's a black eye it'll heal." I said lazily

" Who gave it to you?" he questioned

I didn't know what to say without telling him my whole story. I sat there mulling over my options. I either be upfront with him or I say part of the truth.

" Someone in New York" I answered trying to be as vague as possible.

" Well, no shit. What happened?" he questioned again

"It's a long story. It'll be too much to get into and you don't want to hear my whole story" I told him starting to ramble a little too much "I came here for a fresh start" I finished 

" I have time" is all he replied

Do I really want to tell him? Would it be so hard to let someone know what happened and that Brett could come to get me? Is it hard to trust someone I just met? A little but Samuel is easy to talk to. He may have a rough exterior but he really is nice. No, I can't tell anyone not a soul.

"Natalia?" He questioned me as I realized I haven't responded to him

" Okay, I'll tell you but let's start with the first thing. Please call me Nat. I like it much better" I stated

He looked a little shocked " Why the nickname?" he questioned

" I'm getting there want to let me explain?" I questioned back

He nodded in response to what I said so I continued.

" It reminds me of home. I got jumped while leaving New York. But I really want to make new memories and not think about the past. My parents worked a lot so I didn't see them but it's the little things." I told him a little too fast and while not looking at his face. I didn't like lying and I am not good at it. 

He looked at me and nodded. Then what surprised me is that he pulled me for a hug. It was pretty awkward though because we were sitting on the couch. It was more like I am pushed into his chest and he has his hands wrapped around my back. I guess my lie worked. 

" I'm sorry Nat. I shouldn't have judged you" he said looking sorry

"It's okay. I just randomly show up in a small town. I don't expect it to go too well" I stated honestly

" What is your plan when you can't stay here?" he asked me

" I haven't figured it out yet. I just hope I can work until I can afford somewhere else. This and the train ticket ate up any money I had left." I said truthfully.

" Come stay with me. My mom would love to have a daughter after having three boys. We have a spare guest room. It'll be no big deal" Samuel told me simply

I looked at him like he had two heads " Not even a day ago you were glaring at me and now you're inviting me to live with you. No, I can't do that it's too much. Plus I don't want to intrude on you and your family." I told him 

I can't just move in with strangers. It'll be weird plus my eye is healing and if Brett finds me ill be toast.

" Natalie, you can't stay here forever. You don't even have a car. Please it'll help me feel better. Plus I gotta make it up to you for acting rudely towards you." Samuel with good intentions