Strings of Destiny

Chapter Five

Nate found himself reading the book more often than not. After rugby practice, he went home and read until he fell asleep. When he woke up the next day, he chose an outfit consciously.

He was surprised because he usually grabbed a dark shirt with jeans. But this time he put effort into his attire.

Ming knocked on his door when he didn't come down for breakfast. "Nathaniel? What are you doing?"

He opened the door. "Nothing, Māmā."

"Then why are you not eating?"

"I'm just trying to find something to wear."

"For Tawny?"

"Tawny?" He'd forgotten all about her.

Ming almost giggled at his lost expression. "Who is she?"

"Who's whom, Māmā?"

"The little girl that has captured your interest."

"She has not. She's just a friend. Like Tommy."

Ming was no fool. "Then bring her by."

"What?" He squeaked.

"Bring her by. After school."

"I can't, Māmā. She has plans."

"Plans change." She patted his cheek before leaving. "Tonight, Nathaniel!"

He sweatdropped and mentally swore hotly. How was he going to get out of this?

<<<

Nate hated he didn't know Ellie's schedule or number so he could warn her. He couldn't even tell her during his shift at the library because she hadn't been there.

Part of him worried about that but he worried about the threat from his mom. Then he thought about it. He hadn't seen her so maybe she wasn't at school that day and was blowing him off?

Why didn't that make him happy?

"Nate!" Her heavenly voice called out.

He turned from standing in the doorway of the library. "Hey. Where have you been?"

"Something came up."

His face fell. Was she breaking their- It wasn't a date. But it'd get his mother off his back. "Oh."

"Yeah. But I'm free now so if you're ready, we can go."

He realized she meant something came up during her free period. "Oh. Okay. I gotta get my stuff."

"Okay." She looked down. "I've got to pee. I'll meet you in the parking lot."

"Sure." He waved as she raced off. He had no clue how to decipher what his body was telling him but the danger sign was definitely buzzing.

<<<

Nate left the building with his belongings and went to his car. He threw it all inside on the backseat.

He shut the door and got in the front, hoping no one wanted to talk.

Ellie left the school and came to get in. "Ready?"

"Yup." He started his car and pulled out of the emptying student parking lot.

She took her planner out of her bag and opened it to write in it.

He wondered what she was writing but merely drove to Lene's school.

When he got there, Ellie showed him where the pickup line was for cars.