The Way The World Ends ✓

Chapter 29. Indigo

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Between the conception

And the creation

~

I woke up, blinking against the bright light of mid-morning. I turned away from the light and began to process what I saw. A mop of brown hair. The curve of naked shoulders. A bed that wasn't mine. I smiled when the memories of last night came flowing back, filling me with a warm and fuzzy feeling of delight. The person next to me shifted and took in a deep breath of waking, turning his face to mine. Nate's features were so soft when he was sleeping. He didn't twitch, and though his smile was gone, he looked so peaceful and happy even without it. I couldn't help but reach over and run my fingertips over his exposed spine.

Nate's eyes fluttered open and he smiled faintly when he saw me. "So, that wasn't a dream." He mumbled with a content smile, and I blushed. "C'mere."

He shifted onto his side and pulled me close so I was encased face first in his embrace. I was thankful for the extra warmth in the cold winter. I didn't know how anyone slept without any clothes on to keep them warm or just comfortable in general. Oh, I thought when he enveloped me in his warm chest and supported my head with his bicep. Because this is so much better.

"No, it wasn't a dream," I answered, hearing the smile in my own voice. I grinned into his chest, glad he couldn't see just how much I was smiling. I probably looked like a fool.

"Do you have to be back anytime soon?" He asked, combing his fingers through my hair.

"No. I'm sure Sonny didn't even realize I was gone. If she even came home last night. And I am definitely much happier here." I planted a kiss on his neck and snuggled against him even more.

"Good." He responded, kissing me quickly and sitting up. I groaned at the absence of his body heat and burrowed under the covers to compensate. "Because I'm going to make you breakfast. Get up if you want to eat."

I frowned at him teasingly and he only leaned over to kiss me again. I watched him go to the bathroom just across the hall after pulling on his discarded boxers and took the moment alone to smile to myself widely, enjoying the feeling of being in his bed. A few minutes later he returned, and I reluctantly climbed out of bed and put on yesterday's clothes, having nothing else to wear until a sweatshirt came flying at me from where Nate was standing by the closet. I grabbed it out of the air despite my horrible coordination, stripped off my old shirt, and put the sweatshirt on instead. I looked down and saw AHS TRACK TEAM in gold letters on the black background. The sweatshirt was way too big for me--the sleeves went all the way to my fingertips and it was long enough that it landed about mid-thigh--but it smelled like him and was worn perfectly, so I didn't mind the extra room. I walked directly across the hall to the bathroom and looked at myself in the mirror, somewhat disappointed in my morning puffiness. Beyond that, I stared deep into my expression, searching my face for any changes, wonder if there was a physical difference there after losing virginity. Apparently not. Maybe I looked a bit happier; I couldn't keep a little smile away for more than five seconds and my cheeks were rosy with life. I fluffed my brown bob until it looked decent and washed my face. I borrowed Nate's toothbrush, figuring that there weren't any more germs we could get from each other after already making out for months.

I thought about last night and my heart swelled. I was terrified, but at the same time, I wasn't. It was Nate; I trusted him. I loved him. He was sweet when I was embarrassed about shedding a few tears afterward. It wasn't out of pain —it only hurt a little at first—, I guess it was just... I didn't know. I was emotional. He didn't mind though. We just talked in soft voices beneath the blankets until we fell asleep.

When I returned from the bathroom, Nate was fully dressed and sitting on the edge of the bed, waiting for me. When he saw me, he grinned and hopped up, taking both my hands and towing me down the hall, walking backward like a tour guide.

"So," He began, "what do you want for breakf— DAD!" He stopped in his tracks right when he reached the kitchen and I crashed into his chest.

Nate's dad was sitting at the kitchen table and he choked mid sip on his water when he saw me right behind his son, obviously the both of us having just woken up. My face turned beet red and Nate's turned white. We were guilty. I was sure Nate's dad was going to chew us out, but instead, he only laughed slightly after the initial surprise.

"Good morning, you two. Sleep well?" He asked slyly.

We were both speechless for a moment while Nate's dad smirked. Finally, Nate said flatly, knowing it was a terrible defense, "I thought you were coming back Sunday."

"I was going to, but I decided to come back this morning after I got all of my work done. I was going to wake you up, but your door was closed. Guess it was a good thing I didn't open it." Nate's dad still looked smug.

Oh my god. I hid behind Nate, trying desperately to conceal my tomato colored face. I was appalled. At least he didn't seem mad.

"Um..." I looked up at his words and saw that Nate had turned scarlet.

"Anyway, I made pancakes. Help yourselves. I think I'm going to go shovel the snow in the driveway. Come on Bo." Nate's dad said neutrally, whistling for the dog and disappearing out the front door after donning his boots and coat.

We both stood there for a few moments, after watching Nate's dad leave, unsure of what to do. Suddenly I just started laughing and I couldn't stop. That was the most ridiculous and embarrassing conversation I had ever had in my lifetime. I didn't know what to feel, so I just laughed.

"At least he was cool about it." I gasped between fits of laughter.

Nate couldn't help but join me. Soon enough we were both doubled over, struggling for breath. "I guess. Oh my God, I'm so sorry that happened."

"Well, that was definitely not the reaction I was expecting," I said, clutching the stitch in my side. "Honestly, I can't think of a better reaction, so don't be sorry. At least it wasn't Sonny."

After recovering, he slipped his arms around my waist and nuzzled his nose against my neck. "You're right. Now, how about pancakes? You hungry?"

"Oh God yes, Nate."

He raised an eyebrow with a royal smirk on his face. "Funny, I remember you saying that last night, too."

"Shut up!" I squealed, slapping his arm while my ears turned a brilliant shade of red.    

HG

It's a short chapter so I edited it quickly and decided to post early :) 

I'm a little sad to say that there are only 9 chapters left of this book. 

Also hopefully this chapter or the next will be the one to push this book to 1K reads!

Vote, comment, and add please! I love my readers <3