Be Careful Who You Trust Chapter 2.2

I burst out the outside door just as Nathan was coming in, "Woah! Katie, stop!" He grabbed my arm and forced me to stop my wild dash, "Stop it and talk to me!" I couldn't look at him. I was ashamed he was seeing me in such a state and I didn't want to look at him.

"Please, Nathan. Let me go!" I tried to free my arm but he wouldn't let go. Damn, I forgot he was so strong. He may be a stick of a guy but what he had definitely didn't lack muscle.

Just then, Jennifer and Austin finally caught up with me, "Please, Kates. We didn't mean to tell you like this!" It was Austin trying to win me over with those big blue eyes of his like he always did. He still didn't realize that those tricks don't work on me. Not with him at least. Jennifer looked just as pathetic at his side.

Nathan looked at me and then at them, "Wait, wait, wait. You guys didn't tell her?" He scoffed and let go of my arm, which I took back gratefully, thoroughly embarrassed, "Wow, I knew you guys were assholes but really? Did she not at least deserve to know?" Wait, wait, and wait. He was defending me? Where was all this coming from? Last time I checked, I didn't even exist to him.

"Nathan, don't act all innocent. You knew we were together again." That was Jennifer. Like always, she was trying to shift the blame on someone else because of course, she would never do something like this. She was the "perfect" friend who is always there if you need her. Yeah, if you need her to hurt you over and over and freaking over again.

The tears weren't flowing as much as they were before but my cheeks were wet and I kept sniffling like a moron. Why couldn't I have kept it all cool just for a while longer?

"Jen, you little witch, I knew but I didn't know that she didn't. I had no part in that and you know it," he shifted his gaze to Austin, "Austin, I thought better of you man. Let's go Katie." I didn't fight him as he pulled me out the door. My anger boiled again as I heard Jen scoff before the door clicked shut. Of course, to her, she's the victim here.

Nathan pulled me towards his old, blue little car. Well, I was getting what I wanted. I wanted him to come by and offer me a ride. This isn't exactly what I had in mind but I've learned that if you aren't specific about what you want, it won't go according to plan. Nathan walked me to the passenger seat and opened the door for me. I would have thanked him but I really didn't trust my voice. He didn't seem to take offence, thank God, and walked over to the driver’s side. He got in, started the car and pulled out.

Now that I was in the car, I felt a little bit foolish and awkward. What's a horrible night without being awkward around the guy you wished you weren't awkward around? He thankfully stayed silent for a little while.

The car wasn't very big but it did the trick. It got me away from Austin and Jennifer so at the moment, it was my favourite vehicle in the whole world. The interior was old and ripped and was probably making my jeans all dusty but like I said, it was the best vehicle at the moment.

The only thing I wished was different was that I needed nicotine or alcohol. I didn't usually drink or smoke when my emotions were a mess because that's what leads you to being an addict. Tonight was an exception. It's not every day that you learn vampires exist or find your best friends making out. Well, the second one has already happened to me before tonight but learning about vampires is a definite first.

"Do you want a cigarette?" He gave me a knowing smile and I nodded my head, "There's some in the glove box. The lighter should be there too." He rolled down his window a crack and took a big hit from his vape. When he let it out, it smoked the car but at this point, I couldn't care less.

"Thank you, Nate. I appreciate this." I kept my gaze away from him as I lit my smoke. Taking a puff, I felt myself relax a little. Nicotine will do that to you, which is the exact reason I needed it. Vape was good too but it didn't have the same effect on me. I could really use a hard shot of liquor too but I didn't think he had any of that stashed in the car. He did just turn eighteen though. He could legally buy it now.

"Yeah, no problem. You were pretty shaken up when you came. I figured having them piled on top of whatever else is going on wouldn't be fun." He looked at me and I decided to return his gaze, "What's going on anyways?"

I shook my head, exhaling the smoke, "It was dumb. Mom and I just got in a fight and I was overreacting." I lied but what was I supposed to do? Make him think I was crazy the first time we've actually talked in five years? No thank you. Not tonight. Tonight, my plans were to get hammered and try not do anything I'll regret. Yeah, alcohol and regret usually go hand in hand but I didn't care.

"Fine, you liar, keep your secrets." He raised his eyebrow and smirked. Damn it! I forgot he was extremely intuitive. I could feel the heat of a blush creep to my cheeks. He caught me in a lie.

Ha! You got caught! That's bloody comical! I jumped as Zander's voice popped in my head and back out again. What was going on? I chuckled nervously as Nathan eyed me suspiciously.

"Okay fine. I lied. I don't want to talk about it." I took another puff nervously, hoping he would just drop it.

He nodded his head but didn't push any further. We sat there in silence as we drove the back roads around town. I was thankful for the little nicotine buzz I had. That was the best thing about not being a full time smoker. Since my body isn't a hundred percent used to the drug, it makes me feel lighter and my mind is on a constant buzz. It was wonderful.

"Do you want to go back to town? We could go to Tim Hortons if you want." Was he nervous asking me that? He sounded a little unsure of himself and that is a rare thing. He is always strutting around like he's so great but I know he is just a ball of insecurities. He would never admit it but I knew the truth.

Did he just ask you out on a date? If I knew Zander better, I could have sworn he sounded a bit jealous. One thing I knew for sure was that if he didn't shut up, I would find him and kill him. I don't care if he just saved my life. He also ruined it.

"Sure. I won't sleep anyways so I may as well go out. It's other this or going home to lay in bed all night." Listening to voices in my head. I didn't want to sound too happy that he asked me even though my heart sped faster at his question. I’m Katie. That means, don't let the guys you like know you like them. That rule was broken with James and that's why I am now extremely awkward around him. I'm awkward around Nathan too, but for very different reasons.

"Ok. Let's go." He sounded relieved.

Yes, let's go Katie. I was going with Nathan to hang out, just like I wanted, with a freaky vampire talking to me in my head. Oh, was this ever gonna be fun.