Chapter 10

Nate

“Whoa,” laughed Neil looking at me with wide eyes, “Did I interrupt something?” he asked excitedly.

“Yes, dumb head,” I hit him. Damn! I’ve nearly kissed her just now and I’ve got a feeling she wanted it too. Damn Neil, always wrong timing.

“Sorry,” he chuckled.  “Wow, I still can’t believe my eyes. Did both of you nearly kiss just now?” he asked giving me an amusing look.

I glared at him, “Yeah, we were and I’ve would have kiss her just now, thanks to you,” I fumed.

He laughed, “Wow, unbelievable. You think she actually likes you?” he queried.

I gave him an uncertainty look and shrugged, “What do you think?”

“Hmm, “rubbing his fingers under his chin thinking, “I think she does,” he nodded.

I grinned, “You think so?”

He smiled confidently at me, “Yeah, I think so.” Wrapping his arms around me he advised, “So big brother, I suggest you start showing your charming side and stop teasing her for now on, so that she will see the best side of you.”

My grin become wider, “I definitely will do that,” I assured him.

Sadly, it never happen, Shy had been avoiding me since our “nearly kiss” incident.  She avoided looking at me and what more than being alone with me. She made sure she would walk in front of me with my mom or Neil. Neil seems to notice it too but giving me a hint to let her be. So I backed off, although it’s hurt.

The same hurt I felt when she did it when we were kids.

****

SHY

I stole a glance at Nate when he’s not looking while eating our lunch in the restaurant after walking throughout the park for hours. I’ve been avoiding him since the incident at his balcony. I couldn’t bring myself to talk and look at him when I know I would be blushed thinking about what nearly happen just now. He looked so gloomy not his normal cheerful self. I feel so bad but can’t help wondering why he had to look so hurt when I did that. Normally he just didn’t give a damn about it.

“I think we should go to your place afterwards and help you to move your things to Nate apartment,” his mom suddenly says. I glanced at Nate before turning my attention to her, but he just acted as if nothing was discussed in front of him.

“Yeah, Shy,” added Neil. ”While I’m here, Nate and I could help you,” he looked at Nate who remained quiet.

He pushed his unfinished food to the front, “No,” he winced and pressed his fingers on his forehead, “I don’t think I can help.”

“What’s wrong, dear?” his mom giving him a worried look.

“I think I’m having my migraines,” putting one hand on his head while the other dug into his pocket. He took out a pill container and took one pill, popped it into his mouth and drank the mineral water his mom handed to him. He face turned pale.

“I think we better take you home,” his dad suggested looking at his eldest son with worried face.

“It’s ok,” said Nate stopping them, “I can take a cab back home. You just go ahead with your plans,” he suggested.

“No we’re taking you home,” his dad said and we all stood up. Uncle George looked at me and Neil, “Why don’t you both finished up your lunch and do whatever you want to do. We’ll be at home,” he suggested.

Neil nodded and help he dad halt a cab to take them home. I looked at Nate but he didn’t even glance at me. I don’t know why but I felt hurt and sad. I sighed.

“What’s wrong, Shy?” asked Neil.

“Nothing,” I shook my head, “Did Nate often had migraines?”

“Nope, only when he’s stressed,” responded Neil giving me a ‘You know why he’s stressed’ look.

I bite my lips, “You think I’m the reason why he’s stressed?”

He shrugged, “You think?”

I looked at him disbelieved, “Are you blaming me?”

“Why should I blame you?” he challenged.

“I don’t know,” I angrily said to him, “You tell me?”

“Well, why don’t I just leave it to you to think about it yourselves?” mocked Neil.

“What made you think I’m giving him the stress?” I asked.

“Why don’t you tell me?” he mocked again.

“Will you stop asking me back?” I angrily told him, “I asked you should answer not asking me back!”

“I’m not answering any of your questions. I want you to find the answers yourselves,” he said.

“I thought you were on my side?” I sadly said to him.

“I am not siding on anyone Shy, but why did you ignore him like you did just now? I thought you promise me to give him a chance?” he asked looking at me.

“I did want to give him a chance,” I whined, “but I just can’t at the moment.”

“Why?” asked Neil, “because of the balcony incident?” he smirked.

I could feel my face flushed, I nodded shyly.

“Hmm… I thought so,” he chuckled. “Just answer me this question and I want an honest answer,” looking at me seriously.

“What?” I anxiously asked.

“Do you like my brother?” he smiled, “I want an honest answer,” he pointed out again.

 “What kind of question is that? You..” trying my best to avoid from answering it but I could feel my face flushed again. “You should know how I feel towards him,” I stumbled with my words.

Nate looked at me in amusement, “You don’t have to answer it, I’ve already know the answer,” he chuckled. God, I could feel my face become redder. Do I really like Nate??

After lunch, Neil and I went back to my hostels to pack my things. There’s not much things to pack actually just my cloths, make up, books and laptop. After putting all the stuffs into the car I bid goodbye to Anna. I would still see her in college though.

“So, anywhere else you want to go before we headed home?” asked Neil.

I looked at my watch, and it shows 4.00 pm, “Maybe we could go to the supermarket,” I suggested, “What you want for dinner?”

“Hmm, spaghetti meat ball would be lovely,” he licked his lips, “Nate loves it too,” raising his eyebrows teasingly at me. I pretend it has no effect me.

“Hmm, ok,” I shrugged, “I’m thinking of making mushroom soup too. What do you think?”

“Yeah, that’s Nate’s favorites,” gave me a teasing smile.

“Whatever,” I shrugged again ignoring his teased. He laughed.

***

NATE

“Nate?” I heard somebody waking me up softly. I opened my eyes slowly.

“How’s you feeling?” it was Shy sitting next to me. I was in my room and it was dark so I couldn’t really see her face.

“Better,” I answered softly but closed my eyes again.

“You’re ok to come out for dinner?” she asked, “I’ve cooked spaghetti meat ball and mushroom soup.”

“What time is it?” I asked instead.

“It’s already 8.00 o’clock,” she replied.

“I don’t feel like eating right now,” I told her, “I just want to sleep, maybe later.”

“Ok,” she responded, “You need anything?” she asked.

“No,” I simply replied and cover my face with the pillow. I heard she sighed and walked to the door closing it softly. I sighed. I actually still feeling hurt with her attitude today. I’m going to show her that I too could ignore her just like she did to me. Childish, huh? Well that’s me actually. I closed my eyes and drifted back to sleep.

I woke up at looked at my surroundings. I’m still in my room and bed. The room still dark. I looked at my watch and it shows 1.30 am. My stomach growled loudly indicating it needed to be feed. I got off from the bed feeling better and headed to the bathroom, washing my face. I’m still in the same shirt and pants I wore during the day so I took them off immediately. I put on a boxer short and round collar shirt and walked out of the room.  I could see there’re still some lights in the living room. Neil must be still awake watching TV. Wait, if I slept in my room, where did Shy sleep? At her own place? No, I told myself. I don’t give a damn where she is. Yeah, I’m still hurt with her attitude. I’m not giving a damn about her anymore.

When I pass by the living room I was shocked to see Neil and Shy watching TV. They’re sleeping together in the living room?? Well not really. She was sitting on the sofa with both legs curled up to her chest and arms around her knee. She’s wearing tank top. Well that’s all I saw. I don’t know what she’s wearing underneath. Obviously she’s sleeping on the sofa, while Nate was lying down on the mattress on the floor. They were too caught up with the movie they didn’t realised I was watching them. With no intention of making any of them realised that I’m awake, I walked straight to kitchen without making a sound.

Shy however notice that I walked by, she turned to look at me, “Hey, you feeling better?” she asked smiling sweetly at me.

I just nod my head and continued walking without saying a word. I went to the fridge and saw there’s two slices of Apple pie and spaghetti.

“There’s still some mushroom soup in the pot,” Shy said walking towards the stove, “I’ll heat up for you,” and turned it on.

I didn’t say a word but stole a glance at her. Oh, she’s wearing a loose sweat pants underneath showing a little bit of her skin. God, she looked so sexy and if I not angry with her, I would have teased her. I wonder if the she wears a bra? I nearly hit myself for thinking about it. Damn Nate, you’re not giving a damn about her remember? I reminded myself.

I took out the spaghetti and apple pie from the fridge. She walked towards me, taking both foods from my hand.

“It’s ok, I can do it myself,” I told her but not looking at her.

“Nate, you not feeling well, let me do it for you,” Wow, she’s being extra nice to me, but I’m not giving a damn. Yeah, I’m not giving a damn. “Why don’t you sit down? I’ll heat them up for you,” she suggested. I looked briefly at her. Oh, she did wear a bra. Damn, why does it matter?

I scowled at myself. Unsure what to do, I opened the fridge again taking out a can of soda and went to sit at the counter.

Neil came into the kitchen too, “How’s your migraine?” he asked and sat beside me.

“Not fully gone,” I pressed my fingers on my forehead, “But I’m hungry.”

“Here, eat the soup first,” Shy said placing a bowl of soup with a slice of bread in front of me. She took the soda away from me, “You shouldn’t drink soda on an empty stomach. You will have gas later. I’ll make some ice chocolate for you.”

“Can I have one too?” smiled Neil. “And the soup too?”

“Sure,” replied Shy smiling sweetly back at him. I looked down and rolled my eyes. I eat my soup quietly. Wow, the soup is delicious.

“The soup taste great isn’t it?” asked Neil excitedly. Shy has given him, his.

“Not bad,” I simply said without looking up and continued eating quietly.

“Here’s your drinks,” she put them in front of us and looked at my empty bowl, “You want some more?”

I just shook my head. She took the bowl away from me. I glanced at her back and when she turned around with a plate of spaghetti I immediately looked down again. She placed it without saying anything to me this time. I dig into my food without a word.

“You want some more?” I heard she asked Neil. Hmm, she’s acting as a waitress for both of us. Beautiful waitress, whom I wish I could kiss her senseless. Shit Nate, you don’t give a damn about her anymore, remember. I remind myself.

“Wow Nate. You must be really hungry,” chuckled Neil. “You finished everything in a dash.”

I just smirked at my brother while Shy took my plate away and place it with a plate of apple pie with vanilla ice cream on it. Yeah, it’s a full course meal. As if I’m eating in a restaurant and the foods are delicious. I wish I could compliment the chef or better kiss her senseless. I really wanted to kiss her. Damn, if I not angry with her I would definitely do that.

After finished everything I stood up and walked out of the kitchen and went straight to bed without a single word.

****

NEIL

I saw Nate finished his food and got up slowly left the kitchen without a word. I looked at Shy and saw the hurt in her eyes.

“He’s always like that when he’s not feeling well,” I told Shy trying to soothe her.

She just smiled, “You finished?” Shy asked, taking the bowl away from me.

“Yeah, thanks,” I nodded. “I’ll think I go a take a look at my brother,” I told her. She nodded.

I still standing there looking at Shy. Yeah, she’s definitely feel hurt with Nate cold attitude towards her. God, she is so stubborn. Why doesn’t she just admit she like Nate? At least my brother did admit his feelings toward Shy. I was surprised at first when Nate confessed to me. It was the same year when Shy left us. He told me the reason why he bullied Shy. It’s all because he wanted her attention. Even though she angry with him at least he got her talked to him. Well actually more to she’s scolding him.

When I know Nate true feelings toward Shy I couldn’t help but admit that I feel happy. I do want to see them together. I know Nate would take care of Shy, but to convince Shy to realise that, might take a longer time. She used to say she hate Nate but from my observation, I don’t think she ever hate him. I think she does like him but why does she denying it? Maybe she scared that Nate doesn’t feel the same towards her. How am I going to make her realised that she and Nate are meant together? How am I going to do that when now she already had a boyfriend?

I walked over to Nate’s room and knocked the door. I didn’t wait for his reply but opened the door and walked towards him whose lying on the bed with his hand behind his head. I know, Nate never like to lock his room.

“You are still angry with her, don’t you,” I asked.

Nate rolled his eyes, “You such a baby,” I mocked. “You’re hurting her by doing that you know.”

“Well at least she knows now how it feels when someone ignored you,” he scoffed.

“But does that make you feel happy?” I ridiculed.

“No,” he sighed.

“I thought so,” I chuckled. “Then stop doing it,” I advised.

He sighed again, “What do you suggest I do, then? Just talked to her as if nothing happen?

“Yeah,” I shrugged, “Why not?”

“And then what? Let her ignore me again?” he glared.

“Well maybe she won’t anymore,” I said, “I could feel she’s regretting it already.”

I saw Nate face light up, “You think so?” trying to hide his smiled.

I nodded, “Yep. I think she does care about you.” I smiled.

“Really?” asked Nate unconvinced.

“Yeah,” I shrugged, “Don’t you realise the way she treat you just now?”

“That’s because I’m not feeling well,” glared Nate.

I chuckled, “Maybe you should remain sick longer,” I suggested.

“What do you mean?” Nate asked looking at me curiously.

“Well,” I looked at Nate and raised my eyebrows at him, “I’ll let you figure it out yourselves.” I laughed and tapped his shoulders, “Goodnight big brother, sleep tight and sweet dreams,” and walked to the door.

“Yeah goodnight,” I heard Nate laughed too, “And thanks.”

My hand on the knob I turned around to look at him, “Anytime.”