Chapter Twelve
Nathan
I almost don’t recognize Amara when she walks through the door. Her hair was down when she left but now it is in a disheveled bun on top of her head. Her eyes are bloodshot, puffy, and her cheeks are blotchy. I tell the twins not to move as I hurry toward her. I take her hand, and with no words lead her to my room, closing the door.
“Are you okay?” I ask enveloping her in my arms.
She tells me everything that happened at her mothers. My heart breaks hearing her confession of wanting to die. I can’t imagine my life without her.
“I’m glad you’re here and you stood up to him. He’s an asshole for sure.”
She nods, and I’m a little surprised she’s not crying.
“Want to come play some street hockey with us? We’re going to get lunch and ice cream afterward.” I try to make it sound pleasing, but I’m not sure if it’s coming off that way.
“You know.” She grins. “That sounds perfect.” She kisses my cheek. “Let me change.”
She goes across the hall to her bedroom and I go back to the twins. They moan when I turn off the game, but I swiftly gain their attention.
“Listen, I need your help.” I keep my voice low and speak in Swedish. “Amara is having a bad day and I want the three of us to make her day a special, happy one.”
“What happened?” Copper inquires with concern.
“All we need to do is make sure she has a fun day, okay?”
They both nod.
“You promise?”
“Promise.” They agree in stereo.
A moment later, Amara comes into the living room wearing capris and a t-shirt with her hair in a more fixed up bun and a fresh face.
“All right let’s go play some hockey.”
“Hey, Nathan, would you mind if we all went to the SEE Science Center? Would you guys like that?” Amara suggests.
“What is it?” Drew is suddenly interested.
She goes on to explain the museum and its interactive exhibits. It actually sounds fun.
“Let’s go.” Drew and Copper both tug on my arms.
“Okay.” I chuckle. We all pile into the car and the boys are talking nonstop with Amara.
The time at the museum is fantastic. She’s giggling and smiling as the boys enjoy the exhibits and entertainment provided. When we finally finish, I take everyone to a burger restaurant.
Amara and the twins play games on the menus, and we’re all laughing loudly at the silliness between all of us. This has been the best day. We all eat, and the boys share their fries with her. It’s amusing to watch.
After I pay the bill, we all get back in the car. I’m not sure where to go now. I guess back to the house and play more games.
“You guys know what?” Amara’s teasing voice makes me grin.
“What?” the twins say in unison.
“I’ve never been to a comic book store.”
We all gasp. The boys start asking a million questions of how this could have happened to her.
“Everyone calm down. Amara, we’re taking you to a comic book store.” I declare. “Nobody should miss out on the joys of going to one.”
“I did read Thor.” She reminds me. She and the boys get into a deep discussion about Thor. I’m happy to have influenced them all with my love of comics.
I drive us to Double Midnight Comic Store. It’s my favorite place besides being on the ice.
A clerk greets us as we walk in. I tell Drew and Copper not to act out while we’re in here. They do as I ask as they show Amara around the store. She takes in everything they’re saying. She’s enjoying herself and her smile makes me feel better.
I always want to be here for her. I know Alden is her protector, but I want to be her number one. Showing her I can be there for her when she needs it the most.
“Nathan, let’s get these.” Copper flashes several comics in my face.
“Okay.” I stroll over to Amara. “Did you find something?”
“Wonder Woman.” She holds it up to show me.
“Get it. Even though she’s not a Marvel character, she’s pretty bad ass.”
“I don’t have my purse with me.”
I take it from her hands. “Please let me have the honor of buying your first comic.”
She bites her lip and gazes up at me through her lashes. Does she even know what she does to me?
“Thank you. Thank you for making today great too.”
“I’m here for you.”
“I know.”
She gives me a stunning smile before walking away. Drew and Copper are showing me more items they want as we all head to the counter.
When we get to the apartment the twins show off their items again, even though I already saw them. Soon, they’re quiet on the couch in depth with their comics.
“I’m going to study. I have my test on Friday.” She winks at me as I hand her the comic.
“If you need me, I’m here.” I repeat. I don’t want to sound repetitive but maybe if she hears it enough she’ll know it’s true.
“I know. Thank you.” Her smile is genuine and real. I stare at her as she walks down the hall.
After the twins polish off their pizza, they fall asleep. I think all the excitement caught up with them. It gives me an opportunity to take a cup of hot tea to Amara’s room. I knock on her door.
“Come in.”
I go into her room. She’s resting on the bed against the headboard with a comic book in her lap. “I brought you some tea. Taking a study break?”
“Yes.” She moves to the side of the bed.
I hand her the cup. “It’s still hot.”
“Thanks.” She sets it on her nightstand.
“Amara, this morning had been extremely shitty for you. I hope I helped you through it.”
“Nathan.” Her hand rests on top of mine. “You made my day wonderful.” She pauses and then smirks. “Would you like to watch a movie with me?”
“What? Really?”
She nods enthusiastically. She hops up and grabs her iPad. “You pick.” She goes back to her original position on the bed and pats the space next to her.
“All right.” I kick off my shoes and join her. “I have the movie.” I take the iPad. “Actually, it’s a sitcom and it makes me laugh. You will cry with laughter too. People don’t know I watch TV and such mainly because it has nothing to do with comics.” I bring up the Netflix app.
“What is it?”
“Rules of Engagement with David Spade and Patrick Warburton.”
She contorts her face in confusion. “I’ve heard of David Spade but nothing else.”
“It’s good. Trust me.”
Her radiant face is only brighter with her smile. “I trust you, Nathan. A lot.”
We end up watching three episodes, and she loves it just as much as I do. She rests her head on my shoulder, and it’s comfortable having her this close to me. Soon, her breathing becomes more even and I know she’s asleep. Carefully, I’m able to lay her down without her waking up. I gaze at her peaceful face and realize she really means the world to me.
I could easily fall in love with her.