Chapter 26

Nash

Nash chomped down on his apple in the kitchen, feeling both relieved but also frustrated. It had been days since Chloe and Nash had gone to the park, but his mind kept turning over the moment they discussed the kiss. He finally apologized. He told her it was a mistake and it had been - he should have asked for consent, but deep down, he felt uneasy. This couldn't be how their story ended. This couldn't be the end.

Because Nash still desired more. He felt guilty about it because he didn't know if Chloe would ever look at him in that way, but he had fallen for Chloe months ago and getting over her had been the hardest thing he tried to accomplish. Once he set his mind on something, he could accomplish anything, but not this. He couldn't get over the girl with big green eyes and a beautiful heart.

The front door slammed open and Nash winced at the noise. The voices of his parents bellowed out into the house and Nash froze. He hadn't known his parents would be back. After last time, he thought he wouldn't see them until next year, and Nash went cold. He still hadn't forgiven them for what they'd done to Chloe.

Footsteps echoed throughout the house until his parents entered the kitchen. They were drunk - as expected. His mom's eyes were red. His dad's face was red. And Nash sighed, already exasperated by the sight of his parents.

"Nashy!" his mom screamed at the sight of him.

She ran over and planted a huge, sloppy kiss on Nash's cheek. Nash scoffed, immediately wiping the spit off his cheek, and his mother gasped.

"So rude, Nashy!" his mom exclaimed. "You're still as grumpy as usual."

His mom wandered back to his dad's side and wrapped her arms around him. His dad smiled at Nash, eyes bright and Nash stared at them silently. He knew if he started speaking, he'd explode.

"How's your week been?" his dad asked. "How's school?"

"Good."

His dad frowned. Nash crossed his arms over his chest, debating on walking off and leaving them alone.

"Are you still mad at us?" His mom asked. "It's been like three months."

"What do you think?" Nash asked.

"Why though, Nashy? What did we do?"

"You know what you did."

Nash clenched his jaw, trying his best not to explode. He had grown. Chloe had made him gentler. But his anger would never fully dissipate. After the life he'd lived, he'd always be a little angry at the world.

"What? To that girl? Come on, Nash," his mom said.

"Her name is Chloe! And you treated her so horribly, so of course I'm still mad. I'll never forgive you for the way you treated her."

His mom rolled her eyes. "Get over it. Chloe has probably forgotten all about it."

"This is exactly what's wrong with you. You never feel remorse. You always think you're in the right."

His mom winced and his dad frowned. Nash was being rude, but he didn't care. After everything his parents put him through, they didn't deserve politeness.

"Fine, I do feel bad," his mom finally said, sighing. She sulked against his dad, looking tired. "But what do you want me to do? Apologize?"

"Of course you should apologize," Nash said. "What you said was wrong."

"Fine, then invite her over for dinner and I'll apologize to her sincerely. How about that?"

Nash froze. He hadn't expected his mom to offer that. He barely thought she would ever think of apologizing and Nash hesitated.

"I don't think I want you near her," Nash said. His mom's jaw dropped. "After last time... I don't trust you."

"How rude, Nash! I'm not a monster," his mom gasped. "We're your parents. Why are you angry?"

"Come on you two," his dad interjected. "Stop fighting. We haven't seen each other in a while and maybe that's why everyone is tense. Let's relax and figure things out."

Nash said nothing. Although his mom frustrated him more, he hated that his dad was too chill. He did whatever his wife wanted and he hated that too.

"Invite Chloe over," his dad said. "We'll give her a great meal and apologize, and make amends with her. Okay? We do want to make things right. Your mom is a little high right now, but she definitely does feel bad about her actions. We both agree that we handled things poorly last time."

"Yeah, Nashy!" his mom exclaimed. "I cried the entire first day of the cruise thinking you were mad at me. I'm just high as a kite right now else I'd be crying."

Nash rolled his eyes, but he said nothing. A part of him wanted to tell them to go to hell, but at the same time, he did think Chloe deserved an apology. And it was wishful thinking, but if Chloe and him ever became something, he did want his parents and her to get along. He always wanted a family and although his parents sucked, he still wanted to try. He was terrified to, but it was better to try than to wonder what could have been. Because maybe deep down, he hoped his parents would one day become the parents he dreamt of and this could be a first step if they were willing to apologize.

"Fine," Nash said. "I'll invite her. You better be on your best behaviour."

"Of course," his mother giggled. "No more mistakes. I promise."

Nash said nothing and he walked off, fearing his mom's words. She had made many promises in the past. Like she'd be back soon. She'd show up to his graduation. She'd be there for him. And every time, she had broken her promise. And Nash now feared if this would be another broken promise.

*****

Nash opened the door and froze at the sight of Chloe. She wore a green sundress - the colour the exact same colour as her eyes and in her hands she held a tray of banana bread. She was blushing, her eyes glimmering as behind her the sun set and Nash was speechless for a moment. As Chloe's blond hair blew around her face with the breeze, he found himself awestruck. He'd never seen her look so beautiful.

"Hi," Chloe finally said.

"Hi," Nash replied, snapping out of his daze. "Um. I-"

He stopped himself before he told her he thought she looked beautiful. After their last conversation, he didn't want things to get weird again, so he clenched his jaw, fighting back the words he wished to say.

"I made banana bread," Chloe said. "Hope this is ok."

"Of course." Nash reached over and took the dish from her. "Come on. Let's go inside."

Nash turned around and gulped, fearing how the rest of the evening would go. One look at Chloe and he couldn't think straight. But he wandered down the hallway towards the dining room, telling himself everything would be ok.

They soon entered the dining room. His parents sat on one side giggling and deep in conversation. The room walls were painted a burgundy and above the table hung a chandelier. Four plates were set on the table and already laid steak and vegetables on each plate. Nash cleared his throat to get his parents attention and they bolted up to smile at Chloe, who fidgeted behind him.

"Hi Chloe," his mom said, beaming. "Welcome. Have a seat."

"Hi," Chloe said shyly.

"She made banana bread," Nash said.

"Oh, how kind of you," his dad said, grinning. "You shouldn't have."

Chloe smiled shyly and they went to their seats. Nash sat across from his dad and Chloe sat across from his mom. The table was long and they sat in the middle of it surrounded by nothing but the table and each other.

They all began to eat in silence. Chloe continued to fidget in her seat and Nash glanced at her, frowning. His heart sank at the thought of how nervous his parents made her. They really had affected her with their previous comment.

Nash glared at his mom then, darting his eyes to Chloe to hint she should apologize. At first, his mom's eyebrows furrowed. And Nash continued the action until his mom's eyes widened.

"Oh Chloe, I actually wanted to talk to you about something," his mom said. "It's about what I said last time... about your dad using life insurance. That was a really horrible and judgmental comment and I'm sorry for my words. It was incredibly rude and I know your dad must be a great person if he has a daughter like you."

Chloe's eyes widened. She froze for a moment before speaking, "Thank you, Ms. Andrews. I appreciate that apology a lot."

His mom beamed and Nash let out a breath. Ok. Progress.

"So how's school?" his dad asked.

Chloe went on to tell them about the classes she was taking, the program she was majoring in, and about how much she loved school. She told them how she'd been a nerd since kindergarten and always enjoyed writing tests and studying, and both his parents seemed impressed. Nash began to relax then. Slowly but surely things were getting better. He hadn't been sure about the dinner, but now he was grateful his parents suggested it.

Naya popped by to place wine on their tables after a while and his mom began to down her glasses of wine. His dad took sips and both Chloe and Nash didn't drink - Nash had always been grossed out by alcohol due to his mom, and Nash glanced at his mom, hoping she wouldn't do anything dumb. But, he continued to let his shoulders loosen, his heart ease as Chloe opened up about her dad's illness and what it was like taking care of him for the past year.

"Wow, you're smart and strong," his mom said, eyes softening. "And beautiful."

Chloe blushed madly and his mom giggled. His mom leaned her head against her dad's shoulder, and Nash finished off the rest of his steak. Dinner was almost over and they had made it. Somehow, they had.

"Are you single?" his mom asked.

Nash froze and so did Chloe. "Yeah. I am."

"Oh I'm surprised a cute girl like you is still single."

Nash shot his mom a look. This wasn't a conversation they should be having, especially with the way Chloe began to shrink into her seat.

"How'd you get close to my son, by the way?" his mom then asked.

"Um, we go to the same school and are both Elites. The Elites program is pretty small with just the five of us, so we spent a lot of time together and got close through that."

"Hmm really?" His mom's eyes gleamed. Nash reached over to his glass of water, growing antsy as pulled it to his mouth. "Or is it because my boy is so handsome and you're trying to get with him?"

Nash had taken a sip of his water and he began to choke on it. He coughed and his dad shot him a concerned look. Chloe had frozen the second his mom asked the question and she was stuck in her spot, unaware of anything but his mom.

"Mom," Nash said once he regained himself. "Don't say weird things like that."

"You know, I can tell Nashy has a soft spot for you." His mom took a long sip from her wine, eyes glowing now. "I wish you could see the way he looks at you. Especially when you're not looking at him. It's like you're the most precious gem in the world."

Mortified, Nash's face burned and he glared at his mom. Beside him, Chloe remained stunned. But, blush flooded her cheeks.

"I-I never noticed," Chloe said, seeming unsure of what to say.

"Oh really? Then why do you guys spend so much time together? I heard he helps you a lot, too. Gives you rides. Asks you to spend alone time together. Why else would you guys spend so much time together. Even Naya has mentioned it"

Nash cursed under his breath. There was no reason for his mom to know this, so it must have been Naya. He narrowed his eyes, knowing he'd tell Naya not to trust his parents.

"Yeah, we're really good friends," Chloe said. She began to wring her hands together. Still half her steak lay on her plate. "Nash has really helped me a lot and I appreciate it."

Chloe glance at Nash finally and Nash smiled at her. Ok. She was ok. He shot his mom another look, hoping she'd leave Chloe alone.

"Then why don't you date him?" his mom asked.

Chloe went still and Nash lost it. "Leave her alone! Your questions are making her uncomfortable."

"Well aren't you curious?" his mom snapped back. "I'm sure she does want to date you anyways. You're rich and will inherit everything including this house. So why won't she just admit it? It's obvious you care fo her."

Chloe said nothing. Nash glared at his mom, wondering where his mom was going with this. He cursed himself and them. He should have never agreed to this dinner.

"Or are you using Nash?" his mom asked, pouting. "Using him for all these favours and because you know he'd do anything for you. He's your little servant, isn't he? Poor Nashy."

"No!" Chloe blurted out, looking horrified.

"Mom-" Nash began.

"Then why! Why are you always with Nash? Why are you here? What is Nash to you."

"A-a friend," Chloe stammered out.

"Don't lie to me. It's obvious my son likes you and if you don't know that, then I don't know how you're an Elite. You're using my son, aren't you? You're taking advantage of his feelings for you. You-"

"I'm in love with him!" Chloe stood up and slammed her hands down on the table. The entire table shook with the force of it. "That's why I'm always with him. That's why I'm here. But maybe I shouldn't have come."

Nash's eyes flew wide. His parents gasped. The entire table went silent. Chloe trembled in her spot, face red, and Nash was stuck in a trance. In love with him. He had to be dreaming.

His dad shot his wife a look, a pleading one, but his mom continued, "Well, I'm sorry dear, but I don't think you're good enough for Nash."

Tears flooded Chloe's eyes and she whirled around and bolted off. Nash shot up, his body trembling as he glared at his mom with the most hatred he'd ever felt for her.

"What is wrong with you!" Nash roared. "What was that! What are you doing! Why are you so cruel?"

"That was too far," his dad said, frowning. "What do you have against the poor girl?"

His mom rolled his eyes and before Nash would say something he'd regret, he whirled around and went after Chloe. He sprinted down the halls towards the front door that were blown open from when Chloe left. Rushing through them, he flew into the night and grew grateful when he saw Chloe running towards her bike.

He sprinted towards her, using all he had to reach her before it was too late. Because this time, he'd do things right. This time, he wouldn't let her go.

"Chloe!" Nash yelled.

He neared her and at the sound of his voice, Chloe tried to run faster, but she tripped on the heels she wore and Nash reached over and caught her. He pulled her to him and immediately hugged her, uncaring about anything. Tears streamed down her face and she sniffled against him, breaking down as he held her tightly, hoping to put her back together again. He hated what his mom had done. He hated how cruel she'd been. But, he hated to admit it, but it finally allowed him to do this.

"Why does your mom think I'd use you?" Chloe whispered. She pulled away to wipe the tears that stained her cheeks. "Do I come across as someone like that? Is there something wrong with me?"

"There is absolutely nothing wrong with you," Nash said. "My parents are assholes. They're the problem, not you."

Nash reached over and began to help her wipe her tears away. She continued to sniffle, her lips pouting and Nash's heart ached. He would do anything to stop his mom from saying such cruel words. It was too late now, but he'd fix things. He'd make everything ok. But right now, all Nash wanted was to know one thing.

"Is... is it true?" Nash whispered, heart pounding. "What you said... before you left."

Chloe's face went red. She didn't say anything for a moment, seeming to turn the words over in her mind again and again, weighing out her options, and Nash's heart slammed against his chest. Please say it. Please admit it. Nash stared at her, wishing for the best. Wishing for all he ever wanted.

"It's true," Chloe whispered, eyes meeting his again. They were gentle now. She was now composed and confident and Nash's heart summersaulted. "I really like you Nash. I've been terrified to tell you for a while now, but it's true. I love you, Nash."

Nash let out a breath. Finally. He never thought this would happen. He thought if anything he'd have to try again, get Chloe to fall for him, get things to somehow work, but here was Chloe telling him she felt the same way. That for a while now she'd been wanting to tell him, too.

"You must know I love you, too." Nash whispered. "For so long now, all I wanted was to be with you. But I was never sure you felt the same way."

"I'm so sorry for running that day. I really did regret it, but I was just so scared and not ready back then. I was going through a lot," Chloe said. "But I'm ready now. I really want to be with you, Nash."

"I'm glad." Nash's eyes grew gentle. "This is all I ever wanted."

He hesitated before asking, "Can I kiss you?"

Chloe laughed and nodded and Nash leaned forward then. His eyes fluttered shut and he pressed his lips against hers gently and immediately, Chloe kissed him back. She reached up and tangled her hands in his hair and Nash grabbed her hips, pulling her close. They kissed gently, savouring every moment, and Nash smiled against her lips.

Finally. Although things had gone so bad at the dinner, he couldn't believe it led to this moment. He'd tell his parents off once he got Chloe home, but for now, he'd savour this moment. He'd thank the world for bringing them together. Because truly, Chloe made him the happiest he'd ever been and all he wanted was to be with her for as long as she'd let him be with her.