Alive with Me

Chapter 26

Nate

As soon as I shut the door to the room I was given, I fell to the floor on my knees and dropped my head on the bed, as I fisted the sheets in my hands.

Tears streamed down my face. I had to clench my teeth to stop the screams that threatened to erupt from my mouth.

I can still smell her on me. I can see her gorgeous smile. Hear her joyous laughter. Hear her teasing voice. See the pain in her eyes.

I shook with tears.

Where do we go from here? I asked.

***

"My guys will be here soon," I told Diego and Pier.

They nodded. "Mr. Anastasi has ordered us back. We'll leave as soon as your friends get here," they said.

Just then, Lia walked in.

Her eyes were puffy and red. No doubt from crying.

Pain gripped my chest, but I forced myself to look away.

"Good morning, Ma'm," Diego and Pier said.

"Good morning," she said.

"I'm going to pace the entire house and the surroundings," I said and stood up to leave.

Lia

I closed my eyes as he walked past me.

"Ma'm..." Diego started to say.

"I'll be making some pancakes, would you guys like some?" I asked, not wanting to hear what Diego had to say.

They both nodded.

I proceeded to make some pancakes.

Diego and Pier sat at the breakfast table and read the newspaper.

Nate would probably take some time pacing the house and the surroundings.

I don't know how we are going move past this. The tension between us is palpable.

I don't even know what we're going to say to Jake, Dave, and Allan, once they get here. Or has Nate already told them.

Then suddenly, the smell of something burning wafted through my nose.

"Ma'm," Diego said.

I jumped and hit my hand on the side of the pan in the process.

"Ow," I screeched, as I shook my hands.

I hear hurried footsteps.

It was Nate.

"What happened?" He asked worriedly.

"Nothing. I'm fine," I said, holding my burnt hand.

"What's that smell?" He asked.

"Burnt pancakes," I said.

"What happened to your hand?" He asked.