When she woke up the next morning, Ashley felt as if she’d been asleep for days. When she moved her limbs ached. She sat up and two layers of heavy blankets fell off her and she realized that was half the reason she couldn’t move. Her room was warm, but there was frost on the window. Curious to why it was so cold, she walked to the window and wiped away the condensation. The sight of the town took her breath away.
Snow was falling gently over her neighborhood and all she could see. It covered the houses, streets, and trees. The once colorful town looked as if it’d been put into a black and white movie. She hurried down the stairs pulling on Nathaniel’s jacket as she went. The sleeves went past her hands making her feel like a kid when she used to borrow her mom’s sweater. As she ran outside, she felt even more like a little kid. There were a couple of mounds of snow in the yard and there was a good build up on her jeep. As she stepped out further, she felt the snow drop onto her hair and face. The cold stung her cheeks a little and her breath came out in small puffs of smoke. She laughed hysterically and walked out into the yard.
As soon as she set her foot down she jumped and ran back inside. Childhood enthusiasm didn’t stop her bare feet from freezing! Even back inside with the door closed, her feet were still cold. She started coughing and sat down on the couch, tucking her feet underneath her before grabbing the couch blanket. After being out in the cold all night she wasn’t quite ready to go back out into the snow.
Alex had left her a note on the coffee table.
Ashley,
I had to go back into work today. I’d like to stay home and watch you, but I’m sure you’ll just sleep through most of the day. It started snowing last night so please don’t go outside. Stay warm, stay comfortable, and be sure to eat. I’ll be home around 5.
“Fine by me.”
After getting warmed up again, Ashley headed into the kitchen. Deciding it was still too cold, even with the heater on, she dragged her blanket with her. She’d thought it was tacky before that he’d had carpet in every room, but now she understood. Carpet stayed warm and it felt good between her toes. She rifled through the cabinets and looked for something to make. If she could help it, she wouldn’t touch anything cold for a bit. A box of muffin mix caught her eye.
“Huh, this could be good.”
Ashley turned the box over for directions. It looked simple enough. After a few minutes of searching, she produced a large bowl and started baking. With the oven on, the kitchen heated up in no time. The mix only took her about five minutes to make, but the box said it would be about another thirty before it was done. She put it in the oven and sat back down on the couch. She turned the TV on and wrapped herself up in the blankets again. It felt good to be warm.
Her eyes flashed open and she didn’t know what show was on. She was lying on the couch instead of sitting on it. She threw the blanket off her and sat up.
“Did I fall asleep again?” she asked aloud. “I didn’t think I was that tired.” She gave her arms a good stretch when her nose twitched. The house smelled awful. It smelled like something was burning.
“Oh crap!”
Ashley leapt off the couch and skidded into the kitchen. To her relief the kitchen itself wasn’t burning. She turned off the oven and grabbed some oven mitts. The muffin tray was hot even through the gloves and she all but threw it on the stove. Each tasty treat was a nice black brick with a tint of brown remaining. They smelled roasted, not beautifully baked. She sighed as she sat down in the kitchen chair.
“So much for taking care of myself.”
What else was there to eat? When the muffins cooled off she’d have to just throw them out. She wanted to get the smell out, but didn’t want to open any of the windows. She opened up the cupboard to look for cereal only to find it empty. She checked the fridge for possibly some leftover pizza. That too was gone.
“Dad,” she whined. “If you want me to eat, you have to leave food.”
She closed the cupboard and headed back into the living room. The smell of the barbequed muffins didn’t make her feel very hungry anyway. She’d just watch TV for a bit and hopefully her dad would come home for lunch.
About an hour later, her wish came true. There was rapping on the door and she bounded up to answer it. When she opened the door however, it was Nathaniel.
“Hey,” he said cheerfully.
“Hi,” she said confused. “What are you doing here?”
“Bringing you your homework and other things.” He handed her a large yellow envelope. “I also thought I’d come by and see how you’re doing. Are you feeling any better?”
“Yeah.” Ashley tried to stand a little taller to put herself at eye level with Nathaniel. It required opening the door more which let in more cold air. She quickly closed the door a bit. Nathaniel frowned.
“Should I go?”
“No it’s fine, I’m just cold.” Nathaniel nodded.
“No surprise. Just eat some food already and get some sleep.” He winked at her and moved to leave.
“Hey.” Ashley stepped out a bit. “How did you know I haven’t eaten?”
“Your eyes are hungry and your house smells terrible,” he laughed. “Those two together don’t usually mean you ate well.”
“My dad just burnt something this morning and the smell hasn’t left yet. I can cook pretty well.” Nathaniel narrowed his eyes and she knew her lie wasn’t going to work. “Okay…I haven’t eaten.” He smiled.
“That’s what I thought. Get some food. I’ll go so you can close the door and stay warm.”
She nodded before she could think to say something else. He walked away through her yard, making crunching sounds every time he stepped into the frosty snow. He was almost into the neighbor’s yard when she called out to him.
“How did you get here?”
“I walked,” he called back.
“Shouldn’t you be in school?”
“I left at lunch to make sure you were okay.”
That made her smile. She couldn’t believe how much he cared. She’d seen him just yesterday and he was already back to make sure she was fine. It was like she’d never left the hospital. A thought occurred to her.
“Is this like the hospital? Did you forget about eating lunch to come see me?” He stopped two doors down and grinned.
“Of course I did. You’re more important than a hot sandwich.”
She bit her tongue and wondered what else to say. He started to walk away again. He was almost around the corner when she built up enough courage. She slipped on sandals and ran out to the sidewalk. The snow still intruded on her feet and it sent cold shivers up her body.
“Do you want something to eat?” she called out. He stopped at the corner block and turned around.
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“I’ll be fine. Get out of the cold.”
“No. I feel bad. Come in and I’ll make you some lunch.”
“Not with your cooking skills you won’t,” he laughed. Her face turned red.
“I’m trying to be nice…” she lost the last bit to a coughing fit. It took a few strong coughs before she cleared her lungs. When she looked back she saw Nathaniel running back towards her.
“Don’t kill yourself being nice,” he said.
He put his arm around her and walked her back inside. She didn’t need him to support her. She was about to tell him when she met his gaze. He knew she didn’t need him to hold her, he was just holding her anyways. Inside he closed the door and started to take off his boots.
“Tell you what, I’ll cook you breakfast.” Ashley gave another small cough and nodded. She suddenly felt very underdressed in her pajamas and his coat.
“I’ll be right back.”
Ashley bolted upstairs and closed herself in her room. She got out of her pajamas and found a real outfit. Even though she was inside she put on a small jacket and some thick socks. She moved to the bathroom to tidy herself up a bit and heard clanking downstairs. A few minutes later she considered herself presentable and headed back downstairs.
The kitchen was alive and at Nathaniel’s command. He was moving swiftly about grabbing pans and ingredients. He had a large number of things out and he went through them one by one. Eggs were cracked skillfully against one pan as bacon was laid into another. Even as food was beginning to cook, he was cleaning up his work area.
“Where’d you learn to cook?” she asked.
“I have a big family, lots of mouths to feed. Every morning we have a huge breakfast. I’m the oldest child so I had to learn how to pitch in. I’m an okay cook but I’m nothing like my parents.”
Ashley found that hard to believe. Nathaniel was stirring eggs at an incredible pace while checking the stove. He put the bowl down and started to lay down some more bacon in a pan.
“How big is your family?” asked Ashley.
“My parents, two brothers and two sisters.
“Wow that’s a lot. I don’t know how you stand it.”
“I don’t know how you live without it. Your house seems so quiet it’s unnatural.”
“It’s what I’m used to.”
“To each their own. Can you hand me the bread?” Ashley handed him the bread. Nathaniel was so intent on his cooking he stopped talking. Soon he was flipping French toast, scooting bacon around, and stirring eggs. Ashley had never seen someone cook so fast.
“Shouldn’t you be in school?” she asked.
“Shouldn’t you?”
“I’m recovering.”
“And I’m here to help you feel better. Besides I already tried to leave. I can try again if you like?”
“No, that’s not what I meant.”
“I know. I’m just teasing,” snickered Nathaniel.
“I’m just surprised. I’m not used to someone, you know, watching out for me.” Nathaniel gave her such a powerful look that Ashley felt bad for talking.
“I carried you out of the snow. I think making you breakfast is kind of low on the watch out list. Besides, what else are friends for?” Ashley wanted to say how she’d never had a friend like Nathaniel before. “Can I get some plates? It’s about done.”
“Sure.”
Ashley produced two plates just in time. Nathaniel skillfully flipped the French toast onto both plates. He brought over the other pans and slipped eggs and bacon to her. Ashley put both plates on the table and grabbed silverware.
“What would you like to drink?” he asked.
“I can get that,” said Ashley. He started to move for the fridge anyway. “I said I can get that. You made me breakfast, I can get the drinks. Now sit down.” She pulled him over to a chair and went for glasses. “Now what would you like?”
“Milk or water will be fine, thank you.” She poured him a glass of milk and took a glass of juice for herself. She sat down and noticed Nathaniel was watching her.
“What?” she asked.
“Just waiting. The lady at the table always gets the first bite.” She stared at him confused.
“You won’t eat until I do?”
“Nope.” An evil smile crept across her face.
“So if I don’t eat, you won’t. What happens if I just sit here and don’t eat? Would you just have to stare at the food you made?”
“Yes I made breakfast, but I’ve technically already eaten breakfast. You haven’t.” Ashley’s stomach grumbled in agreement. She looked at the food and took a bite quickly. Nathaniel started to grin as he went for his food. “What? You didn’t think I planned ahead?”
“You win this round,” she said through a bite of bacon.
“And many more to come.”
She glared at him but couldn’t draw herself away from the food to snap back. Everything had come out extraordinarily well and it was one of the better home cooked breakfasts she’d ever had. The food tasted amazing, though she was sure most of that was because she was just so hungry. Despite saying he wasn’t hungry, Nathaniel began to plow through his own meal. She was the starving one and he ate twice as fast as her.
“The food isn’t going to run away you know.”
“I know, but it’s a habit you get with having a big family. You eat quickly so nobody takes your food.”
“I’d hit someone if they tried to steal my food.” Nathaniel smiled approvingly.
“So do I, but I’m outnumbered. If I hit my brother, then my little sister will steal while I’m not looking. It’s a constant battle.”
“Sounds more like a war zone.” He laughed.
“It kind of is. I’m sure eating here is much easier.”
“All I have here is my dad and he’d never take food from me.”
“Well aren’t you lucky then,” he said with a smirk.
Ashley smiled back and went back to her food. She was beginning to enjoy their banter. Nathaniel was quick witted and not afraid to challenge her. She wondered why she never liked him before?
She slowed her chewing as she looked at Nathaniel. How did she like Nathaniel? Since yesterday in the hospital she’d felt significantly closer to him. She didn’t mind being here alone with him or that’d he’d just come in and made her breakfast. His presence was just comforting, like a security blanket in a person.
Ashley thought about all this as she continued to eat. She couldn’t decide what she was feeling. He finished his meal before her and stood up to go back to cleaning. She started to stand to contest him over the dishes, but he shot her a look to sit back down. He was going to take care of breakfast and he meant it. From cooking the meal to cleaning up the kitchen, he would do it all. When she was done eating he came over and took her plate as well. Ashley frowned. She felt very spoiled.
“Thank you for breakfast.”
“No problem. I’d prefer you eat something good as opposed to that.” He nodded to the garbage can where she’d thrown away her attempt at breakfast. She crossed her arms as he looked at her with a smile.
“It’s not my fault. I’m still sick and fell asleep.”
“I’m sure you cook great otherwise,” he teased. She didn’t like where this conversation was going. It wasn’t a contest she would win so she changed the subject.
“So you just left school at lunch?”
“Yup. I took what you needed from the office and headed out.”
“And they’re okay with that?”
“Sort of. Most of the teachers wouldn’t approve, but Margaret in the office has a soft heart for things like this. She said it was so thoughtful and shooed me off campus.”
“Where are you going after my house then?”
“To my dad’s shop. I can help him with some of the work until he heads home.”
“How long have you been helping him again?”
“As long as I can remember. When I could crawl, I followed him under cars in the shop. How’s your jeep doing by the way?”
“It’s great. I haven’t had a problem with it yet.”
“Good. If you need anything with it, just bring it in. We like to make sure our stuff works.” Ashley nodded. Nathaniel was almost done cleaning up.
“Does your dad know you’re coming?” she asked.
“Nope, but he’ll be fine with me coming in.”
“So you don’t have to rush there or anything?” Nathaniel looked over his shoulder at her.
“No, I can go there anytime. Why?”
“Well, I was wondering if you wanted to watch a movie or something with me? I feel bad if you just came, made me breakfast, and then just left. I’d feel like I’m taking advantage of you.”
“You’re not. I wouldn’t be here unless I wanted to be.”
“So are you going to leave because you don’t want to be here anymore?” She grinned as he looked back at her. She’d caught him with this one.
“I want to be here,” he said through his own grin. To say no would’ve sounded bad on his part. For once she’d trapped him in a conversation. “What movie did you have in mind?”
“What do you like?” she asked as she stood up.
“Anything. I live with my parents who like old movies and I’ve got a little sister obsessed with princesses. I’m okay with everything at this point.”
Ashley moved into the living room and grabbed a movie. It was an action film her dad had and she’d been curious about it for a bit now. Nathaniel came in just as she sat down on the couch and curled up in her blanket.
“What did you put in?”
“It’s some kind of revenge story. I’ve been meaning to watch it.”
Ashley pressed play and they sat down in silence. The living room couch was an old gray and beige color monstrosity which probably belonged to someone’s grandpa. Thankfully the cushions had been replaced but the armrests still felt like they were made out of bricks. The discomfort of the couch was more apparent thanks to her awkward feelings. It wasn’t much bigger than a loveseat leaving only a couple of inches between them. Nathaniel sat to her right with one leg over the other while she brought her feet up in her fortress of blanket warmth. Part of her wanted to just stretch out next to him but she didn’t want to send the wrong signal. This was much harder since she wasn’t sure what signal to send. Did she have a crush on him? Even if she did, did Nathaniel feel the same way?
The movie began to blur and Ashley found herself becoming more comfortable. She tried to stifle a yawn but it was no good. A full stomach said it was okay to fall right back to sleep.