Fairytale - Chapter Three

Natalia sat by the fire, legs curled up beside her, and in her hands, a black hardcover book. She sat in a navy blue beanbag, with a large blanket wrapped tightly around her. She wore a black, slim fitting turtle neck, and just barely visible under the blanket, her feet were covered by black socks. Behind her, by the window, there was a Christmas tree, decorated splendidly. It's been a month since that day in the park.

She hadn't gone to visit Adrian again. She had come to, what she liked to call, her senses. He was a stranger, and so was she. There was no need for her to barge in on some random man's life. She didn't need him, and he didn't need her. She'd tell herself this over and over, but she often wondered about him. It was nearing Christmas day, only a week before, and she found herself especially lonely. She was spending the holidays out in Wisconsin with her family.

She stayed up like this very often, usually until a family member found her. She'd been reading romance novels, but didn't dare to let anyone, aside from herself, know this. She'd been quieter than usual, and spent a lot of time on her own. Her mother was very worried, she had been, for a long time.

"Natalia, dear? Are you still up?" Her mother, Victoria Emerson, walked slowly over to where her daughter sat.

"Yes, mother," She smiled softly, looking up from her book. She had dark circles under her eyes from an obvious lack of sleep.

"Why haven't you put yourself to bed, Sweetheart?" Victoria sat down next to Natalia. In her mid fifties, Victoria was still a very beautiful woman. She had long, graying hair falling just past her waist, that she often pulled back in the front, kind blue eyes, laugh lines, and a natural smile. She was somewhat plump, her arms larger from working on a farm for almost all her life. She wore a long-sleeved nightgown that fell to her feet, where two light pink slippers kept them warm. She resembled Natalia a great deal.

"Is it really so late? I've just been so caught up in reading..." She started.
"It's three in the morning, Talia," Her mother interrupted her softly, wrapping an arm around her daughter, "What troubles you? It's Christmas time, I want you to be happy," She whispered.

"Mama... Do you want grandchildren?" She asked suddenly, looking at her mother with all seriousness.

"Is that it?" She asked, "Are you pregnant, dear? It's alright, if you are, we can find a way," She frowned, however.

"No, Mama, that's not it. I was just wondering. I haven't been in a real man's company since... Well, I don't know. I suppose a month, but it was just a small thing, not even a date," She quickly stopped her rambling.

"You're lonely," Her mother guessed.
"Increasingly so," She sighed, closing her book.
"You know, Roland is coming over tomorrow. I've heard that he fancies you a great deal. Perhaps you should give him a chance, Talia?" Her mother peered at her with curious eyes.

"Roland? Roland Mckenzie? I don't know, Mama..." She snuggled into her blanket, her mother wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

"At least consider him. It's been a long time, people change. Now, hush, sleep. Please," Her mother kissed her forehead before standing and walking back to bed. Natalia sighed, grabbing her book and blanket, walking upstairs to her bedroom silently. She slid her book into the old, white book-case and climbed into bed, staring out the window a moment before closing her eyes, drifting off to sleep.

The next morning, she awoke at eight, stretching as she sat up. Reminders of last night's dream hit her almost as soon as they left, leaving behind only a trace of what she had dreamt. She shook her head, trying not to think about it as she stood, grabbing her items before walking across the hall to the bathroom.

She took a long, hot shower, then got dressed in a knee-length, black skirt, slightly darkened pantyhose, a red, scoop necked, long-sleeved shirt, and black heels. She blow dried and straightened her hair, then outlined her eyes in black, applied black mascara, and red lipstick. She smiled at herself before starting downstairs.

As she started to descend down the steps she heard a familiar voice talking with her mother. She quickly walked down the rest of the steps and into the kitchen, quickly covering her frown with a friendly smile as she spotted the man her mother spoke to. Roland.

"Oh! Natalia, Sweetheart, good morning!" Victoria chimed, hugging her daughter.
"Good morning, Mama," She replied lovingly, kissing her cheek as they embraced. "Where's Audrey and Daddy?" She inquired, following her mother to the breakfast table, where Roland sat, gazing attentively at her.

"They went out to the store for a bit, they'll be back in an hour or two," She smiled, seating herself. Natalia went for a chair, met by Roland, who had it already pulled out.
"Natalia," He breathed, "It's been so long,"

"Roland, thank you," She paused as she sat, waiting for him to take his spot beside her, "It really has," She smiled, comparing the old, frail, geeky Roland she knew in high school to the man in front of her. He had a broad chest, and wasn't so frail, anymore. He was quite toned, actually, with light brown eyes and short brown hair. He wore a pair of glasses, square lenses with light brown frames. He had a slight goatee, but just barely. He wore a brown sweater, with two white lines across the breast, and khaki jeans, with brown loafers. Under his sweater was a light blue, collared shirt. The bottom of the shirt, and the collar were visible beneath it.

"You look good," He complimented, still somewhat shy in nature. She had to admit, though, he had definitely grown into a fine young man. He'd been trying to win her heart since freshman year.

"You, too, Roland," She took a drink of water from her mother's glass, setting it back into her hand with a small smile.

"So... How are things? Are you seeing anyone?" He sort of rushed his questions, quite obviously nervous.

"Things are good. And no, I'm not seeing anyone at this time," She replied slowly.
"You're not?!" He exclaimed, almost too excited, "I'm sorry... It's just... How does a girl like you stay single in a city like New York?" He asked worriedly.

"By choice," She returned with a small smile. "What about you?"

"Me?" He seemed surprised, "Isn't it obvious I'm single? Haven't I always been single?" He laughed.

"Things change," She nearly whispered, taking her mother's hand across the table.
"Only some," He sighed, leaning back in his chair. He then brightened with a smile, "I know it's been awhile since you've been home. Would you join me on a tour around town? I've only been for a few months, but I remember.." He trailed off.

"A few months? Where've you been?" Natalia asked curiously.

"Roland works in business, he's gained quite a bit of rank, I believe," Her mother spoke up with a knowing smile.

"Really?" Natalia perked up some, then laughed slightly, shaking her head before offering a warm smile, "I'd love to, Roland. I had no idea you were ever into business?" He stood, holding out his hand for her. She smiled, taking it. She'd always been attracted to a knowledgeable man, and was very surprised that he had turned out so well.

"Shall we?" He offered his arm, allowing her to slip her own arm through.
"I'll be back around in an hour or two, mama, take care," She leaned over to peck her mother's cheek before looping her arm around his.

"I will, dear. Have fun!" She smiled as she accompanied the two out the door.
Natalia nodded, for her mother's sake, grabbing her large, woolen coat before walking along with Roland to his car. He opened the passenger door, letting her in, before walking briskly around to the driver's side. He climbed in, pushing his keys into the ignition. He immediately started the car and began to back out of the driveway.

The conversation was minimal during the ten minute drive into town. Natalia felt herself smiling as she gazed out the window, little memories arising here and there. She suddenly turned to Roland as the town came into view, "Can we stop by the school?" She asked, hopeful.

He nodded with a small frown, "Why?"
"I want to remember.." She replied wistfully.

"Very well," He took a glance over at her, staring out the window like a child. He smiled to himself, knowing this was the closest chance he'd ever had to become her only.

"It hasn't changed.." She trailed, eyes smiling as they drove towards the small high school. As they slowly drove past, she felt a blanket of sorrow draped loosely about her shoulders. She realized slowly that she had not lived her teenage years as she really should have. She'd gotten so caught up in being the greatest student, that she never became a normal teenager.

"Not really. Same old drab building, the kids only getting dumbed down further," He laughed, adjusting the heater.

"So it seems," She agreed. "So, what else hasn't changed?" She smiled over at him, taking her attention from the school.

"Well, let's see, shall we?" He grinned, "How about a movie? The old theater's still standing,"

"What's playing?" She tilted her head ever so slightly, hesitant.

"Let's take a look, shall we?" He offered a quick smile before turning the car around, driving towards the little theater on the corner. The parking lot was relatively empty, save for about five cars. He found a parking spot close to the entrance and turned the car off, letting himself out. Natalia did the same, wrapping her coat tightly around herself.

He set his arm around her shoulder awkwardly as he led her to the ticket booth. He paid for two tickets to a romantic movie, then opened the door for her, bowing his head slightly. She laughed nervously, walking inside the warm lobby. He ordered a large popcorn and two sodas, then led her to theater six. They settled for two seats in the middle row, side by side.

Natalia began to feel uncomfortable, not wanting to be rude, while at the same time, she didn't want to lead him on. He was getting far to close and touchy for her likes. But she simply leaned over the opposite side of the chair, watching his hand before grabbing a handful of popcorn.

As the movie started, he inched just a little closer. She inched just a little farther away. It was a very sappy movie, and Natalia didn't enjoy it as much as she'd hoped. Between Roland, and the couple in front of her, shoving their tongues down each other's throats, she was not in a situation she much liked. She was quite relieved as the movie ended.

He tried to grab her hand a few times as they exited the theater, but she was having none of it, and opted for folding her arms over her torso instead. He offered to take her home, unusually nervous, and she promptly agreed. When they finally arrived home, she offered a tight smile before opening the car door. She nodded her goodbye before walking slowly up to her door. Just as she began to reach for the handle, he jumped out, running up to her, "Natalia! Wait!"

She stopped, turning to face him with a confused expression, "Roland?"
"I... Uhm... Uh..." He suddenly leant forward, wrapping his arms around her tightly as he smashed his lips over her own. Her eyes went wide in shock as his closed. She struggled in his arms, trying to speak against his horrid kiss. She finally pushed him off her after a moment or two of struggle, putting a hand over her lips.

He looked satisfied, as if she had enjoyed it. "Please, leave. Now," She demanded, her tone wounded.

"What?" He replied, shocked, "Why?"

"Why?" She breathed, "How dare you!" Her voice rose as she spoke, "How dare you force upon me your own need, when mine does not match. Please, take your leave, Roland!" Tears sprang to her eyes. She had never been kissed before, and however uncaring she was about the topic of love, her first kiss still meant the world to her. And he had just stolen that away from her.

"What?" He asked again, this time his voice was coated in dread.

"Leave, please," She softly asked of him, wrapping her arms around herself.
"You don't want to be with me," He said, more to himself than her, in disbelief. "But why not?" He started, "I'm successful, I've got money, reputation. I have got a place in this world, Natalia, what more could you want?" He ran a hand through his hair. She just noticed how expensive his clothes were. His watch and shoes, his car, and his attitude. None of that mattered. None of it bothered her.

"A companion," She answered quickly, truthfully, then opened the door, shoving herself in and closing it behind her. She disregarded the nagging feeling that she had been too cruel, too harsh. She pulled her coat off her arms and hung it beside the door, pulling herself into the dining room were her family sat, chatting happily.

"Natty!" Audrey sang, rushing over to wrap her baby sister in a tight hug, "How was your date?" She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.

"It wasn't a date, and it was alright, I suppose," She sighed as she hugged her sister, then moved over to her father, kissing his cheek before sitting down beside him. She strained a smile to her mother, "Are we making cards?"

"We are!" Her mother smiled, handing her a pre-folded card, "Make it out to whomever you like, Dear,"

"Could I get a few more? I'd like to make each of my friends one," She grabbed a pencil. It was tradition for her family to sit down, and hand make all of their Christmas cards.

"Of course, Sweetheart," She paused as she eyed Natalia, making it obvious she knew something had upset her.

"Thank you, Mama," She smiled quickly before starting on her cards, trying to forget about her morning with Roland.
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This chapter is dedicated to Leigh, my first commenter. Thank you so much.