Nathan just sat in the backseat feeling like the same screw up he was sitting in this car at fifteen. He remembered that day is if it was yesterday. He remembered the butterflies in his stomach. Although he was no stranger to new homes, he trusted none of them. Something that almost came back to haunt him.
Nathan yawned and rubbed his eyes, fighting against his urge to take a nap.
"Just go to sleep, Nathan. We'll wake you up when we get home yea?" Erin questioned when she turned around to face him.
"Okay. Promise you'll wake me?"
"Yes, Kid. We will," Ryan assured, as he looked at his through the rearview mirror.
Nathan just nodded and rested his head on his shoulder, shifting uncomfortably until sleep took him over.
Groaning as felt his shoulder being shaken, Nathan forced his eyes open; he blinked twice before he sat up.
"Come on, Kid. Dylan's waiting for you. You just need to bring you backpack, we've got everything else," Ryan said kindly before stepping aside, making room for Nathan to get out.
Obeying Ryan, Nathan undid his seatbelt and grabbed his backpack from the floor of the tesla before getting out.
"Why didn't you bring the truck?" Nathan questioned as they passed the vehicle in the garage.
"It's got an oil leak; I'm taking it to the garage later," Ryan answered, opening the door and walking into the kitchen.
"How long will it take to get it fixed?" Nathan questioned.
"It should only take a couple of days. Now come on; let's put your stuff away before Dylan wakes up," Ryan ordered.
"He was fine last night. Right?" Nathan questioned as they walked out of the kitchen.
"He cried a lot. It took about thirty minutes to calm him," Ryan admitted.
"Why? He's never that bad with me," Nathan admitted.
"He just missed you."
"He's been without me before."
"But that was only for a couple of hours, not overnight," Ryan spoke as he opened Nathan's bedroom door.
Compared to the half an hour, It took them to pack everything; it only took twelve minutes to unpack and put everything away. With Dylan still sleeping, they both made their way downstairs.
Reaching the island, Nathan took a seat at one of the bar stools, while Erin was cooking.
"What are you making?" Ryan questioned, turning the coffee machine on after handing Nathan a glass of orange juice; he smiled when he saw the teen's eyes light up.
"Pancakes," Erin said happily, smiling as Ryan kissed her cheek.
"If I knew I would walk into that, we would have stayed upstairs." Nathan smiled as Scarlett walked into the kitchen with a sleepy Dylan in her arms.
"Hey, Bud." Nathan greeted, standing and taking his son from Scarlett.
When he realized he was in his dad's arms, Dylan bounced and squealed when Nathan tickled him.
"I still can't believe how much he's grown," Nathan admitted, as Dylan began biting his toy. "Has he's been fed and changed?" Nathan questioned taking Dylan's toy from him and replacing it with a dummy.
"I've changed him. The formulas in the fridge," Scarlett admitted; she held her hand out for the bunny. Smiling to her, Nathan handed it to her.
"Here's his bottle." Nathan smiled as Ryan handed him the bottle.
"Dylan's probably old enough to go on baby food..." Erin started as she placed the pancakes on plates. "I could get some from the store if you wanted."
Nodding, Nathan shifted the bottle so Dylan could get more milk.
"How are you doing?" Scarlett questioned as she walked into Nathan's bedroom; Nathan turned when he heard her voice.
"It's weird being back here," Nathan admitted, spinning around in his chair ah Scarlett sat on his bed. "It's one thing spending some nights here...at least then, I had my place. Now I just feel like that fifteen-year-old again."
"I get that. Don't take this the wrong way... but it's weird having you back."
"I know what you mean," Nathan assured. "I just wish I didn't lose it."
"My mum shouldn't have asked you that."
"It's no excuse. I shouldn't have tried to hit her."
"Nate, don't beat yourself up. You were fifteen with anger issues. I would have said the same thing."
"You? You're too polite. Anyway, do you know where Dylan is?"
"That's what I came up for! My mum wants to know if she can take Dylan shopping with her."
"Of course she can," Nathan answered before turning back to his laptop to complete his coursework.
After Scarlett left, Nathan continued typing. He knew his deadline was approaching fast. He had one week to write the beginning of a novel. Nathan was just thankful that he had the week of work.
"Ryan, can we talk?" Nathan questioned as he walked into Ryan's office.
"It seems after two years you still haven't learned how to knock," Ryan smiled as he gestured to the chair in front of him.
"Have you heard anything from your friend?" Nathan questioned.
"You haven't had the interview yet, Kid. After you've gotten past that, then I'll put a word in for you. Okay?"
Nathan sighed as he nodded.
"What's wrong?"
"It's just..." Nathan sighed "I'm sick of having no time. If I'm not working, I'm doing schoolwork, at collage or just doing chores. Well, I was. Now I have to worry about finding a new home and somehow affording to stay here and buy a new place!" Nathan raged.
"Nathan. All of those problems are because of work. Yes?" Ryan continued after Nathan nodded. "Then quit. Don't you think for a second I'll make you pay for staying here, I don't care if you're here for a month or three years. I won't let you leave until I know you'll be fine. Even after you leave, If you need us we'll always be here. Okay?"
"So you're saying quit?"
"That's exactly what I'm saying. It's driving you mad. There is no reason for you to stay there. We'll gladly pay for what you need. Spend more time on your course work instead. Losing this job won't do you any harm. All it will do is boost Jason's chances of hiring you. It's your choice. At least sleep on it okay?"
"Yea thanks," Nathan smiled and walked out, heading to his room.
After collapsing on his bed; Nathan reached for his phone. He couldn't stop a smile coming onto his face when he read his text.
Lucas 13:01
Hey! Are you doing anything later? It's been a while since I've seen you.
13:09
I'm not busy. Where are we meeting?
Lucas 13:11
It's a surprise. Pick you up at university at 5?
13:12
Sure I'll be there
Nathan placed his phone on the bedside table. He had just under five hours. Deciding he had enough time for a nap. Within five minutes of closing his eyes, Nathan was already asleep.