The LBD Project
- Cover
- 1 - Moving Day
- 2 - Dear Diary
- 3 - Out Clubbing
- 4 - Bad Timing
- 5 - Unexpected Repercussions
- 6 - Just Good Friends?
- 7 - Surprises In The Night
- 8 - Caveat Emptor
- 9 - Hugs And Kisses
- 10 - Helpful Advice
- 11 - Shortcut Home
- 12 - More Helpful Advice
- 13 - Frogs And Princes
- 14 - Shooting Stars
- 15 - Acceptance
- 16 - 0 to 60 in 5.8 Seconds
- 17 - Epilogue
- Cast
- Comments
15 - Acceptance
Nathan cut the engine and quietly coasted the pickup to a stop in front of Helen's house. The clock on the dash read '01:08'
"Oh crap", declared Helen, pointing down the side of the house at the kitchen window, "Mum's still up."
Nathan turned to look at her, gently placing his hand over her's. She was sat, perfectly still, staring out the windscreen, deep in thought.
She blinked, looked down at his hand on her's, squeezed it and said, "Come in with me".
Without hesitation, Nathan released his seat-belt, jumped down from the pick-up, shot around to Helen's door, opened it and offered her his hand.
Helen got down. Still holding his comforting hand, she led him up the porch steps and into the house.
The hall was dimly illuminated by light spilling from the door to the kitchen. Helen decisively crossed the hall, almost dragging Nathan after her, and stood in the doorway.
Her mother looked up, placed her mug of tea on the table and said "Hels, ..."
"Mum", Helen cut her off, "I'd like you to meet Nathan", stepping to one side to allow Nathan to enter. She still had hold of his hand.
"My boyfriend", she added.
"You're out late ...", came a disembodied woman's voice.
Helen took another step into the room; her arm yanked backwards, still holding Nathan's hand it had abruptly stopped, like trying to move a mountain.
She could now see the other end of the table, where Nathan's mother was sitting, mug of tea in hand.
"... we were worried."
Nathan stepped into the room.
"Good evening Mrs O'Stuart", he said, slightly bowing his head, "Sorry I kept your daughter out past midnight, it was all my fault." He turned slightly, "Mum", he acknowledged.
"Nice to meet you Nathan, but, knowing my daughter, I very much doubt it was all your fault. I suspect she has her ways of distracting you."
Helen blushed furiously.
"You'll need to put stain remover on that", she added, indicating Nathan's collar.
Nathan's resulting blush was an almost identical shade to Helen's lipstick.
"I'd better unload the 'scope", Nathan stuttered, "and take the pickup back"
Helen reluctantly let go of his hand, lightly trailing her fingers across his palm.
"Want a lift Mum?", he added, turning to leave.
"Nathan", she called, "aren't you forgetting something?"
Nathan turned back, looking perplexed.
"You've not kissed Helen goodnight."
Their blushes deepened.
14 - Shooting Stars