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didn’t make a big deal of it. I just cleaned him up, he gave me a hug, kissed the top of my head, and we went out to ride his skateboard. This little ritual has been happening about once a week ever since.
     
    Nate doesn’t have the usual sadness in his eyes today though. He looks happy and that in turn makes me extremely happy. Stepping back I squeal,
    “You came!”
     
    He chuckles at me in the deep voice that he’s had since just after I met him. Mom says all boys’ voices get deeper as they got older. I thought it was weird, but whatever, I’ll take her word for it “Sure I did, pretty girl. I had to bring you your present, didn’t I?” Nate started working at the local mechanic’s shop after school and on weekends a little while back to earn what he calls, ‘play money’. I never expected him to buy me a present; that’s his money, he needs it far more than I need a gift.
     
    He never gets special gifts or treats, like other kids, when he does something good or just because. He has to buy it all himself. “You didn’t have to get me anything Nate. You coming today is more than good enough for me. In fact, it’s the best present ever.” Giving me another quick hug, he hands me a square box measuring about three-inches by three-inches. Unwrapping it carefully, I open it and gasp out loud. Inside is a beautiful silver charm bracelet. It’s got three charms on it already and it’s gorgeous. One charm is a skateboard; Nate explains that’s for him. One’s a paintbrush; again Nate explains that’s for me. The last is a heart that has ‘Best Friends,’ engraved on it. It’s by far the most beautiful present I ever received and I promise myself I’ll cherish it forever. Throwing my arms around him, I squeeze as tightly as my eleven-year-old arms can, thanking him softly, “It’s the best present ever, Nate. You shouldn’t have spe…..”
     
    Putting his hand over my mouth he stops me mid-sentence. “Yes, I should have. You’re my best friend, Ronnie, and it’s your birthday. Now, hold out your arm so I can put it on.” Dutifully doing what he says, Nate puts my bracelet on and twists my arm back and forth, inspecting it from every angle with a brilliant smile on his face. I have to tell you, I cry just a few tears then; happy ones but tears nonetheless.
     
    We spend the rest of the day swimming, laughing, playing water volleyball, and eating far too much food than was healthy. It’s the best birthday I’ve ever had, and it’s all because of Nate. He made my day. Tonight just before I fall asleep, I do something I haven’t done for a very long time. I thank God, for the day he bought Nate to me.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

CHAPTER THREE
    Veronica
     
                  I’ve been staying at Nate’s for just over two weeks now, and I’m getting beyond restless. Actually, restless isn’t a fitting enough word for the emotional state I’m in. I’m discombobulated. Sure, I’m bored out of my mind, but that’s not the cause of my restlessness. Nate’s been the perfect host, and semi-caregiver the entire time I’ve been here, attentive without being completely overbearing. That in itself is infuriating, and therein lies the problem.
     
    I don’t want him to be the sweet, caring boy I remembered from all those years ago. I definitely don’t want him to look at me with lust, hunger, and love in his eyes. He’s making it hard to keep the walls around my heart reinforced, and all this, after just four days of staying in the same house as him. He’s given me space since the conversation we had the first day he brought me here. The space he gives me extends to his physical presence as well, but I’m hyperaware of his eyes following me, and the intense looks he gives me when he thinks I’m not looking. I’m always looking. I see every last one, and there are many.
     
    I’ve tried my best to ignore them, tune them out. It just isn’t