by Blythe Stone
“Nice to meet you,” Stan said.
He ran his hands through his hair and leaned angrily against the wall.
“I saw the video. You saved her.” Stan looked at Nat. “Thank you.” He’d obviously been really shaken.
“I couldn't wait,” Nat sighed. “Everyone else had been waiting for something to happen. And Iris was in there, alone.”
“She's gonna be okay. She's gotta be okay,” Stan said, trying to comfort.
Nat was torn between snapping at him and comforting him. His existence in Iris’s life had only ever served to bring her pain.
“Do you want me to get you some food or something, baby?” Olivia soothed.
There had been footage outside the theater. Natalie and her friends standing fearfully around the cop cars while the paparazzi looked on across a designated line in the distance.
It’d been a while. Nat had to be hungry.
“No. Thank you,” Nat said, too defeated to want to eat.
“This is my fault. I should have done something more,” Stan growled and smacked his fist into the wall.
“You're not helping,” Nat said.
“Do you wanna go somewhere else,” Olivia whispered.
Michael came back in and handed Natalie her phone. “Took a while but I got it.”
“Thanks,” Nat said. She stood up then and so did Olivia. “Can you guys call me if something changes?”
“Definitely,” Stan said.
“Sure,” Michael agreed. He was planning on staying for as long as it took.
“I'll be back,” Nat said. Distance from the sad place could only be a good thing since it very much stressed her out. At any moment some doctor could wander out and ruin her life with terrible news.
Olivia held Nat's hand and followed her outside the main doors.
“Do you have a car?”
“No,” Olivia sighed. “Sorry.”
“God baby, don't apologize for that.”
“Well, I feel bad,” Olivia said. “You just like- attacked a potential murderer and saved someone. I should at least take care of you somehow.”
“You are,” Nat said, tugging on her arm while they walked. “You're here aren't you?”
“Yeah but-” All that footage was so scary and somehow familiar to her. Nat couldn’t be in danger alone. Olivia wouldn’t allow that.
“Stop,” Nat smiled. “You're being ridiculous. I'm just glad that you're here. Stan was just about to drive me up the wall.”
“Iris's manager?”
“The one and only.”
“I'm not sure why I imagined him differently.”
“Well, he's family,” Nat explained.
There was a diner across the street and they both stopped at the crosswalk to wait for the light.
“Are you okay?”
“What? Oh God. Don't ask me that,” Olivia said, stressed. “I should be asking you.”
“I- will take that - as a no,” Nat laughed. Her eyes were still perpetually weeping but Olivia always made her feel better.
They smiled over at each other while the cars whooshed by them at high speeds.
“This terrified me,” Olivia said, eyes filling up with tears.
“Yeah,” Nat laughed, shaking her head and trying not to imagine how much. “Me too,” she nodded.
More cars swooshed by. There was a long moment of silence.
Olivia breathed in shakily. Nat pulled her into a hug and kissed her forehead. “We’re okay,” she whispered protectively.
“I love you,” Olivia cried. “You can't die.”
“I know,” Nat said, holding her.
Before this moment, Nat didn't think it was possible that her heart could hurt more.
“I'm sorry,” Olivia shook in her sobs.
“We're okay,” Nat said. For the first time since Iris was taken she actually felt it. “We're okay.”
No beast on earth could erase the strong ties she found or the love that made her feel saved.
Chapter 32
To See Her Again
When Iris's parents arrived, Stan went to pick them up. It was the only way he was useful. He did things and fixed stuff. He couldn't fix what was happening to Iris right now.
They arrived an hour after Iris was out of surgery and put off introductions until after they could be briefed by the surgeon and return to everyone else.
Stan introduced everyone to Linda and Tom and let Iris's mother take the floor.
“They told us that she's stable and on her way to recovery. The knife missed everything important but her liver, which they repaired. They're going to let us see her soon and then we can send you all to see her in shifts,” Linda said.
“So, she's gonna be okay?” Stan asked.
“Yes, thank God,” Tom said.
Linda walked away from her husband and placed a hand on Nat's shoulder.
“Walk with me, please,” Linda said.
She led Nat away from the others and once they were alone in a small alcove that housed several vending machines she looked Nat in the eyes.
“Thank you for saving my daughter. She told me a lot about you in texts and emails and I'm proud that she chose someone worthy to spend her love on,” Linda said.
“It's nice to finally meet you,” Nat said. She couldn't address the things Iris's mom said. Not with Iris alone in some scary hospital room somewhere. “Just wish it was under better circumstances.”
“Me too. Would you like to come in and see her with us?” Linda asked.
“Yes,” Nat said, a little confused. Why the fuck would she not want to see Iris? The small swell of anger pinched her chest and she held it.
“Come on, they're letting us back in a few minutes,” Linda said.
“Okay,” Nat said, thrown. She followed Iris's mom back to the group and stood beside Iris's family as her heart thumped and sped.
A nurse came out and led them back to the elevators and they took them up to the recovery floor.
The group was silent until the doors opened and they walked out to a hallway with a waiting room on the left.
“You guys can wait here for your turn to see her. I'm guessing Mom and Dad are first?” The nurse said.
“And Natalie,” Tom added.
The nurse led the three back to a room in the corner near the nurses station on that floor.
“It's 304, right there. She's been sleeping and when she wakes she's going to be groggy. Let us know if you need anything,” the nurse said.
Linda walked to the door right away and opened it, entering as quietly as she could.
Iris lay in a bed with the covers pulled up to her chest, the blue and white hospital gown was far too big on her. She looked small and pale.
Bruises marked her arms and neck but the biggest damage was below, hidden by the blanket.
“Oh honey,” Linda said.
She stood by the bed and took one of Iris's hands. Tom came and put his arm around Linda. They looked down on her as she slept.
Nat came and stood beside Iris on the opposite side of the bed. One of Iris's hands lay open and Nat stared down on it, sliding her fingers into the soft familiar skin.
So many nights and days before Nat had been stroking this skin and holding this particular hand. Her chest rose and fell rapidly.
Iris's eyes opened slowly and she looked up at her parents and then over at Nat. A small smile appeared on her face.
She opened her mouth to speak but coughed instead. Linda hurried and poured a glass of water from the pitcher on the bedside table.
She held the cup up and Iris took it, frowning at the pain the movement caused.
She sipped the water and handed it back to her mom.
“You're here,” Iris said to Nat.
“Of course I am,” Nat said, staring down on her.
“I'm really happy to see you guys. I didn't think I was going to get to for a while there,” Iris said, turning to her parents.
“You scared us,” Tom said.
<
br /> He leaned down and gently hugged his daughter.
“Give the girl a kiss and let's let these two visit,” Tom said.
Linda leaned in and kissed Iris on the head. Of course, she couldn’t help but smooth her baby’s hair where it was mussed.
“We'll be close,” Linda said.
“I love you, both of you,” Iris reminded.
“We love you too,” Linda said.
They left the room and it was just Nat and Iris. They must’ve sensed it, how much the two girls needed to talk.
“Come here,” Iris said.
She scooted over on the bed, making little noises when it hurt. She was weak but smiling.
Nervous, Nat got up on the bed and faced her, touching a hand to Iris’s cheek and kissing her lips. Her baby. Her baby was alive.
A rush of attraction fled through her like a pack of the wildest horses. A tender heart making the moment more intense. “I’m so glad you’re okay,” Nat said, pushing her forehead into Iris’s as she allowed her eyes to fall to a close.
“I'm sorry you had to worry,” Iris whispered.
She closed her eyes and rested against Nat, feeling safe.
“Are you okay?” Nat asked. Iris was in bad shape. Her smile lit up Nat’s heart but there were bruises on Iris’s body and Nat had seen the state of her situation back there in the motel. What had led to the bruises or the wound that leaked blood, that was all a mystery right now.
“I am now. You came and got me. I tried to keep him as far away from you as possible but I knew you'd come.”
“As far away from me,” Nat repeated. “I'd rather it be me,” Nat said, stressed. “Anyway, he's in jail now. We don't have to think about him.”
“And I'd rather it be me so we're the same,” Iris said. “He threatened you. That's why I went with him. Besides the part where he was holding a knife to my skin.”
“Iris…”
Nat didn’t want to think about that, or know that, which was probably mean. Self-sacrifice over her was complete and utter nonsense. Nat was sure she could hold her own in a fight and have no regrets in doing so.
“You don’t need to protect me.”
“You're my girl,” Iris reminded. As she smiled tears hung in her eyes and Nat could see how proud she was. “We protect one another. It's a two way street, babe.”
“Yeah but I’m a fighter,” Nat said, shaking her a little and flaring her eyes. It was a tease but it even hurt to tease, given the circumstances. “You’re too important to risk.”
“You're a fighter but you're too important to me to risk. I'm not as physically strong as you but I'm not weak either. He wasn't going to touch you if I could help it.”
“He wanted you,” Nat reminded. “Not me.” Nat paused a second and breathed in carefully. “Did he touch you much?”
Iris opened her eyes and looked at Nat.
“Oh, no. He kissed me, that was it. I played along until I could grab the knife.”
“Poor thing,” Nat said, staring. “I hate that I can’t just stay with you. Your whole family is here.” Nat kissed Iris on the cheek a few times and nudged her with her forehead, burrowing in close to her neck.
“You're not going anywhere. You're family too,” Iris said. She closed her eyes again and breathed deep. The smells and feel of Nat made it ok.
“Yeah but, they’re going to push me out soon,” Nat said. “They don’t want us to wear you out.”
“You don't wear me out. You make me better. I'll make them let you stay,” Iris replied.
“Well, I mean. You can try,” Nat said, snuggling into her. She didn't want to go anywhere anyway.
“I'll get the doctor to prescribe you,” Iris said. She opened her eyes and leaned her head back a little. “Are you okay? This entire thing has been insane,” Iris said.
“I'm okay,” Nat said. “Today was just the absolute worst.”
“Today was hell. I'm not sure it's sunk in. Right now, I can't let it. I just hope he's gone forever,” Iris said.
“He'll at least be gone for a very long time,” Nat soothed. Certain crimes were tried more prosperously than others. “I guess, in a way, this was a good thing. They now have him behind bars and he's not some anonymous boogeyman who can show up at any time.” Like Ben.
Iris nodded and grew quiet after that. There were only so many words.
“I'm so sorry sweetie,” Nat said, kissing Iris's skin.
“It's okay. I mean, it's not okay but it happened and now we just have to live, I guess.”
“And live we shall,” Nat smiled. “No more boogeymen.”
“I think I might sleep now but don't go anywhere. I need my pillow,” Iris said.
She situated herself so her head lay on the left side of Nat's chest.
“Okay,” Nat breathed, adjusting to hold her. She couldn't wait to get Iris home but she had to wait now. Iris needed to be watched for a time.
“Wait do you need anything?” Iris asked.
“No,” Nat breathed. “No. I've got everything I need.”
“Okay, good,” Iris said, cuddling in. All the reality of where they were, and why, could wait. She needed the safety of denial. Nat's heartbeat kept her grounded. Iris let it be her guide into sleep.
Chapter 33
True Paradise
Waves lapped at the side of the boat and the sun shone down on Iris as she lay on the deck of a small yacht.
Nat had gone to get them drinks but Iris still felt her absence. She might be too clingy but Nat didn't seem to mind so Iris didn't try to stop.
Billy was still awaiting trial, the movie was now widely released, and they were free to do whatever they wanted for a month. After that they would leave for Iris and Jared's European tour.
That was only a month. Then, they’d be free to do anything. Iris planned on taking a long break from music to focus on herself. She needed this relationship to work and she needed help.
For now, they were getting away. They had borrowed a studio exec's yacht for an extended vacation.
“Here you are,” Nat said. She looked down and smiled from ear-to-ear as she handed Iris a cool drink. Tan flawless skin glistened from several days in the sun. Iris had to say, it suited her. Nat belonged anywhere sun kissed, anywhere that was paradise.
“Yes! Thank you,” Iris said.
She sat up and took the drink, sipping from the straw and sighing after she swallowed. It was the perfect fruity cocktail, on the perfect boat, with the perfect woman. Iris was happy for once.
Nat sat beside her and relaxed. “Do you ever wonder what your life would be like if you had different parents?”
“Hmm, no but I'm guessing you have?” Iris laughed.
“Not often,” Nat laughed. “It's just funny. How much it shapes and changes you.”
“That's true. How did it change you?”
They had touched on childhood some but not enough for Iris's taste. She wanted to know everything about Natalie. And there was so much yet to know.
“Oh, you know,” Nat said. “In every possible way.” She smiled over at Iris and clinked her glass against hers.
“I hope some of it was good,” Iris said.
“I dunno,” Nat shrugged. “I’m just happy about where I am now. Who I am...” Her past was mainly confusing and trying.
“Me too. If you weren’t you then I’d be sad,” Iris said.
She took a long draw off of the straw in her drink and sighed after she swallowed. It was just the right ratio of liquor to sweet fruit juice. Iris loved how they were right now. It made everything okay again. No one could touch them out here, on the blue, in the middle of the sea.
The only other people here were the crew of five and they had all been heavily vetted. The fear and anxiety was gone for now. The trauma still lingered in the back of her mind though. Nat had woken her from nightmares every night since she was released from the hospital. Iris knew it worried Nat but she thought it would fade. Especially, if she sought help like she plan
ned to do.
“I just think about it sometimes,” Nat smiled calmly. The sea was an excellent place to go over the past from a safe secure distance. Later, they’d go for a swim in the deep but right now was for healing.
“Of course, the past is always there. You can’t forget where you came from,” Iris said.
“I just wonder what kind of person I could’ve been,” Nat teased. “People always think I’m so well-rounded and outgoing but really I never had it any other way. I had to be well-rounded and I had to be outgoing. I had to perform and escape. We become what our environment demands of us in some ways.”
Nat leaned back on her elbows and looked up at the sun. “Shit, it feels good out here.”
“You’re right. I got to hide except when I wanted to perform. So, sometimes I hide now. You’re strong, that’s good but I’m sorry you had to go through what you did to become yourself,” Iris said. She looked up at the sky. “And you’re right. It’s a perfect day.”
“It's just crazy how intense life is sometimes,” Nat explained. “I've gotten so used to the changes. It's nice to have stability but it never feels real. Even now.”
“Things haven’t been very stable lately but I get it,” Iris replied.
“You can't even know how great it's felt to be with you,” Nat said candidly. She cleared her throat since the words made her emotional.
“You’re going to make me cry this time. I feel the same way. I can’t imagine you not being in my life and I don’t want to try. So, I’m just going to enjoy our time,” Iris said.
Nat laughed through teary eyes and sat up to tug Iris in closer to her. “If you leave me I'll have to retaliate,” Nat teased.
“The only time I’m leaving you is when I have to go to the bathroom. You still haven’t realized that I’m completely obsessed with you,” Iris replied.
“Mmm. Tell me more about this obsession,” Nat flirted.
“I never think about anything or anyone else and I’m addicted. Your scent, face, body, voice, and everything else really are my drug. It’s probably unhealthy but I like it,” Iris said, pushing her sunglasses up so Nat could see her magical eyes, the eyes that stoll her away into a world of only grand things.