CHAPTER FOUR: I NEED YOUR HELP
"Natalie, is that your cousin??" Chrisler whispered, as both he and Nat stood facing Lillian, who was standing in front of Nat's car.
"Yeah she is." Nat whispered back to him.
"Natalie. Oh my God, I still can't believe you're here with me." Lillian exclaimed as she saw Nat and hugged her.
"Yeah. Me too." She then released herself from the hug and said "this is Chrisler, one of my closest friends. Chrisler, this is my cousin, Lillian."
"Nice to meet you." Chrisler quickly said as he stretched his hand out for a handshake.
Lillian just starred at his hand briefly, before she finally said "it's nice to meet you too." Without taking his hand.
Chrisler and Nat just awkwardly laughed to ease the tension that suddenly aroused, before Chrisler put his hand back in his pocket.
"Why don't we get going? I don't want us reaching home late." Nat said.
"Yeah. Okay." Lillian replied and turned around to enter the car.
Before Nat would go, Chrisler stopped and said "I want to talk to you. Alone, before you go. It won't take long."
"Lillian I'll be back soon. The car is open." Nat said.
"Okay." Lillian replied.
"I need your help" Chrisler said.
"With what??" Nat asked.
"Can you help me with Lillian's number?"
Nat laughed hysterically before she said " you saw the way she is. She is not as friendly as me. And, she isn't into boys. Not like she's gay, but that's just how she is. Besides she wouldn't even agree. And I can't give my cousin's number to a Playboy."
"Please Nat. I didn't say I want to date her yet. At least we can just be friends. Please." He begged.
"Fine. But I'll have to ask her first, the decision is hers to make."
"C'mon Nat, we both know she wouldn't agree."
"Then I'm afraid I can't help you. Sorry bro." Nat said and patted him on his shoulder before entering her car.
**********
"So, how's life here? Is it tough?" Nat asked during the drive to Lillian's house.
"You weren't expecting to find it easy were you?" Lillian asked.
"Well, I was. I mean not exactly but at least, no matter how difficult it is, I know I'll sail through." Nat said
"Awwwn, the sweet words of a freshman. Well, I wouldn't blame you because, you haven't started yet so you don't know what it's like to be in college." Lillian replied.
"Is it that bad??" Nat asked.
"You have to start and experience it yourself. "
"By the way, when are you starting??" Lillian asked.
"The Dean said I could start next week or if we're having any lectures this week I could also go. But I'm not sure if I'll go this week since he said the first week isn't usually busy." Nat said.
"But are you even ready?? I mean, have you gotten over the issues at home?? Are your parents back together??" Lillian asked.
"Well, they are back together. But things aren't the same as before."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Like, they're not that in love with each other. It's as if they were forced to remain in the marriage because of me."
"Well, actually, if you think about it, it's because of you they got back together. So technically, they were forced."
"But couldn't they at least pretend to still love each other in my presence."
"It's not that easy Nat. At least you tried your best."
"Yeah, I guess so."
**********
"Chrisler, on second thoughts, I think we need to go house hunting tomorrow." Nat said to Chrisler over the phone as soon as she got to Lillian's house and saw the environment.