Finding love - 14. Chapter 14

Nathan’s P.O.V.

I understand a lot of you hate me and would love to see me run out of town. I asked to be the narrator of a chapter to prove I’m not an asshat. I am so glad AquariusGuy agreed.

So after I went batshit (pun intended) on Noah’s room, my parents and grandparents shipped me off to Cousin Emerson and his farm, well it’s not really a farm but that’s what the family calls it. It’s officially known as TJM Family Ranch; basically it’s a safe haven for LGBTQIA+. The land has been in the family for a while and is put to good use. I’m here because they think Emerson is better equipped to help me.

“So the Doctor reviewed the files that were sent over and did some scans of Nathan’s head,” Emerson said while talking to Mom and Dad who had arrived a few minutes ago. “He was very concerned as he stated it doesn’t look like the concussion that Nathan suffered at age 7 was treated and followed up on.”

“What do you mean it wasn’t treated? We took Nathan to the Doctor’s plenty of times.” Mom said agitated.

“Look Megan, it boils down to what his doctor didn’t do and based off the summary sheets that you provided he basically wrote it off and Nathan was left to fend for himself. He has displayed most of the common signs of a concussion; mainly mood and personality changes.”

“He was always a caring and kind boy but after he fell off the playground equipment things changed.” Mom said.

“Honey, I told you something was off about Nathan but those damn doctors insisted things were good and Nathan was just moody and eventually they said he was being a teenager.” Dad said.

“I also see he’s playing football and that is going to have to end. Any more hits to the head could have a detrimental effect.”

“Noah once told me he was done trying to be nice to Nathan. He said he felt shunned by him. Sure he doted on his little brothers but Nathan never let that happen. He always pushed Noah away no matter how hard he tried. It was one thing that always weighed heavily on Noah.” Mom said.

“There is something that Noah should have known,” I said breaking my silence. “Maybe if I had told him he’d still be here.” I said and tears started to flow.

“Told him what?” Mom asked as she moved closer to comfort me.

I sat there a blubbering mess and Emerson, Mom and Dad tried to comfort me but it was just too much.

“I was raped,” I blurted out.

“What!” I heard from the three of them as Mom attempted to pull me even closer than I already was.

I was bawling my eyes out and felt so relieved to finally say something. I didn’t know who I could tell and his family is so well connected that I was afraid no one would believe me.

“I want a name,” Dad growled.

“Take it easy Nate, don’t scare him. I will have to report the rape to the authorities in Maryland, as I am assuming that is where it happened,” Emerson asked and I nodded in the affirmative.

“When you are ready, you can tell us or just Emerson. Your father and I will be there every step of the way,” Mom said.

“It’s one of the reason’s I hated Noah,” I sighed. “Before you ask it wasn’t him.”

“Jonah,” dad shouted. “God damn it, I knew that boy had a screw loose and I told you something was going on between him and Nathan.”

“How did you know?” I said shocked that dad got it right.

“One night I heard crying when I was sitting in the living room and I went to investigate and Jonah was coming out of your room and said you had a nightmare and he comforted you. I knew something was off but I couldn’t put my finger on it and you corroborated his story the next morning. Have we failed as parents? Our son’s concussion gets worse and he’s raped. Our other son gets in the car with the drunk driver and is killed. Then there is Mattie whose life imploded at losing Noah. Makes me wonder what’s wrong with Nick.”

“Do you think he wanted to make a pass at Mattie once he came out?” Mom theorized. “He did visit him in the hospital.”

“It would make sense that he would probably look for a new target and would for a vulnerable person,” Emerson said. “If memory serves, he is from a well-connected family?”

“Yes,” Mom replied. “Not as connected as we are though.”

“How did he beat the charges then?” Emerson asked.

“A technicality that was never fully explained,” Dad said.

“We need to act very carefully and Megan, your brother needs to know to keep an eye out and be with Mattie as much as possible,” Emerson said.

“I will call my father and see if Ted has made it yet,” Mom said and took her phone out, “First I need cell service.”

“Could I go for a walk?” I asked.

“Yes, that’s fine,” Dad replied.

As I closed the door I could hear them starting to plan and something about a signature family move? I shrugged and walked following the sound of someone chopping wood.

In a clearing just off the path closet to the cabin I could see this God like man chopping wood. He was a sight to see, he was absolutely breath taking, shirtless, sweaty, dark hair in kind of a shag cut and ripped, I think I’m in love.

“Take a picture, it’ll last longer,” the guy said followed by a really cute laugh.

“Um what,” I stammered.

“It’s ok, a lot of people stare. I’m Luca,” he said holding out his hand.

“Nathan,” I said and shook his hand but I was trembling. Get it together Nathan.

“So you’re Emerson’s cousin?”

“Sort of, he’s my mom’s cousin I think.”

“Want some water? It’s cold.”

“Sure,” I said and took the bottle he handed me.

“Trying to get some more wood chopped so we can begin the drying process. Emerson takes his time when it comes to hands on chores,” Luca laughed again. It was so adorable.

“I guess, wouldn’t know I just got here.”

“Yeah, I know. You’re our VIP came in via helicopter.”

“I did? I don’t remember.”

“Yeah you were out of it when you arrived. Your grandparents team helped unload you and Emerson was making sure everyone was taken care of.”

“So are you a patient here too?”

“Well I was,” he motioned to the stump next to him and I took a seat. I could smell him and it was intoxicating and I was trying to breath him in. “You ok Nathan?”

“Um yeah,” I stammered and he laughed.

“Let me get a shirt,” he made to get up but I stopped him and he laughed.

“So you were saying,” I said dreamily.

“I was a patient here. My parents brought me here because I was being beat up and I retaliated thus being brought here. While I was here healing with Emerson and Jeff, my parents packed up and moved. They had the decency to send my stuff and adoption papers.”

“Well that was nice of them,” I said sarcastically.

“Jeff was so mad and told me that he would make sure our family name couldn’t move past my brothers or father. He said something about a family move?”

“Honestly, I don’t know what that is. I heard Emerson mention it to my parents a bit ago and it made my mother laugh. It must be funny.”

“So what brings you here?”

“I found out my concussion I got as a kid never healed and I was a dick to everyone but especially to my little brother.”

“Sounds like a rough time. I can tell you that Emerson and Jeff are going to make you work on bettering yourself. It’s not an overnight process and you will break down a few times.”

“Do you think you could be there to help me through it?”

“Maybe,” he said with a wink.

“Hey Luca, Nathan,” Emerson said walking over. “I need to steal Nathan for a bit.”

“Sure Emerson. I need to finish chopping wood,” Luca replied.

“Well you two can hang out after dinner,” Emerson said and led me back to the cabin. “We need to talk more about Jonah and what happened and when.”

How's that for a twist... a concussion and then raped? 
If you don't know the signature Michaels family move, it will be discussed in the next chapter. No need to read my other story unless you are so inclined or if my regulars mention it in their comments below.
Just know to expect the unexpected with me.
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@Wesley8890your crow sir?