Two ugly pasts, two broken people

Chapter 4 (Nathaniel's POV)

"So what's your real story? The one behind escaping Canada and traveling across the world to Europe?"

Like really woman?

Aim for the most painful answers, won't you?

But honestly, as much as I wanted to be annoyed with her question, I could hear genuine curiosity behind her words for the first time in the past half an hour.

And at first, I just wanted to tell her it was none of her business, but in the end, a nagging feeling inside me won. That feeling was telling me that I should confide in someone. And somehow I felt like even though she was a bitch the whole time, I could trust her.

Since I hid my pain behind a dumb hockey player persona, I would bet she was also hiding her real pain behind her bitchy attitude.

And maybe, just maybe, I could tell her my side and she would share hers. It was a long shot, but the only one I had at the moment.

"My parents both died in a car accident a few months back, and ever since I've been practically haunted by memories. Either good or bad once. Wherever I looked, I saw them. And I guess, I just got tired of all the pain and self-pity I felt. It was time to let go of the memories and start with a blank page. And the offer that Hawks sent me, came at just the right time. There is one thing my mother taught me. Never ignore a sign when you see or get one. And the offer was definitely a sign in my opinion."

I could still remember that day as if it happened just yesterday. To say I was depressed would be a huge understatement. Better words to describe that point of my life would be: I was giving up on everything. Meaning hockey, friends, and my life in general.

So you see, without that offer that landed on my laptop, there would be close to no chance of me being in London today.

While I was lost in my thoughts I felt a warm hand squeeze my own in a gesture of comfort.

"I am sorry about your parents Nathaniel. I wish I could say I know the pain of losing someone that was so close to you, but I can't. I never knew my parents, and the closest person to me was Miss. Annie. Well, you could say she was the closest thing to a mother. But she was in my life for only 5 years and then she passed away. I guess her death did make me sad, but it is also different since I didn't know her my whole life."

That part of the information shocked me even more than the fact that she was holding my hand.

She actually willingly gave me an insight into her own pain, and like I said before and she proved me right, she had her own demons that made her as bitchy as she was.

And now I kind of felt bad for my behavior but admittedly in the past few months, it became like a second nature. You could say I was an asshole. Not born that way, but circumstances shaped me like that.

"Listen, princess, I am sorry for my assholish comments."

Even though I was apologizing, she glared at me. Like what the hell?

"Could you stop calling me princess? I am sure I look nothing like a princess."

I took a moment to give her another once over and sure, she was dressed casually, but somehow still managed to look outstanding in my opinion. Don't ask me what it was about her because I had no idea, but something was special. 

But there was a more obvious reason behind my calling her a princess.

"No can do. After all, you won't tell me your name, so I have no other choice."

"You could find a better pet name. See I only know you for half an hour and I found a suitable pet name for you. It's asshole in case you were wondering."

A chuckle escaped me against my will. Damn, I liked a woman that gave as hard as she got.

"Hmm let's see. Would sweetheart be better? Or maybe a munchkin? Pumpkin? Sweetie?"

"God help me, Nathaniel! If I tell you my name, will you stop?"

My answer was at the tip of my tongue the second she finished her question, but I still acted like I needed a moment to think about it.

"Maybe. But I give no promises."

She sighed in exasperation but I suspected that the exasperation was forced. It just sounded like it.

"Valentina. My name is Valentina. Are you happy now?"

"Valentina. It suits you."

Her name on my lips was barely a whisper but I knew she liked it because a shudder went through her and goosebumps erupted all over her arms. Well, at least where I could see her exposed skin.

And honestly, I loved the way her name rolled off my tongue. 

"Hm, thank you. I guess. But it's not like many people truly call me by my name."

Now I was confused. How do you call a person if not by their given name?

"What do they call you then?"

A mischievous smile spread across her lips.

"Well, most people call me a bitch honestly, but those that I count as friends call me Valey."

Well, things are just getting better and better 

After the start we had I must say this turn of events was surprising. But I can't lie and say. Didn't enjoy every minute of it though.

And to have her telling me things about herself was just a plus. It kind of gave me hope that all was not lost and we could get along someday.

Maybe.