Damaged: Natalie's Story

By Talia Jager

Natalie Jarrett is a seventeen-year-old girl who falls in love with the wrong boy. When she finds herself in the hospital after one of his violent attacks, she can no longer turn a blind eye. Suffering from severe injuries, her doctor tells her she will never be the same again. Although injured and feeling guilty, alone, scared and most of all, damaged, everyone seems to expect her to return quickly to her normal life – but how can she bounce back when she blames herself for all that’s gone wrong?

Damaged: Natalie's Story is approximately 82,500 words.

Damaged: Natalie's Story is recommended for grade 9 and up.

This book previously published under the title Natalie's Story.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Talia Jager
• Release date: Mar 20, 2011
• ISBN: 9780983616405

Talia Jager

Creator of worlds and characters.

Book preview

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Damaged: Natalie’s Story

Copyright © 2010 by Talia Jager. All rights reserved.

First Smashwords Edition: April 2013

Editing by Christine LePorte

Cover and Formatting: Streetlight Graphics

ISBN: 978-0-9836164-0-5 (eBook)

This eBook is licensed for the personal enjoyment of the original purchaser only. This eBook may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you are reading this eBook and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to locales, events, business establishments, or actual persons—living or dead—is entirely coincidental.

Dedication

This book is dedicated to Natalie.

Chapter One

I was seventeen and a senior in high school when I met him. He was the new kid in school. His light brown hair was just long enough to hide his big brown eyes. I first noticed him in the office getting his schedule. I watched him from afar that day, admiring his style. He wore jeans, a T-shirt, and a flannel tied around his waist.

I caught him stealing glances at me throughout English class, which I was delighted to discover we shared. Our eyes locked and his mouth curved up in a half smile. I bit my lip, trying to hide my own smile.

I felt heavy-hearted when the day was over. I yearned to go up to him and say hi, but I was too shy. I would have to be satisfied with looking forward to the next day when I would see him again.

I was walking down the hall when he ran into me, literally, knocking me to the ground. Oh! I’m so sorry, he apologized, stretching out his hand to help me up. I put my hand into his, which was warm and strong. Tingles shot through my body.

Thank you. I blushed, feeling flustered as I was inches from his body. Our eyes locked again and I noticed what a beautiful shade of brown his were.

He looked away first. I really am sorry. He bent down and picked up my books.

It’s okay.

Handing me my books, he gazed at me for a minute. The bell brought us back to the present. I’ve got to go, he said.

I watched as he hurried down the dimly lit hallway. He was much more striking close up. I stood frozen until he disappeared around the corner. Finally, I was able to shake the spell he seemed to have over me and went on my way. From that perfect moment on, whenever he saw me in the halls, he would smile and I would smile back.

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Do you like him?

I spun around, coming face-to-face with my best friend who had caught me staring at the new boy once again. Yeah, Sophie, I do.

Sophie’s beautiful tricolored hair hung halfway down her back. The crimson shirt that hugged her body brought out her natural red highlights. Her hazel eyes danced when she laughed. We had known each other for years and she was a terrific friend. We always had fun together and more importantly, we were always there for each other.

What’s so special about him?

I don’t know. There’s just something about him.

Why don’t you ask him out? Sophie suggested.

I rolled my eyes. I don’t think he’d be interested in me, I said although I desperately wanted to be his girlfriend.

One day, as I was rushing to English class, I ran into him outside the classroom. We both laughed. I guess we’re late, huh?

He grinned. Yeah. We can’t keep running into each other like this.

I know.

Do you…ah…

The door opened and our teacher, Mrs. Leon, stood there. Would the two of you care to join us?

I blushed and scooted to my seat. A few of the kids snickered. I glared at Mrs. Leon, temporarily hating her for interrupting. I was positive he was about to ask me out. Fuming about it for the rest of the period, I didn’t hear a word she said.

When the bell rang, I purposely took my time getting my things together, hoping he’d want to finish our conversation. I wasn’t disappointed. He hopped over a chair and strode up to me. As I was saying, would you like to go out this weekend?

I smiled, feeling the blood rush to my face. On a date?

He laughed. Yeah, on a date.

Sure.

Good. I’m Josh. Joshua Kory. He stuck out his right hand.

Taking his hand in mine, I responded, I’m Natalie Jarrett.

How about I pick you up at seven on Friday night?

Sounds good, I answered, quickly jotting down my address on a piece of notebook paper. As I handed it to him, I deliberately let my fingers graze his hand.

Sophie called me later that night. Where do you want to go tomorrow night?

Actually, I can’t tomorrow, I told her.

You can’t?

Nope.

Well, why not? she asked.

I’ve got a date.

You’ve got a date?

Yeah. I smiled, thinking of him.

With the new kid?

Uh-huh, his name is Josh.

But we always go out on Fridays. I could hear the pout in her voice.

I was glad she couldn’t see me rolling my eyes. So, we’ll go out on Saturday.

She sighed. Fine. See you then.

I had a hard time getting to sleep that night. I couldn’t stop thinking about Josh. How he looked at me. How his eyes glistened when he smiled. I couldn’t believe someone so good looking had asked me out. Out of all the girls at school, he had chosen me. I imagined us at our prom, how gorgeous we’d look together, and how all the kids would talk. That image was the last thing going through my mind as I finally drifted off to sleep.

When I got home from school the next day, I grabbed a snack and hurried upstairs. I took a shower and after turning on my iPod, stood in front of my closet for what seemed like ages. I finally decided on short black shorts and a red sleeveless top. I put on deodorant and a dab of perfume. I opened my make-up drawer and scanned the items before putting on black eye liner and mascara around my blue eyes.

Then I took the towel off my head and brushed my hair out. I took after my mother with my natural red hair, though she wore hers shorter. I had a small birthmark about an inch from the corner of my left eye. I rubbed some gel in my hands and ran it through my hair. I scrunched it up a bit and then sprayed it with hair spray.

The door opened and my sister, Miranda, walked in. Nat, do you know where the… Oh, don’t you look nice. Where are you going? She stood next to me as I looked in the full-length mirror. At 5’6", she was an inch taller, but I was just a little skinnier.

Out. You never knock! I smiled, knocking my hips into hers.

She smirked and shrugged. Out with Sophie? I shook my head. Do you have a date? she asked teasingly. I nodded, trying not to let her see how elated I was. Do Mom and Dad know you’re going on a date?

Of course. I told them yesterday. I played with my hair. Miranda, can I borrow your angel earrings?

Sure, as long as you give them back, she answered. I rolled my eyes and nodded. She left and came back a minute later with the earrings. So, who is it? Do I know him?

No, he’s new. His name is Josh and he’s really hot. I smiled.

I’m home! I heard my mother yell. Miranda? Natalie?

I opened my door. Be right down, Mom! Miranda waved as she headed out.

I did some finishing touches, turned off the music, and went downstairs.

Well, you look lovely, Natalie, Mom commented.

Thanks. I sat down, not sure lovely was what I was going for, but it would be weird for my mom to tell me I looked sexy. How was your day?

Good. Busy, she said, unloading groceries with Miranda’s help.

Dad walked in about ten minutes later. Hey, girls. He walked over to my mom and gave her a kiss. Her blue eyes still sparkled when she was near him. He was a few inches taller than her with dark blond hair and hazel eyes. Miranda and I had both gotten Mom’s hair, but our eyes were different. Mine were blue like our mother’s; hers were hazel like our father’s.

I always wondered where my birthmark came from. I was the only one in the family who had one. Mom used to tell me I was extra special because God had kissed me. I sometimes wondered if I was marked for some reason.

How was class today, Miranda? Dad asked her. She was in her second year at the local community college.

She shrugged. It was okay. How was your day?

Dad owned an auto mechanic shop and my mother worked as a nurse in a pediatric doctor’s office. Fine, thank you.

The back door opened and my Uncle Carl walked in. Hey, everybody!

Hi, Uncle Carl. I smiled. Just get out of work? He was still dressed in scrubs.

Yeah, I spent the day helping out in the OR, he said. Uncle Carl was a hotshot doctor. He was a surgeon and did a lot of the executive-type stuff. I liked hearing about his cases, but didn’t care too much to hear the boring stuff.

My grandfather had been a surgeon as well; it seemed to run in the family. I toyed with the idea of going into the health care field, but I wasn’t sure yet.

Natalie, you look beautiful. Dad kissed me on the cheek.

Don’t get me dirty! I took a step back.

A date, huh?

Why is everybody making such a big deal over a date? I asked, getting a little frustrated. I knew I hadn’t had one in a few months, but it’s not like I had never gone out.

My family laughed. We just like picking on you, my dad said. I rolled my eyes.

Finally, seven o’clock came and the doorbell rang. Miranda got to the door before I could. Is Natalie here? I heard a voice ask.

Natalie, your date is here!

I hurried to the door. Josh stood there looking dashing as always. He only wore jeans and a T-shirt, but it looked perfect on his muscular body. I bit my lip as I met his eyes and smiled. Hi.

Hi.

Well, Natalie, is this your date? my dad asked, coming into the room.

Dad, please! I jumped in between Josh and my dad.

I’d like to see who my little girl is dating.

I’m seventeen! I blushed.

It’s okay, Natalie, I don’t mind. Josh smiled. Hello, sir, I’m Josh Kory.

Dad shook his hand. It’s nice to meet you, Josh. I’m Ben Jarrett and this is my wife, Allison. Josh politely greeted them and shook both their hands. So, where are you taking our daughter tonight? Dad asked.

We’re going to dinner and a movie. He smiled, looking amused with the whole situation.

You’ll have her back by midnight. It wasn’t a question.

Yes sir.

Very well then, we’ll see you later.

I said good night to my family and we left. Josh opened the car door for me. When he got in, I apologized, I’m really sorry about that.

It’s okay. They’re normal parents. He chuckled.

He took me to Friday’s for dinner, opening all the doors and even pulling out the chair for me. We talked a lot, getting to know one another. Where did you move from? I asked, wanting to push his bangs to the side so I could see his eyes better.

South Carolina.

Wow, why did you move all the way to New York?

My parents wanted a change.

Do you have siblings? I asked curiously.

Yes, a brother, Jarrod. He’s two years older. What about you?

Just my sister, she’s a couple years older as well.

Is she the one who answered the door? I nodded, taking a drink. He studied me for a moment. I blushed again. You have nothing to be embarrassed about. Your beauty makes me speechless sometimes. I think at that particular moment I blushed more than any girl ever had. What do you want to do after you graduate? he asked, changing the subject.

I hesitated for a moment. I’m not sure yet, but I think I’d like to be a nurse. Do you have any plans?

I’d like to be in law enforcement, he answered proudly. I nodded approvingly, my mind wandering to a picture of the future—me in scrubs and him in a police uniform.

After dinner we went to see a movie, which ended up being one of those movies that was just okay. I was more interested in being with him than paying attention to the storyline. Our fingers kept touching when we would reach for the popcorn and we’d steal a quick peek at each other. Once it was gone, he took my hand into his. I smiled even though I didn’t look at him. I felt ecstatic. I sat back, relaxed, and watched the rest of the movie.

After the movie ended, he drove me home. We pulled up in front of my picture-perfect house. It was nice cozy home with four bedrooms. I loved both the front and the back porch. The front porch and the hallway lights were the only ones on.

I had a good time, he said.

Me too. I smiled. Thank you.

Would you like to go to the dance next weekend? he asked.

Yeah, I would like that.

He leaned over closer to me. I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply; he smelled so good. I felt his warm breath on my lips and then his lips touched mine ever so gently. It was the perfect first kiss. He broke away first. See you Monday.

Mhmmm. I couldn’t say anything. I got out of the car and walked briskly into the house. It was dark and quiet. Carefully, I went upstairs and poked my head in my parents’ room. I’m home.

My mom mumbled, Okay.

I went to my room, which was in the front of the house, and peered out the window; he was looking up at me from his car. I put my hand up and waved. He waved back and took off. I stayed awake for a while thinking about Josh. He was so good looking and charming. I turned on the radio and listened to some music before finally drifting off to sleep.

The following night Sophie and I went to our favorite dance club, the one we had gone to almost every Friday night for the last year. The crowd was different since it was a Saturday, but we still had a good time.

We just danced by ourselves and with each other. We were there for a good time, not to meet anybody. Sophie danced with a guy a couple times while I stayed at the table and daydreamed about Josh. We got home pretty late, and it wasn’t until I was in my room that I realized Josh had called my cell phone. I must not have heard it with the loud music. I figured it was too late to call him back, so I went to bed.

The next morning, I flipped through the channels on TV. I could never find anything interesting on Sundays. It was either religious programs or sports. Sometimes we went to church, sometimes we had a big dinner, or sometimes we did absolutely nothing.

This particular Sunday, I did my homework and cleaned my room. I had a full-size bed with a striped comforter; the stripes were all different shades of blue. The curtains and lamp matched the bedding. My walls were decorated with a peace pinboard and peace wall decals. As I was rearranging the pictures on my pinboard, Sophie called and we talked for a while.

Monday morning I practically flew to school in the blue Toyota Corolla that I shared with my sister. I couldn’t wait to see Josh. He was waiting by my locker, smiling at me as I approached. Hi, he said.

Hi. I blushed, my mind flashing back to the last moment I had been with him.

Did you have a good weekend? he asked, tilting his head. I nodded and opened my locker. What did you do Saturday night? I tried to call.

Sophie and I went dancing, I didn’t hear the phone. Sorry about that.

Oh, did you meet some new guys? he asked, sounding upset.

No. I laughed. It was just me and Sophie. We usually go Friday nights, but since I had a date with you, we went Saturday instead.

So, you didn’t dance with any other guys? He glared at me.

No, I didn’t. I smiled, brushing off his tone.

I don’t like the thought of you with anybody else, he said, his voice hard.

Honestly, Josh, it was just a girl thing.

He looked at me for a minute, then took my hand and walked me to class.

I thought about our conversation all day. He had gotten so worked up about the possibility I may have met a guy. It bothered me that he didn’t take my word for it. At lunchtime, I sat down with Sophie and we talked. I rambled on and on about how much I liked Josh, but I still couldn’t get that uneasy feeling out of my head.

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Throughout the week, whenever I saw Josh, my heart would start racing and I’d get flustered. I’d think of the kiss he gave me that night and how I wanted to feel his soft lips on mine again. He was so sweet. He would text me during the day telling me how beautiful I looked or telling me he couldn’t wait to see me later. Sometimes he’d send a joke or a quote from a book—both things that would make me smile. He made every day seem special.

Friday came quickly. Sophie came over for dinner. Being my best friend for so long had given her dinner privileges; she was invited over to any meal, any time. Tonight, Mom served meatloaf and potatoes. So, Sophie, what do you think of Natalie’s new love interest? my father asked.

Dad! I blushed, feeling annoyed and touched at the same time.

Sophie smiled. He’s very cute and seems nice too.

So you approve?

Yeah.

After dinner, Sophie and I went out to the movies. Josh texted me a few times while we were there. I wrote back telling him I was out and would call him later, but I never got to it.

My cell phone rang. I groaned, opening one eye. The clock beside my bed read 6:35 a.m. You’ve got to be kidding, I muttered. I reached for the phone and answered, Hello?

Do you know how to use a phone? Josh’s tone was harsh.

What? I rubbed my eyes.

You said you’d call me later. You didn’t. Obviously your phone works, so I can only assume that you don’t know how to call out. Josh’s voice was still angry.

I was confused. I’m sorry, Josh. We got in late. I was tired and went to bed.

I heard him take a few deep breaths. Who were you with?

Just Sophie.

I could hear his breathing slow down. Oh. Okay. Would you call me back next time, even if it’s late?

Sure.

Thanks. I’d really appreciate it. I was so worried about you, Natalie. His mood had changed. His voice was softer and sweeter than just seconds before. He said some charming things to me and then we hung up. I tossed and turned for an hour before falling back to sleep.

It was almost noon when I woke up again. I tried to forget my earlier conversation with Josh. I went downstairs and had a bowl of cereal, which was a great meal no matter what time of day it was. Afterwards, I went back upstairs and tried to concentrate on my homework. I relaxed in a long, hot shower around five. Pounding on the door brought me back to reality. Natalie, hurry up!

I sighed and rinsed off one last time before getting out and drying off. I yanked on my underwear and bra. Hurrying from the bathroom to my bedroom, I yelled, I’m done!

I turned on my music and grabbed lotion off my dresser. I rubbed the lotion on my body, put on my deodorant, and took a moment to dance with the music. Smiling and singing along, I sat down at my vanity table.

After smelling a couple different perfumes, I chose a vanilla-scented one and put a couple dabs on. I threw on my purple plush robe and then put on my make-up. I didn’t put lipstick on right away. I didn’t want to smear it.

There was a soft knock on the door that would no doubt be my mother. Come in.

Sure enough, Mom walked in and sat down on my bed. You look beautiful.

Thanks, but I’m not done yet. I laughed, rolling my eyes.

You still look pretty, she said. You really like Josh?

Yeah. I nodded.

I just want to tell you to be careful.

I will, Mom.

You just met this boy, she stated, her voice gentle.

I know.

Don’t be afraid to say no.

"Mom, I’m going to a school dance." I laughed, trying to lighten the mood.

I just worry about you. I want you to know you can tell me anything. Don’t ever be afraid to talk to me.

I know, Mom. I’ll be okay.

She nodded, seeming to believe me. I love you, Natalie.

I love you too, Mom.

I finished getting ready after Mom left. I found it really sweet that she took the time to come in and talk to me. After my hair was done, I took a new shirt out of the closet and put it on, and then I threw on my favorite jeans. I zipped them up and looked in the mirror. I smiled. I hope Josh likes this, I said to myself. I heard the doorbell ring as I touched up my make-up.

Natalie! Josh is here!

I put on a deep berry lipstick and checked myself in the mirror one last time before going downstairs. My parents and Josh were talking in the living room. I felt like I was in a movie when everyone looked up as I walked in. Josh stood up and smiled. You look beautiful. He handed me a bouquet of roses.

Thank you. They’re beautiful. I eyed him carefully, but there was no sign of the anger he had expressed earlier. I brushed off any worry I had that he was still mad.

Let me put them in water for you. Mom took the flowers.

Thanks. Bye Mom. Bye Dad.

Bye, honey, be good. Mom smiled.

I blushed, embarrassed again.

Be careful, Dad advised.

I will.

Nice to see you again, Mr. And Mrs. Jarrett. Josh opened the door for me and we left. Being a perfect gentleman, he opened the car door for me as well. He wore a nicer pair of jeans than usual and a stylish button-up shirt. And for once, his hair was brushed back, out of his eyes.

On the way, we talked about books and movies. Two interests we both shared. I enjoyed talking to someone who liked the same things I did.

When we got to the school, he opened the car door for me again and escorted me inside. The gym and cafeteria transformation was astonishing. Our school had voted Starry Night to be the theme for the dance. The walls were covered in dark paper and sparkling lights hung from the ceiling. People filled the two rooms—some were snacking, some were dancing, and some were just hanging out in crowds.

What do you want to do? Josh asked.

Dance. I laughed. He nodded and we went into the gym. They were

Reviews for Damaged

[bmulliner1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

such a great story. it was honest and beautifully told