Keeping Things Natural

By Nadlyne Morvan

After an unbearable breakup, Carson Greystone falls for devastatingly handsome Nathan Daniels. Sooner or later, she finds out that Nathan has been sent on a mission to kill her after gaining her trust. Nathans cousin, Ginger, comes along to inform Carson of her uncontrollable anti-nature powers and tells her Mother Nature wants her dead to save all creations from the powers. Carson realizes there is no way to save the world but for her to die. Yet Nathan has something else in mind to save Carson, the world and Mother Natures community.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jun 20, 2013
• ISBN: 9781483647975

Nadlyne Morvan

Nadlyne Morvan was both born and raised in Orlando, Florida living with her two brothers, her parents and her grandmother. She plays the violin, piano and guitar following her father’s saying, Music is life. In her spare times, she enjoys being creative by making stories, drawing and having fun with her friends and family.

Book preview

Prologue

Mother paced back and forth thinking. She paced even faster the more she thought. Her assistant, Sarga looked up from his paperwork and looked at her in wonderment.

Something wrong, Mother? Sarga asked. Mother only glanced at him and kept pacing. Sarga knew what that glance meant. It only meant that Mother thought he’d only ask the most obvious question and he should know the answer by now.

Mother stopped and turned towards Sarga, She must be killed!

Sarga dropped his pen astonished at Mother. Who must be killed?

That girl! The girl destroying our Earth! I’ve had enough. She’s weakening our community and I’m not going to stand for it! she barked.

Sarga had that oh moment face. He was the type of person that didn’t catch on quickly. "Oh… that girl? I don’t see what’s she’s doing wrong. We’ve been watching her for so long but she is as ordinary as an average teenage girl. Why is it that you need to kill her?"

Mother’s rage took over her and she gave Sarga a good slap in the face. You idiot! Haven’t I told you before? Her powers taking over Earth are uncontrollable. She couldn’t stop them if she wanted to or even tried to. The only way to save Earth from pure destruction is killing her.

Sarga nodded in understanding, Okay, I understand now.

Mother relaxed a bit, I must do it before her eighteenth birthday. If I don’t she’ll strengthen as an adult and I won’t be able to defeat her.

Collin strolled into the room and served Mother with food and a drink.

Oh, Collin thank goodness you’re here! Mother said. "You know about Target, right?"

Collin nodded, The girl with the powers.

Mother grinned, Excellent. I’m sending you on a mission. I want you to find Target and make her trust you within six to nine months then kill her before she turns eighteen.

Collin nodded. Behind them Sarga was shaking his head in disbelief. Pretty harsh, he muttered.

Mother turned towards Sarga and clenched her fists choking Sarga with a force without touching him. You nincompoop! It’s not about being harsh or being nice. It’s about saving the world!

Sarga gasped for air and once Mother noticed his face turn red she eased the choking down and unclenched her fists. She turned around to face Collin, Now… do you understand what your mission is, Collin?

Collin nodded, Yes, Mother.

Perfect. But may I warn you not to completely fall in love with Target. Yet… she paused to create suspense. If you do, you won’t be able complete your mission because you wouldn’t want to kill her. Mother turned around still talking, And I might have a severe punishment waiting for you here, my Son.

Collin spoke up, I take in oath to you Mother that I will complete this mission.

Mother sighed with happiness, Enchanting. Utterly enchanting. Earth will regain its perfect nature and revive again. Now go, Collin, and do what I sent you to do.

1

This is it. I’m in front of my house wondering whether should I open the door or not. But I can’t stand out here forever—especially since it is freezing cold. I just can’t go in. My mom has been throwing surprise birthday parties every year ever since I turned eight. Every year she has this new idea how to surprise me. It’s just tiring every year. This year—for sure—I’m not going to be surprised.

Come on, just do it, I whispered to myself as my breath came visible in the cold air. I waited for my hand to grab the door knob but it didn’t move an inch.

Now you’re thinking, It’s not so hard just to open the door! Well, it is hard. I nearly had a heart attack last time I was surprised with a party and that wasn’t so pleasant. I barely can stay near my home when it’s my birthday. Sometimes my mom tells me she’s not throwing a party for my birthday then surprises me later with a surprise party. I just can’t let her win this time. I have always described myself as unable to be surprised but I’m really not. I’m easily scared. Sometimes paranoia gets the best of me.

I collected myself together telling myself that it’s nothing. It’s not going to be that surprising as the past nine years.

I opened the door with my eyes closed. Feeling even more relaxed I opened one of my eyes seeing nothing but the plain couches and home decorations I see every day. I opened the other eye in disbelief.

Did Mom finally get it? Does she finally understand how much I don’t like surprise parties? Could it be?

I dropped my backpack on the floor smiling and hung my coat on the coat hanger with my scarf. Hello? I heard my voice echo.

I heard a groan. Sounded like my mom. I headed towards the direction I heard it and found myself in front of the door of my mom’s room.

Instead of knocking, I opened the door slowly while hearing her snore. I laughed at the way she was sleeping and Mom’s eyes opened slightly. Oops!

She completely got up and sat up in bed. Mom rubbed her eyes, Hey sweetie. Still half asleep, she reached to the side and grabbed her glasses off her dresser and placed it on her face.

Hey… I said still suspicious that she has something in mind for a surprise party. You didn’t go to work?

No… Boss told me to take the day off.

She really is onto something. It’s not every day she stays home. She did probably plan something. I watched her suspicious face turn excited when she noticed I wasn’t replying, So anything interesting happened at school today?

No… not really… I said eyeing her.

Okay… well, I’m going to go grocery shopping. Want to come? she asked.

Sure, I said. I’ll be in the car when I’m ready. I exited outside slowly expecting my friends and family screaming surprise but nothing happened. Maybe Mom really isn’t onto something. Hopefully I won’t be caught on her tricks.

I went upstairs to my room and changed into a pink Aeropostale shirt and a pair of Levi’s jeans. I jumped into my white winter boots and grabbed my phone to call Kayla.

The phone rang a couple times until she finally picked it up, Hey. I’m at Riley’s with Chris and Victor…

Oh… okay, well—

Are you coming? she asked.

No… I’m going shopping with my mom and—well, yeah, I played with my grandmother’s bracelet she gave me before she had passed away two years ago. I usually did that when I was nervous. Now I’m not so sure if I’m nervous or not.

Why don’t you just tell your mom you’re not going anymore? I know your mom. She’ll understand.

I heard Chris laughing in the background. His laugh was so cute. It’s something I’d have as a ringtone. Uh… um… no, I’ll just go with her. I don’t think she would understand. Besides, we haven’t been spending any time together. I’ll pass. My voice was practically shaking when I heard Chris talking to Victor.

Kayla was right. Mom would understand but I don’t feel comfortable going.

Ooh! Kayla continued, I see what this is about, I heard shuffling over the phone and Kayla excused herself from Chris and Victor. I could also hear the restaurant filled with people talking, dining and laughing. Riley’s was probably packed on Friday’s as usual.

Kayla continued, This is about Chris, isn’t it?

I sighed, Yes! Yes! Yes! You’re completely right.

I could feel Kayla smiling over the line, I knew it! I thought you’d never admit that. You’d always get so flustered when he’s around and—

It shows that much? I asked utterly embarrassed.

Yep. I’m surprised Chris hasn’t noticed, though. I don’t understand why you won’t ask him out.

Don’t guys always make the first move?

Kayla paused for a moment. I guess you’re right. But not always and that doesn’t matter.

Even though that would’ve been the plan, I probably wouldn’t have done it because I’m always nervous around him, I confessed.

Okay, well… I already told the guys you’d be coming so see you in a few!

Wait— she hung up before I could say anything else.

I threw my phone on the bed feeling somewhat upset, Ugh! I dropped myself down on the bed. I can’t meet them there. I can barely speak to Chris—let alone say hi. I’ve had a crush on him for like four years straight and we hardly talk to each other. Kayla says he considers me as a friend but it really doesn’t make any sense for him to feel that way about me when he barely knows me.

I’ve always been avoiding eye contact and physical contact with him. Just thinking of him makes me nervous. I never thought of making a move, only just imagining how it would be like dating Chris. I always thought that the person I was in my mind was better than the real me. I hope someday I can prove that thought wrong.

Mom knocked on my bedroom door but didn’t wait for me to respond. Mom poked her head in and stared at what I was wearing, Just so you know, I heard your conversation. She grinned mischievously.

"Mom!" it’s so like Mom for her to do that. I have to learn to text more than call. Sometimes I forget she’s in the house.

Mom opened the door wide and stepped in, I could drop you off to Riley’s if you want.

No! I mean… that won’t be necessary. I’m okay with grocery shopping with you. I mean—who doesn’t like spending time with their mom? It has been a while, you know? Still thinking of Chris, I played with my grandmother’s bracelet some more. Hopefully, Mom won’t tease me about it like Kayla did.

C’mon, Carson. You’ve never been this excited about going grocery shopping. You’re going to Riley’s, Mom ordered. She turned around to walk away but she paused then turned back around and faced me again, Besides, there is nothing to be nervous about. Chris is a nice guy.

"Mom!" I felt my face get hot and Mom smiled wide.

"Aw, you’re blushing, she grinned and blew me a kiss in a motherly way. Mom exited the room and yelled through the door, I’m waiting for you in the car!"

I got up from the bed. If Victor knew about this I would die. He’s really good when it comes to teasing people. I’d be blushing all the time if it were for him teasing me. I sighed and went in front of my mirror. I wasn’t that presentable. I decided to change but my phone rang. It was Riley.

Talking to Riley is like talking to your dad about how you made out with your boyfriend the other night. It’s really awkward talking to Riley all the time since we don’t talk much. I’d see him every day at his restaurant after school because Riley’s is the kids at schools’ hangout place. Maybe I can just ignore this call.

After five more rings it stopped ringing but then he called again. Two calls later I answered to his persistence, Hey, Riley.

Hey, Carson! he greeted in the most exciting way possible. He sounded like a seventeen-year-old but he’s actually nineteen. No matter what, Riley would always hold onto his youth.

So… why’d you call?

Oh… um… he paused like he was thinking of something to say, I was wondering if you’re coming to my restaurant today. You usually come right after school with your friends.

I made it a habit of going straight home on my birthday but suddenly I realized everyone would know why I’m not at Riley’s and it would just remind them of what day it is. Uh… oh… um… yeah, I guess… I don’t want to upset Riley. He sounds a little disappointed. I’ll be there in a few.

Great! he sounded like he won a game. See you! Riley hung up.

Now I’m getting even more suspicious. Maybe Riley’s planning something, too. He can’t be. He never plans anything for my birthday. Riley only wishes me a happy birthday and offers me the special on the house. Only if everyone could gift me like that instead of surprising me with parties I don’t even want.

I changed my mind of changing my clothes, quickly brushed my caramel brown hair, checked my teeth and exited out of my bedroom. I stared down at my shoes and noticed Mom had shut off the lights of the house as I looked up.

SURPRISE!!!

Lights turned on and in front of me were all my family members and friends from school, church and other places. There were even family members from out of state.

I used two fingers and pressed them against my neck to feel my pulse. My heart was racing fast. I was definitely surprised by this. I laughed. It might even be the best surprise yet. I may be disappointed at Mom for ignoring my requests again this year about surprise parties but I still felt touched.

Mom was obviously not in the car. I saw her push past the crowd excusing herself and hug me, Happy seventeenth birthday, sweetie! She was hugging me tightly and it started hurting. Now I felt like I was suffocating.

Uh… Mom… I felt myself starting to get a bit lightheaded.

She squeezed harder and I felt a little drop of water on my back.

Mom… I breathed.

Kayla came up from the crowd and made Mom let go of me, It’s okay, Ms. Greystone. We’re all happy she finally reached her seventeenth year.

Mom was crying with tears of joy… I believe—and she wiped her tears, I know. I’m just so happy. Mom’s face was turning red while she cried and she smiled at me. I knew that smile. Normally your parents wouldn’t cry on your birthday—even for happiness—but Mom always did because of Dad. Mom was always thankful for every extra moment God gave her and me of life.

Dad was at work talking to a person on the phone in his office at a bank. As he was talking, someone shot him through the window and he died. This was truly devastating for Mom and me—especially for Mom because she knew him ever since they were in kindergarten. Mom wanted an everlasting relationship with Dad that will never be broken but that criminal who broke it ruined it all.

Dad was a good man that never caused any trouble. He always did the right thing and walked around blameless. When Mom and I stayed home on Sundays, he still went to church. He was kind to everyone and every time he met someone new, he touched a new heart. Dad had that kind of effect on people and that’s what made Mom fall in love with him as they grew up together.

Kayla noticed that Mom and I were thinking of Dad and embraced us both. "I would say it’s okay but people… come and go. Only if we could only have the come part…"

Mom and I calmed down a bit and hugged Kayla back. After about a minute or so, we let go of each other and returned to the party.

Most of the partiers were looking at us the whole time but some were dancing to the music that had started after I was surprised. I noticed Chris and Victor looking our direction with faces of sympathy. I looked away quickly trying not to let them know I was staring directly at them.

I went around the house greeting everyone who came except people from school I didn’t know but could tell Kayla invited. I haven’t spoken to Victor or Chris but maybe I’d gain some confidence to do that later. As I went around, Kayla caught up with me and pulled me into one of the house’s bathrooms. She had a wide grin on her face.

Ow! her grip on me was tight and it hurt a bit.

Happy birthday! she took a box decorated with pink wrapping paper and a white ribbon off the counter next to the toilet and handed it to me. I didn’t think it was her who wrapped it because Kayla isn’t really good at wrapping.

Did you wrap this? I smiled gratefully full of curiosity.

Kayla smirked, Just open it, Greystone.

I beamed and opened the present slowly leaving myself in suspense. I opened the wrapping paper carefully like I wanted to save it and took the ribbon off gingerly. Kayla rolled her eyes at my slowness and started ripping it open. Eventually, I stopped opening it slowly and helped rip it open quickly, too. When I got to the box, I fleetly lifted the lid and thanked Kayla. Wow.

You like? Kayla was getting excited.

"Love!" I lifted the pink dress from the box and realized how short it was. Oh, Kayla—

You should change into it now, Kayla jumped onto the counter sitting. She held herself by putting her arms back behind her, You’d totally bring attention to yourself.

My smile sort of disappeared, Don’t you think it’s a little too… short? I could picture myself in this dress and it looked like my legs were showing too much. The bottom of the dress reached five inches above my mid-thigh. Amazingly too exposing. Mom would probably never let me where something like this. Neither would have Dad if he was still alive, I guess.

"I think the word short is longer than long," Kayla said still grinning.

I stared at the dress still holding it up. I thought of the possibilities of me changing into this dress and getting out walking around in public wearing it. Mom would probably get mad. Guys might stare and make me feel uncomfortable and I might even get arrested—well, I’m exaggerating about the arresting part. Still, the dress was incredibly too much. That’s not the point, I pouted. This dress is too short!

I felt like people outside the bathroom can hear everything I was saying. I tried lowering my voice, This dress is too short and—

I heard you the first time, Kayla said, not at all offended that I didn’t like her gift. "Just wear it. It would look good on you… and it would definitely