Chapter 17

Picture of Liam ----------- >

I woke up in the morning with a killer headache. I always suffer in the morning if I cry at night. I got out of the bed and stretched like cat. I was still wearing Noah’s shirt; I must have fallen asleep in it. He had given this shirt to me when I stayed over at his for the first time. I miss him so much. I have not stayed over at his place for almost a month now. I always loved to spend the night with him.

I always slept well when he was there. I have not slept that peacefully for a month now. I felt so safe and comfortable wrapped in his arms. It will never be the same again. I sighed and grabbed my phone to look at the time, it was still early. I hadn’t finished a little of my homework given yesterday because of the movie plan. I guess I will leave for school a little early and finish my homework there itself.

I went to the bathroom, brushed my teeth and then stepped into the shower. After a long and relaxing shower, I wrapped a towel around myself and came out. I pulled out a pair of jeans and a red color v-neck t-shirt. I ran a brush through my hair and applied my clear lip-gloss. I took my bag and keys and left my room. My parents were already at the counter and were talking about something. The moment they saw me, they stopped talking.

Are they talking about me? They never behave this way, something’s fishy. I plopped on a chair and poured myself a cup of coffee. I looked up to see my parents watching my every move intently. This is so weird, I am sure they want to say something to me. “Is everything ok?” I asked politely taking a bite of my toast.

“Yes. And you?” My dad asked. I frowned, my dad was waiting for me to answer and mom was looking at me with a worried expression.

“Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?” I asked shrugging and taking a sip from my coffee. Shit, did they know about Noah? Oh God! I hope not. Are my eyes still puffy or something?

My dad leaned on the table looking at me with a serious expression. “You seem different now days. You spend more time in your room, you seem a little lost.” He said.

My mom nodded in agreement. “You are in your own world and sometimes you are so quiet we don’t even know if you are in the same room. It’s like you are sad or unhappy. We are worried about it sweetie, it’s been a few days now.” My mom said reaching for my hand on the table.

I felt so bad, I didn’t want to lie to them but I couldn’t even tell them truth. They don’t need me to worry about, they are enough stressed out about their jobs. This is my problem, I can’t drag them down with me, and it will be so unfair. I guess from now I will have to behave like I use to. I use to smile all the time but now I have no reason to be happy. But I have a reason to be sad.

“I am fine. Nothing is wrong, just a little stress about school. It’s nothing I can’t handle. So, stop worrying about me ok?” I said squeezing my mom’s hand reassuringly.

I needed to be strong in front of them. “If you say so, we won’t. We believe you.” My dad said smiling at me and mom nodded in response. I hate lying to them but I have to. I just need a little time and I will be ok. I sighed who was I kidding? I was going to be like this now.

My heart broken into pieces. Whoever tries to heal it there will always be a piece missing unless it’s Noah who does the fixing but that’s just wishful thinking. “I am going early today, have to finish some homework.” I said getting up and kissing mom and dad on the cheek.

“Have a good day.” They both said in unison. I walked to my car and sped of the driveway. I reached school in fifteen minutes.

I stepped out of my car. The parking lot was almost empty; there was still an hour for the school to start. I grabbed my bag from the seat and hung it over my right shoulder and walked to the school building. I stopped at my locker to get some books. The library won’t be open yet I guess I will sit in the classroom of our first period, it will definitely be open.

When I was near, I heard some voices coming from somewhere near me. The girl was saying something in a high pitched voice. “Why are you doing this to me?” She shouted and I froze.

I have heard that voice before but I can’t remember it. “I am not doing anything it’s you. You are creating problems.” A guy shouted back at her. I was near my English classroom.

I stood on my spot when I realized the voices were coming from inside. I want to go in; I want to finish my homework. Everything was very quiet now; you could hear a pin drop. I think they are not here. I took a deep breath and pushed the door open to enter.

I froze. It was Cassie and Noah. They both looked at me at the same time. Cassie stared at me in disbelief with an annoyed expression on her face. Noah saw the looks she was shooting at me at glared at her a little.

“Look who’s here. It’s your best friend, Rebecca. Great. I should leave now.” Cassie said in an annoyed tone, still glaring at me. She picked up her bag and walked towards the door and slammed into me hard.

I was unsteady by the impact. Shit, I am going to fall. I closed my eyes ready to fall on the floor when two strong arms went around my waist, preventing me from falling on my face. I opened my eyes to see Noah’s handsome face just inches away from mine and his arms around my waist to keep me steady.

I looked into his deep blue eyes and got lost. Noah and I stared into each other’s eyes neither of us wanting to look away. Someone cleared their throat and I looked in the direction of the noise, Cassie staring at us with a murderous expression.

I pulled away from Noah and he let me go. I took a step away from him and picked up my bag from the floor. “I am sorry.” I muttered. Noah just smiled at me tenderly in response while Cassie kept glaring at me. Wow she is really annoyed with me. Her glaring is making me conscience and uncomfortable, can’t she just leave.

“Sorry my ass, you fell on to Noah purposely.” She said pointing a finger at me accusingly.

“What? No, I just lost my balance.” I said in protest. She was the one who pushed me and now she is accusing me. What the hell does she think she is?

She smirked at me.” I know all your tricks. You…”

She was cut off by Noah. “Enough Cassie. Just go ok?” He said taking a step close to me. Did he realize that indirectly he chose me over her? She is not going to like it; she is his girlfriend after all.

She stared at him in disbelieve. Noah took hold of my hand interlacing our fingers. This made Cassie even angrier; she had turned to a dark shade of red. I tried to pull out my hand of Noah’s hold but he held it even tighter. Is he crazy? What is he doing?

Cassie stomped her foot on the floor in frustration. “Whatever.” She muttered and walked away. I just stood there staring at the door. I was taking in everything that had just happened.

I just gathered myself, Noah was still holding my hand in a death grip not that I mind but still. “I am sorry. She will never behave with you this way again I promise.” Noah said placing one hand on my shoulder and making me look at him.

“What did you do?” I asked him looking at him. He looked at me confused and then raised his eyebrow waiting for me to proceed.

When I didn’t say anything he let go of my hand and cupped my face in his hands. “I don’t understand. What did I do wrong?” He asked.

I looked into his eyes. He was looking at me tenderly a little worried and hurt. Please I can’t stand the hurt look on his face; it makes me want to cry. “Well, you indirectly chose me over your girlfriend. She will be furious at you. Cassie doesn’t like me right?” I asked looking at him intently.

“She will be fine. The way she was talking to you was wrong, I was just helping you.” He said apologetically.

I sighed. “Thank for standing up for me but you didn’t answer my question. Does Cassie not like me? Were you guys fighting because of me.?” I asked stepping away from Noah. I need to make sure he didn’t lie to me. I crossed my arms over my chest waiting for him to answer.

He stood like a statue for a few seconds. He looked up at me and turned his back to me instantly. I got my answer. I was right, she hated me and I was the reason they were fighting. I stepped forward and placed a hand on Noah’s shoulder, making him face towards again.

“I am so sorry; I didn’t want you to know about this. I feel terrible. How can someone not like you?” He said shaking his head in embarrassment.

I shook my head. “You don’t need to be sorry. What does she want you to do?” I asked coming straight to the point. I knew she would have said something about it.

Noah opened his mouth to say something but nothing came out. “Noah what did she say? Tell me.” I said.

“Err she doesn’t…want me to be friends with you.” He mumbled softly. I couldn’t hear it properly. He kind of said the last part to himself.

“What? Just spit it out.” I said crossing my arms over my chest. I looked at him. His face was telling me that something was wrong and he was hiding it from me.

“She doesn’t want me to be friends with or even see you for that matter.” He said looking down at the floor like a four year old lost boy.

My breath caught in my throat. She wants him to cut me out of his life. I started stepping back slowly and reached a chair. I slumped on to it and just stared at the wall before me. I didn’t know what to say. I can’t cut off Noah from my life, I need him but Cassie she is his girlfriend. I can’t let him go, can I? I don’t want to be the reason for the failure of his relationship.

Noah kneeled in front of me resting his hands on my thighs. “Please say something, anything please.” He begged.

I looked at him, he was worried. “What did you say?” I asked curiously. I hope he didn’t agree. He would never do that to me but what if he agreed?

“I didn’t agree to it. I can’t cut you out, I need you. I told her that.” He said. I could hear the sincerity of his words. He was being honest, he didn’t agree.

“I don’t want you guys to break up because of me.” I said softly. His head snapped to me instantly. He knew what I was going to tell him to do.

“No, no, no, no, no. I know what you are going to say. Please don’t, please. No, don’t.” He said pleadingly. The sad look on his face was making my heart throb painfully. He didn’t want me to even suggest agreeing to Cassie.

I sighed. I want him to be happy. For a past two-three days they both were fighting but I didn’t know what it was about. I was the problem and still am but I have no idea why she hates me this much. Some students walked in and Noah got up and held out a hand for me. I took his hand and let him help me up. I picked up my bag and we made our way to our regular seats.

We sat in silence next to each other. Neither of us had anything to say to the other. Noah was sitting next to me with his hands clenched into fists and jaw tight. He was angry. “You ok?” I asked placing a hand on his fist.

He unclenched his fist and relaxed a little. “We will talk about this later. When you come home for dinner. We will figure something out, relax.” I said to him.

He didn’t answer me but nodded in response. I don’t know what are we going to do but I needed him to relax which I did. I have the rest of the day to think about it, something will surely come up. I didn’t do my homework; I guess I will have to finish it during lunch now. Today is going to be a long and dramatic day. I hope nothing much happens.

The bell rang, signaling time for lunch. I have to do my homework, I am such a nerd. I bought a packet of Oreo cookies and settled on a chair besides Will. I and Will were the only ones at the table even Rachel was there but she was busy texting. I set my tray on the table and removed the books from my bag.

“ Hey.” Will said nugging my shoulder gently. I looked up at him. He was smiling at me a little sadly. I guess it was because of yesterday.

“ Hi.” I replied and started with my homework. I didn’t need any lectures from him today. I was not having the best day, I don’t want it to turn to worse.

He sighed. “ I am sorry bout last night I didn’t think. Are you mad at me?” He asked me worried. He is adorable, I can never be mad at him.

I smiled at him and he looked confused. “ I am not mad at you. Don’t worry, just have to complete this, nothing else.” I said pointing at the open books before me on the table.

Will smiled at me happily and started eating. I diverted my attention to my books again. I started writing the essay I had to complete , I opened the packet of cookies and was eating with one hand and writing with another. Everyone else had joined us and were talking about some party next week. The guy was Liam’s friend and he had asked us to join.

“Rebecca, are you coming?” Liam asked. I looked up to see everyone looking at me, waiting for me to answer. I didn’t want to go to some party. They all go their different ways and I get bored.

I was about to answer when Cassie and Noah took a seat opposite me. “Parties are only for cool and happening people, not nerds.” She said glaring at me.

Here we go. I tried my best to stay calm. “I don’t want to go, I will pass.” I said and started writing again. She is stupid that doesn’t mean I have to behave like her. If I behave like her, what will be the difference between her and me? Everyone was quiet after that, I removed another cookie and started munching on it.

“Do you want to put on more weight? You are already fat enough.” I heard Cassie’s annoying voice again but no one answered her. Is she talking about me?

I looked up to see her staring down at me. She is just doing this to annoy me. I am not fat, I am very sure. “Do you have a problem?” I asked politely.

Cassie frowned. I am not reacting that’s why I am getting under her skin. “You are just jealous that I don’t put on weight even if I eat anything. You on the other hand, have to worry about it. That is so unfair huh?” I said sweetly looking at the plate of salad in front of her.

“You bitch.” She said getting up from her chair. She glared at me and stormed out of the cafeteria. Liam, Noah and Will were staring at me with their mouths open while the girls were grinning at me proudly.

I shrugged and crossed my arms over my chest. “What?” I said looking at everyone. That seems to bring them back to reality.

“You made her leave. You are awesome. I have never seen you putting up a fight, it was fun. Did you look at her face?” Rachel said laughing and looking at me awe.

I just shook my head and laughed. “I usually don’t but she just made me angry.” I said innocently making everyone laugh. Noah looked at me like I had grown another head. Hmm that is weird.

After a few minutes, everyone got back to the topic of the party next week. I got back to finishing my essay. Only ten minutes were left and I still had to do quite a lot. I glanced at Noah who was smiling at me happily. He looked like he was glad that Cassie had left. You are not alone in that, I am more than happy to not see her for the rest of the day.

I want to thank fire_burning_me_up for the awesome cover she made.

Please comment and vote if you like.

Thanks… J