Looking down at it, I smiled and put my hand in his, shaking it briefly. Thankyou for everything Doctor A. I really mean that. If it wasn’t for you then
Don’t dwell on it Noah, he smiled, shoving his hands in his pockets. I hope everything works out for you. And I don’t want to see you in here again, alright ?
Trust me, I don’t want to be in here again.
He laughed and started to walk away, nodding at me before he disappeared from sight. I looked up at Lily and saw that she was watching him go. After a brief moment, she turned back around and I caught her eye. I reached out and she entwined her fingers with mine.
Lets go home, I smiled.
Lily :
I walked beside Noah, worried as a grimace came over his face as he walked through the hallway towards the apartments. Beads of sweat were gathering on his forehead and his hair was plastered to his skin. He was walking slowly, holding his side as he focused on the door ahead. My own heart was beating fast as we neared his apartment. I hadn’t been back since that night, and fear rippled up my spine. Taking a deep breath, I tried to gulp down the fear but it wouldn’t go away, and my legs just seemed to stop working underneath me and I stopped, my fear paralyzing me.
I could feel myself getting light headed but when I looked up from the floor, my eyes met Noah’s. I hadn’t heard him step in front of me, but he was looking at me with a tender look in his eyes. His hand was still pressed against his side, but he reached out his right hand and took mine.
I’m sorry, I whispered. You shouldn’t be worrying about me. You’re the one who’s in pain and here I am, breaking down when I need to be strong for you. I am trying, I didn’t mean to
He just smiled and pressed his lips against mine, my words fading away as he kissed me gently. After a brief moment, he pulled away and rested his forehead against mine, our noses touching. Never say sorry. We look out for eachother. That’s how it’s always going to be, gorgeous. You and me against the world. He smiled and kissed me on the tip of nose, before turning around, his hand still gripping mine tightly.
I stepped up beside him and felt my fear draining away. It was like Noah could help me forget anything. Maybe it was because I knew I’d always be safe with him. But I hurt for Noah, my eyes watching him as he stepped up to his apartment. He wasn’t looking towards his own. He was staring at the door to mine, a funny look in his eyes.
Dean and Jen had already opened the door to Noah’s apartment and were standing there, watching him too. No-one spoke, we all just stood there as he gazed, like he was hypnotised. I could see the fire blazing in his eyes, but there was something else there ; pain or sadness, maybe both. So I stepped in front of him, blocking his view of the door that he seemed to be transifxed by. For a moment he didn’t even realize and I felt my own eyes watering, as I noticed the tears pooling in his.
Reaching up, I cupped his cheek and he seemed to snap out of it, looking down at me with those sad eyes of his. I know it’s going to take time, I whispered, trying to hold back the tears I knew could erupt at any second. But remember what you just said to me. You and me against the world. Everything’ll be okay. I promise.
At that moment, he really seemed to see me and he nodded, looking down at the floor as I stepped up against him and wrapped my arms around him, careful not to touch his wound. I smiled in to his shirt as he held me close, burying his face in my hair.
I didn’t think it would be this hard, he mumbled, and I felt my heart sink as I raised my head and looked up at him.
I’m always here, I whispered.
But to my surprise he was smiling down at me, the look in his eyes different to what it had been before. There was a ghost of a smile on his face as he reached down and took hold of my hand once more. I watched him as he led me in to the apartment. Jen and Dean were standing in the kitchen, making some drinks. They had obviously tried to give us a little time, seeing how hard it was for us to come back. I guess that’s why they were our best friends, because despite everything they were still there for us.
Hey guys, are you okay ? Dean asked, taking a sip of his drink and looking slightly worried at the same time. I know it must be hard for you two, to come back here and all.
Jen nodded. It was hard for me. I can’t imagine what it’s like for you two.
I’m okay, I smiled. And surprisingly, I was telling the truth. With Noah’s hand still in mine, and knowing he was going to be okay, I just wanted to forget everything. After all, you can’t change the past. Something I’ve finally learnt after all these years.
Noah turned around and smiled at Jen and Dean. I’m okay too. But I do have one small problem here guys.
What’s that ? Dean asked, looking curiously at him.
He bent down, gripping his side as he picked up what appeared to be numerous take out containers ; Italian, Indian, Chinese…you name it, and it was there. Well I know I’m not the most tidiest person in the world, but this place is an absolute tip ! He laughed, throwing the containers back on the floor with a sigh. It’s like a bomb’s gone off in here. Jeez, how did you two find a clean place to sit down ?
I laughed and gazed around the apartment, letting go of Noah’s hand and walking over to the table next to the sofa. I scrunched up my nose and lifted up a dirty sock. Dean ! I cried. Are you being serious right now !
Umm…actually, that’s kind of, uh my sock, Jen grinned sheepishly, shrugging her shoulders at me.
Dean and Noah burst out laughing, with Noah turning to me with a raised eyebrow and a look of amusement in his eyes. See, you can’t just blame it all on me. Girls can be messy too, Dean chuckled, throwing his arm around Jen’s shoulder as her cheeks flamed red.
Well it doesn’t matter. We’ll clean it up later, before everyone crams in to the apartment to say goodbye, Jen smiled. Actually, one thing I forgot to tell you guys was the deal with College.
I glanced at Noah with a blank expression, and he returned my gaze with the same look. It was obvious ; we had both completely forgotten about it and honestly, I didn’t care. For the last two weeks all my focus had been on Noah. And I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
So what about it ? I asked.
Well I thought I’d better ring them and update them about what happened. Jen explained. And they said that when you two are okay to go back, you’ll both get private tutoring by your professors to get you up to speed. And they’ve also made a list of the work you’ve missed, with extensions of course.
Wonderful, Noah muttered, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
Anyway, Dean smiled, practically dragging Jen out of the apartment as she glared at him, her eyes filled with annoyance. We haven’t had a chance to get any food in and I know the whole family is coming over so Jen and I are going to go and stock up. We’l give you two some alone time before everyone get’s here.
But just as they both stepped in to the corridor and Dean grabbed hold of the door to shut it, he glanced at the both of us momentarily. I’m glad you’re both ok, he said with a small smile, shutting the door before Noah or I could say anything back.
Home sweet home, I grinned, walking over to him as he stood rooted to the spot, his eyes on me.
I could see that he was in pain, his full 6 2 height slouched over as he continued to hold his side. Quickening my stride, I ducked underneath him and placed his arm over my shoulder. Struggling with his weight, I walked him over to the couch and lowered him down as gently as I could. But he still cried out, grimacing as he hit the cushion.
Oh God, I cried, frustrated at myself. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to
But I was caught off guard as his hand shot out and he pulled me down beside him. My eyes widened and I looked at him in surprise. He was grinning from ear to ear, a hint of playfulness in his eyes that I hadn’t seen for a while. All of a sudden, I’m feeling much better, he murmured, placing his hand on my thigh and stroking me through my jeans.
You were just playing before ? I asked, raising my eyebrow at him accusingly as he nodded at me. Oh I see how it’s gonna go. You’re gonna milk it for all it’s worth and I’m going to-
But he just leant foward, moving his hand up to my hip as he crashed his lips against mine hard, kissing me like he never had before. He clung on to me, like he couldn’t get close enough. It was like our bodies molded in to one, as his hand went under my shirt, stroking my bare skin with the pad of his thumb. I moaned in to his mouth, and it took all of my willpower to pull away.
My eyes met his and for a minute we didn’t say a word. We both just sat there, panting and breathless. You know, I breathed heavily. The doctor said you can’t do any strenuous excercise for at least two weeks…and that includes everything. If you catch my drift.