Noelle felt sick to her stomach with worry. When she'd texted Cole a few days earlier, she'd never thought she'd have the guts to invite him to Jacob's show. Heck, she never thought she'd begin an interaction with him in the first place, but there she was, sending him photos of her son playing the sport Cole loved. It was as if a more confident version of her took over. The boldness and certainty when she read the text exchange over and over again felt almost foreign. Who was this woman? And why did she rarely make an appearance?

It was the afternoon of Jacob's Christmas show and he'd been practicing all week. Noelle got to listen to the off key sounds of many Christmas songs throughout the week and it was endearing at first, but she had to admit to herself that it lost its appeal as the days went on. It wasn't that Jacob hadn't gotten better, it was just so frequent that Jacob practically swapped any form of talking with singing instead. She couldn't wait for his show and for things to hopefully go back to normal afterwards.

When Noelle let Jacob know about Cole attending, the stars in his eyes shined bright and the smile stayed on his face the entire evening. Although they hadn't messaged one another anymore, Noelle wasn't worried about Cole anymore. She was content with the idea that he wanted a friendship. If he wanted more, she'd of course be over the moon, but she wouldn't push for something like that. Not if he didn't want it.

Noelle knew that the feminist side called out to her, begging her to take control and communicate with him what she wants to pursue. However, Noelle knew she was too anxious and shy to be the hunter. She only hoped Cole wasn't as much of a coward as her. Sure, sometimes Jacob made her want to be brave, but in the love department it was too scary and uncertain that it was always easier to stay out of that lane. Having a son to worry about was an easy excuse to cop out as well. Now that Jacob was getting older and it was easier to handle him, she found the loneliness seeping in.

As much as Noelle knew it was entirely possible to get through life alone, she didn't want that. She wanted what her parents had, what her brother had. They had a best friend to spend their life with. For a moment she once thought that would be Jacob's father, but his true colors showed the minute the pregnancy test came back positive. Noelle was certainly heartbroken at his denial of anything to do with the life growing inside of her. His refusal and his family's decision to side with him set it in stone. Luckily Noelle's family were on her side and there for anything she needed. She didn't have time to dwell or feel alone then, but she did have that time now.

It was shortly after that her phone dinged. It could be anyone this time. Her mom, dad, brother, or sister in law...all of them wanting to know where they should meet or sit or the plans afterwards. At times like this, she became the leader. She didn't know when it happened, but she was designated planner. Maybe it was her mother's role until she was able to hand it down. She did remember her being in charge of most of the large parties and get togethers they had during the holidays so it made sense.

To her surprise it was neither of those people who messaged her, but the magnificent man who plagued her mind.

Cole - what time should I arrive?

Noelle - the show is at 6 and Jacob has to be there at 5:30 at the latest so anytime before that or you're on your own.

Noelle stared at her phone waiting for a response, but the ringing that took place instead shocked her and made her drop her phone. Cole was calling. As she shuffled to grab her poor, innocent phone she felt a rush followed by what felt like sweating on her head. She was still mentally preparing to seeing him in the evening and having to talk to him in person, so she wasn't prepared for a phone call. With a deep breath she answered.

"Hello?" It wasn't a half second before Cole spoke up.

"Hey Noelle, sorry for calling, but uh...is now too early?"

"Now?" Noelle had to roll her eyes at her new apparent thing of only using one word responses. Cole must have noticed too because he chuckled before continuing.

"Yeah I sort of panicked and got ready early because I realized I didn't know what time it was at, but I do know that they probably recently got out of school so it could be soon or much later according to you. If it's too early that's ok. I'll drive around or find somewhere to grab a bite."

He was rambling. All Noelle could do was smile as he went off into excuses why he was there ridiculously early. It was so endearing and kind of him to be too early and she flushed at the idea of seeing him in her home again.

"It's okay I should have let you know beforehand, I'm sorry. You can come over here early and wait, it's fine. I know Jacob will be incredibly excited to see you."

There was a moment of silence between them before Cole responded in an unsure tone. "Are you sure?"

Noelle wanted to swoon at how cute he was but instead tried to remain calm and collected. "Absolutely. Do you remember what street we live on?"

"I remember. See you in a few Noelle."

After the short goodbyes, the realization came over Noelle and she went into panic mode. She looked around the kitchen and living room, picking up the little messes she found and loaded the dishwasher. By the time she finished running around and got a breath to herself, the doorbell rang followed by Jacob yelling from his room that he'd get it, probably thinking it was his grandparents arriving early. Since Noelle knew who it was due to the vehicle she could see parked outside she allowed it and stood back while Jacob screeched in happiness.

"COLE!," was the only coherent word heard from Jacob before he launched himself at the mountain of a man. Cole made quick work of catching him and bringing him into a large hug. While Jacob wrapped his arms around Cole's neck and squeezed, Noelle's heart did the Colee. When she looked up towards Cole she caught his sight already on her. A look in his eyes she couldn't quite figure out.

"Hey little man. Thought I'd surprise you early before the big show. Are you ready?"

Jacob quickly dragged him into the living room while going a mile a minute about the songs they are singing and how they each get a candle to hold although it's not a real candle but it still lights up. He then went on about his day and how he shared his lunch with his best friend Joshua because he dropped his on the ground and it was full of mud and ice. Cole followed along attentively and responding at the appropriate times. It was still heartwarming to see how engaged he was in what Jacob had to say.

Noelle was left in the living room with only her hopes keeping her company.