He was gone when I woke up.  I knew I wouldn’t be able to keep him for long but at least it was a moment.  One moment he’s here, another he’s gone.  And it’s my fault.  I should have tried harder.  I was alone in his dark room and it was colder with him gone.  I rubbed my bare arms, fighting back the tears that dared to spill out.  There was nothing I could do and it felt like I was suffocating.

                I found one of Noah’s sweatshirts in his closet and slipped it over my dress.  I found my phone on his nightstand and I picked it up.  It only had less than twenty percent left but it was enough power to make a phone call.  I found Ashley in my contacts and pressed call.  “Oh thank god!” She breathed.  “I’ve been calling you and Noah all day.”

                “I’m fine.  Can you come pick me up?”

                “Of course.  I’m on my way.”

I mumbled a thank you and hung up.

                I quietly made my way down the stairs and slipped out of the front door.  Noah’s car was gone.  Reality was setting in and a tear fell before I could stop it.  I couldn’t imagine what he’s going through right now and I didn’t even know if he was still alive.  He had to be.

                Ashley’s car pulled into Noah’s driveway and I opened up the passenger door to get inside.  I closed the door and prepared for questions.  “Where’s Noah?”  She backed out of the driveway and headed in the direction of my house.  “I don’t know.  He was gone when I woke up.”  I couldn’t tell her the truth.  “Why would you call him, Ashley?”  I looked at her.  Her eyes were stuck on the road but her face was soft.  “I’m sorry; I didn’t know what else to do.  I couldn’t find Scott anywhere and I couldn’t get a hold of him.  You begged me not to call Ash, don’t you remember?”

                “I do.” I lied.  “I’m sorry.  Thank you for being a good friend.”

She glanced at me and smiled a little.  “Were you drinking?”

                “No, I just didn’t feel good.”

Please don’t ask any more questions.  “I’m sorry I didn’t take care of you.” She stated.  “I should have just brought you back to my house but I was worried and I panicked.  Please don’t be mad.”

I shook my head and smiled at her, “I’m not mad at you, Ashley.  Thank you.”

Her features melted in relief.  “I’m just glad you’re okay.”

Me too.

                We were parked in my driveway but something kept me planted in the car.  “Are you sure you don’t want to go to my house?” Ashley asked.

                “No, I just want to be home.  I’m sure Ash will be back soon.  Thanks for picking me up.  I’m not sure if I’ll be at school tomorrow.”

She understood.  “I’ll call during lunch.”

I reached my arms out and wrapped them tight around her.  “Thank you.” I repeated.  “I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

We parted and I got out of the car.  I waved as she backed out and disappeared at the end of the street.

                Noah’s absence felt cold.  I just keep thinking he’s probably home now, sitting in his room playing video games and avoiding any school responsibilities.  But he wasn’t.  I need to stop thinking about him.  I just wish there was a way I could help him.  I didn’t want to see him hurt.  I want to see him alive.  And I don’t know if I’ll ever see him again.

                Fighting against the cold of the night, I walked up to my mom’s car to open the garage.  I really needed to learn to lock it.  And carry my keys.  I walked inside, closing the garage behind me.  All I could think about was Noah and getting out of this dress that feels like a second skin.  But I didn’t want to take off Noah’s jacket.  At least it made me feel a little close even though he was so far away.  Too far.

                I made my way up the stairs but stopped abruptly when I heard a loud thud.  My heart was racing and I started moving slower.  “Ash?”  I called.  “Are you home?”  No answer.  “This isn’t funny!”  I called out, walking closer to my room.  Another thud, but quieter.  I had nothing to defend myself.  I couldn’t even fight a two year-old, I wouldn’t be able to fend off a thirty year old man.

                I reached for my door handle, slowly turning the knob and my heart was racing even faster.  It was beating so loud I could hear it.  I pushed the door opened and almost started crying at the sight.  “I couldn’t do it.”  He stood up off of my bed and I ran.  I jumped in his arms, wrapping mine so tight around his shoulders.  Noah’s okay.  “I couldn’t do that to you.” He muttered, squeezing me tighter.

I ran my fingers through his hair, wrapping my fingers tight around his locks.  “Please don’t do that again.”  The tears were starting and I wanted them to stop.  “Please.” I repeated.  I leaned back, scanning his face to find no new marks.  My eyes landed on his lips and I wanted nothing more than to kiss him.  And I did.  I felt his tense lips relax under mine.  I caressed his face gently between my hands, pulling him a little closer.  His arms went around my waist and he didn’t hesitate to kiss me back.  “I’ve been wanting to do that for so long.”  He mumbled against my lips and kissed me again.

I pulled away and snaked my arms around his neck.  I buried my face into his shoulder, taking a deep breath and exhaling.  “I want to help you, Noah.”

He wrapped his arms around me again, holding me closer than before.  “I can’t let you do that.”  He nuzzled his face in the crook of my neck.  “I’m not going to let him get to Ash, I’m not going to let him get to me and I’m not going to let him get to you.  That’s a promise, Willow.”

I pulled back and looked up at him, “Will you stay with me tonight?”

The corner of his mouth perked at the slightest.  “What about Ash?”

                “He thinks I’m at Ashley’s, I doubt he comes home.  I’ll feel safer with you.”

He wrapped an arm around my shoulders and pulled me close.  “I’ll stay with you.”  He left a kiss on the top of my head and released me.  “I’m going to go shower, you’re welcome to go to sleep.”  I gestured towards my bed.

He smirked.  “You want me to sleep in your bed?”

I gave him a playful shove, “What would be the point in having you sleep in the guest room?” I teased.  The last time he stayed here was because he could barely move, let alone climb up any stairs.  “I want you to stay in my room.”

I know he didn’t have a problem with that.

                His eyes scanned my frame, up and down a few times.  “Nice sweatshirt.”

I had forgotten I was even wearing it.  “I was half naked, I needed it.”  And it reminded me of you.  I didn’t want to admit it.

                “You didn’t look bad, if that helps any.”

I gave him another playful shove.  “I didn’t look bad.  Thanks for the boost of confidence.”  I walked around him to get to my drawers.  I pulled out a pair of sweats and a tank top before walking into the bathroom and locking it behind me.

                Kissing Noah probably wasn’t smart, but I couldn’t help it.  I was so unbelievably happy to see him.  Scott was the last person going through my mind, not even Ash.  I was worried it was Scott that slipped something in my drink for whatever reason he may have had.  But maybe it wasn’t Scott.  I want so much to believe it wasn’t.  I didn’t want Scott to be the person Ash warned me about.

But Noah.

                Noah is so different.  He’s easily the most gorgeous person I’ve ever seen.  Easily the most stubborn, too.  He’s dark, but not to me.  He’s not all bad, just misunderstood.  But maybe I’m lying to myself.  Maybe it’s Noah’s plan.  But why go through all of the trouble?    

                I don’t think what Noah told me about Jesse was a lie.  I believe he’s innocent.  I believe he was at the wrong place at the wrong time.  He loved Jesse like a brother, Noah wouldn’t do that.

I canceled out my thoughts and turned off the shower.

                I dried off and got dressed.  I ruffled a towel through my wet hair and braided it down my back.  I had to remove the rest of the makeup that smeared across my face from the previous night.  I was as plain as they got.  But I was happy.

                I stepped out of the bathroom with Noah’s sweatshirt balled into my hands.  He was lying in my bed, arms folded behind his head.  He was just staring up at the ceiling.  I took the opportunity and threw the balled up sweatshirt at him.  “Thank you for staying.”  I sat down on the edge of the bed.  He scooted down until he was sitting next to me.  “I shouldn’t have left you.  I’m sorry.”

I shook my head, lightly touching my palm to his cheek, “Its fine, I’m fine.  And you’re fine.  That’s all that matters.”    I wonder for how long.

I shouldn’t think about that.

I turned all the lights off and found my side of the bed and Noah found the other side.  He turned on his side to face me and there was just something so soft and simple about his expression.  Something that was probably rare to see.  “I thought you said nothing could happen.”  Noah’s voice broke the quiet.  He grabbed my hand, holding it unbearably close to his chest.  “I’m allowed to change my mind.”  I smiled but he couldn’t see it. 

He wrapped his fingers around mine and lightly kissed the top of my hand.  I wasn’t exactly sure if what I was doing was a good idea.  I know Ash wouldn’t approve even though he said he would rather see me with Noah.  But Noah isn’t the bad guy.  But Ash doesn’t approve of any guy, so Noah shouldn’t take it personal.  “Are we still on for tomorrow?”

Shit.  I forgot about the auction.  “We are.”

We fell asleep shortly after while Noah held my hands close to his chest.

                School was my first thought when I woke up.  I still felt groggy from the night before, I was in no mood to deal with school.  Ash would be the first one to call.  I would lie and tell him I was too sick.  My parents were also supposed to be home tonight, so I was not looking forward to that either.  Ashley would be calling soon and I had to make sure she knew I was still coming tonight to help.

                Noah was sitting at the edge of the bed when I woke up.  He was hunched over his knees, face in his hands.  “Are you okay?” I asked.  I crawled behind him, wrapping my arms around his shoulders.  He lightly touched my arm and dropped his hand, “I couldn’t sleep.”

I hope I didn’t keep him up.  “Maybe you should go home.”  I didn’t want him to leave, but he should.  He needs to.  Joel could show up here any minute.

I dropped my arms as Noah turned a little to face me.  “And leave you alone?”

I nodded, “I’ll be fine.”  I hesitated before asking the question “Was it because of me?”

He opened his mouth and snapped it shut.  He opened his mouth again, finally speaking.  “I was worried about you. You were talking in your sleep.”

I don’t know if I should be humiliated or worried.  “I don’t even remember dreaming-”

He nodded.  “I was afraid to wake you up.  I held you until you stopped.”

                “What was I talking about?” I muttered, feeling the blood rush to my cheeks.

                “You were scared.  You yelled Ash’s name and then yelled mine.  I wasn’t fully aware until I felt you jerk beside me.  It wasn’t until I heard you whimper that I noticed and pulled you close.  It took a few minutes, but you fell back asleep.”

I wondered if I had a repeat of the same dream.  I was scared he knew.  I was scared he knew how I felt and I felt naked.  “Next time wake me up, please.”  I wrapped my arms around myself. 

His lips fell into a slight frown, “Willow, I’m sorry—”

                “No, it’s okay—”

                “It’s not.” He said, “The same thing happened last night.”

So he did know and he didn’t have the decency to tell me.  “Why didn’t you tell me about it—”

I jumped off of the bed like I had been shocked, “I didn’t think I had to.  They’re just dreams; it’s not a big deal.”

He stood up and was in front of me in a flash, “It is a big deal if I’m the reason.”  He searched my eyes for the longest time.  “Are you scared of me?”

He obviously had no idea.  “It wasn’t you, Noah.” I admitted.  “It was Scott.”

I couldn’t tell if that was embarrassment or worry evident on his face.  “Scott…” He whispered.  “He was trying to hurt you?”

I can barely tell the difference between what’s real and what’s not.  “Yeah.”  I couldn’t stand him looking at me like I was hurt.  “Scott’s dad owns Mist, did you know that?”

He was surprised by the new information.  “I had no idea.”  He sat down at the edge of the bed.

                “And his uncle is the manager.”

He looks up at me.  I could tell he was caught off guard.  “I’ve never met Scott before.  I don’t understand what motives he would have to send you those notes.”

It didn’t make sense, did it?  “Ash told me to stay away from him.  Thanks by the way, for telling him.”

He smirked, “You knew I would.”

                “I did, but I was hoping you wouldn’t.”

                “My apologies, princess.”  His tone held a lot of sarcasm.  I was used to it by now.

I finally sat beside him on the edge of the bed, “You don’t tell my brother everything, do you?”

His eyebrows raised, his mouth flicked in a small smile.  “Like what?”

I narrowed my eyes, resisting the bottled up temptation to slap him, “About last night…And the night before.”

He lightly shook his head, “I don’t tell your brother anything about you.  It’s rare you come up in any conversation.”

God, I hope so.  “Good.  Nothing can get back to him.  Especially about…you know—” Why couldn’t I just say it.  “That kiss?”

I nodded slowly.  “Especially that.  If you like your hands, I strongly recommend you don’t say anything.”

He moved in closer to me, brushing his knuckles across my cheek.  “Was it that bad?”

It was far from bad.  It was intense, passionate…starving.  It was everything I thought it would be.

                “I’m just looking out for your life.” I teased.  “Ash can’t know.  No one can know.”

I wanted to punch myself for wanting to kiss him again.  But I couldn’t and I shouldn’t.  I know what I said about changing my mind, but not right now.  Timing is horribly off.

                “I was going to do it eventually.” He placed a hand over mine, letting his fingers slip between mine.  “And I want to do it again.”

No no no.  I can’t.

I wish he wouldn’t look at me like that.

His eyes, so blue.  His lips, so perfect. 

I couldn’t deny him, but I had to.  And I did.

                “You should probably be getting home.”

He looked away and bit down on his bottom lip. He stood up and I joined him once again.

“I guess I should, since I know I’m not wanted here.” He looked down at me, smiling.

I playfully pushed his chest, but he grabbed my wrists before I could pull away.  “Don’t pull that with me, Lockwood.”

He sighed and dropped my hands, “Fine, I’m going.  I’ll see you tonight.”

He leaned closer, leaving a long kiss on my cheek.  “You’re going to be mine until midnight.”  He kissed my cheek again and was gone before I could get another word out.

                I forgot about Midnight. 

                Midnight.  Scott wants me to show up at his house at midnight.  I can’t do it; but I need to.  I need to find out about what happened Saturday night.  I’m just hoping Scott had nothing to do with it.  But the more I think about it, the more it adds up.

No.

                My phone starts ringing, making me jump in the process.  I pick it up from my bedside table and answered it.  “Hey, Ash.”

                “Where are you?  Aren’t you supposed to be helping Ashley?”  He sounded like he was out of breath and panting against the receiver.

                “I’m home.  I didn’t feel good, so I stayed.  I’m coming to school around four to help set up.”

A long pause. 

                “I’ll stay, too.  Feel better, I’ll see you soon.”

I mumbled a bye before hanging up the phone and falling back on my bed.

                I let myself smile.  Thinking about tonight with Noah should be fun.  And what he said before he left me standing in the middle of my room.  What are we going to do for six hours?  I’m sure Noah had other plans, but not going to happen.  No way in hell.

                Ashley calls next, a few hours later.  She was talking about the music she picked, and she was going to be setting up during lunch.  She’s only taking a break to call me.  The guys are prepared, but I wasn’t.  I wasn’t ready to fight with Laura for Noah.  There goes my savings.

                I was excited for tonight, though.  I wasn’t ready for Scott, but I was ready to get this night over with.  I would be alone with Noah and Ash would know.  The whole school is going to know.  He’s going to kill me.  I can assure him, nothing is going to happen.  Well, at least I hope not.  I kissed Noah last night without even thinking twice about it.  I can’t imagine what’ll happen when we’re alone.  Possibly in the dark with nothing but the sound of the winds hums.

                I canceled out my inner babble, thinking about what should happen tonight.  I’m going to bid on Noah.  We’re going to spend six hours together while Ash knows about it.  I have to go to Scott’s after.  I didn’t tell Noah that, and I didn’t plan on it.  Knowing him he would lock me in his closet before he lets me go near Scott again after I told him about my dream.

                I wish I wasn’t scared of Scott.

                I want things to go back to normal. 

I started getting ready at three, and was ready by three-thirty.  I grabbed my mom’s keys from my dresser and ran down the stairs.  I made sure to lock the front door on my way out.

Tonight is going to be a good night.  It’s sad I have to remind myself.

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I already have the next chapter written and ready to post.  It's way more exciting, I can assure you, haha.

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