“What if they don’t like me?”  I asked, rubbing my bare arms as Scott and I walked up his porch steps.  When we stepped onto the porch, he pulled me to the side before I could get to the door.  He removed my hands from my arms and replaced them with his own.  “They’ll like you, trust me.”

He lifted my face to his to meet his lips for a moment.  He pulled away, his forehead against mine.  “Don’t worry, they’ll love you.”  He kissed me again and grabbed my hand.

                Scott opened the door and pulled me inside.  I closed the door behind me and Scott was leading me into the living room.  His dad, I assume, is sitting on the couch with a book and his mom wasn’t next to him.  “Dad.” Scott spoke.  His dad peered over his glasses and a smile touched his lips.  He stood up, eager.  “This must be Willow.”  He pulled me into the most unexpected hug.  “I’ve heard so much about you.”  He stepped back.

I haven’t heard anything about him.  “It’s nice to meet you.” I said softly.

                “Your mom is in the kitchen.  Dinner should be ready soon.”  He touched Scott’s arm and resumed his position on the couch.

                Scott took my hand again, leading me into the kitchen where his mom was chopping something up on the island.  She looked up when we entered, and stopped what she was doing to greet us.  “Finally we get to meet the girl who got Scott to do his homework.”  She laughed and moved around the island.  She pulled me into a hug, letting me go shortly after.  “It was hard.” I chimed in, making her laugh again.

                “I’m right here.” Scott waved a hand and I laughed.

I wrapped my arms around his waist, “So sensitive.” I teased.

                “Dinner should be done in about twenty minutes or so.” She smiled.

Scott nodded and led me out of the kitchen.

                I followed Scott until we entered his room.  He closed the door and basically attacked me on the bed.  “Scott.” I whined as he started planting small kisses on my face.  “Your parent’s could walk in any minute.” I continued, but that didn’t stop him.  I felt his lips vibrate against my skin as he attached his lips to my neck, leaving wet kisses.  He kissed his way up the side of my neck, lingering on the sensitive spot below my ear.  He knows it’s my weakness.  “They knock.”

                Things with Scott have been easier.  I haven’t seen Noah around much and that’s helping.  I can focus on Scott completely.  I have to go to Noah’s tomorrow, but that’s strictly professional.  I haven’t tried anything and he hasn’t, either.  I can’t do that to Scott.

                He pushed up on his elbow to support his weight.  He looked down at me, his eyes wondering all over my face.  “Have I told you how beautiful you are?”

I smiled, placing a hand on his cheek.  “Yes, many times.”

He laughed, flicking a piece of hair off of my face.  “And I’ll keep telling you.”

He can be the sweetest person when he wants to be.

                I cupped his face between my hands and lowered him down to my lips.  Our kisses are usually rough, our lips moving too fast to feel anything other than arousal.  This one was slow, soft and sweet.  Almost like the time he first kissed me.  But more intimate than the time before.  “You should kiss me like that more often.” I smiled, bumping my nose against his.

He trickled his fingers up the side of my leg, slipping under the hem of my dress.  “Really?”

I nodded as he starting tracing patterns on my thigh.  “Please.”

He smirked, “Yes, master.”

I giggled as he kissed me again.

                I fixed my dress before we exited the room.  I followed Scott as we entered the dining room.  His parents were now sitting.  Scott sat down across from his dad and he patted the spot next to him.  I sat down, feeling nervous again.  “You’re Ash’s sister, right?” His mom asked, taking a bite of her food.

I nodded, swallowing the bite I had taken.

                “How come he never comes over anymore?” His dad asked.  “You guys used to be good friends.”

Scott slipped his hand on my leg, searching for mine.  I placed my palm in his and he laced our fingers.  “Uh, yeah.  We were okay, not the best of friends.  We had mutual friends.”

                “He came over quite often.” His mom informed.  I never got her name…

Scott shrugged it off, “I don’t know, we just don’t really hang out anymore.  And it doesn’t help when I’m dating his sister.”  He squeezed my hand.

His parent’s looked at me like it was my fault.  “Well, okay.  It’s not a big deal, just curious.”  She lifted her glass of wine, tipping it against her lips. 

That was all we heard about Ash for the rest of the night.

                The dinner went pretty smooth.  We talked about school, work, and other random topics.  They praised me again for getting Scott to actually do his homework.  I’m not sure how I did, but I did.  Even though he failed a worksheet because we decided making out was better than Romeo and Juliet.  “It was so nice meeting you, Willow.”  His mom wrapped me in a hug and then his dad.  “Please come back for dinner again soon.”

I smiled and nodded, “Of course.  It was nice to meet you guys.”

I waved and Scott led me out of the room.

                We decided to sit on the porch swing and talk for a while.  He had his arms wrapped around me and I leaned my head on his shoulder.  “I thought you would look more like your dad.” I wondered out loud.  His dad wasn’t nearly as tall, had black hair and brown eyes.  He didn’t even have his strong nose or jawline.

He sighed, rubbing my arm to keep me warm.  “He’s, uh, not my real dad.”

I pushed myself up from him and turned my body to face him.  “What?”  I couldn’t think of anything else, I was in pure shock.

                “I was adopted when I was two.  I only found out about three years ago.”

                “Where’s your mom?” I asked slowly.

He looked down at his fumbling hands, “She passed away.  I didn’t know her that much, I can barely remember what she looked like.  But she was my mom.”

I grabbed his hands, soothingly brushing my thumbs over the tops.  “I’m sorry, Scott.”

He glanced up at me and down at our hands.  “What about your dad?”

He shrugged this time.  “I’ve never met him.  He doesn’t exist as far as I know.”

I scooted closer to him, brushing a hand lightly across his cheek.  “You turned out great without him.”

His lips were closed when he smiled.  He leaned in, kissing me softly and leaned his forehead against mine.  “You’re too good for me.”

                “No.” I whispered, kissing him again.  “I just want you to be happy.”

                “I’m very happy.” He spoke through his smile.  “You make me happy.”

                “Good.” I said, flattening my hands on his chest.  “Ash is staying at Noah’s and my dad is staying with my mom tonight at the hospital.”

                “What’s that supposed to mean?” He grinned.

I dropped my hands in my lap, “What do you think it means?”

                Scott accepted my invite and drove me home.  He followed me inside and up to my room.  I flipped on a light and sat my bag down.  “You can sit where ever.  I’m going to go change.” I muttered while rummaging through my drawers for night clothes.  I walked into my bathroom and changed out of my dress.  I was putting my hair up when I noticed the red splotch on my neck.  I walked out of the bathroom to find Scott sitting on the edge of my bed.  “Look what you did.” I laughed, pointing to the side of my neck. “How am I supposed to explain that?”

Scott bit down on his bottom lip to keep from laughing, “I can give you a matching one of the other side.”

                “It’s bad enough I have to cover it up.”

He leaned back on his hands, shrugging his shoulders.  “It’s like marking my territory.”

Well, I guess Laura has marked her territory plenty of times.

                I woke up to the feeling of Scott’s lips pressed against my shoulder and his arm tight around my waist.  “I can’t sleep when you do that.” I whispered.

I felt his smiling lips against my skin.  “I have to get going.”

                “Me too.  I have to go to the hospital.”

I rolled over and he propped himself up on his hand.  “Do you need a ride?”

I shook my head, “I have my mom’s car.  But I’ll see you tomorrow.”  I curled against his chest and he wrapped his arms around me.  Things weren’t so bad right now.  I actually felt kind of normal.

                After Scott left, I got ready to go to Noah’s.  I was supposed to be there at noon, but Scott didn’t even leave until 12:30.  I wasn’t complaining.  My relationship with Noah is simple and our feelings for each other isn’t straining it.  When we’re training, he doesn’t let that get in the way.  I’m glad we can remain friends.

                After getting ready, I got into my mom’s car and headed to Noah’s.  I was hoping Ash would be gone by now.  I know he was going to the hospital this morning.  Our mom is getting out of the hospital in a few days and I was excited and nervous at the same time.  She still doesn’t remember anything, but maybe once she’s inside the house, things will come to her.

                I pulled into Noah’s driveway, relieved when I didn’t see Ash’s car.  I walked up to the door and rang the doorbell.  I was constantly looking behind me, beside me.  I always felt like I was being watched.  I heard the door open and I quickly turned around.  “You okay?” Noah asked, opening the door wider.

                “Yeah, I’m fine.”  I walked inside, avoiding eye contact until he was standing in front of me.

                “Are you sure?”

                “Yes, Noah.  I’m fine.” I grounded.

He held his hands up in defense.  “I’m just checking.  You seem a little…paranoid.”

                “Wouldn’t you be?”

                “I’ve been there several times.  So, I know what you’re going through.”

I decided to just keep my mouth shut.  “I guess we should get started.”

                I followed Noah down the same hallway as we did Friday.  We moved to the back of the room where all the targets were.  But I spotted new ones that weren’t pinned against the wall.  “I don’t use these dummies as much now.” He stated, pushing one of the blue figures to the middle of the room.  It was about Noah’s height.  Basically a mannequin but it still intimidated me.  “I think this is easier to practice on then the targets.”

He walked towards the wall to my side and grabbed the same dagger I used the other night.  He stood in front of me, placing the cool handle in my hand.  “You’re learning quickly, so I don’t think it’ll be a problem.” He smiled and moved to stand beside me.

I focused on the blue figure standing in front of me.  Slight indents covered the arms, legs, and deeper indents struck the chest.  I was nervous.  “Aim for the chest?”

                “The chest is your best bet, yes.”

I looked back to the dummy and took a deep breath, exhaling slowly as I aimed the dagger.  “Remember what I taught you.” Noah said quietly.  “Use that anger.”

Trying to channel my anger wasn’t working today.  I let the dagger slip, throwing it forward for it to pelt against the dummy’s shoulder and drop to the ground.  “Shit.” I hissed.

Noah plucked the dagger from the ground and brought it back to me.  “Get angry—”

                “I’m trying!” I snapped.  “I’m trying…”

He then took the dagger from my hands and placed it on the bench.  He stood in front of my again and placed his hands on my shoulders.  He ducked his head, his eyes finding mine.  “Are you sure there’s nothing wrong?”

I waved my hands and wiggled his hands off of my shoulders.  “I’m fine, Noah.  I’m just…distracted.”

                “I can tell.” He muttered, nervously rubbing the back of his neck.  “We can cancel today—”

                “No.” I interrupted.  “I’m okay.  Just drop it.”

The look on his face was nothing shy of hurt.  “Okay.” 

I walked to the bench and picked up the slick dagger.

                Anger.  Anger.  Anger.

                I need to find the anger.

Noah stood to my left, watching me intently with his arms crossed against his chest.  He didn’t say anything, just watching carefully.

                I felt a warm rush through my body, heating up my cheeks.  I closed my eyes, slowly taking another breath, exhaling slowly as I opened my eyes.

I focused on the dummy’s chest and memorized the rough cuts covering the plastic. 

One…two…three.  

And I let go of the dagger, letting it fly towards the dummy.

                The dagger moved quick with force, sticking into the stomach of the blue dummy.  I should be relieved, but I wasn’t.  I felt my hands start to shake and my legs felt like they were going to buckle and let go any minute.  My legs hit the cool tile before I had the chance to stop myself.  My breathing was ragged as I tried to focus more on it.  My head was clouded and everything seemed like one meshed blur.

                Noah’s hands were on my arms.

                I start crying with no warning.

Noah’s lifting me up.  I couldn’t stop shaking as he carried me out of the room. 

                He wasn’t saying anything, just carrying me.  He sat me down on the plush surface of the couch in what I assumed was the living room.  I couldn’t focus long enough to look around.

I felt Noah sit beside me.

He lifted me, swiftly bringing me into his lap.  “I’m sorry.” Was all he said.

                I buried my face in my hands, feeling the tears soak my palms.  Noah’s hand rubbed soothing circles on my back and his lips touched the side of my head.  “It’s going to be okay, Willow.”  His voice was soft and it made me want to cry even more.  “It’s going to be okay.” He repeated.

I just didn’t know how it was going to be okay.

Nothing anymore makes sense.

None of it’s okay.

                I swiped my jacket sleeves under my eyes, drying my cheeks the best I could.  Noah lightly took my face between his calloused hands, brushing his thumbs over my cheeks.  “You have to believe me.”  His eyes searched mine.  I could barely look at him without wanting to cry again.

                “I’m so angry.” I choked.

He dropped his hands, “I know.”  He lifted a hand again, tucking a lose strand of hair behind my ear. 

                “You don’t—” I quickly stopped and wanted to take the words back. I didn’t mean it.  “I’m sorry, Noah.”

His smile was weak.  “I know that, too.”

I looked down, fumbling with the sleeves of my jacket because I’m too embarrassed to look into his eyes.  “Are you okay?”

His head shot up, almost like he was caught off guard.  “I’m fine, Willow.”

                “No, you’re not.  I can tell.”

                “I’m about as good as you are.” He admitted.  “I’m angry, too.”

I wanted to take his pain away.  There was too much for one person to handle.  “You’re going to be okay, too.”

He cupped my face, rubbing his thumbs under my eyes again.  “I didn’t mean to make you cry.”

I shook my head.  “It’s not your fault—”

                “I shouldn’t have pushed you like that.  It helped me, I thought it would help you.”

                “You’re stronger than I am.”

He tilted my head up, making me look back into his eyes.  “You’re very strong, Willow.  With everything that’s going on.  It’s okay to have a bad day.”  He continued running his thumbs under my eyes as more tears fell.  “Crying doesn’t make you weak.”

The longer he looked into my eyes, the more I was going to cry.

                I dropped my head down against his chest, my forehead pressed against his shoulder.  “You’re being too nice to me.”

His arms went around me and I felt the rumble of his small chuckle.  “You make that sound like a bad thing.”      

                “I haven’t really been the nicest to you these past few days.”

                “I deserved it.”

I lifted my head from his shoulder, “You didn’t.  None of this is your fault.  It’s Joel’s.  I shouldn’t have blamed you.  I was just so…angry.  I needed to blame it on someone other than myself.”

The warmness of his eyes said everything when he looked at me.  He knew I was serious.  He knew that I don’t think any of this is his fault.  Everything felt simple, just sitting here with Noah.  He didn’t panic when I panicked and I have to admit that helped.  We have a lot more in common than I thought.  But I’m sure he has more anger than I do.  Anger towards the person who did this to his best friend.  Anger towards himself because he didn’t have a proper goodbye. 

Angry because he can’t find the person responsible. 

                After an hour of sitting in silence, Noah walked me outside to my mom’s car.  “Thanks for dealing with me today.” I teased.

He took a step forward, stuffing his hands in his pockets.  “I’ll see you tomorrow at school.”

                “You mean you’re actually going?”

                “Believe me, I’d rather not.  But I just want to make sure you’re okay.”

My lips tugged into a small smile.  “I’ll be fine.  Today just wasn’t a good day.  I’ll see you tomorrow.”

As much as I didn’t want to leave, I had to.  I don’t know why I hated leaving Noah’s house.

                When I got home, I had a surprise waiting for me on my doorstep.

-------------------------

What do you think the 'surprise' is?

Pretty boring chapter, but the next one is already planned out and I'll start writing probably tomorrow or Monday.

All of the lovely comments are appreciated, I love you guys!  And I broke 10k reads and 300 votes, so thanks so so so much.

AAAANNNND, I know it's not that important, but who do you prefer Willow with?  Scott or Noah?

I like to hear the imput! :)

And listen to the song.  It's the best version in my opinion. :))))