-Willow-

 “You’re too tense.” Noah came up behind me, his warm breath caressing my ear. 

I dropped my arm to my side, fighting the urge to drop the dagger.  “You need to relax your shoulders.”  He brushed his palms down my arms slowly, making their way down to my hips.

                “You know that’s distracting, Noah.” I laughed, knocking his hands off.  “And I have a sharp object in my hand.”

I heard him suck in a breath behind me, “Right, right.  Just relax.  Clear your mind.”

I dropped my hand again and turned around to face him.  “You told me to get angry.”

                “We’ve both seen what happens when you get angry.”

We’ve seen that a few times.  “Focus on the target for now.  Don’t think about anything else, but the target.”

I turned back around and set my sights on the blue figure standing in front of me.  I could hardly focus because the burn from Noah’s touch still lingered on my bare arms.  I knew wearing a tank top wasn’t the best idea.  But I had better movement.

                It’s been two weeks since Alex was found and Joel wasn’t.  Since I found out it was Ashley that wrote the notes.  Since I broke up with Scott…But I still needed to talk to Ashley.  I’ve asked for space and she’s given me enough.  It’s time to talk.  Words can’t explain how much I miss her.  Rebecca doesn’t know why we’re fighting, but she knows.  She’s not getting in the middle of it and I didn’t want her to be.  The middle is a bad place to be.

                As for Noah and I, we’re doing great.  We still haven’t found the courage to tell Ash, but we’re working on it.  Dinner with my parent’s is scheduled tonight, but Noah’s parents weren’t home this morning so we decided to squeeze some training in.  But this training session just included me getting frustrated and Noah getting a kick out of it. 

                I try not to ask too many questions anymore.  Joel is still missing, yes, but there’s people looking for him.  He won’t be able to get within ten feet of my house, Noah’s house, or our schools.  His face is everywhere, he has to come out of hiding eventually.  But it’s like he’s a ghost.  He just disappeared out of thin air.

                Noah’s shouting brought me back out of my head.  I focused back on the target, realizing I had thrown the dagger, sticking it in the figures shoulder.  “See, I told you it works.” He smiled and retrieved the dagger.

I let go of the breath I didn’t know I was holding.  “Uh, yeah.  But it was the shoulder.”

                “At least it stuck this time.” He shrugged and placed the dagger back on the wall.

                “I don’t feel like I’m progressing any at all.” I frowned.

Noah walked up to me, taking my sweaty hands between his own.  “You’re doing fine.  But that’s enough for the day.”  He leaned down and pressed a kiss to my forehead.

                “I have to go anyway.” I said and tucked a lose strand of hair behind my ear.  “I promised Ashley I would talk to her today.  I’m supposed to be meeting her for lunch.”

                “You sure that’s a good idea?”

I nodded and grabbed my bag from the bench.  “It’ll be good for me.  I miss her.” I admitted.

Noah’s smile was weak, but he understood.

                After cutting my ties with Scott, things have been smooth.  He wasn’t happy at all.  He was pretty much void towards the whole thing.  He didn’t understand what he did wrong and he thought what we had was healthy.  No part of it was healthy.  Just a few days he came up to me telling me he wanted to try being friends.  He apologized the whole time I helped him with his essay.  It took everything to get him to drop it.  We haven’t talked much since.

                Noah walked me to the door but stopped me before I could open it.  “Isn’t your birthday tomorrow?” He asked.

                “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” My birthday was a joke this year.

He stepped closer to me, basically pinning me against the front door.  “You know exactly what I’m talking about.”

                 “I don’t want to celebrate.  After everything with Ashley, not going to happen.”

                “That doesn’t mean we can’t have a party of our own.” He smirked, leaning closer until his lips pressed lightly against my neck.

I couldn’t give in.  “Yes it does.”  I pushed up on his shoulder because if he continued down that path, I wouldn’t leave the house.

                “I can take you to the condo.  We can have proper alone time.”

                “There’s no way I can explain that to my parent’s.”

               “You won’t have to.  Just say you’re going out with a friend and I’ll have you home by curfew.”

This kid should go into sales.  “Fine.  But I want to be home for dinner.”

He smiled and gave me a kiss.  “Thank you.”

I gave him another kiss and left.

                I pulled into Starbuck’s and found Ashley’s car right away.  We haven’t spoken much.  Well, we haven’t spoken at all.  Just hi and bye.  We don’t even sit next to each other anymore. 

                I got out of the car and walked inside.  I spotted her sitting in the corner, sipping on her cup of coffee while staring out the window.  I walked up to her and sat in the seat across.  She turned her head a little, smiling small, “Hey.”

I couldn’t help but smile a little, “Hi.”

                “How have you been?”

                “Uh, fine.  You?”

This wasn’t awkward at all. 

It was really awkward.

                “I’ve seen better days.”

I wanted to tell her how much I actually missed her.  That I didn’t care it was her.  But I did care and I needed more answers.  “There’s more to the story, isn’t there?”

Her smile fell, “I can’t say much.” She whispered.

                “I’m your best friend, Ashley.  Tell me everything.”

She looked around and leaned over the table, “He blackmailed me for information.”

My eyebrows knitted together, “What kind of information?”

                “About you.  He wanted to know everything.  Your schedule, your past, anything.  I couldn’t deny him because I couldn’t let him hurt my family.  You have to understand that.”

I could and I couldn’t.  Because I’m basically her sister and she betrayed me.  But I would have done the same for my family.  I’m not going to make her choose.  “I’m trying.” I breathed.  “What kind of information did he have on you?”

                “Remember last summer?  When my dad died?”

I nodded, feeling a tight knot twist in my stomach.  “Of course.”

                “I wasn’t in my right mind, you knew that.  My mom was always crying, she wouldn’t eat, and she basically kept herself locked in her room.”  She stopped to take in a shaky breath.  “It was to the point to where I just couldn’t take it anymore.”

                  “Ashley—”

                “You weren’t there, Willow.” She choked.  “When I woke up in the hospital, I realized that I didn’t want to die.  I wasn’t ready.  I had a lot to live for, even if they were little things.  I thought about what I was doing and how it was going to affect people around me.  I lost my mind.”

I swiped a finger under my eye, hoping she didn’t notice.

                “I was hospitalized for two weeks.  My mom didn’t want anyone to know and I didn’t either.  I didn’t even want you to know.  I couldn’t stand the way you would look at me.  Like the way you’re looking at me now.  Like I’m broken.”

I shook my head, “I would have wanted to be there for you.  You know that.”

                “Don’t feel sorry for me.”

She ran a thumb under her eye to catch a stray tear.  “It’s in the past and I’m better now.  That’s all that matters.”

I smiled weakly, reaching over to touch her hand.  “I’m always going to be there.”

                “Promise?”

I nodded, “Promise.”

She stood up from her seat and I did the same.  I wrapped my arms around her shoulders and hugged her tight.  “I missed you.”

I heard her laugh, “I missed you the most.”

We found ourselves sitting on the beach an hour later.  Talking and catching up.  I still had questions, but I was too afraid to ask.  “So, does that mean the party is still on for next Saturday?”

Shit.  I forgot about the damn party.  “You went through a lot of trouble.”

                “Is that a yes?” She grinned.

                “Don’t make me regret it.”

I looked back out at the ocean, a sheet of silence falling over us.  “Promise me you’ll come to me if something happens.”  I turned my head to face her.

She looked down at the sand, tracing her pointer finger over the grains.  “I promise.”  She finally looked at me and smiled.

                “You’d tell me if he started bothering you again, right?”

                “You would be the first person to know.”

I opened my mouth to speak but my phone buzzed in my pocket, cutting me off.

                I slipped it out, looking down at the screen to see my mom’s name flashing across the screen.  “Oh, shit!”  I gasped, standing to my feet in a hurry.

Ashley mocked, “What’s wrong?”

                “Uh, Noah is supposed to be coming for dinner in an hour and I totally forgot.”

She slowly smirked and started wiggling her eyebrows, “It’s about time.”

I threw an arm around her shoulders as we walked back to our cars.

                I made it home with thirty minutes to spare.  I had to shower and get ready still.  Noah liked to be early, so that gave me minus ten minutes.  I rushed up the stairs and attempted to avoid anyone until I was out of the shower.  I scrubbed my body, hoping to knock off all the sand I could.  I washed my hair quickly and got out to get dressed.

                I just slipped on a pair of jeans and a sweater.  I braided my hair down my back, thinking about how much Noah hates it when my hair is pulled back.  As I stepped out of my room, I was met by Ash on the other side.  “Noah’s here.” He gasped dramatically like a 12 year old and ran down the stairs.  I still think Ash is more smitten by Noah than I was.  It was hilarious from my point of view.

                I followed Ash down the stairs and Noah was standing on the other end.  He was being greeted by the parent’s.  So far, so good.  All smiles and no yelling.  “Hey, man.”  Ash walked up to Noah, giving him one of those bro hugs guys do.  I’ll never understand it.  “Willow, show him where to put his jacket.”  My mom pointed and stalked off with my dad in tow.

Ash stuck his tongue out at me and walked into the living room.

Noah watched me intently as his jacket slid down his arms.

                I opened the closet door to my left, closest to the stair case.  I opened the door but only to be shoved into it.  I let out a giggle and I couldn’t find Noah in the darkness.  “My parents are going to come looking for you.”

I felt his hands on my face, caressing my cheeks gently into his palms.  “I have a few seconds.”

He met my lips with too much anticipation.  “You look good.”  He muttered against my lips.

I smiled, meeting his lips once more before taking a step back. 

                “I want to talk later.  Ash said I can crash here tonight.”

My stomach fluttered at the thought.  “Meet me in the basement after he falls asleep.”  I pecked his lips and opened the closet door.

                I stepped out and left Noah alone.  I walked into the kitchen and helped with whatever needed to be finished.  I set the table in time for everyone to come flooding in.  Of course, Noah sat beside me.  That didn’t make me nervous at all.  He was between Ash and I, so his attention should be focused in that direction.

                My mom acted like she never met him before.  I guess I should be thankful for that.  She knows what’s going on between us.  Not all of it, but most of it.  She knows my feelings towards him and that’s enough.  I wanted to tell Ash before I told my dad.  If someone is going to hit Noah, it would be Ashton.  Better to get that out of the way.

                They talked about school and the band mostly.  Nothing about last year came up in conversation.  Alex came up, but it was a touchy subject we didn’t stay on for long.  “What are your plans after you graduate?” My dad asked and then gestured towards Ash.  “Maybe you can be a good influence on him.”  He cracked a grin and Ash rolled his eyes.

                “I plan on moving back to Huntington and going to school.”

                “Huntington?” My mom asked curiously.

Noah nodded, “That’s the plan.”

And that’s all that was said on that subject.  Ash always cringed when it came to talking about college.  He’s convinced him and the band will make it big.  For their sake, I hope so.

                Dinner went surprisingly well.  I was in the kitchen, helping my mom while the guys were in the living room.  “There’s something there, right?” She asked out of the blue.

I dried the dish in my hands and set it on the counter.  “It’s small, but it’s something.”  It was the complete opposite of small.

                  “Is he doing okay?  I know they found Alex.  That must be a relief.”

                “He’s been doing just fine from what I could tell.  He doesn’t like to share.”  That was an understatement.

                “I like him.”  She handed me another dish to dry.  “I think your dad does, too.  But that might change a little if he knows how he feels about you.”

I hope it wouldn’t change too much. 

But like I’ve said, it’s not really my parent’s I’m worried about.  It’s Ash.

                After we finished the dishes, my parent’s decided to go to bed.  I found myself sitting on the far end of the couch with my knees up to my chest and my head resting against my knuckles.  Ash and Noah were deep in a video game, shooting people and the occasional blowing things up.  It was nice to see something so simple as your brother playing a video game with his friend.  It was…refreshing, after everything that’s happened.  “Why don’t we watch a movie?” I suggested.

                “Uh, sure.” Ash grumbled, hitting several buttons angrily on his controller.

Noah started laughing as Ash let the controller drop in his lap.  “You suck.” Ash continued and pushed Noah’s shoulder. 

                “I’ll go get the popcorn.  Find a movie.”  It was hard putting Ash in charge of finding a movie.

I stood from the couch and made my way into the kitchen.  The only reason I suggested a movie, because Ash falls asleep before he makes it to the end.  If he falls asleep, I can finally talk to Noah.

                I got the popcorn ready and walked back into the living room.  I took the spot between them so it was easier to share.  The movie started but I had no idea what we were watching.  I couldn’t focus on it, anyway.  All I could focus on was how unbelievably close Noah was.  The room was dark, the only thing illuminating the living room was the TV. 

Ash picked some sort of action movie.  Guns were being fired within the first ten minutes.  I grabbed a handful of popcorn, stuffing it in my mouth while trying to keep my focus on the movie.  But I was interested at all.  I sat the bowl of popcorn in Noah’s lap and stood up.  They didn’t ask, I didn’t tell.  I walked down the hallway that lead to the basement door and slipped inside.  I sat down on the couch and turned the TV on to find something while I waited for Noah.

As I started to doze off, I heard the basement door open.  I pushed myself up on the couch and watched Noah walk into the room.  “Did he finally fall asleep?” I asked.

He nodded, taking the spot next to me.  “Finally.”

I scooted closer to him, throwing my legs across his lap.  “Good.” 

He leaned down and left a small kiss on my lips.  “Everything with Ashley okay?”

                “We are friends again.  Closer than ever.” I smiled.

                “It was Joel?”

                “He’s not going to stop.  You know this.”

He let out a sigh and looked down at me.  “I do know.  And I also know I really don’t want to talk about this right now.”

Noah was hovering over me in seconds, one hand on my hip and the other lightly caressed my cheek.  “I just want to kiss you until I can’t breathe.” His breath hit my lips as his eyes searched mine.

The tension rising between us was too much to handle.  “That doesn’t sound like much fun.” I breathed a laugh.  I lifted my hands to run through his hair, my fingers locking at the back of his neck.

With a smile, he met my lips. 

                The familiar flood of desire enveloped my body.  Noah’s hands touching my exposed skin, his calloused fingers rough against it.  I was already feeling out of breath, but my lack of oxygen was clouding my judgment.  Noah’s lips left mine and I let out a small whimper.  He smiled down at me and pressed his lips against my jaw.

                His lips trailed down my neck, stopping to leave a mark I would yell at him about later.  A mark I’ll have to explain tomorrow.  “I want to go to my room.” I breathed, pushing up on his shoulders so he could look down at me.

He looked at me, cocking his head a little to the side.  “We’ll have all day tomorrow.”

                “Maybe I don’t want to wait until tomorrow.” I smiled, running my finger down his arm.

                “I don’t think we’re on the same page.” He smirked.

                “Well, maybe you need to flip a few more and find it.”

I pushed myself up on my elbows to leave a kiss on his lips.

He groaned loudly, “Tomorrow.”

He kissed me again.

                “Fine.”  I sighed and pushed him off of me and onto the spot next to me.

I brushed my fingers over my throbbing lips.  “The party is on for next weekend.  If you want to come.”  I looked over at him and smiled.

He nodded his head, “I’m glad you’re friends again.”

I’m really glad, too.

                I was met with booming happy birthdays when I stepped into the kitchen the next morning.  My mom and dad sandwiched me into a hug, telling me happy birthday again.  After they pulled away, Ash was leaning against the counter, examining me intently before wrapping me in a hug of his own.  That was a little weird.

                I wanted to ask where Noah was, but I didn’t.  I assumed he left before anyone even got up this morning.  Or he’s still asleep, which is likely I guess.  But Ash would have never let him sleep if he’s already up.  I let my mind wonder as I sat down at the table for breakfast.  Ash joined me while our parents finished cooking.  “I thought you and Scott broke up.” Ash whispered.

My head snapped in his direction.  “What?”

He pointed to my neck.  “Love bite.”

How could I forget to cover it up this morning?  “It’s just a rash.” I played, scratching my nails over the bruised skin.

Ash snorted, “If that’s a rash, then I have a problem.”

                “I didn’t need to know that.”

                “Are you guys back together?”

What the hell do I say?  I’ve already lied enough.  “No, Scott and I are not back together.  And we aren’t getting back together.  The book closed on that two weeks ago.”

                “Then how did you get that?” He pointed again.

                “Ash, just drop it.”

I let my hair fall over my shoulders and I put a hand to my neck nervously.

But Ash wasn’t dropping the subject.  “That wasn’t there yesterday.” He said slowly and quietly.

                “You should become a detective.” I hissed.

                “The only other guy you’ve been around since then is me and Noah.”

I didn’t need that image.  “You just made this really weird.”

                “It’s Noah?  Isn’t it?”

I felt my cheeks burn as I looked down at the table.  “Ash—”

                “I don’t know why I’ve never seen it before.  You’re always gone, but you’re not with Ashley, are you?  I know that because you haven’t spoken to her in two weeks.”

I looked up from my plate to meet his taunting gaze.  “Ash, I’m sorry—”

                “I know I’m over-protective, but damn.  I don’t even care that you’re together.  I’m upset you guys didn’t even have the decency to tell me.”

I opened my mouth to speak but he was already standing up and he left.

                I shouldn’t be surprised.  We should have told him sooner.  I don’t see why it would matter, but Noah is Ash’s friend.  And I am his sister.  But still, that doesn’t mean I have to tell him everything.  But Noah does since I’m Ash’s sister.  I shouldn’t have kept it hidden this long.  I don’t want Ash to be mad at Noah because I didn’t want to say anything yet.  Because I was afraid something was going to happen.

                After we ate breakfast, I walked upstairs.  I showered and got ready for the day with Noah.  I called Ashley and she said she would be happy to give me a ride to Noah’s.  I just really needed my own car.  I can dream at least.

                I walked down the hall and hesitated before knocking on Ash’s door.  He opened the door, the disappointed expression still etched into his features.  “What?”

                “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.  I just didn’t know how.”

He opened the door more and gestured for me to come in.  “You just come out and say it, Willow.”

Was I about to tell him too much?  Probably.  “I couldn’t tell you because I was still with Scott.”

His eyes widened in surprise?  Shock?  “What the hell, Willow?  How long has this been going on?”

                “Since the fundraiser.” I said softly.

                “That’s why you bid on him.  I should have known.”  He ran his hands roughly through his hair, probably fighting the urge to pull it out.

                “It actually happened the night before, so that’s not why I bid on him.  I only did that so he would do it.”

My phone buzzed in my hand, signaling Ashley was here.  “Ashley’s here.  I’ll talk to you later.”

He didn’t say anything.

                I left the room and walked down the stairs.  I yelled to my parent’s and walked out the door to meet Ashley in the driveway.  I got into the car and she pulled out as soon as the door shut.  “Happy birthday.” She smiled, giving my arm a playful nudge.  “I see you’ve decided to spend it with Noah.”

                “Ash found out this morning.” I muttered, leaning my head against my hand.

                “He’s mad I’m guessing, but not mad enough to keep you from him.”

That was a plus, I guess.  But he feels betrayed.  “He’ll get over it.”

                We pulled into Noah’s driveway, only Noah’s car sat parked.  I started to open the car door, but Ashley pulled on my arm.  “I need to tell you something.”

I closed the door and turned to face her.  “What is it?”

                “It’s been eating at me since the day you and Scott started hanging out.  It didn’t really bother me then, because I didn’t think about it.”

                “Spit it out!” I rushed.

                “Scott was hospitalized last year for the same thing I was.  Over-dose, but his wasn’t on purpose.  He was sent to rehab for the rest of the summer after that.”

Why was she telling me this now?  “I didn’t want to tell you while you were dating.” She said matter-of-factly.  “But I’m glad you aren’t anymore.”

                “Thanks, I guess.”

Maybe that could be the messed up shit Ash was talking about.  It could be worse.  “No more secrets.”

I nodded, “No more secrets.”

She has no idea how many I’m holding. 

                I rang the doorbell and Noah answered moments later like he was waiting by the door.  I immediately wrapped my arms around him when the front door closed.  “I just got off the phone with Ash.” He wrapped his arms tight around my shoulders, holding me close to his chest.

                “I see he got to you before I could.”  I leaned my head back, bringing my arms up against his chest.

                “This doesn’t change anything.” He whispered, tucking a lose strand behind my ear.  “He’ll be okay with it eventually.”

                “I don’t want to put a strain on your friendship, or your relationship with the band.”

He lightly cupped my face between his hands, his eyes filling with concern and security.  “It’ll be fine, I promise.”  He dropped a kiss on my forehead and we left.

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The next chapter I'm going to reveal a pretty big secret. It will be in Noah's point of view and I'll do my best to post it tomorrow, since I said I would update every Friday. But I've had a hectic week with school and I just don't even want to go near a computer, haha.

Thanks for all the votes and comments on the last chapter!! And all the sweet messages! You guys are awesome. :)

There's a picture of Rai to the side ->>>>

If you can't see it, it's Ben Bowers. :)