Chapter Three: Not Safe

I stood there frozen with fear.  The thoughts of Noah having the urge to kill someone surfaced.  Why would does he show an interest in throwing daggers?  What would he even use these skills for?  I can imagine putting down “Great with knives.” On his résumé‎.  The glint in his eyes said he was satisfied with what he just did.  I wonder how many girls actually know about it.

                I wanted to bolt to the door, but those thoughts were passed over when I saw his long fingers still wrapped around the black handled dagger.  “Scared of knives, Fighter?”

I really wish he would stop calling me that.  He twirled the knife between his fingers and he aimed it like he was about to throw it.  I cowered back and he flung the knife toward a poster hanging on one of his walls, hitting the center of the characters chest.

                   Another breath hitched in my throat.

                Besides ruining his poster, he has another wall in the wall he has to fix.  “Are you out of your damn mind?” I breathed, my voice raising.

Noah walked to the poster and pulled the knife out, smoothing his fingers over the ripped paper.  “I didn’t like this poster anymore than I liked that bear.” He mumbled.  He slid his fingers under the bottom of the poster and jerked it the rest of the way down.

                This was my chance to leave, but I couldn’t.  My feet wouldn’t move and he would catch me in a second if he had to.  He wouldn’t try anything with these people here, would he?  No, of course not.  That would be completely stupid on his part.  I just wanted the hell out of this room alone with him before one of us does something stupid.  Actually, scratch that.  Noah just threw a dagger at a stuffed animal and a poster. He already did something stupid.

                He walked towards me, pulling the bear from my hands.  I didn’t even realize I had picked it up.  The bear’s stomach was pierced and its stuffing was slightly poking out.  He has a knack for aiming for the chest and that scared me even more.  “You’re not upset over the bear, are you?”

He was being serious.  “Are you kidding me?”  I found my voice.

That only seemed to amuse him even more.   “I am not upset about a stupid bear.” 

Every time he would laugh, it made me angrier.  “And I’m about five seconds away from smacking that stupid smile off of your face.”

Now the smile reached his eyes.  “That’s the first time a girl called my smile stupid.”

                “Did you also pin a bear to a wall with a knife in front of her?”

                “No, of course not.” He leaned against one of his bed posts, crossing his arms across his chest.

I pointed towards the black box laid out on his bed, “Can you please put that away?  You’re making me nervous.” He would make me nervous without the dagger in his hand.

                He dangled the dagger in front of me and placed it back inside the plush box.  He sealed it up and placed it inside one of his dresser drawers.  “Happy?”

I would be happier once I made it outside of this room.  “What’s the point of them?”  My voice was shaking a little and he knew it was making me nervous.  My stomach twisted in knots as he took a step closer to me.  “Why?  Do you wanna learn?”

I shivered at the thought of touching a knife for the same purpose he does. “What kind of question is that?”

I seemed to be amusing him by his laughter.  “It’s a serious question.”

                “I’m not going anywhere near those.” Another shiver ran up my spine.  “And like I want you to teach me how to throw daggers while you’re drunk.  Real funny, Noah.”

He grabbed his cup, dumping the rest of the contents inside his mouth and swallowing.  “I didn’t mean right now.  Maybe sometime after school.”

                “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to come off as a bit harsh, but there’s no way I’m touching those.” I repeated.

He sighed, “Suit yourself.  But the offer will be on the table.”

                Noah opened his bedroom door letting me know I was allowed to leave.  I didn’t hesitate.  I walked at a fast pace until I made it down the stairs.  I checked behind me and Noah wasn’t there.  A wave of relief washed over me.  I made my way into the living room.  It was packed with people dancing, drinking, and making out on the couch.

                I scanned the crowd hoping to find Ashley, but I found Ash coming towards me.  His hair was sticking up everywhere like girl’s fingers had been tugging on the locks.  “Willowwww!” He drug out.  I could smell the vodka on his breath.  “Aren’t you driving?” I asked, taking a step back.

He shook his head, “No, Noah said I could crash here.  Did you hear?”

                      “Hear what?”

                “The band will be playing at Mist in two weeks!  Noah’s friend knows the manager or whatever.  He is the greatest!”  The alcohol tainted my brother’s mind set.  You have your angry and mean drunks, and you have your touchy feely drunks, and you have your happy drunk.  Ash can be a mix of all of them, but his favorite is happy.  “I’m happy for you, Ash.  You guys deserve it!” I called over the music.

                “He’s really not what I thought.  He’s not as scary as I expected.” Ash giggled.  Man crush.

He’s actually quite terrifying.  “Yeah, I guess so.  And thanks for making him take me home.  I know you did that on purpose.”

A small smirk formed on his lips, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” His tone was teasing and sarcastic. I knew he did that on purpose.  “If you’ll excuse me, Laura has been eyeing me all night.”

Gag.  “Have fun, Idiot.”

He stuck his tongue out at me and followed Laura’s gaze.  I bet you a hundred dollars she’s only getting close to Ash to get to Noah.

                I ventured further into the living room and I spotted Ashley’s long blonde waves from behind.  She had a guy’s face buried in between the crook of her neck.  And when he raised his head, I noticed that person to be Rai.  Looks like she got what she wanted after all.  Well, she wanted Noah, but Rai was her ultimate crush that she had to have.  And when she wants something, she doesn’t stop until she gets it.  I’ve learned that over the years.

                I pushed through more people and walked through the open back doors.  A fall breeze brushed across my exposed legs and I felt the goose bumps form.  There weren’t as many people out here.  I could still hear the music blasting, but it was muffled.  The pool was a glowing blue with the lights.  It looked inviting, but I was not about to jump in the pool.

                There were plush loungers at the end of the pool and I stretched across one.  My mind went from Noah, to Ash, and to Ashley.  Ashley finally got Rai’s attention and Noah got a gig for Pathway’s.  Ash was super happy about it.  I’m sure band practice will be almost every day after school.  They were supposed to have practice today, but obviously this little party got in the way.  I’m sure they’ll make up for it tomorrow.  Well, maybe Sunday because they’re going to be completely hung over.

                I lifted my gaze to the back of the house and it matched the front.  But more windows.  The whole back of the house was basically one giant glass window.  You could see into the hall on the second floor, and all of the grinding bodies on the first.  Ash was with Laura, shocker.  I watched Rai lead Ashley from the living room and my eyes eventually landed on Noah.  A girl was wedged between him and the wall and he leaned in to whisper something to her.  She put a hand to her mouth to giggle. I'm sure what he said wasn't that hilarious.

                I leaned back, ignoring my possessive thoughts.  I just wanted to go home.  I didn’t even want to come here in the first place.  Actually, that’s a lie.  I did have a small part of me that wanted to come and maybe something worth staying for would have happened.  But no.  The total opposite.  My nerves finally started to settle after Noah’s knife trick.  But just thinking about it again sent chills speeding through me.

                There’s just something alluring about Noah Lockwood.  He could get away with murder with a smile like that.  The idea of Noah trying to kill someone was more than slightly terrifying.  If he’s so good with daggers, why would he poison this person?  Now I’m talking like he actually did it.  It’s just a rumor, Willow, shut up.  You know nothing about this guy except he’s attractive, a great drummer, and turns knives into a weapon.  But still don’t know enough to hate him.

                My head was starting to throb.  I walked back inside the house and pushed back through to the kitchen.  People circled the island with drinks in hand.  There was a guy helping with the keg.  Might as well.  I grabbed one of the red cups from the counter and held it out in his direction.  I noticed him to be Scott. He would sometimes sit with my brother at lunch, but other than that I don’t know him that much.  Cropped blonde hair, blue eyes, and had an amazing build from what I could tell.  “Your brother know you’re drinking?” He asked.

I gave him a sweet, yet sarcastic smile.  “What he doesn’t know won’t hurt.”

                “It’s about time, Willow.”  He grinned and filled my cup.

The first drink was bitter and absolutely horrible.  It took everything not to spit it in his face.  “You’ll get used to it, Prom Queen.”

Prom Queen my ass.  “It’s pretty bad.”

                “Don’t sip it.  Just tip it back and chug.”

I eyed him for a second and he nodded his head.   I tipped the cup against my lips; taking the first chug and feeling it burn my throat.  The chugs that followed weren’t as bad, but slightly burned.  I heard Scott chanting “Chug, chug, chug!”  I felt the cup become lighter as more bitter liquid flowed down my throat.  I pulled the cup away and let out a breath.  Scott cheered, taking the cup from my hands and filling it again.  “You’re going to learn.”

Yeah, I’m going to learn the hard way.  I couldn’t chug this one like I did the last.  I’ve never drank before and I don’t know my tolerance level.  I didn’t want to find out tomorrow that I was caught dancing naked on a table while everyone cheered me on.  Not gonna happen.

                I placed a hand on Scott’s arm, “Come dance with me!” I called over the music.

A small smirk slowly surfaced on his lips, “You took the words right out of my mouth!”

I sat the cup down and he led me into the living room.  I felt his hands settled on my hips and he pulled me closer, our chests colliding.  “I like this side of you.”  Scott said, burying his face in my hair.

I couldn’t complain.  I liked the way his hands felt around me, pulling me closer.  “If Ash finds out you’ve been giving me drinks, he’ll kick your ass.” I joked.

I felt his chest rumble from his chuckle.  “He’s occupied, you’re good.”

                I felt alive when I danced with Scott.  Or maybe it was the beer teasing its way into my brain and clouding my judgment.  I closed my eyes, letting myself feel the moment while it lasted.  I felt dizzy, almost like I would pass out at any second.  But I couldn’t bring myself to pull apart from Scott.  He moved his hands up to my waist and I hooked an arm around his neck.

                He brought his face up to mine, our lips just inches apart.  I wouldn’t let me first kiss be with Scott of all people.  He just smiled and kissed my cheek.  “I don’t want Ash to kill me.” He said.

I was about to reply when I felt someone’s hand press to my lower back.  Scott dropped his hands and took a step back.  I was curious and when I turned around I understood why Scott backed away.  Noah stood like a tower.  “It’s my turn.” He smirked.

                “No, no, no.  You’re kind of the last person I want to see.”

He didn’t seem fazed at the slightest.  “You’re kind of in my house.  And I kind of want to dance with you right now.”

I wanted to say no again, but the smile.  The eyes.  “If you promise not to bother me anymore.”

                “Not if you want me to break it.”

He wrapped his fingers around my waist and pulled me closer.  “My brother will kill you.”

His eyebrows raised out of amusement.  “I don’t think so.  He likes me too much.”

So I’ve noticed.  “He likes me more.”     

                “I’ll give you that one.”  He moved an arm around my waist.  “I’m guessing you heard the news?”

I nodded, placing my palms flat against his chest.  “First thing I heard when I came down the stairs.  I thought he was going to confess his love for you.”

                “Wouldn’t be the first guy.”

My eyes widened, “What?”

                “I’m kidding.  Take a joke.”

                “Stop doing that!”  I stepped away from him, crossing my arms firmly across my chest.

He reached for me again but I smacked his hands away.  “I want to go home.  I’ve had enough of this for one night.  Tell Ashley I walked home.”  I moved through the crowd and through the front door before I felt Noah’s grip on my wrist, pulling me to a stop.  “You can’t walk home.” He said, spinning me around to face him.  “Let me drive you.”

                “Are you seriously that crazy?  You’ve been drinking, idiot.”

                “I sober quickly.”

He was stupid to think I would actually get into a car with him again.  I didn’t even like being in the same space with him.  Maybe that’s partly a lie, but still.  “No.” I grounded.  “I’m not getting in a car with someone who has been drinking.”

He pointed towards the road.  “I’ll walk with you, then.”

As appealing as that sounded, I didn’t want to be alone with him.  “I can walk alone, thanks.  Tell Ash I’ll see him tomorrow.  Go back to your party.”

                I started down the driveway and I could still feel Noah behind me.  “I don’t need a babysitter!” I said loudly, spinning on my heels to face him.  He laughed, “I’m not letting you walk by yourself.  Do you know how many crazy people could be out there?”  Yeah, I’m talking to one.

                “You don’t want to talk to me about crazy people.”

I could tell he was getting annoyed with me by his stance.  “Just let me walk you home.  I’ll stay ten feet behind you.”

                “Fine.” I sighed.  “I would appreciate it.”

I started walking and I could hear his footsteps fall behind me.

                After the first two miles, all I could hear were the sound of Noah’s shoes hitting the pavement behind me.  Hearing those footsteps coming from behind made me nervous.  It made me feel a little uneasy knowing it was actually Noah.  I stopped and waited for him to catch up.  “What’s wrong?”

                “I can’t have you walking behind me.  It sounds like someone is coming up behind me.”

                “I can walk beside you, Willow.  I’m not going to do anything to you.”  I knew that, but I still didn’t trust him.  I had no idea what he was capable of doing.

                He fell into step beside me.  The night was quiet and so were we.  What do you talk about with someone like him?  Sports?  I know nothing about sports?  Music?  Maybe.  He’s in a band; he must like some type of music.  “What else are you good at besides drumming?” I asked.  “And knife throwing.” I added with a bitter taste in my mouth.

He ran a hand over his mouth in thought.  “I’m kind of good at math.  Does that count?”

Most guys are good at math.  “Good, you can do my homework.”

                “What about you?” He asked.  “What are you good at?”

I honestly couldn’t think of anything.  I found something I’m interested in, but I fail.  So I just answered, “Planning and making people feel uncomfortable.  How am I doing so far?”

He glanced in my direction and back in front of him.  “Now that you mention it, you’re making me uncomfortable.”

I let a laugh slip, “It’s what I’m good at.”

                      All of a sudden, Noah’s arm went across my chest causing me to stop.  “What—”

                “Shhh.” He hissed, dropped his arm.  He turned around and looked down the empty sidewalk.  He started walking in that direction and I followed him.  “Did you hear something?” I whispered, trying to keep up with his pace.

                “I thought I heard footsteps.” He replied. “Stay right here.”

I did as he said and stopped while he continued walking.  I watched him walk further down the sidewalk, checking left and right as he did so.  I didn’t hear anything.  And when he came back, he seemed flustered.  “I didn’t hear anything.” I told him.  “Maybe it was just our footsteps you’re hearing.”

                “Maybe not.” He retorted quickly.

                “Maybe you’re just paranoid.”  That would explain a lot.

We picked up our pace again and we didn’t say anything else.

                We neared my house, and I noticed Noah had been lost in thought the entire time.  He would nervously pick at his bottom lip or rub the back of his neck.  “Are you okay?” I asked him.

He waved his hand without looking at me, “Yeah, I’m just thinking.”  We walked up my driveway and up to the front door.  “Thanks for walking me home.”

He nodded, “Are you good from here?”

                “Yes and now you can go back to your party.”

A smile surfaced on his mouth, “I’m calling a cab, I’m not walking back there.”

Fair enough.  “Oh, well you’re welcome to wait inside if you want.  It’s the least I can do since you walked me all this way.”

                “I’ll wait here.  Thank you, considering that fact that I’ve been an ass.”

He had that right.  “I’ll see you later, Noah.  Thanks again.”  I fumbled with my keys and eventually got the door open.  I closed it behind me, deciding against locking it just in case he changed his mind.

                After I changed into night clothes and ready for bed, I heard the door bell ring.  I didn’t exactly expect Noah to ring the doorbell if he wanted to come inside.  I walked down the stairs, taking my time to get to the front door.  I swung the door open and no one was there.  Just the feel of the wind brushing across my skin.  “Hello?” I called, my breathing picking up.  “Noah!  This isn’t funny!” I called, almost ready to cry.

                I turned around to go back inside when I noticed a small piece of paper taped to the front door.  I gave another look around and pulled it off and walked back inside.  I locked the door and ran up the stairs with the note tight in hand.  I don’t know if this is Noah’s cute idea of a joke, but it’s not funny.  I unfolded the piece of paper and read, “You’re not safe.”

I felt my heart drop into the pit of my stomach.  Who wrote this?

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Kind of a cliffhanger? haha.  I wasn't even sure I was going to be able to post this tonight, but I did.

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