Chapter 23
The next morning, I could immediately tell I’d overdone it yesterday. Every movement ached more than I expected. I tried to get up quietly, careful not to wake Noah, but as I shifted and hissed softly through my teeth, he stirred immediately.
“Hey…” he murmured, voice groggy, “you’re up already?” His hand reached for me instinctively, concern in his half-asleep gaze.
I winced, clutching my side. “Yeah… a little more painful than I thought it would be,” I admitted.
He didn’t say anything else, just held out his hand, ready to help me. And somehow, that made all the difference.
“Are you okay?” Noah asks, panic flickering in his eyes as he leans closer.
“Noah, I’m fine,” I reassure him, wincing slightly as I shift. “Just a little stiff this morning. I must have overdone it yesterday.”
He studies me for a moment, still worried, before giving a small nod. “Okay… just promise me you’ll take it easy today,” he says, his voice soft but firm, like he won’t let me argue.
I can’t help the small smile tugging at my lips. “I promise,” I whisper, grateful for him and the quiet sense of safety he always brings.
“You know,” I add, trying to lighten the mood, “you don’t have to wait on me hand and foot.”
Noah chuckles softly, the sound warm and familiar. “Maybe not,” he says, “but I don’t mind. You need it right now, and I like taking care of you.”
I roll my eyes playfully, but my heart feels a little lighter.
Even in the ache of yesterday, even in the stiffness of this morning, I realize I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be…
right here, with him. I’ve always been the girl who takes care of everyone else.
I’m the one people call in the middle of the night, the one who shows up without being asked.
But when it comes to myself… I don’t know how to let people take care of me.
Asking for help makes me feel like a burden, like I’m taking up space I don’t deserve.
“I would take care of you for the rest of my life and not have a single complaint,” Noah says lightly, throwing me a wink before disappearing out of the room.
The words linger longer than he probably intended.
I slowly make my way into the kitchen, and the most incredible aroma immediately wraps around me, coffee brewing, something warm and buttery on the stove, a hint of cinnamon in the air.
It smells like comfort. Like effort. Like someone thought about me before I even woke up.
Noah stands at the counter, sleeves pushed up, completely focused on what he’s doing, like this is the most natural thing in the world.
And for the first time in a long time, I let myself just stand there and receive it.
Olivia catches a glimpse of me and gives me a wink.
Like she can read my mind. Olivia is the best friend I have ever had.
I believe that with all my heart. She gave me warnings about Liam and I didn’t want to believe her, but yet here we are and she’s here to catch me.
She didn’t even give me an “I told you so”, that I totally deserve.
“So a little birdy told me you two slept on the couch together last night,” Brad teases, catching a glimpse of Noah.
“What’s it to ya?” Noah fires back with a grin as he walks into the kitchen.
I hang back, hidden just enough that only Olivia can see me, curious to hear what they say about me.
“So what, are y’all back together?” Brad asks, punching Noah lightly on the shoulder.
“No,” Noah says firmly, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips.
“We’re just… seeing how things go. She needs to experience college without being tied down to me.
It’s not fair to her. We all know her… her anxiety, her history, everything she’s been through.
I can’t– no, I won’t– be the reason she feels trapped again. ”
Brad raises an eyebrow, impressed despite himself. “Wow… look at you, Mr. Responsible.”
Noah just smirks, shrugging. “Call it what you want. I’m just trying to do right by her.”
I feel a small, warm ache in my chest listening to him speak. Even if I’m not in love with him, he sees me. Really sees me. And maybe, for now, that’s enough.
I sit quietly, listening to everything he has to say. He’s right – about all of it. I’m grateful he gives me the space to heal in my own way, never pushing, never rushing me. When he’s finished, I wander into the kitchen, but I can’t stop myself from smiling when I see him.
“What’s got you smiling this morning?” Liv asks, giving me a wink.
“Good sleep, I guess,” I say, taking a bite of bacon.
“Alright then… stitches come out tomorrow,” I announce. “Which means we’re going to Kelly Park this week. I’m not taking no for an answer.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Noah says with a grin.
“Seriously, guys… we only have two weeks before we all leave. This summer was supposed to be memorable, and so far the only thing we’ll remember is this week… and not for good reasons. We need this,” I plead.
“Dude, we’re gonna be there. Relax,” Brad teases. “But we do need to pack up and get back to reality. I’ve got an appointment tomorrow too.”
A knock sounds at the door.
We all groan, already knowing who it is.
“No! Sit back down. I’ve got this,” I say, trying to reassure Noah as I head for the door.
“Liam, I am not doing this today,” I shout as I reach for the handle.
The door swings open.
Pain explodes along the side of my head - sharp, blinding- and the world drops out from under me.
Darkness closes in.