Crashing Souls (12 page)

She leaned over and kissed my cheek. When I faced her, she ran her thumb over my cheek, not taking her eyes from mine.

“See you at school, Dexter Andrews.” She shut the door behind her and hopped up the steps, giving me a small wave before entering the building. A few minutes later, there was movement in that room. She removed her coat and stood at the window, watching me watch her. I put the car in drive and pulled off with the image of her calm eyes on my conflicted ones pocketed in the empty slots of my mind. New memories.

Chapter
13

I
gave Noa time. I fought with myself each day that passed, to text her or call and ask her to hang out, but I wanted her to have time to herself. I sat with her at lunch and people eventually stopped whispering. She went through books quickly, carrying two or more of them with her each day. After
Anna Karenina
came some sort of sci-fi thriller trilogy. She read those books quickly and then started a contemporary romance novel, which I was sure had some rather racy words because I’d catch her blush or see her eyes roving all over the pages, as if she were afraid to miss even a moment.

“More dirty books today, Blue?” I asked as I sat across from her, sliding my plate in front of me.

She closed the book quickly and grinned, nodding.

“It amazes me how you can go from genre to genre.” I pushed my food around my plate, not too impressed with the mess of it. She picked up her daily apple and bit into it.

“I’m amazed that you don’t read at all. How’s your computer stuff?”

“My programming classes?” I hadn’t paid as much attention to it as I probably should have. “It’s going well. And painting? How’s…that?”

“Almost finished with my portfolio. I keep second-guessing my work. I think I need a second opinion.” She bit into her apple again and I nodded, taking a bite of the unappetizing substance on my plate.

“Hopefully you find someone.” I was looking at the book she’d been reading when I felt her rap her knuckles against my head.

“Hello. You’re someone.”

“
This is true. But I know jack and shit about art, Blue.”

She tilted her head and strands of her hair moved with her. It was getting hard being around her without touching her in some way.

“Does anyone ever
really
know art?” she asked, as if she were sharing an artist’s secret.

I shrugged. “They sure act like it. I can take a look but all I know—”

“Is what you like?” she finished for me. “That’s all anyone ever knows. What they like.”

“And what do you like?” I pushed my tray off to the side, tired of pretending I was eating.

She tapped her finger with her chin and looked up at the ceiling. She’d braided a piece of her hair, and it was tucked amongst the loose curls. Her face was clean of make-up and her fingernails free of polish. She was all sunshine, and while her clothes were dark sometimes, she wasn’t afraid to wear something bright. Her sweater was pink today and she wore light blue jeans.
So much for ‘emo’.

“You,” she said, interrupting me from my observations. “I think I like you. But don’t get comfortable. I’m fickle.”

“I won’t.” I chuckled, and we got up to throw out our food. I walked her to her next class, and when I turned to head to mine, I heard her call my name.

“What’s up?”

“If I invite you to the movies tonight at five, promise not to start carrying my books for me?” She looked up at me expectantly, excited energy making her fidget a little. It was adorable and she had no idea.

“I’ll make no such promise. But I’ll be at your house at four-thirty.” I didn’t care what movie she had in mind. I walked away before she could argue, knowing she would. When I looked back, she was still standing in
the
doorway. She didn’t bother to look embarrassed that I’d caught her staring. She just smirked and wandered into her classroom.

I ran into my History class just as the bell rang. I spent that hour trying not to give myself a pat on the back. New tactics had given me new knowledge when it came to Noa. If I let her, she’d come to me on her own. I had to be patient, something I wasn’t too good at whenever she was involved.

I wanted to learn more. I wanted that comfortable knowledge. I wanted to know her favorite movie and what made her feel better after a long day. I wanted to know the exact way her hand fit in mine, and while I had an idea, I hadn’t held her hand nearly enough to know for sure. I felt a tickle in the back of my mind, the way I usually did when I was about to bump into a memory that didn’t exist anymore. Except….

I love you….

There it was. Her voice. I didn’t know who she was. But I knew that I’d loved her more than life at one point. And I knew she’d loved me just the same. It strengthened my resolve. I had to show Noa that I was it for her. It didn’t matter how long it took, as long as she never doubted it.

I typed out a text and sent it while the teacher’s back was turned.

Early dinner first?

The bell rang and I gathered my books, heading for her class. I didn’t know why, but something told me to. I knew that I was going crazy, but I kept walking, ignoring everyone. I had to see her.

I was rounding the corner when she came into view. She had her cell phone in her hand and her fingers were typing away. I halted my steps the moment I saw her face. It held the biggest smile I’d ever seen her wear. She tucked her phone away, and I ducked into a classroom as my phone vibrated.

If
you were inside my head, feeling what I feel, you’d know that you are someone I’d bet on winning. Over and over.

I stepped out of the class, making sure she wasn’t around, and walked to mine, feeling better than I had in days. Everything I needed to know was written in that smile.

Ralph was waiting in the seat next to mine, his arm draped over my chair.

“’Sup?” He hunched forward as I sat and tapped his pencil against the desk. “Heard Becca was an asshole Friday night. But, and this bit is interesting, I also heard Noa put up quite the fight. Then proceeded to get obliterated and have a great ass time. I know I’m a week late. Just heard about it.” He continued to tap his pencil. “And while I usually don’t care for gossip, this one concerns two of your ladies. I find it utterly hilarious.” He grinned that idiot-happy little grin that made me want to hit him.

“Becca is not my lady.” I opened my books, baiting him. I loved getting Ralph riled up. Even about something as small as this.

“Well? I was fairly intoxicated myself, so you’ll have to excuse my ignorance on the matter.” His gaze flicked to the doorway.

I watched as Becca walked into the classroom, rolling her eyes in our general direction.

“I guess you’re about to find out.” I stood, knowing I had only a minute or two before the bell rang. “Ladies and gentlemen, there is a matter that should be addressed.” I walked to the front of the room, stopping directly in front of Becca’s desk.

I wasn’t comfortable in the limelight. But I couldn’t let Becca, or anyone for that matter, think that it was okay to treat Noa the way she’d been treated at the party. And it was time I set the record straight about the “audition” fiasco.

“
Last Friday, I attended a party. At that party, Becca Hamilton felt it was in her best interest to corner my date and tell her that I’d hosted auditions for…I don’t know, a lay, Ralph? A girlfriend?” Ralph shrugged, his face showing how amusing he thought this display was. “Doesn’t matter.”

I placed my hands on her desk.

“For the record, I only ever wanted Noa. Since the moment I woke up from my coma, I was looking for Noa. I apologize to any of the ladies I may have hurt in the process. But it took my getting run over by a car to realize just how fragile time is and that I was wasting it.” I leaned forward, lowering my voice. “Becca, leave Noa alone. Someone as popular and sought after as you shouldn’t care what a washed-up ex and his emo queen are up to.”

Ralph clapped slowly, which led to the entire classroom cheering with childish jubilee. I’d reached my seat when the teacher walked in, followed by the bell ringing.

“Settle down, now,” he said, looking for a hint as to what had caused the ruckus.

“What was that about?” Ralph asked, his eyes on the teacher.

“I’m set on winning,” I whispered. I took one look at Ralph’s baffled expression and chuckled. When the teacher looked back at us, I smoothed my features and took out my notebook. The lesson went by quickly, and when the bell rang, I was a little surprised.

“Meet you at your car, yeah?” Ralph said as I gathered my books. I nodded and headed for my locker, ignoring any and all things Becca. I opened my locker, grabbed my jacket, shoved my books inside quickly and slammed the door shut. I turned and bumped into Mouse.

“I’m so sorry, Mou—Rachel,” I said, helping her with her books.

“
No, no, it’s fine. I was actually looking for you.” She chewed her lip over, her face pinking under my gaze. “Look, I heard what happened with Becca and Noa. I want you to know that I talked to Noa. I don’t want her thinking less of you. I was disappointed that it wasn’t me. But seeing you and Noa, I can totally understand. She’s a lucky girl.” She was losing steam, her words coming slower now.

“So, I’m not the villain anymore?” I offered a smile.

“I don’t think you ever really were.” She held out her hand and I shook it. “Well, just wanted to give you a heads up. I talked to her. Figured it couldn’t hurt.”

“Thanks. You take care.” I pulled on my coat and headed out onto the crisp white lawn. Rock salt crunched under my boots as I crossed the parking lot, and I unlocked my car, waiting for Ralph to show up. When I saw him walking up with Noa, I didn’t want to acknowledge the nervousness and slight jealousy I felt. She barely knew Ralph but easily offered him the smiles I had to work to get.

“It was fucking hilarious. Becca’s face? Priceless.”
Shit
. I wanted to tell Noa what’d happened myself, before anyone else had the chance to distort it. I didn’t want to pressure her at all, and speaking publicly about her seemed to be something that might do just that.

She watched him intently as they stopped in front of my car. Her cheeks were already pink and her breath visibly warm against the cold winter afternoon. Then her eyes were on mine.

“Dexter Andrews. You certainly play to win.”

I couldn’t help but feel anxious when she stared so openly at me. “So, you’re okay with that?” I asked. I didn’t care that Ralph was standing there, ready to make fun of me.

“Stop being a puss. Let’s get something to eat.” He opened the door to the backseat, and I looked at Noa
apologetically.
She laughed and made her way to the passenger side, sliding in easily.

I started the car and backed out of the parking spot. I didn’t want to tell Ralph that I had plans with Noa already, but I didn’t want Noa to think I didn’t take this date seriously. Noa’s hand went over mine and she smiled. She then turned her attention to the radio, putting her music on. When a song began to play, Ralph hollered excitedly before singing along, out of key. Before I knew it, their windows were rolled down and both of them were singing loudly with their heads out of the car. I laughed, turning up the music. When I pulled over at Noa’s favorite restaurant, Ralph sat back, unbuckling his seatbelt. His cheeks were brighter than I’d ever seen, and he was wearing a grin when he spoke.

“That’s it, Dex. I fucking love her.” He opened the car door and Noa’s eyes were on mine, of course. Never afraid to stare. I brought my hand to toy with the strands of her hair.

“Sorry,” I breathed out, leaning closer.

“Why? Aren’t you hungry?” She leaned into me. “Or are you greedy?” Her eyes narrowed playfully.

“If I’m greedy, it’s your fault.” I dropped my hand to her knee, which had turned toward me. She was quiet, and I didn’t want to interrupt whatever she was going to throw at me next.

“I can’t even think when you’re this close to me,” she whispered, her lids dropping slightly. Behind her, I saw Ralph taking a seat inside.

“We’d better go.” I didn’t want to. In fact, I couldn’t think of anything I’d rather do than sit in my car with her, breathing her air and soaking up her attention.

“Then let’s go, Dexter.” She pulled away, yanking the door open. Before she shut it, her eyes found mine and she smiled. It was a full-on smile, so bright and so
like
the one I’d witnessed in the hall. She closed the passenger door, and I ran my hands over my face.

I was set on winning all right.

Chapter
14

“S
o, you got any friends?” Ralph sat back in the booth, hanging his arm close to Noa’s shoulder. “Friends looking for a good time?” he clarified.

“Not really. I’m more of a loner than anything. A few people I could probably call to hang out, but no one either of you would know.” She sipped her soda. Ginger ale. Of course.

“No sisters?” he asked easily, but I watched her spine stiffen. I’d never gotten up the nerve to ask her about anything personal. I figured I’d find out in time.

“No. One brother. Tim.” She didn’t offer more information. I looked up at Ralph, and when he lifted his brows in confusion, I took the lead.

“I take it you guys aren’t close. What about your parents? They cool?” Easier question, I thought.

“Um, actually, I wouldn’t know these days. They skipped out a while ago. So, it’s just Tim and me.” Her eyes weren’t as quick to find mine, but when they did, I admired the strength in them.

“Their loss,” Ralph said, taking the last piece of pie from Noa’s plate. “I rag on my parents a lot, and they rag on me too. But you’ve got a lot to be happy about Noa. Like the fact that your parents spared you their shittiness rather than giving you a life full of shittiness.” I looked at Ralph in horror until I heard Noa burst with laughter.

Her eyes were closed and she belly laughed, tears running down her face. Ralph chuckled with a shrug, still chewing the pie he’d snagged, and I ran my eyes back and forth, not knowing what to think.