Kissing Booth: Another Take

Chapter 28

Lee

I was exhausted. Elle and I had gone to Principal Mark's office to explain everything. It didn't take much explaining since Marco had video to back up every claim. Marco had been given a week's detention that Elle and I promised to serve with him, in solidarity.

Perry had been expelled, and many of the teachers had already written letters of revocation to their letters of recommendation they had sent to their colleges.

To our surprise, Principal Mark had taken both of our hands in each of his with a very genuine look in his eyes. "I told Marco this already, but between you both and me, thank you, for saying what you said and doing what you did today."

We picked up what he was putting down but he took out a frame from his drawer that we had never seen – it was a picture of him and his husband, of 20 years. Elle practically cried when she saw it and I had to stop her from hugging Principal Mark.

I tried not to laugh at her; she was such a bleeding heart. She never did any of this stuff for attention or to cause problems, she just believed so much in the freedom to love who you wanted. I think it probably came from losing her mom, and feeling like no one should have to go without the love they yearn for.

Yeah, my best friend is pretty cool.

My phone buzzed and I was surprised at the name. I was waiting for Rachel and Elle to get out of prom committee so I answered.

"What's up?" I asked tiredly.

"Is she okay?" my brothers voice asked, slightly out of breath. "I'll kill that guy," he added.

It actually felt nice to talk to Noah without having to hide anything. "She's fine, she's kind of a big deal though now so you might want to schedule some time in her calendar," I laughed.

He chuckled from the other end. "I saw it. My entire dorm was watching it together and cheering for her. They love her out here – she's like a Northeast darling now."

"Sooooo why are you calling me instead of her?" I asked slowly, not wanting him to think I didn't want to talk to him, its just we didn't really talk on the phone... like ever.

"I can't just call you talk to my baby brother?" he asked sounding offended.

"Of course you can."

"Good. I just wanted to say too, good job standing up to that loser. It was really cool," he added.

I looked at the phone confused. Was this Noah or some alien that took over his body?

"Thanks dude," I replied genuinely. "How's it going out there?"

He sighed, "It's a lot tougher now that I give a shit."

I couldn't help but laugh. "Well I'm glad you're getting things back on track. We're taking good care of Elle out here so she should be last on your list concerns."

"I can see that. Still wish I could be out there to kick Perry's ass," he mumbled.

"Not worth your time Noah," I sounded more like the big brother. "It's handled," I replied seeing Elle and Rachel coming out of the front doors at the school. Elle looked frustrated as Rachel tried to comfort her.

"I've gotta run, Elle and Rachel are coming," I said into the phone. "Should I give her the phone?" I asked him.

"Nah," Noah replied, "I just got out of practice and have to shower. We have a Facetime date later tonight. Tell her I can't wait to talk to her though," he added.

"Ew, fine," I joked. "Later," I said as a goodbye.

He laughed, "Later Lee."

Elle and Rachel got to me and Elle threw her backpack frustrated into the backseat, hopping in without saying anything.