The Girl In The Dirty Shirt Noel Version

Chapter 107

***

April 15, 1996

I heard a songbird singing on my front door step
I never will forget
Didn’t know nobody could whistle like that
And so I caught him
Made him my own little pet
Built him an apartment with a view
Popsicle sticks and Elmer's glue

Hear the sound of silence leaving
Little songbird gently singing

Watch the other birds fly away
Caged and broken I’m bound to stay
In this hell
My feathers dried and cracked from the glue
I’m never singing for you

Hear the sound
I used to spread my wings
Of silence leaving
Why did you build this prison?
Little song bird gently singing
Why can’t you understand my desperate screaming?

Oh, don’t even try to hold back
I will have everything I want
You’ll understand in time that you’re mine
So just sing your song
***

I got home from work a week later and there was a message blinking on the machine.

"Mike?" I called out putting my keys on the end table.

No answer

"Mike?" I called again

He came around the corner glaring at me.

"What's wrong with you?" I asked

"Got a message" he nodded towards the machine.

I frowned pushing the play button and listened, after two seconds I knew who it was and Mike’s glaring made sense; it was a message from Noel and he wanted to meet up for coffee before he left for Denver in a few days. 

I had my back to Mike; I closed my eyes biting my lip, I wish Noel hadn't left a message, I was so dead.

"Who's Noel?" Mike snapped

"No-"

The phone rang and I picked up the receiver quickly before it could ring a second time.

"Hello?"

"Lyla?" A familiar voice asked "It's Noel"

"Now really isn't a good time" I answered him but I was looking at Mike, who was absolutely furious.

"That's 'im ain't it?" Mike snapped

I hung up the phone without a word and Mike picked up the whole thing and threw it across the room at the wall.

I froze swallowing hard as Mike stepped closer. "It was, wasn't it!"

"No" I lied

He slammed his hand on the table. "Don't lie to me!"

I took a step back "Get the fuck out of my face, Mike"

I circled around him walking towards the kitchen and Mike grabbed my shoulder squeezing hard before he turned me around.

"Don't walk away from me when I'm talkin' to you!"

"YOU'RE NOT TALKING, YOU'RE YELLING!"

"THEN LISTEN!"

He struck me hard across the cheek, hitting me directly across where my bruise from last week was yellowing.

I screamed in frustration shoving Mike hard. "Don't touch me!"

He scoffed with a laugh "What are you gonna do about it?"

I sighed wiping the tear off my cheek, I swore to myself I'd never put myself in this situation again and yet here I was.

There was a knock on the door and Mike stormed off to go answer it. I went in the kitchen, pulling out pots and pans for dinner.

I heard Mike's voice float in from the living room and frowned.

"Don't matter if she's 'ere or not mate, my flat"

"What is your problem?" I asked as I walked out into the living room then I realized who he was talking to.

"Noel, what are you doing here?" I frowned “How did you get here so fast?”

"Was in the neighbourhood, came t'make sure you were alright"

"I'm fine"

One look at me and he knew it was bullshit.

"C'mon, I wanna take y'for something t'eat" Noel smiled

"She ain't goin' nowhere with you, Chief"

I pulled my lips against my teeth to hide a smile, Mike had no idea that everyone called Noel Chief; I stayed back a few feet, making sure to stay behind Mike’s field of vision

Noel just rolled his eyes before he looked at me "C'mon Ly, get your stuff, let's go"

I shook my head "I can't Noel," I said quietly "I think you better go"

Noel shook his head "I ain't leavin' you here"

“I’ll be fine,” I said quietly “I can handle-“

"You heard her, get out" Mike interrupted

I watched Mike grab Noel's arm, just like he grabbed mine earlier and they both froze, glaring at each other

"Y'better take your 'ands off me, mate" Noel warned and I bit my lip, this was going to get bad quick

"What are you gonna do about it?"  Mike challenged before he shoved Noel

I knew exactly what was coming next.

“Noel, don’t-!”

Too late

I gasped covering my mouth with my hand when Noel punched Mike square in the jaw. Mike stumbled backwards, he was drunk so one punch was all it took to knock him flat on his back.

Noel looked at me with a raised eyebrow and held out his hand. "C'mon"

I swallowed hard and took a few steps forward before taking his hand; he squeezed my hand hard and I grabbed my keys off the end table before we left.