The Next Now

Chapter 45: Trouble in Paradise

April's P.O.V

I almost don't feel Noah's arms wrapping around me as I cry.

I cry because I just relived the accident that ruined my Family's life.

I cry because I technically killed Mum and Xavier.

I cry because even when I'm responsible for their death, I still miss them.
I miss them so much.

"April, you were just a kid. It wasn't your fault" Noah whispers

"Well, other kids didn't kill their Mums and Older brother, Noah. Just me" I sob

"Whenever I look at Xander, I'm faced with the fact that he could've also died" I tense "I- I had wanted him in the front seat"

"But you still saved him" Noah tells me, rubbing my back slowly

"Everyday, I wish I could have been the one to die instead. But someone saved me" I try wiping my eyes. "Yes, I've always been grateful to her for saving me, but I can't help but wish that she could have just let me to die" I sniffle

"I started having the attacks the moment I woke up" I whisper "The Doctors, the Therapists- they'd tried to help me, but I really thought I was going to die"

"I don't want- I don't wanna die" I cry, shaking out of control

"You're not gonna die.. we can do this" The Older Nurse says lowly

"Mum!!" I feel the tears run down my cheeks "Where is- No!.. Xav.. No" I struggle

"April.. just calm down"

"Don't. touch. me" I struggle against her

I break out of it and look up at Noah to see him staring at my door, a sad look on his face.

I wipe my tears and start getting up from the bed, away from his warmth.

"Noah, I'm sorry for- for wasting your time" I sniffle quietly as he watches me, before getting up from the bed to come over and hug me

"You didn't" He simply says "But you should rest, okay?" He pulls away to look into my eyes
I nod quietly to that just as my door opens to reveal Zoe.

I told you; nobody knocks on my room door.
Sigh

As soon as Zoe notices Noah in the room with me, she hurriedly looks back at me and tells me that she'll be back later.
She quickly slams the door shut, and I hear her hurried footsteps rush down the stairs

What was that about?

I turn to see Noah staring at the door where Zoe had just stood, with a raised brow

"Who was that?"

"Zoe" I reply, simply

"Zoe?" He asks, finally turning to me

"Yes. She's my friend" I tell him

"Oh. I don't think I've met her before but she looks familiar" He furrows his brows

"She stays at Naperville, just like Alya. She's probably never been around when you've been" I pause "But you've probably seen her in my pictures"

"Oh" He nods "Make sure you rest, H" He offers a small smile before I walk him out.

Finally, everything is back to normal, and he's there for me.

Or at least he was there for me

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