His saving grace

9

Noah's POV
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I honestly was bummed that I couldn't go to the last day of tryouts. I love running and I love the feeling of out racing most of the other people on the team but that might not happen again this year.

Last year everything was super complicated and I couldn't even get to tryout.

"Noah are you even listening" Lexie said as she nudged Ruby.

Ruby rolled her eyes at her friends unnecessary roughness and continued to eat her lunch

"We're all going out to celebrate tryouts. We make it every year and we figured you'd want to come too" Sky said from her place next to Lexie.

"I don't know guys it's your tradition and I feel like I'd be invading." I sigh

"You should come and you're one of us now. Don't feel awkward because you're really not invading. We got your back" Paxton spoke up from a few seats down.

I shrug but keep my head down. I'm just not feeling my greatest today.

"I have an exam I have to study for. I'll be in the library if anyone needs me" I spoke up while standing and grabbing my backpack. Pax gave me a look I couldn't decipher but would like to someday be able to.

I sigh and start heading my way to the library but my feet and body had other plans. I walked into a bathroom and just sat down and tried breathing but my chest was constricting and my emotions got the better of me causing the flood gates to open.

I sunk down onto the ground and put my hands over my eyes in attempts to make the tears stop but luck just isn't on my side today

Suddenly I hear footsteps approaching and I just burry my face deeper into my hands and arms.

"Oh Noah" I hear the voice say quietly and wrap their arms around me.

I look up to see Paxton embracing me while sitting on the floor beside me

"Shh Noah it'll be alright." He tried to soothe but I shook my head.

"Why not" he asked softly.

"I-I'm a wreck. I'm barely functioning Paxton. And because of stupid Matt I'm probably not going to make track. And I'm confused." He sighs

"Confused about what"

"Us. What's even going on here. First you hate me and then you barely tolerate me at all but protected me from Matt and then helped me not to die. And then you act like you care yet revert to hating me and then you kiss me. What is happening Paxton" I ramble off

"I like you. That's what. I'm not the best at feelings ok and yes I was a jerk. But I don't mean to be. My family is fucked up and I have issues ok. But I would like there to be an us" he said while I just frowned

"I just want some control over my life Paxton. And this hasn't got anything to do with you on why I'm upset. My life is fucked up too. Please just give me some time." I sighed and snuggled into his chest and closed my eyes

He just hummed in response and I could feel the vibrations emitting from his chest.

We sat like this for the rest of the period being content and not so upset as before

Once the bell rang he helped me up

"You're coming to the pool after your classes right" he asked and I nodded.

"I hope you like what you see then. I'll make sure to do extra well just to make you feel better ok" he said while putting his warm large hands on the sides of my face. And I nod while a blazing heat covers my face.

I nod and we walk to our last period which happens study hall and that we have it together.

"Want to walk together to meet your brother or want to head straight to the locker room" he asked and I thought about it. It wouldn't be fair to Nyx to just ditch him.

"We'll meet up with Onyx." I said and he nodded.

The classroom phone then rang. The teacher answered it and then hung up. Soon after she called me to her desk and gave me a pass.

"What wrong" Paxton asked and I shrugged

"The track coach wants to see me." I said and left the room with one last glance at him.

Once I arrive at his office I knock and he tells me to come in

"You wanted to see me coach" I said and he nodded. I sat down in the chair that was  in front of his desk

"I wanted to talk with you Noah. I know due to you getting into a fight you can't make it today as a just in case. I understand and while I do not approve I know it wasn't you who started the fight. I just wanted to tell you that I think you're good competition for the boys who have gotten comfortable at the top. From what I've seen you'd make a great addition to the team. So I want to tell you that you have a spot if you wanted" I nodded so quick I thought my head would fall off

"Yes of course." He smiled

"Then I'll see you at practice in two week" I give him a weird look

"I take a week to consider who I'm keeping for the team. We meet the following week. Don't be late and don't make me regret my decision" he said and I nodded once again

"Of course sir I won't let you down" and with that I left his office and went back to my class and told Paxton the good news.