His saving grace

10

Paxton's POV
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Getting out of bed this morning wasn't the easiest knowing what happened with Noah. I felt bad. I felt bad that I kissed him with out permission and that I snapped at him after the fact.

I am going to make it up to him.

"Morning darling" my mom says as I walk down into my kitchen for breakfast

"Morning mom" I sigh.

The rest of the day went how it usually went and while I would usually be content I couldn't get Noah off of my mind. Even as lunch came and I saw him I still wondered what was going on in that cute head of his.

"Noah are you even listening" Lexie said as she nudged Ruby in a rough way.

Ruby rolled her eyes at her friends 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." Noah sighs

"You should come and you're one of us now. Don't feel awkward because you're really not invading. We got your back" I tell him earnestly

A few more minutes pass when he decides to speak up again

"I have an exam I have to study for. I'll be in the library if anyone needs me" with that Noah packed his things and left the cafeteria but on his way out I gave him a confused and concerned look.

I know something isn't right so I decide to follow after

"I just forgot I have to make up a test I have to go" and they all nod and say their goodbyes

I quickly spot Noah and see him go into a bathroom and i wait a bit before going in.

Once I enter I hear him crying. Who hurt him.

"Oh Noah" I say quietly and wrap my arms around him hoping it to be as comforting as I mean it to be.

"Shh Noah it'll be alright." I say in attempts to help and soothe him. He just shakes his head

"Why not" I ask 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 says in a strained voice and I sigh

"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" He rambles 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" I confess to him while there was a deep set frown on his face.

"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." Noah exhaled as he snuggled into my chest. I have to admit I really like this position. Him snuggled into my chest and being close and sidled up is nice.

After a while the bell rang and I got up and helped him up right after.

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

"I hope you like what you see then. I'll make sure to do extra well just to make you feel better ok" I said encasing his smaller face into by large hands

We both then walked to study hall. Our last period which we just so happen to share.

"Want to walk together to meet your brother or want to head straight to the locker room"

"We'll meet up with Onyx." Noah said after a bit of thought.

About twenty minutes into the period the class phone gets a call and the teacher writes Noah out a pass. I gave him a questioning look and he tells me the track coach called him to his office. For Noah's sake I hope it's good news.

I played with the pencil that had been previously left on my desk until he got back considering I didn't have any work to catch up on or any homework today.

Sometime after I got bored Noah walked back in smiling and sat back down next to me.

"What's got you so happy" I ask.

"The track coach said he wants me on the team. He thinks I'm good competition for the other guys." He had the dopiest look on his face and it warmed my heart to see him so happy.

"That's great Noah" I said offering him a smile

"But I can't wait to see you in the bleachers as I practice today. Also you won't have to worry about Matt. He's been booted off the team. Coach Vernon made sure of that" I see his shoulders relax a bit at this information.

"What is it"

"No nothing. It's fine, I'm fine. It's just he scares me when he's in a group with his friends but by himself he doesn't scare me" I nod and put my hand on his hand.