Drown in You

22. Goodnight

"Everyone is staring."

"It's just your imagination," Noah said.

"It is not," I insisted. We were walking to our second class of the day and I'd been feeling even more eyes on me than normal, which was saying something because I was finally getting used to the sensory overload that is walking with Noah through the halls.

Noah made a face and looked around. "Maybe you're right," He shrugged.

I rolled my eyes. "Told you."

It was obvious that word had gotten out about "us." And even though I knew most people probably cared more about Noah than they did about me, I was still nervous.

It's the 21st century, I thought to myself. Nobody's going to beat you up for being gay.

Then, a sudden thought popped into my head and I stopped in my tracks. Noah turned around, a question written on his face.

"What if I get lynched by jealous girls?"

Noah burst into laughter. "Are you serious?"

"It's a legitimate concern!"

We continued walking. As my eyes scanned the crowd, they landed on one particular face, watching us from a small group of people.

Jake.

Suddenly it all made sense.

•••

I told Noah I had to talk to a teacher at lunch but really I was going to confront Jake. I thought he wasn't going to bother us anymore since our whole convenience store/police station ordeal, but I guess assholes would always be assholes.

I stalked over to him in the hallway outside the cafeteria.

"You," I said. "We have to talk."

I didn't wait for him to reply before turning around. He followed me though, and I went all the way to an isolated area near the back of the school.

When we stopped, Jake finally spoke. "What is it?"

"Do you have a talent for spreading rumors or something?" I asked.

"Huh?"

"Don't pretend you don't know."

"I really don't though."

I groaned. "First you tell the entire school I'm an orphan and now suddenly everyone knows about me and Noah even though we just told a couple friends?"

"How come you're suspecting me instead of them?" He countered defensively.

"Maybe because they don't have a history of exposing people's secrets out of spite."

Jake rolled his eyes. "That was ages ago dude."

"Look, can you just tell me why? I don't want to fucking fight over this." I said. This was exasperating.

"Do I have to have a reason? Maybe I'm just an asshole."

"Maybe."

After a moment of awkward dead air, he sighed loudly through his nose and stared up at the ceiling. "I can't believe I'm about to say this."

I raised my eyebrows expectantly.

"I'm... actually bi. I like Noah. And I spread rumors about you cause I was pissed that you're the reason Noah won't talk to me anymore."

"...Are you for real?" Out of all the things I thought I might hear, this was definitely not one of them.

Jake nodded.

"Don't you have a girlfriend?" I'd seen them around school plenty of times. Even if he did like Noah shouldn't he be over it by now?

"Dude, can you not?" He closed his eyes before muttering, "I can't believe I fucking told you."

"Well good thing you did." I reach out and pat his shoulder. "Now it's your turn to worry about the school finding out your secret."

He pushed my hand off his shoulder and glared at me.

I smiled a bit seeing I managed to piss him off. "Don't worry though, I won't tell anyone unless you somehow manage to fuck me over a third time."

Considering myself triumphant, albeit confused, I walked off first.

Despite the attitude I showed Jake, what he said was actually extremely perplexing. After all, what did that mean for me? A small part of my mind replayed a repulsive vision of Noah leaving me for Jake. I tried my best to shake it off and found my way into the cafeteria to our usual table.

"Hey," Said Noah as I sat down. "How did it go with your teacher?"

"Alright. I was just asking about the test." I wondered if Noah knew about Jake. Part of me wanted to ask him.

"I bet your teachers are glad you're trying harder these days."

I made a face. "I'm not glad."

Noah's nerdiness had transferred me through osmosis or something. It was a lie to say I didn't feel a little bit better about myself now that I was getting decent grades though.

The lunchtime conversation continued. Noah was studying as he ate, something which wasn't too unusual for him. I watched him as he worked, occasionally pausing his reading to contribute something to the group conversation.

I smirked. He looked pretty good. I guess it makes sense even someone like Jake would find him attractive.

Noah noticed me staring and grinned. "What?"

I shook my head. "Nothing. I was just thinking about how nice you look right now."

Noah's smile widened. "I could say the same thing to you."

The rest of the table groaned lightheartedly. "You guys have no shame now!"

My cheeks blushed red. I could really get used to this.

•••

It seemed like Dr. Allen could tell I was in a good mood during our session. She kept trying to get me to talk about boring stuff like panic attacks and flashbacks but I didn't want to kill my vibe, so I just messed around until time was up. I don't think she appreciated it too much but she didn't give me a hard time either.

That night, Noah texted me just before I went to sleep.

Goodnight :)

It was such a simple message but it made my heart flutter. I texted back and stared at the messages (probably with a stupid smile on my face) until I fell asleep with my phone still in my hand.

A/N
I finally finished finals- sorry this chapter is short!! I promise the next one is coming very soon :)

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