The Story of Us

Saving Noah

WrtingMelody here! No you're not dreaming!! Haha. An update of TSOU is FINALLY HERE!!! I was hoping to put more in this chapter, but a lot happens in it, already, so enjoy!!!

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My phone buzzed and I sleepily grabbed it. “Hello?”

“Hey, Rae, this is Noah. I need you to come to that bridge outside of town that connects on either side of that river. The one iron bridge that's really high,” Noah said.

I sat up, fully awake, and reaching for my jacket. “Of course, but why?”

“I'm going to jump.”

“I'm on my way,” I said, as my heart rate sped up. I hung up and ran to my truck and drove off in a hurry. The thought of losing Noah made me ill. I couldn't do it. I couldn't let him give up his life. I could feel the speed of my heart as it pounded, hoping I'd get there in time. I finally saw Noah, looking down at the water. I jumped out of my truck and ran to him. He heard my footsteps, because he looked up at me.

“Glad you came,” he said.

“Don't,” I shook my head. “Y-you can't.”

“Why not?” he shrugged.

I pressed my lips into a line, hoping I wouldn't break just yet. “Look, I— I know you just lost your dad and... I know it must be hard, but... You can't just leave...”

“I can,” he shrugged, stating the obvious.

“No one wants you to,” I whispered, scared that he would actually jump.

“I'd be doing everyone a favor,” he said.

“No,” I shook my head. “That wouldn't be a favor. Look,” I ran a hand through my hair. “Can we please sit in my truck, so you don't jump?”

“Why do you want me around?” he asked.

I wasn't sure how to answer that. I tried like hell though. “Before I met you... I didn't know what to think of you. I had no clue...who you were or...what your mindset was... But knowing you, Noah,” I swallowed. “I— I can't just let you go. You're an amazing person who has a bright future. This is just a rough patch. It's gonna be okay. It's gonna take time, but things will get better. You can't just jump off this bridge...”

He held my arm, and looked down. My foot tapped impatiently, hoping my little speech was convincing enough. All I could think was, Please don't jump, please don't jump. A slight breeze came over, sending chills up my spine. Noah took a step closer to me, eyes still on the ground. He moved his hand to my shoulder slowly and barely looked at me. My teeth began to chatter softly out of coldness and fear.

He wiped his thumb under my eye, and only then had I realized I was crying. I was scared. I didn't want him to leave. I wanted him to stay here. He didn't deserve to just leave. He deserved a good life.

“Don't cry,” he finally said.

“I'm scared for you,” I whispered. “I don't know if I could function right if you...”

He hugged me and I held onto him for dear life. He wasn't leaving. I wasn't going to let him. I wanted him here. I wanted him to be happy. I heard him chuckle and I squeezed my eyes shut, holding in the tears.

“Holding on for dear life, are we?” he asked.

“You could say that,” I whispered, my breathing becoming irregular.

He looked me in the eyes, obviously searching for something. I wasn't sure what he was looking for. Sadness was written all over his face. I wanted to help him. I wanted to make him happy, but I could never do that.