The Story Of An Anonymous Girl ✔

Chapter 42

OLIVER

I climb the stairs as slowly as possible, trying to calm myself. Taking deep breaths, I enter the room. I see Noah sitting on the bed reading something.

"Mind explaining why you didn't tell me?" I ask, and Noah jumps up from the bed.

"Jesus! Why do you have to be so quiet?" He asks.

"Not my fault you were so engrossed that you couldn't even hear the door opening." I reply and sit down next to him on the bed.

"I didn't tell you because I wasn't sure about either the promotion or the admission." Noah replies, sighing.

"So?" I ask.

"I wasn't even planning to accept the promotion." He says.

"Why not?" I ask.

"Miami is my home, Oliver. I have lived here for my whole life." He replies.

"So have I."

"But you have always wanted to move, Oliver. I have never wanted to leave Miami."

"Then why did you accept the promotion? Why did you apply to Harvard?" I ask.

"Because Stephanie has been cheating on me for months and always returns when she needs money." He replies.

"What the hell? And you didn't tell me?" I almost yell.

"What was I supposed to tell you, Oliver? That I am in a toxic relationship with a girl who is cheating on me because I am too busy and is only my girlfriend because she can't earn money." He replies exasperatedly.

"Noah, when have I ever judged you?" I ask, my voice laced with pain.

"Never." He replies.

"So then? Why didn't you tell me? I would've helped you with it. How were you even focusing on your classes, Noah?" I ask.

"I was focusing on my classes too much, according to her."

"I am sorry, Noah." I say and hug him.

"It's not your fault, Oliver."

"It is. I should have noticed it sooner. The fewer texts, no calls and you. You weren't talking to Alex as well. I had brushed it off, thinking that you'd be busy with manuscripts and your classes. Well, you kinda were busy, but-" I start ranting and rambling, but Noah cuts me off.

"Hey, hey. I didn't tell you. There was no way you could have known. You aren't a mind reader or omnipresent or omniscient, Oliver." He says, trying to relax me.

"Right now, I wish I was all three, Noah. At least I would have known what was going in my own brother's life." I say.

"I don't know what to say, okay? But I can tell you this, it isn't your fault. And if you dare say it once again, I'll tie you up in your bedroom, and you'll miss your date with your beloved Mia. Got that?" Noah asks angrily.

I groan and say, "Fine. It's not my fault. Happy?" I ask.

"Better." He replies, smiling. How can he change his moods so fast? He goes back to reading and suddenly adds, "Also, remind me to ask Mia to pack the pie for me."

"Okay. Do you have a picture of the dress?" I ask, changing the subject.

"Yes, I do." He responds.

"Show me." I say excitedly.

"No." He says firmly.

"Please." I beg.

"No, Oliver. You can see it this evening." Noah says.