Jealousy, Jealousy (Part 1)

34 - Lauren

"Hey, Lauren. I need to tell you something," Noah said to me, one day after our shift.

"Sure."

Noah took a deep breath. "Ever since I met you, you've been on my mind. A lot. And... Lauren, I like you."

I gaped at him. My fingers shook as I put on my backpack. No way. "Um... what do you mean?"

"I really wanted to get to know you more before I told you, but I can't help it. You deserve to know how I feel. And don't worry, you can give me your answer another time. See you tomorrow, Shea-McCallister," That was the nickname Noah had started to call me recently. He waved, and got onto the bus that took him home. For a good several minutes, I just stood outside Shakelicious, shocked.

Noah Wilson, the most popular guy at school, liked me?

The next day at school, I had thought about what Noah said and decided to give him my true honest answer. I caught him walking out of his homeroom and grabbed his arm.

"Hi, I need to speak with you," I smiled, hoping this conversation wasn't going to be awkward.

I took him to my locker and he leaned against the wall, looking at me with raised eyebrows.

"Hey, Lauren. If you wanted to talk to me about what I said yesterday, there's no rush. Really."

I sighed and took out my school agenda. "Listen, I've really liked becoming friends with you and getting to know you better, too. I was honestly so surprised with what you told me yesterday and... I like you."

Noah's face brightened and I was so scared to say what I had to say next. I didn't want to crush him. He was one of my best friends here.

"But not the way you like me."

"Oh," Noah said slowly, biting his lip.

I explained. "I... I just know deep down, you like someone else. And you've always had."

Noah looked me in the eye. And I knew he understood who I was talking about.