Love Beyond Borders [ON-GOING]

CHAPTER 11: UNEXPECTED TURNS

EILEEN'S POV

I bought a watch and matching clothes for Draven, for Christmas Eve, and I can't contain my excitement to see him.

It's only been a couple of days at Noah's house, but he's been such a great friend, helping me adjust.

After a long day of shopping, I'm so tired that I fall asleep without realizing it.

At around 3 AM, I wake up to use the bathroom and spot Noah sleeping on the couch.

My heart skips a beat when I notice he's holding a small box with my name on it. Did he buy me a gift?

It looks expensive, probably from Pandora. I hope he likes the gift I bought for him, too. Since Noah has helped me so much, I wanted to surprise him.

I decide to go back to my room and get some more sleep. My heart flutters at the thought of seeing Draven tomorrow.

MORNING

The smell of food wafts through the air. Noah must be cooking breakfast again.

He's such a manly guy, it's almost like he's rich and has a maid, yet here he is, making breakfast for me. I glance at him in the kitchen.

He's good-looking like a nerdy hot type. Does he have a girlfriend? If he does, that girl must be incredibly lucky.

I see he's made sausages and pancakes an excellent breakfast.

"Eileen, what would you like? Coffee, juice, or milk?" Noah asks with a warm smile.

"Well, I can have a coffee," I reply, feeling grateful for his kindness.

He hands me a steaming cup, and I can't help but smile.

NOAH'S POV

I feel like I've done my part in this friendship, but moving on will be hard, especially when it comes to forgetting Eileen.

Christmas is supposed to be a time for new beginnings, but my heart aches with every beat.

As I drive home, I watch the colorful Christmas lights overhead, savoring the last bits of festive spirit.

I park my car in the driveway and head to the kitchen to prepare breakfast my famous sausages and pancakes.

"It's just you and me, Mr. Sausage and Ms. Pancake," I joke to myself as I work.

After about an hour, I pour myself a drink and ask Eileen what she wants. When she says coffee, I whip it up quickly.

As I walk to the living room, I glance at the drawer holding the gift I bought for her. I hesitate for a moment, taking a long sip from my drink. Now doesn't feel like the right time to give it to her.

I can see Eileen in the kitchen, likely preparing herself to look good for Draven. I can't help but wish I was the one she was getting ready for.

DRAVEN'S POV

At 6 PM, Noah messages me to meet at a restaurant. He says he misses me, and I plan to introduce Love to him.

I can't keep pretending to love Eileen; long-distance relationships aren't for me, especially since I work at a coffee shop.

I ask Love to dress up since it's Christmas Eve, and I know Noah doesn't celebrate with his parents because they're often busy with business meetings.

After getting ready, we head to the restaurant where Noah said to meet him at 8 PM.

When we arrive, Love holds my hand tightly, and I lead her to the bar.

"Hey, long time no see, Noah," I greet him.

Noah looks shocked to see Love, and just as I reach for the card machine to buy some drinks, a familiar woman approaches from behind and touches my shoulder.

"Surprise!" she exclaims, startling me. I drop my card and turn around.

"Eileen!"

Her eyes widen in shock, and I release Love's hand, about to say something, but Eileen runs away before I can speak.

"What the hell, bro? Who was that girl?" Noah explodes, clearly furious.

"Eileen came here to surprise you for Christmas, and now you're going to do this?" he accuses.

"I don't like Eileen! You like her more than I do, so this is your fault!" I shout back, my frustration boiling over.

Noah throws a punch at me, and I'm tempted to hit him back, but Love steps in.

EILEEN'S POV

I run as far as I can, the rain starting to fall. Oh no, is this weather just following me because I'm crying?

Why did Draven have to do this? I keep running until I see Noah standing under an umbrella.

I rush into his arms, hugging him tightly as tears stream down my face. He holds me close until we reach a waiting shed, and I continue to cry.

"Look, you look ugly when you cry, so don't do it," he tries to lighten the mood, handing me a handkerchief.

"Noah, thank you for helping me today. Even if things didn't go as planned, I feel like I wasted everything. Who is that girl? Why did he cheat on me?" I say, my voice trembling.

Noah looks at me with concern and pulls something from his pocket a box I recognize.

"Merry Christmas, Eileen. Please don't cry. Seeing you upset hurts me, too," he says softly, placing a beautiful necklace around my neck.

I look into his eyes, momentarily forgetting about the watch I bought for him. Instead, I hand him the watch, feeling a rush of warmth. "I wasn't expecting that you'd buy me a gift..." he says, surprised.

"Well, you helped me a lot. You let me stay in your house and even took me shopping to surprise that jerk," I reply.

He laughs, and I'm curious about why. "Look at you. You're a strong woman, okay?" he says with admiration.

We lock eyes for a moment, and then Noah kisses me. I'm taken aback; I didn't expect this at all. But somehow, my lips respond, and I kiss him back.

This feels wrong; I can't be with my ex's best friend. But in this moment, it feels right.

To be continue...