A Neighbouring Romance

21 - noah's p.o.v (again)

Heyyy,

How have you all been doing?

Hope you enjoy the chapter everyone :)

A Noah's P.O.V for you, I felt generous.

My eyes linger on the girl in my living room as she stands up quickly to get the door, watching her as she disappears out of the doorway.

I'd never admit it, but having her here is helping me immensely through the stress and anger of Simon coming back.

Fuck.

Feeling my fingers tremble every time I uncurl them from a molded fist, I watch the movie with my body tightened. That moment, the few seconds between Hope and I in the kitchen is all I need to level me back to composure. I never intended her to stay, I didn't even meant to ask Hope to come upstairs.

But you're glad she didn't decline, no?

The slight flush of her cheeks when I opened the door, the momentary gasp she let out at my being shirtless. She thinks I don't know her like the back of my hand, but I could be blinded and still be able to see right through the façade that is Hope Evans.

Being back here for the last two months has given me a lease of life that I didn't even realize was missing in California. When mom first brought up the idea of moving back here I was so adamant on not coming, and insisted on staying with my grandparents. Mom sat me down and told me all about Josephine's diagnosis and the desire to be there in case something happened – so we came back.

Kara's texting me nonstop, the buzzing of my phone makes me want to throw the device against a wall. My first girlfriend, a girl working the pool this summer called Veronica – was never this annoying. Of course, we lasted about a month before I caught her making out with the pool boy. Tragic? I didn't give a fuck to be honest.

Why my mind always strays back to my childhood best friend, I will never know. The sweet interior hidden beneath the hardened shell she's developed over the last two years, intrigues me more than the world of questions I once had.

I sigh, wondering why it's taking so long for the girl from next door to come back, I decide to get up and look for her when none other than my so-called girlfriend – Kara Michaels saunters in, Hope miserably following. I'd crack a smile at the dulled expression on her face if not for the lingering stress of today still fresh in my mind.

"What's she doing here?!" Kara stops in front of me, arms folded and heels clicking on the floor impatiently.

I really don't have the energy for this right now.

"Not now, Kara."

"Then when, Noah?" She shrieks, ripping the blanket from me in a fit of anger. "Let's do it, right now. What the fuck is she doing here?!"

Hope hovers nearby awkwardly, a visible tinge of anger underwriting her soft features.

"There was a situation." I grit, sitting up on the couch. "Her mom is making her stay here until my mom is home – there's nothing else to it. I put on the movie so we wouldn't have to talk to one another." I glance at Hope and she rolls her eyes.

"I'm going to leave, since you've got a new babysitter." She says calmly, turning to grab her coat and scarf.

No, don't go.

"Don't bother." My girlfriend spits out, head turning between the two of us. "You can have him."

The girl behind my girlfriend looks as though steam might visibly start pouring out of her ears any moment now. Face reddening, she raises her voice.