Unforgettable

Chapter 10

Celine Pov

I passed out in Noah's arms until I could feel someone shaking me awake.

"Mm?" I groaned, sore all over.

"Come take a bath, sweetie," I opened my eyes and saw an older woman gently shaking my shoulder.

She looked much like Noah, with chocolate brown eyes and black hair. She gently grabbed my bruised arm, pulling me out of bed.

"Let's get you cleaned, hm?" She softly smiled at me with kind eyes.

"Okay," I followed her lead to the bathroom.

"Do you need me to wash you?" She had a towel and some of Noah's clothes.

"No, I'll be fine. Thank you, miss...."

"Choi, but just call me Lydia," She put down the fabrics and left, gently closing the door.

I gingerly walked to the bath, removing my ruined attire. As I pulled off Noah's sweater, I noticed a red stain. Shit. I just ruined his cashmere sweater. You worthless bum, no wonder Mom hates you. I looked at my battered body, feeling nothing but blinding rage. I'm going to fucking kill Maple.

I looked into the bath and found it full of warm water. I could smell lavender salts. My heart swelled up, thinking of Lydia's and Noah's kindness. I stepped into the lukewarm pool, soaking in its captivating comfort. I lay there for hours, minutes, seconds, maybe. I don't know. All I know is that I heard a quiet knock on the door.

"Celine, do you need any help?" It was Noah.

"I don't know," I yelled back, "Can you wash my hair?"

"Okay," He whispered.

I watched as the doorknob slowly opened as I anticipated his entrance. I saw him step in with closed eyes, and I turned my back to him, concealing my bare chest.

"You can look now," He stepped forward and lightly touched my shoulder.

I shuddered under his touch, "Hand me the shampoo."

I leaned forward and grabbed it, quickly giving it to him. A few seconds passed, and his calloused hands massaged my scalp, soothing my headache. A soft moan escaped my lips as he found a tender spot.

"Right there," I breathed.

I could hear his breathing grow heavier as he continued to scrub my scalp.

"That's so good," I whispered.

"Celine," He sounded out of breath.

"Yes?"

He stayed quiet, confusing me further, "Noah?"

"Please," he said, still washing my hair.

"What?" He didn't answer but stopped his movements.

"Close your eyes," He turned on the shower head, moving it to my hair.

I felt the water removing the soap, running down my back. Some streams went down my face, but Noah used his hand to protect my eyes. After the soap was gone, he shut off the water and sat there. None of us said anything as he caressed my hair.

"Finish up quick; dinner is ready," I didn't open my eyes until I heard the door close.

I scrubbed my body clean until it felt raw. The feeling of disgust never could be washed off. You could've beaten her. You just didn't try hard enough. I sped up the process, hurriedly draining the bath and putting on Noah's clothes. I removed my filthy apparel from the tiles and threw it in a laundry bin. I looked at the poor cashmere sweater and tossed it in as well. I fingered through my hair after towel drying, trying to look presentable. I opened the door and was greeted by Noah sitting at the edge of his bed, waiting.