The Girl With X-Ray Eyes

Chapter 10

When I awoke the next morning the other side of the bed was empty. I sat up and thought about what had happened the night before. I could still taste him on my lips. The way he was so gentle and caring with me, I'd never experienced anything like that before.

I got up and walked into the kitchen to see Noel cooking breakfast. When Noel finally noticed I was there he turned around and gave me the brightest smile. He sat me down in the chair and gave me a kiss on the cheek. I tried so hard for him to not notice me blushing. Noel gave me the food and we sat and chatted about things, though the sex was never brought up. I guess that spoke for itself.

For the next few weeks, We spent pretty much all day and night together. Noel didn't go out much, he just sat and worked on his music. Every night I would still listen to him play, but now I was in the room with Noel. I would sit on the floor while Noel sat on the bed and strummed. He always gave me that same bright smile and would quickly write down lyrics on some paper. He never actually showed me what was on it but I didn't want to intrude any further in his creative process. Sometimes after, I would lay on the bed and cuddle with him, Noel giving me playful kisses and would fall asleep by his side. It felt like we were supposed to be together and my feelings for Noel got more intense as time went by. Everything was just so easy and casual with him, I felt safe and at home. I hoped he did as well.

One night I came into Noel's room as normal to hear him play, but something quite wasn't right. As I opened the door, he was sat on the bed with his back facing me. His guitar was still on the stand. Stepping into the room, I could hear faint cries coming from Noel. The scene of finding Noel in his house alone and crying flashed through my mind. I never wanted to see him like this again, but I needed to be there for him.

"Hey Noel whats wrong?" I said as I sat next to him on the bed, rubbing my hand on his back to try and console him.

Noel wiped his eyes and looked at me, "Oh its nothin."

"Cmon, I know thats not true. I'm here, you can tell me." I said locking his fingers into my hand.

Noel sat still, looking at our hands. I could hear him trying to find the words to say in his breaths.

"I just feel sort of . . empty. If it wasn't for my music and you, I . ."

Noel lifted his hand to his face as he burst into tears again. My heart broke for him, he didn't deserve all this.

I did my best to try and comfort him and wrapped my arms around his waist, "Its ok Noel, I know you're afraid but I'm here for you. Everything is going to be ok, you will get through this. You don't have to face it alone, there will always be someone who you can talk to. Focus on what you love and what makes you happy and makes you feel good."

I turned Noel's soft cheek towards me and wiped the last few tears from his eyes with my thumbs. I tried to give him the same warm smile he always gave me and I could see him begin to calm.

"Thank you Jess. I don't know what I'd do without you." and Noel gave me the hug this time. My heart beat so loud for him, I could feel tears coming to my eyes but I needed to be strong for him and get this off his mind.

After a few minutes I got off the bed and picked up Noel's acoustic from the stand.

"Now, how about you show me how to use this thing."

Noel gave out a little chuckle.

"What? Are you sure? I don't know if you can handle it."

I rolled my eyes at him, "Oh please how hard can it be? I think you're just worried I could be better than you."

"Oi listen up darling, I'm the fuckin godlike genius here."

"Shut up, you big headed cunt. Can't be inflating your ego too much."

I kissed him before he could get the chance to respond. Noel scooted back a bit and I sat in front of him holding the guitar. He put his arms on mine and placed my hands into position. He moved my right hand trying to show me how to strum. I obviously was supposed to be watching my hand move but instead I was struck with his intense blue eyes and how they gazed looking at the guitar. I could see how relaxed it made him playing. After Noel could tell I wasn't really paying attention he got up and put it back on the stand.

"Jess, will you stay with me tonight?" Noel asked and waited before he climbed back into bed.

"Of course." I nodded and got under the covers.

I stared at Noel and ran my fingers through his hair as I waited for him to fall asleep. I admired Noel's face as he began to drift off. The small little wrinkles that curled in the corner of his eyes, the slight grin on his face, and his eyelashes that fluttered every few minutes. I had never seen him look so peaceful, I wished he could've been like this forever.