Life Before You

Chapter 5

At school, I couldn't concentrate very well. I was trying hard to think if I remembered Noah, but I didn't. I didn't ask my mom anything about it last night either. We don't talk about guys; it's a little strange to talk about those things with your parents.

 Now, in my computer science class, my teacher assigned me a project to work with a girl from my class named Carla. Carla was a new student at our school this year. She's a bit outgoing, likes to talk, and isn't afraid of anything. 

We agreed to meet at the pet shop after school to work on the project. Today was a not-so-busy day at work, especially after noon, and I had a lot of time to dedicate to my homework. 

I managed to arrive at work early today, which was good. Lisa told me what needed to be  done and left. 

Carla and I sat at the table with her laptop ready to start the project. But then, the doorbell rang, and when we looked, it was none other than Noah, who I still couldn't remember. 

"Good afternoon, ladies, how are you doing?" he said with a smile. 

I watched Carla's reaction, and she was all smiles. 

I could tell Noah was good-looking; he was tall, had black hair with a trendy cut, and his arms showed he worked out. But I didn't have time for guys; my life was too busy. 

"Nice to meet you, I'm Carla," I heard Carla say to Noah. 

"I'm Noah. 

Are you Meliah's friend?" he asked.

 "Yes, we're in the same class," Carla replied.

 "Nice. So, what are you two up to?" 

"Well, we're about to start working on our computer science project," Carla answered. 

 "Maybe later, if you want, we can go for a walk by the lake?" He asked 

 Carla didn't waste any time and reply yes.  She didn't even know him, but she was eager to go for a walk with a stranger. 

"If I can help you with anything, just let me know. I'm pretty good with computers," Noah offered.

 "Did you come to get something for Menchies?" I asked, trying to get more information before Carla agreed to anything.

 "No, just passing by for food," he said. 

That is weird; there are no food stores near this area, I thought

As soon as Noah left, Carla bombarded me with a million questions. 

Where did I know him from, who was he exactly, if he was cute, if he was my friend, how long had I known him? She was going crazy.

We managed to complete our project, and I got through the little work I had today. 

Carla didn't want to go anywhere because she thought Noah might come to take us for a walk. 

"Carla it's late and you have to take the bus. I'm not going for a walk by the lake with anyone." I say 

Carla was persistent, though. She did'nt worried what I have just say. 

Then, the doorbell rang, and there was Noah. Just great. 

"Are you guys ready?" him asked.

 "Yes, we're ready, and we've been waiting for you to go for a walk," Carla replied enthusiastically. 

"It's getting dark, and it's not a good idea," I told them. 

"Let's leave it for another day." Although I had no intention of going another day either. 

"Stop being a killjoy, Meliah," Carla said, looking at me like I was spoiling all the fun. 

"I'm not being a killjoy, Carla. Besides, if we go to a walk , it will be late, and it's going to be difficult to catch a bus, plus it's getting dark," I said. 

"I can give you a ride after we finish our walk, I can take you home," Noah offered. 

Carla was excited to go for a walk with Noah, and Noah was going to give her a ride home.

 I decided to text my parents that I would be coming home late because I was still working on a project. 

We closed the shop, and we started walking towards the lake. It was cool outside, and the stars were already shining bright in the sky. That was one thing I liked about the night – the stars. 

There were a few people walking on the path by the lake, and some were sitting on benches, talking. 

As we approached the park, there were some kids in the park playing. 

Carla and Noah were deep in conversation, and I wasn't worried about joining in. I just kept walking, content that Carla was happily chatting away. 

I could see on Noah's face that he wanted me to participate, too. But I didn't really care to join in. 

"You're quiet," Noah said to me. 

"I'm always like this, not much of a talker, " I replied.

 "She's a beautiful girl but not very social," Carla chimed in.

 I was so glad Carla kept talking without stopping. I looked at Noah's face, and he seemed annoyed that I wasn't talking.

"You wait for me here; I'm going to get my car to take Carla home," Noah said, and he walked away. 

What did he mean by taking Carla home? I'm not going to take anyone home I thought. 

 "Meliah, your friend is so nice; you have to invite me over more often." Carla said. 

I didn't want to respond to Carla; I just stayed quiet. 

Then a Mercedes-Benz CLS450 pulled into the parking lot near where we were standing. 

 The window rolled down, and both of us were left speechless. 

 "Hi ladies" 

It was Noah.