Life Before You

Chapter 9

Carla came with me after school. Just as usual with Carla, she's funny and loves to chat. 

Carla told me that when she arrived at the store, she changed her blouse and put on a crop top that she had brought in her bag. She even asked me if I wanted to borrow one because she had two. 

When we arrived at the store, Lisa was there. Carla went back to change her blouse, and I started with my work.

 I decided to take a break. 

"Meliah, wear this blouse; it will look great on you. Just try it on," Carla said. 

I hesitated for a moment, thinking it might make me feel uncomfortable .

But I went to the back to try on the blouse. It was a pink crop top that left part of my belly exposed. I wasn't used to dressing like that. 

"It looks good on you," Carla noticed right away when she entered the bathroom. 

"Thanks, I'll borrow it," I replied. 

"Does that mean you're going to the movies with us?" Carla asked. 

"Hmm, I think so, I'll go," I replied.

 "Yeayyyy, finally, you decided to do something fun," Carla cheered.

 I decided to send a message to my mom, telling her that I was going to the movies with Carla but lieving the the part about Noah and his friend out. 

At 7 o'clock sharp, Noah and his friend arrived. 

He was wearing black jeans, white sneakers, and a plain white shirt.

 His hair was short and neat, and he looked well put together. I wondered how he managed to look so good.

 His friend, Manuel, seemed to be checking out Carla from head to toe as if he wanted to impress her. 

Carla was completely unbothered.

We entered the car, and Manuel gestured for me to sit in the front seat while Carla sat in the back.

Noah and I exchanged glances, while Carla and Manuel seemed to be chatting and flirting in the back seat. Carla had no fear whatsoever. 

Noah and I kept an eye on them but stayed silent. 

The road to the cinema was quite loud, and they were talking to each other, not even noticing that we had arrived. 

We got out of the car and entered the building. Noah bought four tickets for "Black Adam" and asked us what we wanted to eat and drink.

 I chose popcorn and a soda. 

We went into the theater, and Noah sat down first. 

Carla pushed me to sit next to him, with Carla on my other side and Manuel on Carla's side. 

Noah noticed I was nervous, and he said, "Hey, it's just a movie, okay?" 

I noted trying to relax. 

The movie was a lot of fun, but I jumped a few times in my seat, and Noah laughed at me. 

Carla and Manuel seemed to be wrapped up in each other's arms throughout the film. 

After the movie, we left the theater, and I sat in the front seat of the car again. Manuel asked where we were going now. 

"Let's go dancing for a while," Carla suggested. 

"Yes, let's go!" Noah said enthusiastically. 

Noah turned to look at me and asked if I wanted to go.

 I hesitated for a moment, thinking it was already 10 o'clock, and I had never been out so late before. What would my parents say? 

"I'm sorry, but I have to go home." I say 

"Come on, Meliah, do something fun once in your life," Carla encouraged me.

 "Sorry but I can't it's to late," I say

 "Great! We'll take you home then. little bit irritated," Carla said.

 As we drove towards my house, no one spoke a word. The radio was playing softly, and the ride was quiet.

 When we arrived home, I thanked them, and Noah smiled and said, "You're welcome." 

I went inside, and I found my mom sitting at the dining table drinking tea. She asked me how the movie was, and I told her it was good. 

Then she asked, "Who brought you home?" 

I replied, "A friend. Carla was in the car too."

"Which friend was that" she asked.

 "Noah." 

My mom became thoughtful but didn't say anything more. She looked like she was lost in thought.

 I went to my room and noticed that I had a text from Carla. 

"Meliah, Noah really wanted to spend more time with you." 

I didn't reply, deciding not to send anything back.

The next day I woke up late since it was Saturday and my day off. I wanted to go to the mall to buy new sneakers. But before I left, I decided to message Carla. 

"Hey Carla, how are you? I was wondering if you'd like to accompany me to the mall to buy some sneakers." 

In less than a minute, Carla replied, "Where shall we meet?" 

I figured it would be best to meet at the mall since it was closer to her place.

 I quickly got ready, wearing a white floral-patterned shirt and sandals, and tied my hair into a ponytail.

 I let my mom know that I was heading to the mall with Carla to buy some sneakers. 

As I left my house and started walking, I passed by a group of people gathered in the parking lot near The Gates. There were luxury cars like Mercedes, Lexus, Mustangs, and some I couldn't even identify.

 Everyone there seemed well-dressed, giving off an air of affluence. In the middle of this group, Noah was standing, talking to some people. There was a woman standing very close to him, and they all seemed to be engaged in conversation and laughing. 

Noah looked in my direction, and quickly turn around and keep talking with his friends.

 I couldn't believe that he did that.