Time after time

A two-man team

Elle POV

Back from Canada where we went to celebrate Noah's 20th birthday, things improved between us. We had several in-depth discussions, we established that our weekends together are completely necessary and if one of us is not available due to sport, we take Sunday evening and Monday together. Yes, we were both very busy but if we wanted our relationship to last, we had to make it a priority.

We also decided not to wait to resolve our conflicts so that they did not become huge. I would have liked to say that there were no other conflicts but I would be lying. I learned that conflicts and misunderstandings are part of life as a couple.

With the arrival of midterm exams, stress began to mount for me. I then started to get angry again over small things and unfortunately, Noah was the victim. Like one day when he once again stepped on one of my earrings that was lying on the ground when he came to bring me a box of tampons that I had asked him to get for me since I was studying like crazy for my musculoskeletal anatomy exam. I was in the middle of my period (hence my need for a tampon) so my reaction was disproportionate. Noah was irritated that instead of thanking him for helping me out, I was giving him a hard time. I regretted what I said to him as soon as he walked through the door.

After calming down, I took my phone to look at the photo of my screen. Noah and I at the top of the mountain during our getaway to Canada. Despite our arguments and our differences, the observation is clear, Noah and I are better when we are together and we do things together.

I then picked up my things and joined Noah in his room.
-I'm sorry," I said to him as soon as he opened the door, "I should never have had that reaction earlier. You were awesome going out to buy my tampons even though I know you hate buying that kind of thing. Do you forgive me?
-Of course, Shelly! " he said to me, taking my hand to lead me into his room. "I know how stressed you are with exams coming up and when you have your period it's even worse.
-Thank you for being so understanding with me, Noah. I admit that at this moment, I no longer recognize myself." I said to him, looking at the ground, ashamed.
-When I proposed to you, I knew what I was getting into, Shelly. I know how grumpy you can be when you're stressed and hungry." he said, gently stroking my cheek and lifting my chin so I could look at him.
-I know," I told him with a contrite look.
-But, I think we're going to need to go back to the store to buy a tub of caramel and chocolate ice cream. " he said to me with the beginnings of a smirk.

A smile appeared on my face despite myself, I always buy this kind of ice cream when I have my period.
-You know me too well! " I said to him with a smile
-I know," he said, shrugging his shoulders, then taking his coat and holding out his hand to me. "I suggest you come with me. A study break will probably do you the world of good. You'll probably be more efficient afterwards.

It was an afternoon at the end of October, it was 56 degres and sunny. Many leaves had fallen from the trees, covering the ground with a golden blanket. I love the sound of dry leaves falling to the ground when I walk on them. I even tended to drag my feet more to increase the sound. To annoy me, Noah also dragged his feet and threw a bunch of leaves on my coat. It was a constant game between him and me all the way to the pharmacy, resulting in a bunch of twigs in my hair.

We finally finished our afternoon of study both sitting on a blanket surrounded by golden leaves in the autumn sun eating ice cream straight from the tub. This is how to make a boring afternoon of study unforgettable!

That evening, thinking back on that day, I thought to myself that Noah and I are on an adventure learning together how to navigate this world as 2 members of our own team. No one can understand me like he does! The observation is clear, he and I are what I want!

Noah POV

I had just experienced the worst loss of my college football career. We played against Browns today and every one of our plays seemed to be intercepted. I felt physically and psychologically drained and to make matters worse... Elle had gone to play a game at Yale. I won't see her until Sunday evening and I needed her to give me back my confidence.