I had to come to terms with the fact that the rumors just wouldn't quit. It wasn't about me anymore, nomatter what I would do I was the slut. It was a horrible time for me and in the midst of all that chaos, I had to learn a BIG lesson. A lesson I was far from ready to learn. And that's what brings me to...
[December 16th, 2014]
"Hey, I just wanted to reach out and see how you're doing," I begin softly, the phone pressed to my ear as I pace back and forth."I've noticed you've been a bit distant lately, and I just wanted to check in and make sure that 'fine' really means fine. It's totally okay to feel lost or down sometimes. Life is hard, and it's alright if you're not feeling your best or if you don't feel like putting on a smile. You don't owe anyone an explanation for those rough moments—we all have them. I call because I haven't seen you in a while and I genuinely care about how you're holding up. If things aren't okay, please reach out. I'm here to listen, to talk, or just to sit in silence with you if that's what you need. Take care, and remember, I've got your back. Talk soon, Noa."
"Still voicemail?" Sam's voice interrupts as I hang up.
"Yes, I don't know what is going on with him," I admit with a sigh, a hint of worry creasing my brow. "He said he was fine. I should have asked further."
"Hey, he is a grown adult AND your father, he is responsible for himself!" Sam interjects, his tone tinged with a touch of frustration.
"Well, how are you holding up?" I redirect the conversation, attempting to ease the tension.
"We're good," Sam responds.
I hate when he does that. Talk about him and Max like they're one person. "Oh yeah, sorry, I'm still getting used to that," I offer with a laugh.
"It's been a year..." Sam's voice trails off, a hint of annoyance coloring his tone.
"I know, congratulations," I reply, a fake smile tugging at the corners of my lips.
"He makes me really happy, you know that, right?" Sam's voice softens.
"Yes, Sam, I do," I assure him.
"Why are you acting like that every time I bring up Max?" Sam's tone shifts.
"I'm sorry!" I interject hastily.
"No, you're not," Sam retorts, his words sharp with accusation.
"Fine, I'm not!" I admit, my frustration bubbling to the surface. "I don't feel sorry for you or Max. He has been a fucking asshole to me, and I don't think he treats you right, but I don't have a say in who you date so..."
"You are so fucking selfish!" Sam's accusation hits me like a punch to the gut.
"What?!" I recoil, my voice rising in disbelief.
"You only care about what is going on in your life," Sam continues, his tone laced with bitterness. "I'm just asking you to respect mine! I love him!"
"I know you do!" I counter, my frustration boiling over. "But you're talking to the person that can smell and see a bad relationship from miles away! A person can't change for the better overnight, I know that, and I have had to learn it the hard way!"
"What the fuck! Who makes you the fucking expert on relationships?! You've been through two, one was straight-up abusive, and the other guy loved you so much that you got scared and bolted, as you always do!" Sam's voice rises.
"Sam! Don't fucking speak to me like that!" I snap, my patience wearing thin. "We're family, and you don't talk to family like this!"
"Your own parents can't even love you, what makes you think I can?!" Sam's words cut through me like a knife, his accusation striking at the heart of my deepest insecurities. "I...I have to go," My heart sinks and I get my things to go before I know it I'm home. Arlo is still at school, so I'm alone or so I thought.
YOU ARE READING
H.S | Same song, second verse | Second book
Fanfiction[This is a sequel to "When the Flash Fades"] Harry and Noa were once inseparable, bound by their shared passion for music and an undeniable connection. Three years have passed, and their lives have taken different paths. But fate-or whatever higher...
