The Bad Boy's Secret (Book 1)

Chapter 6: Why Are You Hiding In A Closet?

Chapter Six: Why Are You Hiding In A Closet?

“What are you even doing here then?” I asked bitterly.  Noah ran his fingers roughly through his hair and jumped off of the stool.  “I told you I would talk to you, and I did.  So now, just leave me alone and I’ll leave you alone.”  He walked out of the kitchen and I quickly followed behind.  A slap across the face would have hurt less than that.  “So you’re allowed to tell me to stay away from you, but when I tell you to stay away from me, you don’t listen?”

He glanced at me over his shoulder and said, “I told you, I don’t follow the rules.”

And I do.  “Well, please, don’t let me keep you.” I said sarcastically with a smile to match.

Noah reached for the door, but the door swung open before he got a chance to touch the knob.  Ash’s head rose as he closed the door, and was taken by surprise when he saw Noah.  “Uh, hey, what are you doing here?” Ash glanced at me and back to Noah.

                “I was looking for you.  I was going to see if you want a ride to my house.” Noah’s lies came out so easily.  He didn’t stutter or hesitate.

Ash took a step closer to him, examining his face.  “What the hell happened to your face, man?”

Noah started laughing, “I can’t say I’ve heard that one before.  I was jumped by a couple of losers, no big deal, I took care of them.”

He was a little too confident.  “I wouldn’t doubt it.  Are you okay to practice today?”

Noah nodded, “It’s just my face, and my hands are in one piece.”

                “I’ll just ride with you then.” Ash turned to face me.  “Are you coming?”

My eyes immediately found Noah’s.  He was staring at me, nervously picking at his bottom lip.  He was slowly shaking his head no.  I put a smile on my face, “Let me get my jacket.”  Noah’s eyes went wide and he clenched his jaw.

                I walked up to my room and grabbed my jacket.  I walked back down the stairs and followed them out to Noah’s car.  I got into the backseat, directly behind Noah.  I didn’t want to be anywhere near his line of eyesight.  I don’t know why I’m even going.  I just wanted to piss Noah off, and now that I’m actually in the car, I want to go back inside.  But the thought of being alone trumped pissing Noah off.  If he wouldn’t have shaken his head, I wouldn’t have gone.  Damn it, Willow.

                The drive to Noah’s felt like it was taking forever.  Noah and Ash babbled about some video game, and then mentioned a band.  I tuned them out when they started talking about senior girls they just had to have.  I’m used to it coming from my brother, and Noah is just like him.  But darker.  The only secret I know that Ash has is accidently running over the neighbor’s cat last year.  Poor Bruno.

                When we reached Noah’s house, I was the first to jump out.  I waited for Noah to get out so he didn’t hit me with the door.  He stepped out and glared at me with the shake of his head.  “You should have listened to me.” He whispered in a harsh tone and started walking with Ash.  He’s right, I should have listened.  But I’m not staying in that house by myself, he should understand.

                Noah led us down to the basement and flipped a few light switches.  Ash was right about the set up.  It's huge.  The basement is basically a small apartment.  It stretches the length of the house.  There's a mini bar to my right at the base of the stairs and straight ahead was a small living area.  A flat screen above the fireplace, black leather sectional and a chair to match.  We walked further and I discovered a pool table and a row of different guitars hanging against the wall.  I turned to the left, and there was a set of drums, a microphone, and three guitars waiting to be played. “I’m gonna run to the ladies room.” Ash announced with the clap of his hands.