Unrequited

Chapter Six: Come Clean

Song: Red - Darkest Part

Walking into school the next day felt odd. I was so happy, so full of joy and love. I met Noah at the gate, and he frowned at me.

"Why didn't you answer my texts yesterday?" he asked, and I pulled out my phone, seeing that I had six new messages from him. I shrugged, too carefree to worry.

"I was busy. I was with Josh." His name made me almost giggle, and I barely managed to catch myself. Josh. My Josh.

"Meridian, you can't just skip your training like that. This is a matter of life and death."

"It's my life, Noah."

"And I have to look after you. So, from now on, I'm never letting you out of my sight."

"So now I have my own personal stalker?" I asked, annoyance flitting across my mind for just a moment.

"If it comes to that, then yes," he said stubbornly, crossing his arms in defiance.

"If you follow me home I'm going to call the police," I retorted.

"You live across the road," he said pointedly. "I already know how to get there."

"Josh can take care of me," I insisted, ignoring the smirk that was now on his face. "He's done it for nearly three years."

"Fine, I'll let him look after you... if he can fight me and win."

"I have no doubt that he will kick your ass," I huffed, and Noah smirked once more, turning and walking away.

Holy crap. What had I done?

***

"Josh, can we invite Noah over for dinner?" I asked, crossing my fingers. He gave me a confused look.

"Why-"

"There are a few things you need to know. Also, remember how I said that he's my guardian?"

"Yes..?"

"I'll explain what that means. Sorry, we'll explain."

Also, he wants to try and beat you up, I added in my head. Hopefully Josh wouldn't take it the wrong way when he found out.

"Can we focus on the present please?"

I looked down at the three tiny puppies in front of me. Josh and I had decided that it was time we get a pet, seeing as I wasn't planning on leaving him the moment I reached adulthood.

"I don't want to clean up after a dog," I said honestly. "Plus, I don't want to deal with the commitment of having to walk it every single day."

A thoughtful look came over Josh's face.

"Fine, we'll get a cat, then." I smiled and bounced over to the little kitties. I saw a tiny ginger tabby kitten with wide green eyes pawing at me through the glass, and I immediately fell in love.

"That one," I decided.

Josh grinned, and then he called over one of the store's employees to get the kitten out of its cage. He paid for the kitten and a few other things to help us take care of her, and then we took her to the car in a box. On the way home, Josh asked me a very difficult question.

"What's her name?"

I froze. "Ginger?" I suggested with uncertainty.

"Wow, real creative," he said sarcastically, rolling his eyes.

I pouted, and his finger rose and traced along the skin beneath my bottom lip. His touch sent shivers through me, and I smiled.

"Focus on the road," I teased, and he shook his head with a chuckle. "How about Amber?" I added.