It All Comes Back To You

Chapter 1

I stepped off the train and onto the platform. The crowded subway made it difficult to maneuver through to the exit. I walked up the stairs and out onto the crowded New York street.

Men and women in business suits were talking to themselves and sometimes to each other as they rushed past me. I looked up and down the streets for the building I needed. I readjusted my black duffel bag on my shoulder and the backpack on my back.

I turned and started down the alley toward the apartment. I found the stairs and started walking up them, the tread of my black combat boots sinking into the cracks in between the metal rods of the stairs. I made it to the third flight and rang the bell.

I heard movement and voices inside. The door opened and I was faced with him. For the first time in almost two years. He was standing in front of me. My breathing jagged from climbing the stairs. His jaw slack open from the sight of me.

"I did it." I said.

He closed his mouth and motioned for me to come in. I walked in to his shoebox apartment. I set my stuff down and stood there nervously.

"You actually did it?" He turned around after locking the door and looked at me.

"Yeah. I did. I didn't know where else to go. I mean, I probably would've got by on my own, but I just-"

"It's fine. I mean, uh, you're welcome to stay here for as long as you need." He scratched the back of his neck. A nervous habit he had always had.

"I haven't heard from you in a couple years." I stated as I kicked at my feet. I was trying to make him feel guilty.

"Yeah. I, uh, I got, busy."

"I'm sure you did."

Don't be so cold toward him...

"I meant to call you again."

"I'm sure you did. It's probably good you didn't. That way you didn't have to hear about all the shit I was going through and how bad things got after you left." I said as I crossed my arms.

He stepped toward me, arms open, as if to embrace me into his chest and hold me to make it better. I stepped back.

"I'm sorry," I picked up my stuff,"I shouldn't have came here." I brushed past him and started to open the door.

"Isabella wait." He stepped in front of me and closed the door.

Isabella...Haven't heard that in a while. Feels good.

"Don't call me that. It's Izzy."

"It's never been Izzy to me." He looked at me with his big green eyes.

"Well, it is now." I crossed my arms over my chest again and set my bags back down.

"Noah who is it- Oh, I'm sorry." A skinny blonde wearing only a sheet ran in.

"Uh...Christine, this is an old friend of mine."

"Hi, I'm Christine." He stuck her acrylic nail covered hand out for me to shake.

"Hi, I'm Noah's old friend." I shook her hand as I smiled. I glanced at Noah and scowled.

"Well, this is kind of awkward. I'm going to go get dressed now. It was nice to meet you." She left the room, the navy blue sheet trailing behind her.

"She seemed...nice." I pursed my lips and crossed my arms as I looked at Noah.

"Yeah. She's okay." He scratched the back of his neck. The muscles in his back and arms flexing.