axel

::twelve::

Point of View: north 

 [It’s like I’m paranoid looking over my back

It’s like a whirlwind inside of my head

It’s like I can’t stop what I’m hearing within

It’s like a face inside that’s right beneath my skin] {Ppr::Kut; Linkin Park} 

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Noah locks the door behind us after going to get her iPod and turning all the lights in the place off. She said we could meet at the same time tomorrow if I was interested. She told me she'd be here anyway. If I didn't want to come not to worry, she woud skate anyway.

I blow on my fingers to regain some feeling in them since it's colder out here than it was in there, if that's possible. 

We walk down the steps and she begins to walk down the pitch black sidewalk as I begin to walk back towards where I've parked my car. She waves goodbye to me, and I bite the inside of my cheek. "You're walking home in the dark?"

She shrugs, her hands deep inside the kangaroo pocket of her sweatshirt. Her hair whips across her face and at the same time I notice it she pulls the beanie out of her pocket and slides it on, effectively silencing her hair. "Yeah. It's what I do every night after I'm done skating. It's no big deal. There's a bunch of street lights between here and my house anyway."

I shake my head, "It's actually a pretty big deal. Come on, I'll give you a ride home." I'm not letting some girl get killed or raped because I was dumb enough to let her walk home alone. She's here for me anyway, I drug her out here in the middle of the night. I mean, i have a feeling she'd be out here regardless, but that isn't the point.

Noah pulls the hat down farther over her ears and sniffs because of the cold. She looks behind me to the car and then back out at the street. Eventually she says, "Are you sure it's okay? I hate to put you out or make you get home even later than you already are."

I roll my eyes, "It's completely fine, I swear. Come on." She follows me around back to where I parked and I can sense her admiring it as she gets in. "Nice car," She says as I start it. 

I grin, "Thanks. It was a birthday present from my parents."

She nods, "I know how that goes. I got a car from my parents for my 15th birthday. It was amazing."

So why are you walking everywhere? This is what I want to ask, but I don't. I wouldn't want someone prying into my life if I were her.

She tells me directions as we drive, and I can't help wondering exactly who she lives with. Grandparents? Aunt? Family friend?

Noah gestures left a few minutes later and I turn as she clears her throat awkwardly. "Um, this street isn't the best, so just don't be too freaked out or anything." I look over at her and her face is tinged pink from embarrassment.

She looks out the window and chews on her lip. 

Sure enough as we start down her street, I begin to notice what I guess she's talking about. The houses are sort of run down and smaller. There looks to be graffiti on almost every blank space, and I can see guys just out walking around. I keep going until she tells to stop.

Noah looks totally uncomfortable, and I can see why now. "Who do you live with?" I ask. it isn't harsh, but I am seriously considering calling the police or somebody. These are not good living conditions.