Chapter 13:
Jake have been taking great care of me these weeks. But I can't stay with him all my life. I need to find a place for my own. Jake have been helping me out and after lots of scrolling the web, we found the perfect flat. It's very small and cosy, and I certainly don't need anything big. The flat is in South Kensington, near Hyde Park.
I packed my things and called a cab that would take me to my new home.
"This is it, then. Thank you for all you have done for me, Jake"
He hugged me. "It's nothing, Noelle. You needed to get away after all that's happened to you up there"
"I guess so. Hopefully I'll see you soon"
"Of course you will. Now go to your very own flat", he said and nudged me in the side. I told the driver the address and he drove me there in just a few minutes.
After unpacking all my things I sighed deeply. What now? I mean, yes I'm in London, and I have escaped all my problems. So I guess I should be happy right now. But I'm not. But I'm not sad either. I don't feel anything right now. It's like I'm missing something.
I decided that maybe one little drink wouldn't make it worse at least. So I put on black skinny jeans, a black turtle neck and some bright red lipstick. I walked to a pub a few blocks away that I had noticed on my way here. It was getting colder for every day and the wind slapped my face the second I stepped out of the door.
After a short walk I stepped inside the crowded pub. It was hot in here unlike outside. I walked straight up to the bar to order a drink. I sat down on one of the high chairs, but before I had the bartender's attention the guy besides me started talking to me.
"Just tell me what you want and I'll buy it for you"
I tried to read his face to see if he was joking, but it didn't look like it. I hesitated a little before deciding to act all cool. Maybe he'll buy me even more drinks if I act a little interested? "Just a mojito, thanks"
He raised his eyebrows. "A mojito it is...". And so he called for the bartender to serve my drink. "So...who are you, mystery girl?"
This man looked all sober. I searched in his eyes to see if he was at least a little tipsy, but I think he was totally sober, which is a little strange when he's sitting in the bar.
"Oh, I'm just a girl that you'll never meet again"
He seemed amused. "You don't happen to have a name?"
"Nope", was my only answer.
"So why are you here then?"
"I didn't know what else to do really. Not really familiar with the city"
"So you're not from here then?"
"That's right. But I moved here just a while ago so I don't really know anyone"
"Well, now you know me!", he stretched out his hand for me to shake. "I'm Marcus". I slowly reached for his hand. "And I'm just a girl"
He laughed a little. "You're really stubborn, huh?"
I just shrugged. Marcus spoke up. "And don't worry if you don't know anyone here. I have some really nice friends that you'll probably get along with pretty well"
I wasn't actually paying that much of attention yo what he was saying, but I nodded, just to be polite.
"They should be here any minute now..."
And before I knew it, an all too familiar voice was ringing through the whole world. "Hey Marcus!". It was Chris. Does that mean...?
I didn't have time to think twice before hopping down from the chair and trying to leave as soon as possible. But it actually happened on my way out. His eyes met mine. He saw me and he recognized me. I heard a fainted "Where did she go? She was right here!" from the man I just met. I hurried outside but I heard footsteps behind me. "Please stop", he pleaded. He sounded so sad.
I slowed down and slowly turned around. There he was, after years inside my head. But this time it was real.
"Please stop. This is my only chance"
I looked at him in confusion. "What do you mean?"
"I can't reach you whatsoever. You have moved and I don't have your number. This is my only chance before you disappear again, and God knows for how long this time?"
I just stood there. I didn't know what to do or what to say. "So what do you want then?"
He sighed. "You promised me another time, right?"
The corners of my mouth slowly moved upwards. "It's literally been almost three years and you still remember that?"
"Of course I do". He stepped closer in desperation. "I need to know, Noelle. I need to know why the girl I saved from drowning hates me"
I just stood there, silent.
"Do you think you're ready to talk about it? I know that I'm not your favourite person in this world, but please tell me. I need to know"
I sighed. "How much time do you have?"
"Noelle, for you I have all the time in the world"
"Then walk with me through Hyde Park"
***
A/N:
I really have no words right now. I love them so much.
~kiwibananaxx
