Cross My Heart

Protecting Her

NOAH

In overcoming the initial moment of shock, I watched as he ran and dove into the water after her. Both of them had been underwater for more than a few seconds. Beckett a little longer. 

The entire gym class ran to the edge of the pool, but my eyes settled on the guy standing off to the side. He was smiling. 

A surge of anger coursed through me as I covered the distance between us and grabbed him by the shirt. He startled and then immediately started to struggled against my grip.

"What the hell, man?"

"Oh, you haven't seen hell yet. You better hope she's okay or I'm going to bring hell on earth for you," I said through clenched teeth. 

I mentally cursed at myself. 

Why hadn't I been paying attention? How had I let it happen?

TJ had told me to keep an eye on her. He had told me that she hadn't been the same since it happened.  Even I had noticed the difference. When I saw her in Jefferson's class she had smiled at me but the fire that used to burn in her eyes, the light, was gone . Blown out. All I could see in her eyes now was a bottomless pit. And it scared me.

She was colder. Her posture rigid. Her laughter nonexistent. Every spoken word seemed like an effort. She looked tired. Worn out. 

I heard a gasp of air and looked to the pool. Jeremy was supporting Beckett by the arms, swimming towards the rest of the class. He lifted her up and a few students held onto Beckett by the arms and legs, gently placing her onto the gym floor.  

"This isn't over," I said, turning my attention back to the guy, before I shoved him away. He stumbled a few steps before he fell to the ground with a thump. 

I jogged over to the pool and made my way through the crowd of students. As I made it to the front, I watched Jeremy rubbing circles on Beckett's back. 

"You're okay," he said. "You're okay."

I didn't know what to make of his concern for her. In the time it took me to realize what had just happened, Jeremy had already run half way across the gym and dived in after her. It was probably instinct. He analyzed the situation and reacted. Then, since I had known Beckett longer, why hadn't I reacted? Why had I just stood there staring in shock? 

I was sure of one thing. Jeremy Drake didn't have feelings. He was the 'bed them and get rid of them' type of guy. I might be known as one of the players of this school but I never went all the way to sex unless it was real. Unless I really felt something. I can't say that I didn't break any hearts but it was better to cut it off early than have them suffer later on. I could never just play with someone's feelings like that. Not when I had seen what real feelings were. Not when I had seen the way Beckett used to look at Luke. The adoration in her eyes. The respect. Having had seen something so pure and raw like that, I couldn't get past the feeling of disgust I felt when I saw guys use girls then throw them away. 

I wasn't a guy afraid of commitment. I just hadn't found a girl that made my heart skip a beat. I hadn't found a girl who I could see myself falling hopelessly in love with. I hadn't found a girl that I wanted to protect like I wanted to protect Beckett. 

Jeremy had saved Beckett's life but that didn't change who he was. A player. One that didn't care about the hurt and tears he left in his wake. Becket was already hurting and I wouldn't let someone like him hurt her again. 

I put my hand on his shoulder and he looked up. 

"I'll take it from here."

He didn't argue, but just nodded and backed away. I knelt down next to Beckett and pulled her against my chest, before lifting her into my arms. 

As I walked toward the gym doors, I felt Beckett shiver against me. I held her closer to me to warm her up. With each step, I made a promise to her and myself. 

I'll protect you. Always. 

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-So???? What do you think???

-I was just going to do Jeremy and Beckett's point of view but Noah just demands to be heard. He seems much more than a side character.

-What do you think of Noah now that you can see from his point of view?  Isn't he the sweetest? Or do you find her overprotectiveness out of line???? Is he right to protect Beckett from Jeremy??? I understand where he's coming from.

-Leave a comment to let me know how you liked reading from Noah's point of view. Can you tell the difference between Noah and Jeremy's voice?

-Also, as always, please comment and vote :)

-Love you guys!!! Keep reading :)