Cross My Heart

The Past Always Comes Back

NOAH

"You find out anything?" Sasha asked, throwing a fry in her mouth. 

We were sitting at our usual booth at Pete's Grill.  It had become a ritual to chill here everyday after school. It had been a month since Beck had started working here. It was apparently excellent pay for a part-time job according to Beck, but I could see that it was wearing her out. 

I shot a glance at her. She was behind the counter, taking a customer's order. She'd been working hard, juggling school, her job, and her assigned community service. I could see the dark circles under her eyes. She hadn't been getting enough sleep. 

I turned back to Sasha. 

"No," I said, shaking my head defeatedly. "I talked to some people from the day of the party but they were all either too drunk or didn't see anything. I can't even track down the person who came forward as a witness. You think someone would spill."

I sighed.

"Anyone ever tell you, you take yourself way too seriously?" Sasha said, smiling. "Loosen up. We'll find that son-of-a-bitch. It's only a matter of time. He can't hide forever."

"Yeah. You're right. I guess I just get protective when it comes to Beck. She's always looked out for me. I just want to do the same for her."

"Oooh. Sounds like someone has a crush on someone." 

Sasha wiggled her brows suggestively. 

I just laughed. 

"Yeah, right. Beckett and me? It's nothing like that. You know I owe her. Plus, she's way out of my league."

"Tsk, tsk. You know, you should never put someone up on a pedestal? The higher the regard, the bigger the disappointment."

I shook my head. 

"If I know one thing about Beck, it's that she never disappoints. But...there's something off with her lately."

"What do you mean? She's seems alright to me," Sasha said, glancing at Beckett. 

"It's just...I don't know...There's just something different. You don't find it odd that she barely reacted to this recent incident? She's getting punished for something she didn't do and it's like she doesn't even care. You remember that time with the dealer in Florida?"

"You mean Rudy? That slimy scumbag," Sasha said, wrinkling her nose. 

I nodded in agreement. 

"He definitely was the lowest of scum. Anyways...you remember how the deal went south?"

"Of course, I remember. Julian was super pissed. Rudy had some nerve going up against Beck. For him to say that she'd delivered less goods than he paid for? He was basically questioning Julian and his word. His rep."

"Mhmm. Beckett had him closed in a freezer for nearly a day."

"And he gave out in just 18 hours, " Sasha said, reminiscing with a smile.  

"It just doesn't make sense, you know? That she'd give up so easily now," I said, eyes still trained on her, trying to pick out any clue that could shed some light on the sudden change in her and explain it. 

"You're right. I found it pretty weird, too. I didn't get it when she refused to see us in the hospital either. Maybe we should call T.J.?"

"You're right. I should. Maybe he'll know what's wrong. He  was the one who treated her for those two years. He'll definitely know what's up." 

"What are you guys chatting about?" Alula asked, scooting in next to Sasha. Sasha's eyes went wide and her body rigid. 

"Uh...nothing," she said, quickly changing the topic. 

"Just reminiscing some memories," I said, helping her out. 

She hadn't told Al about our previous...career job. This wasn't going to end well. Alula was like a baby lamb born in the safety of a peaceful farm and Sasha was like a wolf, stealthily moving through the depths of a forest, waiting to pounce. If Sasha was hoping for some kind of fairytale ending, she had better think again. The way we grew up should act as evidence that there are no such things as fairytales. The wolf can't help but eat the lamb. It, like a poisonous scorpion, couldn't go against it's inherent nature. If our past ever came back to haunt us, Al wouldn't stand a chance. He'd be killed in the cross fire. I knew it. I just hoped that Sasha understood it, too. Being around us would only get Al killed. She would have to let him go. It was only a matter of when. 

"Good or bad?" Alula asked, putting an arm around Sasha. As if she had read my mind, Sasha met my eyes then looked away, her eyes sad. 

"Let's just say they were bitter-sweet," I answered.

My eyes floated to Beckett.

More bitter for others, I thought. 

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-So this was a short chapter but I thought it was necessary before moving the story forward.

-So, what do you think of this chapter??? Do you think Noah's concern about Beckett's behavior makes sense? Do you think there's something wrong with her behavior?

-And don't you just feel bad for Sasha...will she get her happily ever after???

-Let me know what you thought of this chapter...I just dropped two major bombs about what kind of life Noah, Sasha, and Beck had before this (well, more like hinted towards it but I think you can interpret from it) and what may have happened to Beck to land her in the hospital...And we got a glimpse to how Beck was in the past...so why the sudden change in her attitude??? What did you think of the two revelations made this chapter??

-I hope you liked this chapter and I know it's been long since we've seen Jeremy and Beck interact but it's coming...each chapter has a reason lol just some setting up before the story progresses lol

-Liking Noah's pov?? 

-Hope you liked it and if you did, as always, comment and vote :) Stay amazing!