Noelle

Chapter 8

Thanksgiving is the following Thursday, and at four o'clock that evening, I show up at Fen's house with a tray of homemade cookies in tow.

The door opens to reveal the girl herself, who squeals and pulls me into a suffocating embrace. Alexander stands off to the side with his gentle smile and gives me a much gentler hug after Fen has let go and taken off with the baked goods.

Alexander puts his hands on my shoulders. "We're so glad you could come tonight. You've been a wonderful friend to us both."

I feel the backs of my eyes burning at his words and he seems to sense this, pulling me in for another hug before patting my back and leading me into the kitchen.

I stare wide-eyed at the display of food on the table.

My two friends laugh, and Fen says simply, "holidays call for good food."

We sit down around the table and Alexander begins to tell a story about one Thanksgiving where they'd forgotten about the turkey, and Fen and I find ourselves leaning over the table in a fit of laughter.

They encourage me to talk about my time in Aspen so far, and I find that I've really begun to feel at home here. It's easier to talk about this place now.

Later that evening, Fen and I are curled up the couch with a blanket and a movie droning on in the background. Alexander has already said goodnight and disappeared into his bedroom.

We watch the movie in silence for a while before Fen speaks up. "Hey Elle?"

I look over at her, not used to her sounding so vulnerable. Her eyes are wide and I reach out to take her hand. "What's wrong?"

She's quiet for a moment. "Why do you think guys play games? Why can't they just be upfront about their feelings?" Her voice shakes a bit at the end and my heart aches for her.

I don't know much about love, but I know it's not supposed to hurt. I know it's not supposed to feel the way she is right now – curled up in uncertainty and wondering if she means anything to someone who clearly matters to her.

I think about my response for a minute. "I don't know. But I do know that you're worth more than a guy who thinks it's ok to play games with your feelings." I squeeze her hand.

She nods. "I just wish he would tell me one way or another." She leans her head on my shoulder. "I wish it didn't feel like this."

I feel her pain and I wish I knew what to say to make it feel better. I realize that when it comes to love, I'm not sure I know anything at all.

•••

On Friday my phone rings as I'm finishing breakfast. I jump up from my chair to answer it. "Hello?"

"Noelle." Aeron's rough voice meets my ears and I furrow my eyebrows, slightly confused until I remember giving him my number at the cafe.

"Oh, hey Aeron."

"How was your thanksgiving?" he asks.

I think of the evening I'd spent with Alexander and Fen and feel a smile tug at my lips. "It was nice. How was yours?"

"Fine. Are you still up to going out with me tomorrow?"

I immediately catch on to the "going out" part, and it takes me a second to take in the rest of the question. I frown. I still don't want him to think this is a date.

"Yeah, but... we're friends, right?" I struggle to get the words out as I don't want to offend him, and it also feels incredibly awkward.

He's silent for a minute and then I hear a faint rustling from the other end of the line. "Alright. Do you want me to pick you up, or would you rather drive there yourself?"