Trials {Editing}

Chapter 13

Finally decided who plays Noah! Daren Kagasoff. He fits the role perfectly appearance-wise.

Noah's POV

I still can't believe I actually got the nerve to kiss her. After so many years of wanting to, I finally did it. And what's even crazier? She kissed me back!

I couldn't help the smile that crept onto my face. I looked over at her. She was looking out the window with a pleasant smile on her face. God, she's so beautiful.

I couldn't help but wonder what had happened earlier to make her go nuts. All I know is that I was driving by when I saw her running like a maniac. I turned the car around and followed her, calling her name out every so often in hopes of catching her attention. When I got out of my car and saw her laying down in the lake water, nearly hyperventilating, I panicked. I was so worried... I couldn't even think about anything other than if she'll be okay.

I wonder if it will be okay for me to ask her? I thought about it for a second, and decided I might as well try. 

"So, what happened that made you go psycho?"

Harper turned her head and looked at me, her pleasant smile gone. Suddenly, her face had a cloud looming above it. She shut her eyes and took a shaky breath.

"Connie and Steve are getting a divorce," she said. Then she lowered her head slightly, whispering, "and it's all my fault."

"Why would it be your fault?" I asked. I was pretty sure it wasn't her fault, but she didn't know that yet, and I need to know all the facts before I can talk her through it.

"Well, I overheard them talking, and the only reason either of them had said they would stay together for is me. I'm the cause of their unhappiness."

I pulled my car over to the side of the street. I turned off the car, and turned towards Harper. "No, you're looking at it all wrong. They are unhappy with each other, and that has nothing to do with you. You're not causing them unhappiness; they did that to themselves. They're just trying to be noble because they didn't want you stressing out like you are now, especially with your past."

She looked up at me, looking unsure of herself. "Are you sure?"

I smiled, hoping it would comfort her. "Of course I'm sure."

I turned my car back on and pulled into the street. "Now," I began, "I'm going to take you home, and you're going to stick it out as best as you can. If it gets too much for you, then I'm only one phone call away."

"Okay," she said, not willing to argue. I snuck a glance her way to see her looking conflicted, as if warring against two sides of herself. I wondered what battle was going on in her mind.

I pulled up into her driveway, and she got out without a single goodbye. I didn't blame her; knowing how she thinks, she is probably confused about where we stand now, as well as thinking about her parents. Even though she doesn't quite know it yet, she thinks of them as her real mom and dad. They're the only ones that have ever been there for her. That's why the thought of them divorcing is so catastrophic to her. She doesn't want to lose either of them.

As I drove home, I couldn't stop thinking about that split second I decided to kiss her. At first, it had been impulse, and I was just as surprised as she was. Soon, though, I found her wrapping her arms around my neck, and my hands slipped to her waist, making her sit up. I kissed her softly, scared that she might run away from me any minute.

I still remember how soft her lips were. I had always wondered what they feel like, but now I know.

When I walked in the door, my parents gave me odd looks, wondering why I had such a huge grin on my face. I wasn't going to tell them why yet. I needed to wait on Harper to see how she feels later on about this.

"Um, Noah?" my mom said, not sure if she should say anything.

"Yes, mom?"

"Um, we have some exciting news."

"What is it?"

"Landon's in town, and he'll be staying for a couple months."

I looked at my mom as if she'd grown a second head. She tore down all happiness I had left. Landon is here? And he's staying?!

"Whe-uh... When does he get here?" I asked, completely dumbfounded. Then i heard footsteps behind me. I turned around, and there he was, looking differently from when I last saw him.

"Hey, little brother. Did you miss me?"