Desolation

twenty five

Noelle's POV

July 13th. Today was the day.

It had been a couple of weeks since Stephen came over and we hung out. It had been fun and I didn't mind his company, he was a good person. I was more friendlier with him than before and tried to keep my crude remarks to myself whenever I was not in the mood around him. He didn't deserve my harshness and I never wanted to hurt him.

That was exactly the reason why I was being a little distant from him. Being around me would cause him trouble and I didn't want that to happen to him. He had no idea what was going on and how much baggage I carried with me.

Since the start of this awful month, I had drowned myself in work and other activities. I knew what was coming up and I didn't want to think about it.

But today was it. Today was the day. It had been 11 fucking years since the incident that changed my entire life and I still had a hard time coping with it. I guess you never get used to things like that, it's always there, it always stays with you no matter what.

The shit that happened all those years ago also reminded me why I couldn't let Stephen get too close to me. He had a nice family that loved him and he needed to be there for them.

Blake and Kathy were aware about the things that took place and they were always cautious about everything. But Stephen had no idea. Most of the people who came looking for me were idiots but even then I couldn't let them get to Stephen. He didn't deserve any of that.

So for the sake of his life and his family, I decided to stay away from him. It would be difficult because I had to work with him after all but I could manage it, only talk to him when it was necessary and nothing else.

Suddenly I was snapped out of my thoughts when I heard my phone ringing on the bedside table. I shifted on my bed to grab it and after seeing it was Blake who was calling, I answered it.

"Hey," I said softly. I just wanted to sleep all day and do nothing.

"Hi how are you doing?" he questioned. I knew he was asking about how I felt considering today was the day.

"I'm fine Blake, don't worry about me," I sighed while laying down on my bed again.

"I know you like being alone on this day but do you want me to come over? We could watch movies all day and not talk about it," he offered. I knew he would never stop worrying about me no matter what.

"I'm gonna sleep all day so you don't need to come over and plus don't you have work?" I narrowed my eyes and scrunched up my forehead.

"I do have work but if you want me to come I could just call in sick. I'm sure the staff wouldn't mind," he explained. Oh how I wish he wasn't gay.

Nah I'm just kidding.

"Blake I told you I'm gonna be sleeping all day and then at night I'll go to the bar. That's how it is every single year, you know that," I grumbled.

"Yeah yeah I do but I'm just making sure that you're alright. Don't hesitate to ring me if anything happens or if you just want me to come over," he said the last part authoritatively.

I nodded my head even though I knew he couldn't see me, "Yes Mr. Woods I won't hesitate I promise. Now can I go back to sleep or is there something else?" I asked sarcastically.

"I think that was it. Take care, bye," I heard him say before he hung up.

I sighed and threw my phone on the bed beside me before snuggling up in my covers and pillows. Today wasn't a lovely day but I wasn't gonna be awake for the most part of it.