Why does she stay?

.IV.

2 months later, Monday

Now that I was done with classes for today I was starting dinner. I have the chicken in the oven, got the mashed potatoes almost done, and vegetables cooking. I made my way back to the living before the doorbell rang and I made a U-turn to the door. Who rings the bell anymore? Well besides delivery people. I looked through the peephole to see a female I've never seen before. I opened a door just a crack.

"May I help you?"

"Oh I'm sorry I think I have the wrong apartment" she started to turn away.

"Wait" I opened the door more. "Who were you looking for?"

"Noel" she paused. "Sorry I don't know his last name"

I fought back the urge to spazz, cry or anything drastic. "Then you've got the right place. Come in"

She hesitated before slowly walking in and I locked the door behind her. I lead her to the kitchen and watched as she stood there awkwardly.

"I'll call Noel to see where he's at I'll be right back" I jogged to the living room and picked up my phone off the coffee table. I quickly called Noel as my heart was going crazy.

"Hello?" He answered after some rings.

"Where are you?"

"In a cab on my way home why?"

"Just asking. Dinners almost done so just making sure"

"Alright I'll catch you in a few"

I didn't reply I just hung up and went back to the kitchen. The girl was sat at a stool tapping her nails anxiously.

"He's on his way home now. Could I get you anything..." I paused for a name.

"Oh sorry I'm Audrey and no thank you I'm okay"

I nodded as I went to check my food on the stove. After turning down the potatoes I leaned over the counter across from her.

•

I heard the door unlock and Noel's footsteps enter before the door closed and locked again.

"Daya"

"In the kitchen"

He walked in and his eyes went from her to me . "Who's this?" He looked at her instead. "Sorry I mean I'm Noel" he put a hand out for her to shake.

Now I'm confused.

She didn't shake it instead she stood up and raised her hand like she was about to slap him before putting it down and taking a step back. "I know who you are"

He looked at the hand she previously raised before going back to her face with a raised brow. "Oh you do? Then sorry I don't recognize you"

She scoffed. "Clearly"

"Did I do something?" He glanced at me and I shrugged really having no clue.

Aubrey looked like she was trying to calm herself down before speaking. "Id like to talk to you" she turned back to me. "No offense but in private"

I nodded before turning the oven and stove off. The food was done anyway.

"What's so important you can't say it in front of her?"