Concealed

nine

I had so many questions bottled up inside of me just ready to explode.

Why was Noelle being so secretive and why wouldn't she let me in her room?

Why did her mother walk out and why did her dad give her up?

I just don't understand anything and I've been nothing but confused ever since I've met her.

But I couldn't get her out of my head.

I feel so contradicted because I want to know her, so badly, but I know if I try I'll be pushed away again. But she needs someone. Like her grandmother said she's just not used to the attention.

I laid on my bed, with my arms crossed over my chest and I stared at the cream ceiling above me. My dad isn't home yet and I have school tomorrow. I feel like shit. Why do things have to be so complicated?

***

Noelle's POV

Harry turned on his heels and walked away. I felt a piece of my heart break. I am starting to trust him. I've never had anyone care for me this much before.

My grandmother has been the only one to tend to my needs but I know at times I am a burden to her or at least that's what I feel. I know she doesn't see me that way, but at least I can repay her by providing food on the table and a roof on our heads.

My father is a stupid asshole who uses me for his work. We used to have the best relationship until my mother left. She left all because of him. No matter what, everything seems to lead back to him.

He's the reason why I'm so unhappy. He's the reason I move around a lot. He's the reason my mother left.

And he's the reason my face looks like this.

It's all because of him.

Harry deserves something, or I know he'll give up. Everyone does. But I can't give him answers. Not yet at least. And it's all because of my fucking dumbass father! I hate him. He's made my life living hell.

He's suspicious of Harry, and that's why I can't answer Harry yet. I will explain everything with time but not yet. I need him to lie low for a little so that way my dad can get his nosey ass out of my business for five fucking seconds. He's taken everything from me, and I'm not letting him take my only possible friend from me.

But who am I kidding. I've been nothing but a bitch to Harry. He probably hates me and only feels bad for me, just like everyone else. It was so hard for me to tell Harry I didn't want to see him, because I did. When I saw his goofy, dimpled grin peak through my doorframe my heart raced a little.

I had to get him away though. My dad can't hurt him.

I need to see him. To explain everything. I hate this. And better yet I have to work tonight.

Thank god I don't have to go to school tomorrow.

***

Harry's POV

My day started out normally. My dad woke me up, but something was different. He wasn't dressed in a suit like normal, he wore pajamas instead.

"Not working today?" I questioned, grabbing some fresh black jeans out of my closet.

"No, I needed a day off. I've had a huge case come to me, and although I should be helping with that I figured I'd stay home today and rest a little. I'll take you to school if you want." I was surprised by his words. My father must be coming down on his deathbed because one he never stays home - especially with a big case - and two, he never offers to take me to school.

I saw a totally sober attitude vibing off of him, which made me slightly happy. Although I know he'll spend his entire day drinking until he blacks out.

"It's fine I'll drive myself," I said.

"Harry c'mon, we used to be so close, what happened?" My father said. I heard a hint of plea and sadness in his voice but I had little sympathy. He brought this upon himself. Getting wasted every night to the point he couldn't even remember me, falling over, beating my mother.

My mum.

God I miss her. I hope she's watching over me.

Angry flashes throughout me, as I didn't respond to my father. I just grabbed a clean white tee and pushed past him so I could change in the bathroom.

I drove to school, thankful I was by myself.

When I rode past Noelle's house and saw her car in the driveway I was hopeful she would soon climb in the drivers seat and I could see her at school.

My talk with my father this morning resurfaced old emotions that died with my mum. I miss her more than anything. Maybe if my father hadn't been such a dick, she'd still be alive.

I decided as an impulse decision to turn off from my normal school route and head to the cemetery. Before there I went to a small flower shop. I picked up baby's breath, my mums favorite. There small dainty little white flowers that are very small and come in large clusters.

Buying them pained me but there for mum.

Once I got back in my car, I drove to the cemetery.

I got out of my car grabbing a large black pea coat, and black shades to shield the December sun from my eyes along with with flowers. As I walked into the gates, my boots crunched on top of the dead grass. I finally made my way to my mums grave. I crouched down infront of the stone, and ran my fingers along the engravement of my mums name.

"Hi mum," I said. My breath puffed into white clouds. "It's weird talking to you. It's weird for you not to be with me really. I miss you so much." Tears brimmed my eyes as I talked.

"Dad stayed home from work today. He offered to take me to school, but I said no. He asked me why we weren't close anymore and that reminded me of you. I've pushed you to the back of my mind because it's so painful mum, I'm sorry. I wish you were still here." My voice cracked.

"He still gets drunk off his ass, and works all the time. Nothing has changed. He hasn't met anyone thank god."

"It's my senior year now, and I graduate in five months. I'm excited. I'm going to university far away, I know that." I chuckled, breaking my year stained cheeks.

"This girl moved in across the street. She's really pretty. I want to be there for her mum but she won't let me. She's so reserved and concealed. I met her grandmother, she likes me at least. I've always had a thing with old people though. I won't stop until I get to her though. You always told me to never give up on people, and I'm not. I'm not mum." I said crying even harder now. It was hard quoting her after I've pushed any memory of her away since her death. It's just easier that way.

"I love you mum, so much," I said placing the flowers at the foot of her tombstone and standing up. "I'll be back soon, I miss you."

And I walked away, tears spilling like waterfalls out of my eyes.

AUTHORS NOTE- aw poor Harry. I hope this chapter was worth it. It's super late so I'm sorry if there's any errors. I wanted to give a little background on Noelle and Harry. They both have messed up pasts which will be more revealed in detail about later. There will be more to come don't worry and her and Harry will spend more time together soon. I hope you guys enjoyed, please vote. xx

-Shelby