Blind

chapter thirteen

As soon as they reached the shop Alina let out a relieved sigh and hurried inside. She wasn't the type of person to just ditch someone and leave, but today she just couldn't take it anymore. Noah hadn't stopped talking since they'd left the house and her head was about to explode. Normally she would embrace the conversation but he just talked and talked and talked and he didn't pause for a breath. So naturally Alina left him behind with Debra and went on to get changed. She cherished those five minutes of pure silence untill the door opened and the place was filled once again with Noah's rumbling.

"It's really okay Noah," Mrs Jenkins said. "I can do it myself, you don't have to-"

"Mrs Jenkins, I assure you it's no trouble at all." He said, giving her one ravishing smile. "It's nothing. I can carry them back in no time. You just go and enjoy your coffee."

Alina heard her boss giggle. An actual giggle. She sighed in detest and made her way near them.

"Noah," she said. "stop harassing my boss."

Noah glared at her and Mrs Jenkins laughed.

"Alina dear, he is wonderful. Where the devil did you find him?"

"Well Mrs Jenkins, he actually found me." Alina said with a forced smile.

"Aw, that's so sweet! And how long have you two been going out?" Mrs Jenkins asked and Alina groaned desperately.

"Why do people just assume we're together?" She asked moving her arms in frustration.

"You're not?" Mrs Jenkins questioned clearly surprised.

"We're not." Alina confirmed.

"Speak for yourself." Noah said smiling and taking the boxes he walked to the back of the room.

"Alina dear," Mrs Jenkins started as soon as he was gone. "may I give you a word of advice?"

Alina folded her arms across her chest.

"Go ahead Mrs Jenkins."

"I think you should just go and tell him." She said in a sweet voice.

Alina frowned her eyebrows.

"Tell him what?" She asked puzzled.

Mrs Jenkins laughed.

"That you like him, silly! I mean it's quite obvious." She said easily." I thought you were dating for Christ's sake!"

Alina felt her heart jump out of her body. She opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out. She couldn't find the words. She reached one hand out and thankfully found a chair. She wrapped her fingers tightly around the back and try to even her breathing. Her heart was racing.

"Why, dear, It's okay." Mrs Jenkins said in a reassuring voice. " I'd be surprised if you didn't like him, he's a great kid."

Alina reached her other hand out and grabbed the chair inhaling deeply.

"Alina, you are as pale as a paper, are you alright?" Mrs Jenkins moved forward and placed her hand gently on the girls back.

Alina closed her eyes and tried to smile.

"No....it's uh...it's- I'm fine. I'm just a little.... dizzy that's all." She said quietly.

Mrs Jenkins was about to answer when the door at the back of the room opened.

"Mrs Jenkins, I left the boxes at the top shelves, I don't know If that's where you-" his voice faded when he saw them. "What's wrong?" He asked already jogging towards them.