The Moth

Chapter Forty-Seven: Rooftops// Some People Never Do

Chapter Forty-Seven: Rooftops// Some People Never Do

The next night, I saw her again. She came in the same blue shorts and white T-shirt she was in the first time we met, balancing on the edge of the roof and smiling when she caught my eye. My stomach flipped and I looked across at the rooftops of the houses instead. She quietly sat down next to me, curling her knees up to her chest.

"Hi."

I nodded slowly, turning back to her. "Hey."

Our conversation was slow. How was your day...finals coming up...whether we'd found jobs....she'd been hired in another town, to work with this small start-up photography business. My heart sank and I ignored it.

"They offered me temporary housing in an open flat they have until I can get back on my feet."

I stayed silent.

"How's Aaron?"

She smiled. "He's fine. Can't stop asking about you, though."

I chuckled. "He's still with you?"

Nodding, she yawned. "Yeah...I'm taking him home tomorrow afternoon though. After classes. He can't keep missing school."

"Need a ride?"

She shook her head. "No thanks. I can take the bus this time."

"No, it's no big deal you know. I can just drive you." I turned towards her. "Aaron would agree with me."

She laughed. "I really shouldn't."

"Just come," I swatted her hand lightly. "You can trust me."

She looked down at our fingers touching. I waited for her to move her hand. She didn't. I turned away, feeling my lips turn up in a stupid smile.

The next day, I showed up at her dorm room around 3:30 in the afternoon. Her house was an hour and a half away and we needed to leave as early as possible if we planned on being home in time for dinner. I knocked on the door and Aaron opened it, eyes lighting up when he saw me.

"Hi," he said shyly. He looked different. I chalked it up to getting more sleep and a change of clothing.

"Hey." I ruffled his hair. "Where's Cecilia? You ready to go?"

He giggled and moved my hand. "She's coming," he said, running back inside the house.

"Erm..." Great. Now what. I stood by the door, then decided to knock again. Aaron showed up, hair sticking up. "Hi, Noel."

I laughed. "Hey. Am I allowed to come in?"

He looked uncertain then nodded, opening the door fully just as Cecilia came out into the hallway, two bags slung over her shoulders. I took one from her and she smiled, murmuring a thank you. She kept the backpack herself.

"Come on, Aaron. I'm locking the door."

"Coming!"

He ran back outside and down the staircase as Cecilia called after him to be careful.

"Noel, would you mind keeping an eye on him. I'll come right after locking up."

I nodded. "'Course," I said, descending the staircase. Aaron was waiting by the car and he grinned when he saw me.

"Found your car!"

I winked and opened the door, waiting until he climbed inside. Then I saw my reflection in the window. My hair was swept back and to the side to keep it out of my eyes. There was an annoying cowlick sticking up on the side that had been bothering me all day. Then I looked through the window at Aaron. He'd used water to sweep his hair back, one lock sticking out on the side like mine. I laughed, tugging a hand through my hair as I turned away, shaking my head.