The Story of Us

Chapter Three: Naomi

Chapter Three: Naomi

Adam had to go to another class, but Monday was a light day for me with only Art History in the morning, so I stayed in Willoughby's to work on a project for my TESOL class. Eventually I looked at the clock and realized it was 4:30. I only had an hour before we had to leave, so I put my computer in my bag, grabbed my coat, and stepped outside into the chilly winter air. I could tell it was going to snow soon, and I wrapped my coat closer around me. As I was walking down the icy sidewalk, I slipped and fell… right into a pair of strong arms, “Woah! Watch it there Red!” I turned around to see Liam grinning down at me. He straightened my hat with his gloved hands, and then brushed some hair off my face, “You should be more careful.”

I took a shaky breath and brushed off imaginary dust from my coat, “Thank you. I appreciate you catching me.” And then I turned around with as much dignity as I could muster and kept walking.

“Hey! Hey Naomi, wait up! Red!” He yelled as he ran after me.

“What, Liam?” I said, trying and failing to keep the venom out of my tone.

He caught up and started walking in step with me, “What’s wrong? Are you okay? Did I do something?”

I stopped in the middle of the sidewalk and turned to face him, “No duh! What was that in my room today? I walk into my room and all I get is a nod? And I ask you a question and you don’t even respond?! Oh, yeah, that’s such normal BEST FRIEND behavior!” I yelled in his face.

He looked slightly stunned, “Wow, Nay, I am really sorry. I didn’t realize… That was pretty deuchy of me, wasn’t it?”

“Um, yeah, no kidding.” I said, glaring at him fiercely.

He cupped my face in his hands and looked into my eyes, “I swear to you, I don’t like her like that. We are just friends.”

“Really? Because you know what she does to guys… you know her history! And… honestly, I am kind of jealous. I am your best friend… well, other than Matt. I am your best friend who is a girl, and I guess I just really don’t want to be replaced...” I trailed off, somewhat pitifully. I mentally kicked myself for being so pathetic.

He slid his hands down to my shoulders, “No one could ever replace you. And I am not dumb enough to get involved with Beth, we are just friends. I have to go now though, I am actually meeting her at Wooster Square before dinner and I still need to grab my guitar.” He wrapped his arms around me, “I love you Red, you are the best friend in the world.”