The Bystander

Chapter Seventeen

A/N: I did not proof read or edit this chapter, sorry for the long wait.

Alyssa

It seemed that the weekend had passed without a hitch, if anything it had ended to soon. Noah had been on my mind 24/7 since we spent the whole night talking, the familiar jitters I had felt whenever I was with him had returned. Aimlessly I roamed the house, the silence bored me to no end. Though the soft music playing from the living room had me smiling a little, I looked up at the clock - reading 12:16pm. I had been wondering what Noah was doing at school, was he with his friends? Was he having a nice time without me?

I slumped on the sofa, switching the tv on. My bruises were still tender, but nothing I couldn't handle. Mom had told me she would be working late so I would have to fend for myself. Luckily Noah had practically done our grocery shopping for us, he made sure to buy some candy as well as the much needed fruits, vegetables and meat.

I wanted to raid the kitchen cupboard for a packet of reese's pieces I saw earlier, but maybe Noah would notice the extra pounds I would end up gaining. I chewed on my bottom lip, my stomach had protested against my thoughts - only focusing on the fuel that was only a few feet away.

I groaned as my body slumped on the sofa, the television began fading into the background. After a couple minutes off listening to my stomach make the most inhumane sounds ever I gave into temptation. Making sure to savor every bite, an abrupt knock had me shoving the whole thing in my mouth.

My throat hurt from the sudden intrusion, I quickly chewed and swallowed before answering the door with a small limp. My heart quickened at the sight of the familiar messy bed haired boy at my door, his smirk almost melting me.

"Hey peanut." He hugged me tightly, swallowing me into his chest. Immediately I felt full, I had no idea that I wasn't in the first place. My arms were anchored at my sides, even if I were able to lift them I guess my hammering heart decided to take control of my body. In my slightly panicked state, Noah gently stroked the top of my head soothingly.

"Noah." I let out a breathy whisper in response. 

His chuckle vibrated against my cheek as he lay a kiss there, tugging me into his body as we weaved through the living room together. His eyes swept the room quickly, I watched as an unknown emotion swiped across his face quickly, before disappearing altogether.

His lips quirked into a smirk as he peered down at me. "And what have you been doing today peanut? Nothing to extreme I hope." He teased gesturing to the abandoned blanket on the sofa.

The color on my cheeks were unnoticeable thankfully, he guided us back to the couch. My candy wrapper sat idly on the sofa, he raised an eyebrow in my direction - plucking it up. For a moment my heart raced faster than ever, perhaps he would make a joke about my weight. Or maybe he -

"Hey, you okay?" His voice reached out to me.

I could tell from the look on his face that he was concerned for my old injuries on my face, the bruises and scratches had yet to be fully healed. But my mental injuries had left a permanent mark on me. Fear that I would be in the same situation again, and Noah wouldn't be here to protect me.

"I'm still not happy with your decision, that bitch deserves to rot in juvie for what she did." He growled, his eyes darkening noticeably. His use of language made me flinch, as if the words were meant for me.