Forever & Always

Chapter 21

Chapter 21:

Rosie

"You what?!"

"I asked Mr. Winters if I could do a solo dance."

"Look I know you're mad at Noah right now. I mean shit, I would be pissed at him for what he did. But I don't think you just throw away a year's work of practice and create your solo routine in one day is a good idea. I think you should just dance with him."

"Really?? Amelia you know better than anyone how much Noah hurt me. I bawled my eyes out for hours. I even went to the extent of calling you to bring me ice cream! And you think I should dance extremely close to him?!" She looks down. I shouldn't have snapped at her but I can't control it. Not right now. When she doesn't respond, I only get angrier. "You know what? I have to go." I get up from the steps of a small ice cream shop and start to walk away.

"Rosie-"

"I'll talk to you later. I just...need to be alone." She nods and stays seated while I get on my motorcycle. I left because every second I sat next to her, I realized she was right. I can't come up with a solo dance by tomorrow, it's nearly impossible. But I'll have to do it.

Noah

I've called her exactly 15 times and left her a good 20 text messages. She hasn't responded to single one of them. I dial her number again. It rings and rings and goes to voicemail. "Hey sorry I can't get to the phone right now. Please leave a message and I'll call you back."

"Rosie please forgive me. I know I fucked up bad but trust me, it wasn't what you think you saw. Ashley threw herself at me and I tried to get her off me. Please believe me Rosie. I-" beep. That was a close one. I almost admitted something I don't think I'm ready to admit.

The doorbell rings and I nearly jump out the couch to get the door. Maybe it's her. I get disappointed when I see it's just my mom. "Mom. Why are you ringing the doorbell?"

She laughs at me. "Is that why you're disappointed or is something else bothering you?" She eyes me worriedly for a second before humor gleams in her eyes again. "Don't laugh when I say this but, my keys ran away from me. I looked everywhere and I can't find them."

I snort. "You always loose your keys!" I laugh remembering all those times I was little and locked out of my house until my dad would get home. We used to hang out with Rosie and her mom whenever that happened. The happy memories end, replaced by sadness. I can't believe I hurt Rosie again! My mom notices the sadness in my eyes. "What happened between you and Rosie?" My mom always had this weird thing where she knew what was causing my sadness, anger, or happiness. When I don't respond she sighs.

"I'm just gonna go to my room." I croak out. I barely put one foot on the stairs when my mom speaks again. "You love her don't you?" I sigh as I look down. "Yeah." I whisper so low I almost think she didn't hear me.

"I don't know what happened between you two but all I know is if you love her, fight for her. It's not everyday where you'll find someone you love, especially someone as amazing and unique as Rosie." I smile a little when my mom said that. My confidence gaining a little. "Thanks mom." I walk up the stairs and into my room. Tomorrow, I will get Rosie back. Even if the only way is by dancing with her.

Rosie

I wake up dreading the day already. Normally you would be happy it's a Friday right? Especially when you're a senior, it means you're basically done with school. Well to me, today was horrible. And the only reason being the fact that I had to dance today, alone. I spent a lot of time last night trying to finish up a song. I got halfway through choreographing myself then decided to give up and just wing it today. Amelia was right, I needed Noah. But I'm still not on speaking terms with him. He's left me text messages and voicemails. I've secretly heard the voicemails but still I refuse to talk to him.

Since I'm dancing today, I didn't bother trying to dress up. I slipped on grey sweatpants, a white blouse, and my black Nike shoes. I tied my hair up in a high ponytail and went to eat breakfast. I got to catch Lewis this morning and he wished me good luck while walking out to mom's car. I love that kid. I ate my simple breakfast and drove to school, enjoying the cool breeze and for a moment, forgetting my problems. That didn't last long though.

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Many couples have been called already. And I've been lucky not to go. I think Mr. Winters is waiting until the end for the solo dancers. And I was right as Noah and I were the only ones left. "Up next is Rosalinda Holloway..." I get up the moment I hear my name. "And Noah Casanova." I freeze. Wait what??

"Wha-I thought" I stop stuttering once I feel a warm hand intertwine with my own. I turn to see Noah staring at me with confidence. "Come on Rosie. Let's just do the dance we've been practicing."

My voice gets stuck in my throat. Why is this happening? Considering the fact that I might fail if I don't dance, I nod at Noah. He leads me to the front as the music starts. The song all too familiar, the steps so easy since we practiced so many times.

I felt tingles spread all over my body every time Noah touched me. My heart leaped every time he'd spin me. I felt this new emotion course through me when he lifted me. The song ended and all these emotions still flooded in me. We locked eyes and I saw the emotion that crossed Noah's eyes. Love. I knew because I knew that's how I felt too.

He slowly leaned in and I felt myself looking up and slightly getting closer to him. I know what was going to happen. Suddenly, reality hit me. It felt like a sharp slap to the face. Noah hurt me, I can't forgive him that easily. And I knew if I let him kiss me, it would unravel my grudge. Why? Because I'm hopelessly in love with Noah Casanova. I pull away, a look of hurt flashing through his face before he masks it. I continue backing away until my back hits the door.

I know now what I have to do, and I do it. I open the door, and run. I run as fast as I can and even faster when I hear footsteps behind me. "Rosie!! Rosie wait! Come back!" I hear Noah's voice through the hallway. The bell rings signaling the end of school. The hallway now filled with lots of students. Just my luck. But I don't stop running. I run until I reach my motorcycle. Then I drive as fast as I can without getting a ticket until I reach home. I run inside and lock myself up in my room.

Then I let it all out. I sob loudly. My back shaking from the sobs. I can't believe Noah almost kissed me, and I almost let him. I gasp in between sobs. I inhale sharply. I'm in love with Noah, I can't believe it. I hate it. I start screaming while the tears still come down. I wipe at my eyes at a lame attempt to stop crying, but nothing's working.

I am a complete mess. I continue to cry over Noah. Stupid, stupid, stupid! I lay on my bed and cry in my pillow. And somehow I slowly start to fall asleep.

Noah

The minute she bolted out the door I ran after her. I yelled out her name but she never stopped. She kept running until I lost her. But I knew where she was. I didn't even bother going home, I had to see her. And so I will. And I will do what my mom said. I will fight for her. Because I am madly in love with Rosie.