DESCRIPTION: Richelle starts to take notice of Noah and Abi's relationship and thinks maybe it's time to let go. (Season 3 AU)
WHAT TO READ: N/A
DATE PUBLISHED: 17/01/20
Richelle's POV
I looked at the way they watched each other like they were the only things in existence. I didn't like it, because that's the way I saw Noah - even when I knew he didn't see me that way. It hurt to watch the game they played: Noah trying to be discrete about his feelings and Abi laughing with every move he makes.
He would come to talk to me sometimes, but just when I think he wanted to talk to me - about me - my mood would take a sour turn because all he did was ask about her.
When I would see them together, it shattered me. It should've been me, we had been best friends far too long for it to not be me. But apparently that friendship never existed, because now I'm invisible to him.
Instead of making me laugh, he made Abi laugh and smile and be happy about something.
That should've been me - that was me.
Then came the day Noah asked her out. I was angry, I thought that I had meant something to him, but apparently not. He chose his best friend over an Elite dancer - over an enemy: the competition! He had known me for years, but apparently a girl he had just met was more for him.
I couldn't tell him I love him now, he wouldn't care. He had her now, he didn't need me...maybe he never had needed me.
When they started to date and spend more time together, I started to avoid them - mostly him, but also her.
I knew it was my fault that I hadn't told him soon, but he could've at least told me his intentions to ask "friend" out.
I used to be able to talk to Noah about everything, but now I can't even bring myself to say "hello" to him because even that would be way too much.
I used to think my biggest fear was falling on-stage at a big competition, but as it turned out, my biggest fear was losing him, so when it did happen I didn't know how to handle myself. How was I supposed to go on without my best friend?
Noah's POV
It started when Abi and I were dating. It was the small things, leaving a room when we both were there, and then it was ignoring me, not even stopping to say "hello".
It continued even after Abi and I broke up, but I don't know if Richelle was aware of those turn-of-events. But it was because of her it had ended.
Abi told me I loved Richelle even before I knew (or admitted) myself.
And I knew I had to tell her.
The day I saw her sitting alone in the juice bar was the day I knew I had to say something. When she and I were both alone.
"Richelle, can I talk to you?" I asked sitting down next to her.
She turned to look up at me. "Actually," she said turning in her chair, "I have somewhere else I have to be."
But before she could escape the conversation, I turned her chair back around. "No, you don't."
"No, I don't," I heard her faintly mumble under her breath.
"Just...hear me out." I take a deep breath worried about the reaction I might receive from her. "It's always been you."
She looked taken aback. This was not the reaction I was expecting. "What?"
"I never really liked Abi, I liked - and still like - you."
"Oh." I think what I'm saying has finally clicked. "Good."
I let out a nervous laugh. "Why is it good?"
"Because at least I know this isn't one-sided." Then I stop functioning. Her lips are on mine...she's kissing me! I don't know where this came from, but I'm glad I did.
When I discovered my feelings, I was afraid Richelle would never feel the same way, but it turns out she's felt the same way this whole time.
How could I be so stupid as to not realising my best friend was in love with me?
Now I'm just glad I spoke up.
a/n and on that note, I'm sad to say that I bring this book to a close...but never fear! I will be returning in April (or earlier if you guys would prefer) with a part three of this series!
Continue to let me know what couples you would like to see and I'll see you in the next installment.
Check back here for any date changes or information regarding part three.
Thank you for coming on this journey and I hope you follow me into 'The Next Step A-Z One Shots 3': coming soon.
