A Harsh Reality | ✓

Chapter 14

Amanda

Here I was again. In the back of Noah's motorcycle, as he drove to my house, my hands snaked around his waist laying against his flat chest and gripping each other tightly. Even though the first time I had thrown my hands in the air, it was still scary since Noah was driving much faster than before.

He left me on the exact same spot than the first time. I climbed off his motorcycle, my legs getting used to being on the ground again. Taking the helmet off, I shook my head trying to fit my hair back into place. I looked at Noah, who had taken his own helmet off. His black hair was messy because of the wind and his blue eyes were staring at me. He had a defined jawline and a small scar on his neck that I hadn't noticed before since his black leather jacket surely hid it. He extended his big right hand towards me, his mouth turning up into a smirk.

"What?" I asked.

"You're staring at me," he replied, "And I'm asking for my helmet back."

"Oh," I glanced back down to my hands and blushed, "Here." I handed him the helmet and he placed it inside his motorcycle.

"You live nearby, right?" Noah asked.

"Yeah, don't worry," I said, "I just like to arrive walking, I'm sure Tyler is waiting for me." I  took out my phone as it buzzed a million times.

"Yep, he's worried," I stated, "Thanks for the ride, Brown."

"You're welcome, Mandy," he replied putting his helmet on. I smiled as he pulled away from the street. When he was out of sight, I walked to my house and entered it. Tyler had his arms crossed over his chest as he looked at me.

"Where have you been?" he asked, "I thought you were coming with Hailey."

"Well, she left thinking I was heading back with you," I said, "It's okay, Noah gave me a ride."

"The guy from the other day?"

"Yeah." He relaxed as I threw my backpack onto the floor and laid down on the couch. I breathed out a huge sigh and looked at Tyler, who was still looking at me from where he was standing.

"You should go," he said, "Before Dad comes back."

"I have gymnastics anyway," I replied, "I better go get ready." I made my way to the stairs lazily and felt Tyler's gaze on me as I placed my foot on the first step.

*          &          *

I landed neatly and steadied myself with my hands in front of me, I then lifted them above my head and smiled.

"Great job, Amanda!" Jemma, our second coach, congratulated me, "You're really getting those high jumps! Soon enough you'll be able to perform The McKarl on the beam!" I had just done a round-off, two back handsprings and a 360 pike higher than usual. I only needed to do the full twist to be able to complete The McKarl.

"Really?" I gasped.

"Of course, you're doing great!" she replied, "Now go stretch before leaving, Mia and Nikki already left, Danielle is staying a little while to practice some new dance moves, I would love to invite you to stay with us and practice but you need to rest, you did a lot of work today."

"Sure, thanks Jemma!" I exclaimed as I headed for the locker room.

After changing from my leotard into a comfortable dark red hoodie and matching shorts, I put on my white sneakers, plugged in my headphones and pressed the 'Play' button. Grabbing my white duffel bag, I walked into the corridor and made my way to the front entrance. I pulled my hood up as I felt a few drops of water fall onto my skin and hair, leaving wet spots all over them. Even though it was raining, it wasn't cold. I was walking back home because I was sure Tyler was not going to come and pick me up. I tucked my hands inside my pockets and walked in silence listening to the music flooding my brain like water would flood a city.