By The Way

Chapter 24

Noah spoke first, "Natalie, what's going on?"

I let out a stream of air while I contemplated the best way to break this boy's heart in order to keep him alive. He distracted me, though. He grabbed my hand and pulled me close to him, so I had to look him in the eyes. He asked me what was going on for a second time. Then a third when I still didn't answer.

"Noah, I'm sorry. I'm sorry for a lot of things, but nothing more so than this. I can't be with you. It is really hard to explain, but it-it's for the best. I think you should go."

He looked hurt and confused, but I knew that it was for his own good. I couldn't live with myself if something happened to him because of me. I took a step towards the door to open it for him, but he grabbed my arm and made me look at him again.

"Natalie, I know that this isn't what you want. I need you to tell me what's actually going on, though. I trust you with my life. Now I need you to trust me with the truth. Please let me help," Noah pleaded with me.

I should have known better than to maintain eye contact. His eyes were like lasers pinning me in place. I decided that telling him about Keller would be a slightly less dangerous path because then Noah could make his own choice about leaving.

I explained the situation, leaving out a few unnecessary details here and there. By the time I had finished, his eyes were wide with shock. He nodded slowly and raised his hand in question.

"Yes, Mr. Noah, sir," I point to him.

"Natalie, are you crazy? You must be- you must me out of your mind if you think that I am going to leave you just because some lunatic acquaintance of yours broke out of prison. When I said I loved you, I meant it which means that I'm not leaving you. Not now, not ever-"

I pressed my lips to his to cut him off.

"Okay."

He was looking at me with this enthralled look on his face as though I was the single most precious thing in his universe. I had never realized how badly I wanted to be looked at that way.

"So I can stay?" Noah laughed as he kissed me again.

"You can stay," I confirmed between kisses.

I had never felt more wanted in my entire life.

"Natalie?"

We were sitting on the couch. I was half asleep with my head on Noah's shoulder, but I sat up when he called my name.

"Yeah Noah?"

"I just wanted to say I love you," he pressed a kiss onto my forehead.

"I love you, too," I smiled as I leaned against him again.