The Pilot And The Dreamer

Chapter 24

I pull out my multi-colored tank top and pair it with my long capris. I fix my hair and look into the mirror to see a girl who's scared and hiding behind fear. My hair falls down my back in soft curls and I clean my face before adding moisturizer and I sigh, leaning against the counter. 

"Hazel, you doing okay?" There was a knock on the door and Nat's familiar voice enters the room.

 "Yeah, I'm okay." I reply, but there must've been a hesitation because the door opens and Nat has a concerned look on her face.

"What's wrong, darling?" She asks me and I just break into tears and she engulfs me in a hug. "Hey, it's going to be okay." 

"What will happen when Noah has to go work?" I cry out before getting ahold of myself and pulling away. "Shit, I have to go to work." I clean myself up, but she stops me.

"Okay, I'll have Noah take you to work. Let's walk over to your apartment." I nod and after grabbing my suitcase, follow Nat to the door.

"Where are you girls off to?" Noah asks. He and Peter are leaning up against the counter, talking. 

"Hazel needs to get some clothes for work." He nods and Nat drags me next door and I unlock the door, only to find the door already opened. I walk back to Nat's place to get Noah, who rushes to my side with Peter in tow. I hold Natalies hand as Noah and Peter take a look inside and give us the all-clear to enter. We walk inside and I walk towards my room, only to see Noah and Peter standing in the doorway to my room.

"Guys?" I ask and Noah turns around and he has an undefined look on his face. "What's wrong, you're scaring me." I add, wrapping my arms around myself. Noah gently gestures me forward and I feel the whole world collapse around me. There are roses all over the room, and fake candles on the bedside table and dresser. However, what spooked me is the picture on the pillow and the lingerie sitting on the bed. I move forward and grab a tissue to pick up the picture. "Oh my god." 

"Hazel?" I hear Noah's voice behind me, but it's too far behind me as I stare at the picture. It was of me, changing, most likely from my nightgown to my work clothes. It looks like the picture was taken from somewhere in my room. I look around for any type of camera, after using the picture position as a guide, discover that it was taken using my webcam on my computer. I walk towards it and see a little light on, indicating that it's transmitting.

"Listen here, you sick, perverted bastard." I begin, feeling Noah's hand against my hand, but I gently shake him off. "I don't appreciate having my privacy invaded." I feel anger flood through my veins and my lips curl into a snarl. "I will find you and I will make sure you don't do this to another woman, ever again." I flip him off before closing the computer and I feel numb. I walk back to the bed to see a note by the lingerie. 

'You never brought these out to play' 

I feel my knees go weak and I collapse to the floor and Noah comes to my side and holds me against his side.

"I feel violated." I say, shellshocked. Noah continues to hold me before helping me up and leading me to the kitchen. 

"I'm going to help back up her things. No way in hell is she staying here." Natalie says, grabbing my clothes.

"I'll go talk to the super." Peter says, leaving and I stare at the counter as Noah comforts me. 

"I should tell you what happened last night." I start, but Noah shushes me.

"Not now, you just went through one hell of a trauma, Hazel, just breathe." He says and I nod, wrapping my arms around myself. Peter comes back in with the super. 

"Hey, Hazel, you doing okay?" Carter asks. He stands roughly a little under six foot, brown eyes, black hair, and handsome. He gently lays a hand on my shoulder, but I can tell Noah did not like the gesture. I ignore him and turn to Carter.

"Yeah. I just need to figure out everything." Carter nods and I continue. "I will let you know what I decide on." 

"No rush, give me call if you need anything." He says, writing something down on a piece of paper and slips it to me. He squeezes my shoulder before walking out the front door. I look at the paper and I resist the urge to gag.

'Dinner tonight @ 7. My place.'

"I need to go to work. I need to get the fuck out of here." I say just as Natalie comes out with a bag and from the look on my face, she leads me back to her apartment and I change into a white long sleeve blouse that is tucked into a black pencil skirt. I add some tights and walk out the bathroom door. The gang was gathered around in the living room, talking in hush voices.

"Guys?" I say and all three turn to face me, but the face that I focus on more is Noah's. He looks at me like I'm a breath of fresh air and I suddenly feel self-conscious. I walk back towards the bathroom, but someone gently grabs my arm to stop me. 

"You are the most beautiful person that I have ever seen." He says, holding both my hands and I turn towards him. "You don't have to hide. You could walk into a room and immediately light up the room with your personality and smile." He says, gently holding my face in his hands before kissing me on the forehead. I look him in the eye, smiling before I grab my shoes and my purse to head off to work.

"I'll be back later." I say, hugging Nat and giving Peter a kiss on the cheek before walking out the door. I walk out to the busy street and breathe in the fresh air before I hail a taxi. 

"Hazel wait!" I turn around to see Noah running down the stairs and comes up to me, out of breath. "I'll drive you. I don't want you getting into a random persons' car." I start, but Noah interrupts me, "I'm not taking no for an answer." I sigh and I gesture for him to lead the way to the car. He opens the door for me and I slide in, putting my seat belt on as Noah slides in on the driver side and starts the car.