Falling | Choen

Chapter 13

~Noen~

We were at the venue. It was hot there, with only a small breeze coming from the windows. My Palms were sweating and I couldn't help but think that I might make a mistake. It was getting easier but my heart was still pounding in my chest.

I felt a cool hand on my shoulder and saw that it was Chase. He gently gave a reassuring squeeze and winked. His small gesture sent butterflies through my stomach. I turned away so he wouldn't see my burnt cheeks.

As the minutes went on, Chase and I decided to help set up some of the stuff. It took awhile but once everything was set up, groups of girls started to pile in. It was crazy how many people had come to see us. My nervousness started to lift and I felt as if I could do anything.

We all got in our positions. I was next to Chase.

A bunch of girls came up to me and hugged me. I was ecstatic to see so many people, again, who actually liked me.

A guy, about my age came up to me. It occurred to me that I had never been approached by a guy except for him.

He had the most compelling emerald eyes and fluffy dark hair that made him look so relaxed.

He smiled when he came up to me and hugged me just as all the other girls did. He smelled good. Not like Chase but a more Cedar wood scent. Maybe from shaving?

"Hi, I'm Justin."

His voice was average with the smallest hint of an accent that I couldn't identify. I smiled at him and did the stupidest thing in the world.

"I'm Noen."

I mentally slapped myself after I said the two words. Of course he would know me. I mean that's exactly why he came over. I thought he would just leave after that happened; however, he stayed and just giggled at me.

He held out his hand and put a charm in my hand. It was a beautiful detailed silver charm that had my initials, NE, engraved on the back.

"It's beautiful." I said as I examined it. I could feel Justins happiness after I said it.

When I looked back up at Justin, I could see out of the corner of my eye, Chase watching us. I didn't think much of it at first but I couldn't help but think he was jealous once Justin left.

The thought immediately left my head as I got more hugs and gifts. The only one I kept on me was Justins, which was hidden safely in my black jeans.

There was something about Justin. Maybe it was that he was just attractive or maybe it was the pull for something else. I didn't know.

As the hours passed and the people left, everyone was tired just as in the first meet and greet. My brain wouldn't function properly and I could feel myself falling asleep when we got on the bus.

Chase helped me to our seat and brought all the gifts I got with him. I kind of just sunk into the seat and curled up into a small ball. The cold air was coming through the open windows and I shivered against Chase. He looked over at me and stretched his arm over my shoulder. It was comfortable. I was in Chase's arms as we watched the sun roll down into the buildings.

As the sun spilled across my face, a new kind of warmth emerged from me. One that knew Chase was the person I liked. But a sadness washed over me as well of the knowledge that Chase probably will never like me back.