Noa

Maddox

Three hours. That's how long I have to wait to see her. I'm rummaging through all of my shirts trying on nearly everything in my wardrobe hoping for something perfect to appear. My turquoise button up glides across my chest as I slip it on. I button the top two buttons and fix the collar. Turning around into the mirror I'm horrified, I look like a blueberry. Looking back over to my pile of clothes I can feel my face turn red. I'm starting to stress out. I've always cared about how I looked but this time it was especially important. Some people say I care too much or that I dress too feminine. I only care so much because presenting yourself well is one of the only ways you stand out in my town. I've grown fond of walking down the streets getting smiles and compliments that I didn't get when I was strolling around in Nike shorts and a t-shirt. Around sophomore year I finally started to find my style and completely revamped my wardrobe. I spent every last dollar I had from birthdays, allowance, and my job just to buy some new clothes. I'd say my clothes are one of my most used and valued possessions.

I hold each button-up and long sleeve shirt up to my body before throwing it around my room. My arms start to get tired after about a half hour of searching. Finally, I see my pink button up on the ground. I perk up and snatch it from the pile. My face starts beaming as I smile at myself in the mirror. This is perfect, I think to myself. I fix my collar and run my hand through my hair. It falls to the left side and covers my eye.

"You look nice," my mom cracks the door open as she goes to hand me my cotton grey champion sweatshirt. "Thanks," I reply. Her eyes squint as she smiles at me and closes the door again.

I throw the sweatshirt on over my button up and grab the pale blue jeans from my bed. My eyes shoot up to my digital clock and I've got an hour and a half left until I can see her.

I check my phone to see if I've got any messages. I've got one from Noa, my new girlfriend, and two from Elijah, my best friend since third grade. I smile at the sight of Noa's notification then check both of there messages. Shooting them back a quick text, I swing my door open and parade out into the living room. My sister, Amelia, looks up from her phone, "okay, wait, that is actually a great outfit." She stands up and scans my body checking for imperfections. "White socks and sneakers," she questions looking at my bare feet. I nod and wipe off my sweater, even though there is no way it could have gotten dirty within five minutes. She swings her black hair over her shoulder in approval and nods at me impressed. "I can't believe my little bro finally learned how to dress," she says patting me on the head. Her voice is light and her blue eyes widen as she teases me. Cocking her head to the side she runs her hand through my hair and shakes it everywhere. Now I look like a mess. She laughs at me and drops her arms to her sides as she heads back over to the couch. As she sits down she pulls up Instagram once again and starts scrolling.

I have about an hour until I have to grab my keys and head out so I start searching for my father. I walk straight into the dining room and turn the corner to find him kneading dough on the island of the kitchen. "Don't you look dashing," he says glancing up from his bread. I furrow my eyebrows, "what're you making?" He brings the cheese and sauce out from the counter behind him and puts it out in front of me. I look over his shoulder and see a wide variety of pizza toppings. I smile and sit at the island in front of him.

"So whats the girls name again," he looks back down at his dough, kneading it some more. "Noa," I shoot back fiddling with my fingers. I can feel the nerves rush through my body as I say her name.

My father looks at me and laughs, he can tell I'm nervous, my face is almost as pink as my shirt. My mind skims through memories of Noa as I sit there waiting for the time to past. Her curly ginger hair bouncing around the room while I chased her through the hallways; her lips curling up into a perfect smile when she saw the goats at the petting zoo; her incredibly soft hands touching my face as she brushed my hair out of my eyes on the Ferris Wheel; and her cloud like grey eyes glistening in the moonlight right before our first kiss. Noa and I have been seeing each other since last April so the memories are endless. Making it official last Sunday, which was only six days ago, only makes our memories to come twice as special. I cannot wait to see her again, I think to myself as the clock hits five fifty-three. I smile and bounce up from my chair.