After The Kissing Booth

Christmas (part 2)

I wake up wrapped in Noah's warm arms.

"Good morning beautiful." Noah says kissing my head.
"Good morning." I say in a sleepy voice.

I get out of bed and go to the bathroom to start to get ready. Today me and Noah are going last minute Christmas shopping since Noah needs to still get gifts for everyone. Noah said he was fine with just giving them gift cards but I insisted on getting someone thing that's not a gift card. Even thought I've already gotten gifts for everyone (even my dad) I'm still going with Noah to help him pick out stuff.

I decide on a pair of ripped jeans and a hoodie. Winter is never cold in la. It's cooler, yes, but there's still people wearing shorts sometimes.

"Let's hope no one's going to try to hit on you, stay by my side." Noah jokes.
"Yeah yeah, let's gooooo!"

When we arrive at the mall I notice Rachel's car. Anyone could have that car though. But isn't that her licence plate? No, most likely not.

"What does Lee want?" Noah asks.
"Hoodies, shoes, video games." I suggest.
"What'd you get him?"
"I got him a sweatpants from American Eagle and shoes from Nike."
"Okay, so I'll get him hoodies and video games." Noah says going towards the video game store.

I get a text from June at lunch asking with we can pick up Noah's grandparents (June's parents) at three from LAX, then at five thirty we need to pick up his other grandparents (Bill's parents) from BUR.

"We have to be out of here by two thirty." I say as we get up.
"Okay, well we just have to go to Lululemon or whatever it's called for my aunt and mom, then the chocolate place." Noah says grabbing the bags from me.
"Okay."

We're walking out of Lululemon and I spot Rachel glaring at us.

"Rachel's staring at us again-"
"What? Where?" Noah says looking over to her.

Noah and Rachel's eyes meet and she winks as him.

"She just winked at you!" I say in anger.
"Let's go Elle." Noah says grabbing my hand.
"Why did she wink at you? Why is she like hitting on you?" I whisper to Noah as we walk.
"I don't know Shelly, it's weird."
"Should I tell Lee about it?" I question.
"If she keeps doing it tell him after Christmas." Noah says squeezing my hand tighter.
"It's Ethan." Noah gulps.

Ethan. I haven't talked to him since he came to my house asking me out. He's tried to talk to me multiple times but Lee's always pushed him away. I never want to talk to Ethan again because I've already forgiven him once and it was a hard to forgive me, so it was his mistake I'm not forgiving him again.

"Shot, other way." I say turning around.
"No, I wanna talk to him." Noah says turning me around.
"Wh-" But before I can finish Noah is already over near Ethan.

I just stand over where I am shaking my leg. Noah pushes Ethan and Ethan pushes Noah is on top of Ethan.

"Noah!" I scream.

I just walk away. Why does he always have to get into a fight. Why can't he just leave when he starts to get frustrated.

I hear Noah yell my name but I keep walking. When I get outside I go straight to the car without looking back. I get into the car and look outside the window as I hear Noah get into the car.

"Elle-"
"No Noah, okay, every time you get mad you just have to start a fight. Noah please. When we started this relationship you promised not to get into fights, but Noah." I say looking into his eyes.
"Fuck Elle. Fuck I'm sorry okay." Noah says in a soft voice.
"No, I'm sorry Noah but I-I just don't know right know." I say looking down at the promise ring.
"Whatever." Noah says turning the car on.
"Fine." I say under my breath.

The whole car ride to the airport is silent. You can hear Noah breathing heavily, he does this when he's stressed.

When we get to the airport Noah parks at the front as we wait for his grandparents.

"Hi." I say like we've never met before.
"Hi." I Noah says half smiling.
"I'm sorry Elle." Noah says after almost a minute in silence.

I look down at the promise and look back up at him. "I forgive you."
"Good." Noah says grabbing my hand and squeezing it.