Before You Go

FORTY

I don’t get much sleep after Dad leaves. I should be happy, thrilled, that Noah loves me. But what can it mean now, after he knows what happen? How can he feel the same about me? Or is it just pity? Not to mention the way I handled everything in his office. I ran away yet again. I believed the worst in him.

And now I have choice but to face him, and face the world. Though there is no newspaper article, Jenna still knows…and that means others will soon know. And Noah will do nothing to stop her.

Can I live with that?

I keep my head up as I walk on campus and visualize a protective shell around my body. Stares, glares, snide comments—doesn’t matter. Nothing will get through to me. I can do this.

I get through the morning without incident. Still, it’s just a matter of time. Jenna’s in my next class and I know there’s no possible way to avoid her.

“Chica,” Jules hollers. She made sure to meet me in the commons before poly sci. “Are you okay?”

“I haven’t been stoned yet,” I say. “But I haven’t run into Jenna either.”

“That’s why I’m here, babe.” She links her arm in mine. “Let’s do this.”

We walk to class and I slow at the door to peek inside.

No Jenna.

No Jenna in poly sci. Or, the rest of the day. That is, until Professor Sands’ class.

###

I’m about to turn the corner to get to English Lit when I hear them.

“What the hell, Noah?” Jenna yells. “Why did you summon me to the newspaper? I missed poly sci because of it.”

I stay hidden behind the corner but inch a little closer, wanting to hear their exchange.

“I didn’t want you to be alone with her,” Noah says.

“Are you serious?”

“Completely.”

“So you’re afraid I might hurt your wounded bird’s feelings? And thought that was a reason to have me miss class?”

“Yeah, actually,” Noah says. “But that’s not all. That newspaper assignment is for real, Jenna.”

“What?” Jenna whines. “What do you mean? You’re making me write a story? But you know I have a lot on my plate.”

“Don’t give me that.” Noah laughs.

“Is this because of Tabby?” Jenna snaps. “What did she tell you?”

“She didn’t tell me anything. And this is about you not her.”

“Right,” she says. “You should watch yourself with her, Noah. Or you’ll be the next one she accuses—”

“Stop,” Noah yells now. “You stop right there. I’ve had just about enough of this shit, Jenna. No more.”

“But, you –”

“No,” he cuts her off. “No more excuses. That’s it. I’m not going to let you manipulate me anymore. It’s time you get your shit together and stop blaming me for everything that goes wrong in your life. No more free rides. If you want the credits, you get to the newspaper and do the work. And let me tell you something else. If you ever talk about Tabby like that again to me, or anyone else, I will make you pay for it. Dearly.”

“I can’t,” Jenna starts, her voice full of contempt.

I clench my teeth, knowing this isn’t right. I can’t let Noah do my fighting. I wish I could, but nothing is going to get better unless I step up.

Jenna continues, “I can’t even believe you—”

That’s when I stop her.

“No, Jenna,” I say, walking out from around the corner. “I can’t believe you.”

I move toward her and Noah slides aside giving me complete access. I swear I see traces of a smile on his face.

“I can’t believe you would hold my past against me.” I glare at her until she’s forced to look away. “Especially after hearing about yours.”

It was past time for fighting words.

Jenna doesn’t move or say a word. She’s frozen. Noah’s frozen. There’s nothing but silence. So I brush past them and go to class.