Chapter 7- Almost
776 Words
The next morning, Lily made one very important decision.
She was absolutely not thinking about Noah Carter.
Not about the rooftop conversation.
Not about the way he’d said “Mostly you.”
And definitely not about the fact that her stomach kept doing embarrassing little flips every time she remembered it.
Absolutely not.
Unfortunately, her brain refused to cooperate.
“You’re smiling at your cereal.”
Lily looked up sharply.
Her mother stood across the kitchen holding a coffee mug while trying very hard not to laugh.
“I am not.”
“You are.”
“I’m really not.”
“Mhm.”
Lily quickly looked down at her breakfast before muttering, “You’re annoying.”
“Interesting,” her mother replied casually. “That’s usually what people say when they like someone.”
Lily nearly choked.
“Nobody said anything about liking anyone!”
Her mother’s smile widened knowingly.
Oh no.
This conversation needed to end immediately.
Luckily, the doorbell rang.
Lily stood so quickly she almost knocked over her chair.
“I’ll get it.”
She hurried toward the front door and pulled it open—
Only to freeze.
Noah stood there.
Black hoodie.
Messy hair.
Hands shoved into his pockets.
And somehow looking unfairly good for eight in the morning.
“Well,” he said slowly, noticing her expression, “that’s either excitement or fear.”
Lily recovered instantly.
“Definitely fear.”
A small smile tugged at his lips.
Behind him, Emily waved enthusiastically from the driveway.
“Mom made extra pancakes,” Noah explained. “She said your family should have some.”
Lily blinked in surprise.
“Wow. This is really nice.
thank you."
“Don’t sound so shocked.”
"Really. you shouldn't tell me like is not natural." “I’m still adjusting to the idea that you occasionally act like a normal human being.”
Noah placed a hand dramatically against his chest.
“You wound me.” We make pancakes and sell at the neighborhood.
Despite herself, Lily smiled.
"That's interesting. nice".
"Thank you."
"You are welcome.
Lily noticed how hard he smiled so beautifully.
Of course he did.
For a second, neither of them spoke.
The morning sunlight spilled across the porch while soft wind moved through the trees around them.
And suddenly the moment felt strangely quiet.
Comfortable.
Dangerously comfortable.
Then Noah glanced down slightly.
“You love hoodies.”
Lily froze.
Her eyes widened before she looked down at herself in horror.
Right.
The hoodie.
"Yes I love hoodies.
The black basketball hoodie.
Unfortunately—
It technically belonged to her brother.
“And how do you know." Lily defended quickly.
Noah stepped slightly closer.
“It looks better on you.”
Oh.
Oh no.
Lily’s brain officially stopped functioning.
Behind Noah, Emily gasped dramatically loud enough for the entire neighborhood to hear.
“OH MY GOD.”
Noah closed his eyes briefly.
“Emily.”
“She’s wearing a hoodie just like you!” Emily whisper-screamed like this was breaking celebrity news
Lily wanted the ground to swallow her whole.
"Haven't you left for school yet". Her mother screamed from upstairs ready to come down to lock the door behind Lily.
"No mother. we have some delicious pancakes. it is from our neighbor
Unfortunately, Noah looked way too entertained now.
“ I think you’re enjoying this,” Lily accused.
“A little.” I love everything going on now."
"Am surprised you love hoodies too."
Before she could think of a comeback, Noah reached forward absentmindedly and brushed something small from her hair.
The movement was quick.
Gentle.
But it completely stole the air from Lily’s lungs.
"Oh thank you." she rushed towards the dinning table and placed the pancake
"Mom I am on my way the pancakes are on the table, I will join you for a bite when I return." Before her mother could respond, Lily slammed the door and left.
Noah seemed to realize what he’d done at the exact same moment she did.
His hand paused slightly.
Their eyes met.
And suddenly—
Everything felt very still.
Too still.
Emily stared between them with the expression of someone witnessing history.
"Shall we." Emily asked in a exciting mood
By 7:25, They arrived at the parking spots
Then a car horn blasted loudly from the street.
Both Lily and Noah jumped apart instantly.
Jason leaned out the passenger window of a jeep with a giant grin on his face.
“Am I interrupting the most beautiful best friends?”
Noah looked ready to throw himself into traffic.
Lily covered her burning face with both hands.
And Emily?
Emily looked absolutely delighted.
- Writer
