CHAPTER 14.
1111 Words
AVA'S POV.
Most of the things Noah ended up buying were painting tools, like paintbrushes, watercolors and some more others. But since I honestly had nothing to buy, I only got myself some girls' items, even though I still had them at home.
Afterward, Noah and I returned home, and he headed to his own side of the house with me following slowly behind him.
Momentarily, he stopped in his tracks and glanced over his shoulder at me. "Why are you still following me?"
I shot him my best puppy eyes. "Can I please come with you? I promise I won't touch anything."
He raised a single brow at me, "What makes you think I will let you into my territory?"
I grinned at him, "Because I know you don't hate me that much anymore. You just don't want to admit it."
He rolled his eyes, "Whatever. But if you touch my stuff, you're dead meat."
"Roger that captain's stone face."
His jaw clenched at the nickname, and he marched away, and I quickly followed behind him.
He really is an easy guy to tease.
His side of the house was just as dark as before, but Noah moved around without trouble. He was probably used to the darkness already.
I instantly felt that maybe the darkness had some other meaning in his life. I felt truly sad for him.
Noah switched on the lights in his painting studio, and many canvas paintings instantly came into view. I wasn't given a chance to look at all of them last time because Noah came and drove me out, but I think this is my chance to explore.
I went from one painting to another, staring at them in awe. Most of them were paintings of nature, and if you don't look closely, you would think it's a photo and not a painting. That just shows how good Noah is.
"Wow, you're excellent at painting!" I exclaimed, still exploring them in admiration.
Noah was busy setting up some things on the other side of the room. It seemed like he was preparing to make another painting.
"After my parents put me on a lock-down, painting became my only companion. Seeing all these places I painted makes me feel like I'm there." He stared at me for a second, and I stared back at him in pity. I was also surprised that he was willing to share that with me.
After staring at each other for a second to long, his jaw clenched and he looked away. "Stop looking at me like that!" He said coldly, "it makes me feel miserable!"
I shook my head to banish the pitiful thoughts in my head. "I'm sorry."
"Don't apologize either! You didn't do anything to be sorry for!" he snapped.
The air grew tense, and I didn't know what else to say, so I brushed aside the conversation and began to explore the paintings again.
I noticed a huge canvas at the back of the room. I remember seeing it last time too. It was the biggest in the studio, and it was still covered with white linen.
I walked towards it, curious about what Noah must have painted there. "Why is this one covered?" I asked, raising a hand to remove the covering.
"No, don't touch that one!!!" Noah screamed and rushed towards me. He caught my wrist just in time, and twirled me around to face him away from the canvas.
The action caused us to stand very close to each other, our bodies slightly pressed, and our eyes fixed on each other. My wrist was still in his grip.
Something danced in my stomach at how close we were, and the scar on my wrist tingled at his touch. My heart was beating at an abnormal speed, and I suddenly felt hot.
"I told you not to touch anything!" He gritt out in annoyance and harshly let go of my wrist. Then he roughly pushed me away from the painting and arranged it even though I didn't do anything to it.
"What's so special about it that you're overreacting?" I asked, still a bit affected by those weird feelings from earlier.
He faced me with a harsh glare. "It is extremely special to me, and I want no one to touch it! Especially not you!"
I held my chest with a pout, "especially not me? You just broke my heart buddy. I thought we were friends!"
He rolled his eyes, "like I said before, we are not friends!"
I smirked at him, "Sam said you never let anyone into your studio, but you let me in. "Doesn't that mean you like me?"
His jaw clenched, and I swear I saw a hint of red on his cheek. Noah was blushing.
I wanted to laugh, but I held myself back. I didn't want to annoy him by teasing him about it.
"Firstly, I don't know who this Sam is! Secondly, I only let you in because you begged me to. Don't delude yourself by thinking that I like you!"
I rolled my eyes, "you're seriously still denying it even though it's very obvious. "But that's okay, I am sure one day you will admit it." He didn't respond. "Anyway," I brushed off the topic. "Lets go back to the painting. Is it a naked woman?" I asked, squinting at him, and his eyes comically widened in horror. I misunderstood the reason for his shock, and my eyes widened as well. "Wait, it it really?!"
"Of course not!!" He screamed in defense. "I am not that sort of person! "I don't make paintings like that!" He glared at me, "you know what, I think you've overstayed your welcome. It's time you get lost."
He began to push me towards the door. "Hey wait a minute. It's just a harmless question." I protest, but he wasn't listening. He pushed me out completely and banged the door to my face.
Despite his arrogance, I chuckled to myself. I can't believe I made Noah Edwards blush. Does that mean he truly likes me?
If he does, then I think it would be easier to make him fall in love with me, and then my plan with James can work out. I feel I have a chance this time.
But why am I not happy about it?
The thought soured up my mood, and I returned to my own side of the house feeling gloomy and sad, but I reminded myself that James was right. Noah is just a dying man and I shouldn't get too attached to him.
All I feel for him is pity and nothing else.
- Writer
