The Art of Starting Over

Mess

NOAH’S POV

Smiling I’m actually smiling, for once. Things haven’t been the same since Juliet died, I fell into a deep depression for months. I didn’t hang out with anyone or even go anywhere, didn’t even work, I just stayed in this stupid empty house that was too big for one person, once brought to life by Juliet’s light. It was hard without her but on the year anniversary of her death I got a letter from Juliet.

My dearest sweetest Noah,

I hope this finds you well and your not moping around since I’ve been gone, I’m sure you miss me and I’m sure you are. I guess I know you too well, I’m sorry it had to be like this but everything happens for a reason and I was called back to the heavens. I’m dancing for you up here as I always have, can you see me in the clouds? I’m looking down at you baby, but you can’t stay locked up forever. Tonight I want you to go out try to meet people, go out with the boys. Unfortunately I couldn’t be your forever but I’m smiling down on the girl who will be.

Your’s forever, J.

It was that night I decided to go out and that night I met Sevyn. I actually saw her at the bar and was trying to work up the courage to talk to her when she just started the conversation first. Let me tell you something about New York girls, they’re all stuck up and just lost in their own world, usually caught in the wild fantasy of their own minds, which are usually bleak and most are just coked up models who excuse themselves to the bathrooms every 5 minutes. But Sevyn was so different she had something to say and she’s actually been through s**t, she’s not a spoiled rich girl without a care in the world, she’s known pain, and she’s conquering it and that just adds to her beauty. It takes a strong girl to have gone through what she did and come out the other side. She’s damn funny too, has an awesome taste in music, and God is she something to look at. She’s got these huge green eyes, beautiful chocolate brown hair and the cutest button nose with amazing full lips. I wanted to kiss her when I dropped her off but I didn’t want to freak her out. When she accepted my offer for Saturday I was practically jumping off the walls. I glance at my phone and notice we’re still on facetime from the night before but I didn’t want to hang up so I just stayed on the line while I got ready, I smiled when I notice a slight bit of drool drip out of her mouth. She’s adorable. I’m cooking breakfast when she finally wakes up, I have my phone propped up on the counter so I can see her still, but I didn’t even notice she woke up until she said good morning in her sweet singsong voice a big grin on her face. I smiled back. “Good morning you’re finally awake, I didn’t feel right hanging up when you were asleep, I wanted to say good morning first.” Her curly hair was all messy around her and she didn’t have any makeup on, she looked like a goddess. “I appreciate it you’re a welcoming sight in the morning.” My heart jumped and I chuckled. “I’m glad you’re not weirded out.” She shook her head. “Whatcha making?” She raised her eyebrow. “Blueberry pancakes, with bacon and an omelette, this is what my nanny would always make me for breakfast.” She licked her lips. “Ugh that sounds soo good okay, text me your address and make an extra plate I’m coming over.” I laughed but then I noticed her deadpan expression. “Oh you’re serious okay come on over I’ll start yours when you’re on your way.” She nods and okay then jumps out of bed. “See you soon Noah.” She whispers then hangs up. The way she says my name is like what I imagine you hear when angels sing. I pause my breakfast and wait for her so we can eat together.

20 minutes later I’m just plating breakfast when I hear the buzzer, perfect timing. I invite her up, when I open the door I’m almost shocked by her beauty she’s wearing a simple outfit a huge sweatshirt w gray leggings and some ugg slippers she’s just got that natural beauty. “Hey.” I say with a grin and move aside so she could come in. “Smell’s sooo good in here I’m starving.” I show her to the table and pull her chair out. “Sorry I don’t usually get company, so it’s not the cleanest in here.” I internally punch myself for not tidying up noticing all the paint brushes all over the living room and unfinished projects laying around. “Don’t worry honestly if my dad didn’t clean my house would be a mess, my mom isn’t very neat and well it’s kind of a trait I picked up from her, we’ve always had this saying, in a mess everything has a place.” I laugh “I like that.” Her eyes widen. “Mmm Noah, these pancakes are so good and this omelette, delizioso.” She moans. “Well if you’re gonna be moaning and speaking the language of the motherland I’ll have to cook for you more often.” She giggles and blushes. “Well if you’re gonna be cooking like this, I’d like that.” She says with a smile before slipping in another bite. “I’m actually from Italy well I was born there both of my parent’s are heavily Italian, we moved when I was about 6 but I travel there sometimes to see my grandparents.” She nods appreciatively. “My dad’s parents are from Italy, my dad was born there but sort of the same moved when he was young, but we go there to visit my grandparents, my mom is actually french Canadian, so I speak both Italian and French to communicate with my grandparents, Stephens an Irish boy.” I smile. “Which is funny because of the tension between Italy and France.” She laughs. “I guess french canadians don’t count.”

After breakfast I eye the time I don’t want to have to leave but I’ve got to get to Brooklyn for my first class, then the studio for some photography appointments. “It’s a shame you have work today but I’ll see you Saturday, I’ll be lounging around my house eagerly awaiting your cheeky texts.” She says with a smile. “So what’s your schedule?” I ask as we walk out together. “Well Gina likes a 3 day weekend she’s a big party girl so momma needs her weekends, so we work Monday through Thursday then Fridays through Sundays we have off.” “Ohhh okay that’s neat.” She shrugs. “I guess I rather like my job so I don’t mind being there, plus it keeps me distracted.” She trails off and her eyes get sad I place my fingers under her chin and lift her head up. “Well hey I’ll text you as much as I can today to keep your mind from wandering.” She gives me a small smile and puts her hand on my arm. “Thank you Noah, and thank you for that wonderful breakfast.” She steps on her tip toes and kisses my cheek. “Have a nice day at work, I’ll see you tomorrow at 6? Right?” I nod and wish her a wonderful day, there’s an extra spring in my step on my way to work today.

SEVYNS POV

I watch Noah walk to the subway then turn to my house. I get a chime on my phone and see my mom texted me. ‘Oh baby we have to talk when you get home, it’s not good.’ I frown and hail a taxi to try to get there a little fast I don’t like the sound of that. When I walk through the door all my parents are standing in the hall. “What’s wrong?” I ask and my mom just hugs me. “Baby he got bail money he’s out on bail awaiting trial right now, the restraining order is in effect but I’m worried. He’s got his ways. I’m so sorry.” She whispers and holds me tighter. I feel like I’m going to pass out, I don’t even know what to say, I’m speechless. My heart is in my stomach and I’m definitely about to throw up, dad and Stephen wrap their arms around me too and hold me in a tight embrace. “We will not let him get close to you.” Stephen says sternly. “We’re going to hire a security guard to be around you at all times and one to watch the home too.” Dad says I can hear the stress laced in his voice. I nod and go up to my room I lay my head on my pillow and sob. God if this man get’s his hands on me again. At least in the city I can hide, I’ll have security to keep their eyes on me. I call Nadia I feel bad she’s at work but I need her. “Oh loveee I’m leaving work right now I’m coming over and we are gonna stay together and you can cry we can watch movies and get your mind off of it.” I sob nonsense into the phone and hang up and hold my pillow to my chest. I’m sobbing in Nadia’s arms before I know it and she brings me to my living room and grabs me some ice cream. I dig into it. “I thought I was safe, I thought there was no way he was getting out, where did he even get the money? I had all the money, he has a dead end job at the liquor store.” I cry out, Nadia shakes her head. “I don’t know but we are all gonna keep you safe, I texted everyone and just so you know you need anyone or anything any of us will come running at your call. They all know not to tell him anything about you. But honey.” She says quietly, I look at her. “He already went to Gavins Salon looking for information about you.” I cry harder now my friends are in danger too, I quickly facetime Gavin.

“So basically I told him to go f**k himself, I said I’m not scared of a little boy who hits women and I said pick on someone your own size and you won’t get the same results, I called him a small d**k loser and had security escort him out. But he was asking where you’ve been hanging out if you’re back to work that kind of stuff. But I didn’t tell him a damn thing.” Gavin said walking down the street with a ice coffee, I smile at him. “Thank you Thank you Thank you Gav I really appreciate it, I’m so sorry my mess is incorporating itself in your life.” I say through tears. “Oh baby stop all that crying he ain’t nothing big papa can’t handle.” He holds up a fist, its true Gavin is buff he goes to the gym 4 times a week, he’s built much bigger than Ritchie. He’s gotta get back to work so we hang up and Nadia get invested in a silly romance movie. My phone starts ringing again and I see its Noah, I forgot to answer all of his texts today, I pick up and my voice cracks I sound so gross right now. “Heyyy you okay? You don’t sound like your usual cheery self?” He sounds worried, I quickly explain to him what’s going on crying on the phone. “Oh Sevyn I’m so sorry hey I throw a mean right hook if you need anything, I won’t let that monster get even within 10 feet of you before I lay him out.” I laugh out loud and Nadia smiles at me. “I believe you I saw your boxing videos on your instagram.” I hear him chuckle. “Well if you need to cancel for tomorrow I totally understand.” I hadn’t even thought of that, f**k. “No not if you don’t mind being joined by security guards, I’m not going to let him hold me back from living my life anymore.”

“I’m glad to hear it and I do not mind at all. As long as you’re safe. See you tomorrow gorgeous.” Just hearing his voice has calmed me down plenty. “Tomorrow.” I answer and hang up. I look at Nadia who’s giving me a s**t eating grin on the other side of the sofa. “Let’s go shopping.” I say with a smile.