EPISODE004
871 Words
NOAH’S POV
I got up earlier than normal. I didn't receive any phone calls. There is no buzzing sound coming from the assistant. Urgent meetings aren't disturbing my sleep. Simply be awake. The silence felt odd and unusual. The floor was already glowing softly as the sun began to peek through the curtains. I checked the time, rubbed my eyes, and stretched. It was slightly past six o'clock.
However, I wasn't considering markets or mergers for once.
She was on my mind.
Madison.
Carter, too.
I felt the weight of the names on my chestget tangled. It seemed that one would always take the other with them. And despite my best efforts to make sense of it and how quickly they were taking up residence in my mind, it kept returning to that one impossibility:
I could have him.
And strangely? The thought no longer frightened me.
I quickly jumped into the shower. I didn't wear any expensive watches or fitted suits. I wasn't trying to use polish and silk to win her over. I put on a simple shirt and jeans. I had to show her myself without any armour before I could show her anything real.
Diana was still not here. Skip breakfast. I couldn't eat anyhow. Like a washing machine on spin cycle, my stomach was turning over.
I picked up my keys and headed directly to her house. Each mile seemed to drag on forever. By the time I parked in front, my hands were already clammy. My chest thudded as if someone had dropped a bowling ball inside of me, and I saw movement behind her curtains.
There is no going back.
I knocked.
There she was.
Madison.
Even though she was wearing tank tops, yoga pants, and messy hair, she was still the most stunning woman I had ever seen.
"Noah?" She blinked at me. "What's bringing you here so early?"
"Did I wake you up?"
"No," she said, adjusting a little. "You're just a little bit early."
Behind her, a smaller voice spoke up.
It's Saturday, Mom. No school. Do you remember?
Carter. Carter's hair stood up, his eyes were drowsy, and he wore the same crooked smile that I had flashed in old school photos.
She ruffled his hair and chuckled softly, "That's right." "You're assisting me today at work."
Then he faced me. "You may also come, Mr Noah! I will assist Mommy with the files and other things.
Madison made no attempt to stop him. Madison didn't seem to want to stop him.
I replied, "I'd love to."
He smiled. "Go now! I will present my designs to you.
Like it was nothing, he reached out and took my hand, and that was it. I was captivated.
Inside the world, I was unaware I had been missing.
She didn't turn me away.
She opened the door for me.
Carter pulled me along as if he couldn't wait another second as we made our way upstairs. He spoke quickly about colours, sketches, and how he organised folders by shape rather than name. The child had an idea, but it was completely out of control. And for heaven's sake, I paid attention as if I were listening to a junior architect.
Madison trailed us by a few paces. I sensed that she was watching me. I had no idea what she was thinking, but I prayed that it wasn't regret.
She eventually vanished into the kitchen. Carter continued to show me his "mock-ups.". The child had imagination, and he or she used crayons, pencil lines, and somet-out paper. As if we were in a real client pitch, I complimented his shading technique.
He smiled. Sure enough, I realised something.
He fit. I fit.
It just made sense.
Madison called out, and we went back downstairs.
"Time for breakfast."
Like it was Christmas morning, Carter leaped into his chair. I slid in next to him. As we reached for toast, we bumped elbows because we were sitting so close to each other. I'm still talking, he thrust his drawings at me.
I paid attention. I paid attention. gave some advice. Let him talk for the most part.
He chuckled.
I chuckled.
Madison looked at us as if she were unsure whether to cry or take another breath.
After some time, she said in a low voice, "You're really good with him."
"What a wonderful child he is."
"You mean that?"
I gave a nod. Indeed. I genuinely do.
She looked at me for a second longer than usual. It took root in my chest.
I said softly, "I'd be honoured to be a part of his life if you ever need help from him."
She swallowed something thick, as evidenced by the movement in her throat.
She remained silent. Simply say, "Thank you. That is very significant.
I replied, "You both mean a lot."
Like a miniature soldier, Carter returned with his rucksack slung over his shoulder. "Mom, hurry! We will be late!
We didn't arrive late. She didn't argue, though.
She followed me outside. I also held the door.
There were no commitments. There was minimal noise and formality.
However, something was said. Something important.
I wasn't prepared to leave again.
Not now.
- Writer
