Which Mistletoe?

Eleven: Babe?

Noah's POV

They’re still talking about it—the generous amount of money he donated yesterday. I’m not sure what his goal is. Is he flaunting his wealth just to impress her? I’d like to believe he’s better than that… but I honestly don’t know.

Elara was shocked, sure, but she was genuinely thankful. She didn’t bring it up again afterward, just focused on planning the event like she always does. I wanted to ask her how she felt about his sudden display of generosity, but it wasn’t the right time. Especially when she freezes every time someone mentions his name.

Tomorrow is December first. Yesterday we placed the town’s Christmas tree in the center of the plaza. The mall sponsored the decorations, Double E’s handled the lights, and the station loaned one of our trucks so the higher branches were easier to reach.

I was assigned to drive the truck this morning, and when I got there, Elara was already trying to untangle a long strip of lights. My chest dropped when I saw who she was with.

Andrei.

They stood a few feet apart, not talking, just quietly working. But even from the distance, I noticed how he kept sneaking glances at her—long ones. Not subtle. Not quick. And the worst part? She glanced back. Not as often, but enough. His smile came out when their eyes met, like he’d been waiting for it.

Something sour twisted inside my stomach. I hated the feeling.

I asked George to help them with the truck ladder, and he was more than happy to take over. Good. I couldn’t stay there. Not when they were close enough for him to hand her each strand of lights. Not when I felt… whatever this was.

“Noah!” a familiar voice called.

Lisa with her terrible timing.

“Can you help me with these?” She pointed at two boxes on the ground.

I wanted to say no. Every part of me wanted to say no. But I was raised better, so I scooped up the boxes and followed her.

And as if she knew exactly what I was running away from, she stopped right in front of Andrei and Elara.

Elara looked up at me, then at Lisa. She gave a small, polite smile before bending back over the tangled string of lights. “Hi, everyone!” Lisa announced brightly. “I brought muffins and cupcakes for snacks. You guys are doing great!”

People cheered. Of course they did. Lisa knew how to gather attention.

“Babe, put them here,” she said.

I froze. Babe? I mouthed silently.

My gaze shot to Elara, who definitely heard it—her hands halted, her shoulders tensed, but she didn’t look up.

When she finally turned her head and caught me staring at her, she went back to her task so fast she didn’t notice the stray wire until it sliced her finger.

“Ah!” she winced.

I dropped the boxes on the nearest table and rushed to her—but Andrei was closer. And faster.

“Are you okay?” he asked, grabbing her hand.

“You’re bleeding. Come on, we should get you some first aid.”

“Andrei, I’m fine.”

“You’re bleeding, Lara. Please.”

He didn’t let go, and she didn’t pull away. They walked off together, his hand still around hers. My stomach flipped again—harder this time.

—

They never came back.

I didn’t see them at the first aid booth either. She wasn’t at Double E’s when I picked up supplies later, and her car wasn’t parked outside her parents’ house or her own when I did my patrol.

By eight, the tree was finished. Tomorrow would be the lighting ceremony, and with the amount of funds we’d gathered, Elara suggested offering free hot cocoa for everyone. The whole town was excited.

Still… I couldn’t shake the worry.

On my way home, I took the long route—down her street. Just to check. This would be her first night officially sleeping in her renovated house, and I wanted to make sure everything was okay.

Her distinct red car sat in the driveway. Relief washed over me, but it wasn’t enough. Not until I actually saw her.

I parked behind her car and walked to the door. The living room lights were still on, and faint Christmas music drifted from inside. I knocked lightly.

Tiny footsteps approached.

“Noah.” She looked surprised—but not unhappy. She wore pink silk pajamas that suited her far too well. “I just wanted to make sure you’re okay,” I said.

My eyes drifted to her hands—two fingers wrapped neatly. “I am. Come in, it’s freezing.”

I stepped inside, taking off my boots and placing them neatly on her shoe rack. The thought of doing that someday because we lived together flashed through my mind. It hit harder than expected.

“I was worried when you didn’t come back,” I admitted.

She paused in the kitchen. “Oh. Well… Andrei insisted I get a tetanus shot.”

“That’s good,” I said softly. “That was the right call.”

“I’m sorry I couldn’t help finish the tree.”

“El, you’ve helped more than enough. Just… be careful next time.”

She handed me a glass of water. “So… how was your babe?”

I choked. Literally. Water shot out of my nose.

Elara burst into laughter. “Elara!” I sputtered as she handed me tissues.

“What? I didn’t know you were the ‘babe’ type. Maybe ‘love’ suits you more. Or ‘baby.’”

She kept laughing while I tried to wipe water off my face.

“I—She—We don’t call each other babe,” I managed.

Her laughter doubled. “I think I’m going to pee,” she said, heading toward the bathroom—until a knock echoed through the house.

“Could you get that?” she asked.

I walked to the door, assuming it was her dad. Or Elias. Maybe a neighbor. Anyone but—

Andrei.

He looked at me. Then at the shoes on the rack beside me. I knew exactly what conclusion he jumped to. I shouldn’t feel pleased… but I did.

“Can I help you?” I asked flatly.

He hesitated before forcing the words out. “Is Elara here?”

I nodded. “Yeah. Again—can I help you?”

“I need to talk to her.”

“Pretty sure she doesn’t want to talk to you.”

“Why don’t we let her decide that?”

The bathroom door opened behind me. “Who’s that? Did Dad come back with my pillo—Andrei?”

He stepped forward a little. “How did you know I live here?” she asked, crossing her arms.

“I asked your brother.”

Elias. Of course.

“And? Do you need something?”

“I wanted to check if you’re okay,” he said quietly. “And I brought these.” He held out a small basket filled with period essentials—tea, chocolate, heat patches, pain reliever, all the things she usually carried around and had mentioned more than once over the years.

Her face shifted—not dramatically, but enough that he relaxed a little.

“How… how did you know?” she asked.

“I saw your clipboard earlier,” he admitted. “I wasn’t being a creep. I just… remembered you eat these when you’re on your period.”

She hesitated. “Thanks.”

“Good night, Lara.”

“Good night.”

He left. The door closed. And I stood there wondering how, exactly, I was supposed to compete with that—while I was also actively trying to win her myself.

Being in the middle wasn’t just awkward.

It was torture.