Izzy & Noah

Twelve: The Meaning Behind the Moments

I push myself out of the chair and head toward the room, my steps measured and deliberate. Just as my hand reaches for the doorknob, Noah appears, stopping me with a gentle touch on my arm.

"How about we do something together today? What do you say?" he asks, his eyes bright with a mix of hope and anticipation.

Curious, I tilt my head slightly, studying him. "What do you have in mind?" I reply, though my thoughts are already drifting to the mental checklist of Sunday chores—cleaning, laundry, and general tidying up.

"Would you like to visit Katy and Tom?" Noah suggests, his tone casual but encouraging.

I pause, the idea catching me off guard. Since moving to London, my outings have been scarce, and my routine has become a monotonous loop of work and home. For weeks now, this predictable rhythm has been my comfort zone. The thought of stepping outside it makes my stomach tighten with nerves.

"They live just across the street," Noah adds, as if sensing my hesitation. "It's not a big deal. It'll be a nice change of pace."

I take a deep breath, weighing the prospect. "I'm not really a fan of chaos and crowds," I admit, voicing the concern lingering at the back of my mind.

Noah nods, his expression empathetic. "I get that, but it's just Katy and Tom. They're really nice, and it'll be a small, relaxed visit. No crowds, I promise."

I glance at the clock, my internal debate simmering. "It's okay," I finally say, a small smile tugging at my lips. "I didn't have anything special planned, just the usual Sunday stuff. Maybe it's time for a little change."

Noah's face lights up with a grin. "Great! It'll be fun, I promise. And if it's not your thing, we can always leave early."

"Alright," I agree, a mix of excitement and apprehension stirring within me. "Let's do it."

I retreat to my room, rifling through my wardrobe until I settle on a pair of jeans and a cozy sweater—simple, comfortable, and fitting for the occasion. Once dressed, I slip past Noah toward the bathroom.

Standing before the mirror, I take a moment to compose myself. I pull my hair back into a neat ponytail, then apply a light layer of foundation, a touch of cherry-colored lipstick, and a bit of mascara—just enough to enhance, not overwhelm. Satisfied with the natural look, I take a steadying breath and step out.

Noah is waiting in the hallway, his eyes lighting up as they meet mine. "You look great," he says warmly, his smile genuine and reassuring.

He smiles again, his blue eyes lighting up with a warmth that makes my heart skip a beat. Without a word, he takes my hand, his touch gentle yet firm, and before I know it, he pulls me closer. The next thing I feel is the cool surface of the wall against my back as he gently but decisively presses me against it.

"Noah," I whisper, my voice barely audible as his face comes closer to mine.

He silences me with a kiss, his lips soft and warm, sending a rush of emotions through me. His kiss is tender but filled with a passion that takes my breath away. I close my eyes, losing myself in the moment, my hand instinctively finding its way to the nape of his neck, pulling him closer.

I want to do this every day for the rest of my life. For a few precious moments, the world outside ceases to exist. All that matters is the connection we share in this stolen moment. The intensity of his kiss deepens, and I can feel the steady beat of his heart against my chest, mirroring the rapid rhythm of my own.

I never thought that someone could have such an effect on me. My mind flashes briefly to my ex, Nick. He was nothing like Noah—manipulative, abusive, and cruel. He blackmailed me, hurt me, and discarded me like I was nothing. Our relationship was twisted from the start, a constant battle of wills that escalated into chaos.

I remember the day he told me he didn't love me anymore. He said he was tired of love, tired of me, that he wanted freedom to live his life. But I lived for him. I gave him everything—my time, my love, my loyalty—just for the chance to feel close to him. I would've done anything to make him stay, even if it meant losing myself in the process.

Love hurts when it's one-sided. Love nearly destroyed me. It drove me to the brink, left me hollow and broken. But as much as it shattered me, it also made me realize my strength. I had to hit rock bottom to understand that I deserved more, that I deserved better.

That's why I left. I left Nick, left the pain, left everything that tethered me to that dark chapter of my life. I packed my bags and came to London, determined to rebuild myself piece by piece.

And now, here I am, kissing my wonderful roommate, feeling emotions I thought I'd never experience again. When Noah finally pulls back, his forehead rests lightly against mine. His breath is warm against my skin, and his voice is soft and reassuring.

"Shall we go?" he asks, his tone laced with tenderness.

"Yes, let's go. I'm sure," I reply, my voice steady with newfound confidence.

I grab my coat, and Noah does the same. Together, we walk through the door, and Noah locks it behind us. His fingers intertwine with mine as we descend the stairs, the warmth of his touch grounding me.

As we step outside, I pray silently that we won't run into his grandmother. Each step we take feels lighter, but deep down, I wonder if I'm truly ready for more than friendship. Will I ever be ready for a relationship? Only time will tell.

We cross the street quickly, the winter air sharp against my skin. At the building's entrance, Noah presses the buzzer, and a cheerful voice answers almost immediately.

"I'll let you in! Come up!" Katy's voice rings out, brimming with warmth and enthusiasm. Noah opens the door for me, and we step inside. The elevator is just ahead, and he guides me toward it.

"It's too far to walk. They live on the top floor," Noah explains with a soft chuckle, wrapping an arm around me and pressing a kiss to the top of my head.

The elevator ride is quiet, a comfortable silence settling between us. Just as I open my mouth to ask Noah about Katy and Tom, the elevator chimes, and the doors slide open, revealing the penthouse.

The apartment is breathtaking—spacious, modern, and flooded with natural light. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer a stunning view of the city, and the decor is sleek yet inviting. My heart tightens as I step inside, a wave of self-consciousness washing over me.

I glance around, feeling out of place in the grandeur of it all. Noah notices and places a reassuring hand on the small of my back.

"Are you all right, Izzy?" he asks, his eyes searching mine with gentle concern.

"Yes," I manage, my voice soft. "It's just... it's a huge flat, and so full of light. I never imagined a place like this could exist in the middle of London."

Before Noah can respond, Katy appears around the corner, her face lighting up as she spots us. She strides over, enveloping me in a warm hug.

"I'm so glad Noah invited you," she says, her laughter bright and infectious. Her eyes sparkle with excitement as she pulls back to look at me.

"This place is amazing," I say honestly, trying to steady my voice. "I was just telling Noah how lovely it is."

"Thank you!" Katy replies, her pride evident. "It's Tom's parents' place. They gave it to us last year, and we've been making it our own ever since."

Tom appears then, offering a friendly wave as he approaches. "Welcome, Izzy," he says warmly. "Make yourself at home."