Risking It All

Chapter Seven - Jade

As I sat across from Noah in the library, I tried my best to focus on our tutoring session. It was hard not to notice the subtle change in his demeanor lately. He seemed more friendly, more genuine, and it made me slightly wary.

My stomach let out a loud growl, and I inwardly cursed myself for forgetting to eat lunch.

But the truth was, I had been too absorbed in cramming for the next exam that eating slipped my mind entirely. I knew it wasn't healthy, but I couldn't afford any distractions at this point.

Noah eyed me his blue eyes held curiosity.

"What? I'm starving...." I admitted.

"Why didn't you eat at lunch then?" Noah asked, his concern evident in his eyes.

"I wasn't hungry," I replied nonchalantly, hoping he wouldn't pry further.

But Noah didn't seem convinced. He pulled out something from his bag, a granola bar and offered it to me, and I couldn't help but be surprised by the gesture.

I scanned the bar and it's ingredients, my eyes catching the word peanuts.

"Thanks, but I'm allergic to peanuts," I explained, surprised with his gesture.

"Sorry sunshine, it's all I got." He said giving me a grin.

"It's fine," I reassured him, secretly touched by his thoughtfulness. "I'll eat something when I get home."

"Ok!" I said clasping my hands together "let's get started."

As the school day came to an end, I headed home and immediately retreated to my room to tackle my homework. My phone buzzed, and I saw a text from Noah asking if I had eaten. I rolled my eyes but decided to reply honestly. "Starting my homework now and made myself a snack," I texted back, attaching a picture of my plate filled with chips and salsa.

Noah responded with a thumbs-up emoji, and I couldn't help but smile at his simple gesture. Maybe, just maybe, he was growing on me.

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The next day, I found myself in Physics class, partnering with Evan for our mobile project. Evan was easygoing and helpful, making the work enjoyable despite the looming deadline.

As we worked on our project in the classroom, I couldn't help but notice Noah passing by in the hallway. He glanced in our direction, and I quickly looked away, trying to ignore the flutter of my heart.

I didn't want to admit it, but Noah's gestures and his newfound effort to befriend me were slowly breaking down my defenses. He seemed genuine, and it was hard not to be intrigued.

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Later that day, I met Noah in the library for our tutoring session. As I approached, he grinned and handed me a strawberry granola bar, which surprised me.

I looked at him curiously, wondering why he was giving me another granola bar. "What's this for?"

Noah chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Can't have my tutor starve on me, right? You need your energy to ace those English and Stats exams."

I felt a pang of warmth in my chest at his concern. "Thanks, Noah. You really don't have to keep doing this."

He grinned, teasingly nudging my shoulder. "Consider it a friendly reminder to take care of yourself, sunshine." He smiled a dimple on cheek showing.
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I rushed out of the library after my session with Noah. I was late for work and needed to be a the pizza place in 20 minutes.

I ran to my car, unlocking it with a click to my keys. Sitting in my car the started the engine and it made a loud noise.

"Shit. Now's is not the time to act up Lydia..." I muttered jamming my keys back into the ignition.