Risking It All

Chapter Twenty One - Jade

The abrupt 'beep' 'beep' of my alarm jolted me awake. Rolling over, I squinted at the time: 6:30. Thanksgiving break was officially over, and the prospect of returning to school weighed on me.

Noah and I had transitioned from a mere tutoring connection to something more undefined. He had become the person I looked forward to seeing every day, someone who could lift my spirits with a simple laugh. The kissing had certainly blurred the lines; friends don't kiss. It was clear to me that we were no longer 'just friends.' But did Noah realize that?

Would we go back to school, and everything would revert to normal, as if none of this had happened? The mere thought churned my stomach with a mix of anticipation and anxiety.

With a sigh, I acknowledged the inevitable and got up to start my day. Hopping into the shower, I swiftly washed my hair and dressed in a baby tee, jeans, and a sweatshirt. Grabbing my bag, I navigated the unusually quiet house, still awkward after my recent argument with my parents. Most of my break had been spent holed up in my room.

I grabbed a piece of toast and an energy drink, then headed out the door. Today, my friends weren't picking me up, so I'd have to rely on my car. Stepping into the vehicle, I hit play on my playlist, and the melodic tunes of Taylor Swift filled the car as I bopped my head along with the rhythm.
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Upon arriving at school, I joined my friends in the courtyard.

"Hey, guys! How was your break?" Amaya asked.

"Pretty good. My brother is getting married, and there was a whole blow-up at my house between me and my parents," I blurted out.

"What?" Elena asked, confused, as we walked into the building.

"Drew. He's getting married to a girl he met at college... her name is Rachel, and my mom absolutely hates her."

"Damn, that's tough," Amaya said.

"Yeah, and also, Noah snuck into my room on Saturday night," I said quietly.

"WHAT!" Amaya exclaimed, her voice loud enough to grab the attention of those around us.

"Amaya! Shhh..." I said, looking around to make sure no one heard.

"What do you mean he snuck into your room?" She asked, keeping her voice low as we walked to my locker.

"Did you do the deed?" She asked, raising a brow at me.

"Oh my god, no! We aren't even together," I said.

"Wait... you're not dating?" Elena asked.

"No... I don't know," I exclaimed, throwing my hands up. "We went out on a date and kissed like four times... I have no idea what he's thinking," I said.

"Maybe you should talk to him," Elena suggested.

"No, I don't wanna be 'that girl' who doesn't know how to get signals. He is so much better at this than I am... I mean, he has dated many girls," I said, feeling insecure.

Reaching my locker, I opened it, and a flood of roses fell out, along with a note falling to the floor.

"What the..." I gasped.

"Oh my goodness, he gave you roses," Amaya exclaimed, bouncing up and down.

He left me roses.

I picked up the note and read it.

Hi sunshine, I hope you had an amazing break... just wanted to thank you for Saturday... you really helped me out. See you soon.

- Noah

"That sounds suggestive... are you sure you didn't do the deed?" Amaya asked.

"Yes!" I exclaimed.

I gathered the roses and placed them back in my locker, taking the note and pocketing it. By this time, we had gathered some attention, people looking at my locker. Whispering filled the hallways.