Time after time

Before you go

Elle POV

Both Noah and I put off this moment until we couldn't put it off anymore.  Since we arrived in Boston, I had stayed in his room even though I could have had mine as soon as I was accepted on the soccer team.  But sleeping in the same bed allowed us to spend as much time together as possible.  Seems like with last year we were separated and the busy summer I'd had with Lee and the bucket list, we needed to fill up on each other's presence.  

The day before Harvard started school, Noah was free from football and came with me to help me settle into my new room.  Since I don't have the same means as Noah, I will have a room to share with another girl.  I'll probably be happy to take a break alone with my boyfriend during the weekend and maybe even at other times depending on how I get along with my roomate.

When I arrived at my new room, I was greeted by a slender blonde who looked me up and down before saying with an air of contempt: 
- You must be Rochelle Evans? 
- Yes, it's me and you must be Bethany Finley? 
- Yes!  Listen, it's not my choice to be in a shared room, but there was no private room left when I was accepted.  I hope you can be as discreet as possible, I need my space to rest and be at my best.  And all that's left for your clothes is this chest of drawers!  I needed the 2 wardrobes to store all my clothes.
- Oh, I could always leave some of my clothes in my boyfriend's room to make more room for you. " I said, hoping that my kindness would lighten the mood.  
- I'm going to need some.  I am on the cheerleading team so I need room to store my costumes.  
- I'm sure we'll find a way to compromise." I said hopefully. 
- As long as you're not in my way and don't overshadow me, you'll be fine. " She said with a sarcastic smile.  

I wondered how I could possibly overshadow her?  I decided to leave the conversation there and start unpacking my things. Noah arrived a few minutes later with the rest of my luggage.  I saw Bethany's eyes widen as he entered.  This look is often present in the eyes of many girls when Noah Flynn enters a room.  He walked past her without the slightest glance, placing my suitcases at the foot of my bed while wrapping his arms around me:
- Hold the rest of your suitcases, Shelly.  Do you want me to do anything else for you? " He said, giving me a quick kiss on the lips. 
- Thank you Noah!  Could you help me put the clothes in this suitcase into this dresser.  And oh, let me introduce you to Bethany, my roommate.  This is Noah, my fiancé.  

I watched Bethany's eyes widen when I told her that Noah was not only my boyfriend but my fiancé!  Yes, I did that on purpose!  Don't touch! Noah turned nonchalantly, noticing Bethany's presence for the first time.  He shook her hand before saying:
- Most people except Elle call me Flynn.

I saw Bethany's eyes open more before she said: 
- Are you Noah Flynn, the quarterback of the football team?  
- Yes it's me! 
- I am a cheerleader on the team, I'm going to be happy to cheer you on!" she told him with a sexy little smile.

What, I'm dreaming? She's really trying to flirt with him!  Noah gave her a less-than-friendly smile before saying: 
- The best thing you can do to encourage me is to be as nice as possible to Elle!  She's my number one fan!" He said, putting an arm around me.

Bethany had a few seconds of uncertainty before telling us that she was leaving us at my set-up and that she hoped the room would be tidy when she returned at the end of the evening.  Noah looked at me and said as soon as she closed the door: 
- I hate the personality of these types of girls. They always think they're the center of the universe, and that makes me cringe.  

The reality of dorm life had just jumped out at me.  It was in spite of myself, with eyes full of tears, that I said to him: 
- I'm sorry I didn't accept your offer of an apartment. 
- What, you'd rather live with me than with this blonde? " He said with a wink.

I rolled my eyes before telling him: 
- As if you didn't know! 
- I suspected it," he said with a smile that also drew a smile from me before I became pensive again. 

I was thankful that Noah was trying to change the atmosphere, but reality had just blown up in my face.  The holidays were over!  I was going to live the dorm life with a roommate who seemed like one of the worst bitches I've ever met.  The OMGs suddenly seemed nice to me in comparison.  Noah, knowing me well, took me in his arms and sat down on my single bed while he hugged me to his chest.  
- Listen, Elle!  I asked you to marry me next summer, so in a year we'll be living together forever.  For the moment, we have no choice but to stay on campus for your first year!  And until then... you can come and squat in my room as often as you want.
- I know it's ridiculous, you're two floors below!  What would I do if you were 3000 miles away?" I said, letting the tears roll down my cheeks.  
- You're a strong girl, Elle!  I know you would have gotten away with it.  And believe me, being homesick is normal!  So, we're going to take advantage of the fact that we're here together, as soon as you feel like you need me, you come to me!"  he said, caressing my cheek.  
- I'm not going to come crash your university style?  Or take up too much space in your bed? " I said in the midst of my tears.  
- No!  I've spent the last year entirely regretting that you're not with me.  So, I'm going to be more than happy to have you with me. 

We stayed for several minutes embracing until I realized that it was getting late and that we would have to go to bed but...
- I don't want you to leave!"  I said to Noah before suppressing a sob.  

Noah wiped my cheeks with his thumbs before telling me:  
- What would you say if I stay until you fall asleep?  

I nodded and started getting ready for the night but froze before changing to sleep.  
- I'd like to have your T-shirt."  I said to Noah in a small voice.

He started rummaging through my drawer before I stopped him. 
- No, I'd like the one you're wearing.  
- But why? 
- It smells like you!  I know it's childish but it's probably going to help me feel less alone.  

Noah didn't argue!  He pulled his t-shirt over his head before pulling it over mine.  Once I was ready, he lay down next to me stroking my hair: 
- What could I tell you before I leave so you can feel better?  
- Just that you're here already helps me feel better! " I said before closing my eyes and fall asleep.