Tear Gas (Spec ops guy)

Ashley.

I felt his whole body tense up. He was nervous, scared. I have never seen him like this.

"Noah?" I took my eyes off the hidden phone. I ignored all the red flags in my mind telling me I knew exactly what was going on.

There was a logical explanation for this.

I ignored all the signals saying I should take his phone and question who ever texted him.

"Something happened. A-and I didn't tell you." He said, his voice trembling.

He couldn't look at my eyes, even though I was looking at him with concern he ignored me.

"Tell me now. Please tell me." I breathed out, my breath shaking. I grabbed his hand, attempting to warm it up. It was ice cold, a sign he hasn't been taking care of himself.

I took in his look. His messy hair, more tangled than usual. His sleepy eyes looked bruised and puffy. His jaw was scruffy and unshaven. His nose was also a light shade of red. Did he make himself sick?
I heard you could make your self sick if your emotional state is deteriorating.

Noah... what was weighing on him? What could possibly be making him literally physically ill.

I had a horrible feeling in my stomach, I had horrid moths flying around and wreaking havoc on my insides.

"Babe-" I scooted closer, trying my best to offer comfort.

He turned his head once I said that, eyes still avoiding mine.

"Ashley saw us. At the protests." He said. He still didn't look up at me.

I sharply inhaled hearing her name. I really don't like her.

Before he could further elaborate, his phone buzzed again. In that moment, he flinched, feeling tense.

"I'm sorry." He shakily inhaled, watching my attention avert to the phone.

"Noah, don't make me go through your phone to figure out what's wrong." I said, feeling thunder clouds form deep within me.

"I can't say it." He said, handing me his unlocked phone.

I felt tears rim my eyes as I started to piece everything together.

I hesitantly took the phone, taking my eyes off his to scroll through it.

It vibrated again, in my hand.

Ashley: y arent u answering?

I clicked the notification, feeling my eyes burn.

Ashley: what time r u coming ovr?

Ashley: ur uncle just asked me ab u... do I tell him or do u answer?

Ashley: I'm waiting 4 u, don't be L8 ;)

"Noah I don't understand. What does it mean?" I sniffled, trying to keep my frustration in. I felt a lump grow in my throat.

"She's blackmailing me." He started, staring at his phone in my hands.

"She told me she would turn us in unless I..." he stopped.

"Keep going." My voice quivered. I mentally punched myself for not staying strong.

"Fuck, I don't know how to say this, Melanie." He finally looked up at me. His eyes were sad, angry, and held so much emotion.

I don't know if I should feel bad or be angry.

"Just say it. It doesn't matter." I told him. I didn't look at his phone, it felt wrong to do so.