Noel stood right there, resting his fingers on the heavy lock. He didn't open it. He just stood there for a second, letting out this long, heavy breath before he turned around and walked right back to me.
Slowly, he knelt down, softening his eyes.
"Hey," he said, his voice dropped into that quiet tone that made my chest tighten. "Look at me. I'm right here. I'm not walking out that door if it's going to make you freak out like this."
I sniffled, my fingers were desperately gripping the fabric of his shirt. I hated how small I felt, but having his hands on my shoulders was the only thing keeping me from completely collapsing onto the floor again.
"Go wash up," Noel murmured, his dark eyes searched my messy, teary face. His gaze softened, lingering on my lips before flicking back up to my eyes. "Take a hot shower. Get changed. You need to wash this day off your skin, Eli."
