"So, you're here to report a case?" The police officer put down his cup of coffee and took a sheet of paper.
He's a middle aged man. His nameplate says Chief Argento. I was trying hard not to roll my eyes. God damn, we've been here for over half an hour and we seemed to be invisible.
"Yes, I've told you over and over, officer, I was harrassed! I saw these men abusing a girl— forcing her to do drugs! I took an evidence but the man took my camera. And now they've got their eyes on me."
"Woah, slow down, kiddo. Where exactly this event happened?" The police man doesn't even look intrigued.
"It was around 10 pm. In Castle Street, old alley."
"And you were with this young man?"
"No, no. I was alone. You were not listening to me!" I said, frustrated.
"Right. And what exactly are you doing in Castle Avenue? That is a dangerous place, don't you know that, miss?"
"I was in the printing house. But that doesn't matter! All I'm saying is that those men are evil and they are probably still lurking around town, victimizing defenseless people!"
"Are you taking nasty stuff? Are you high? This is a small town. The chances of that scenario you were talking about is less than zero. I've been an officer for almost 15 years and do you know the craziest thing that ever happened here? An accident of a little boy in a carnival. What do you want me to do? Suspect every men in this town to capture the bad men you were talking about? That's impossible!" Chief Argento shook his head. He was getting attention from the other police officers. They were all gossiping and mocking.
"Let it go, Iris. It's no use." Noah whispered and grabbed my hand.
"You, boy, what do you know about those men? And what are doing with this young lady?" He asked Noah, and took a bite from his donut while putting his feet up the desk.
"Hold on, you look familiar. Do you have a record here or something?" The police pointed at him and laughed.
"He looks like every other troublemaker out there." The other officer retorted.
"Let's go. They're nuts." I said and hold his arm. Noah looked so mad and broken.
"What did you say miss? I heard you! You expect me to believe your stupid story with that attitude?"
We stormed out the station with our veins popping out of our heads. That was the most humiliating moment of my life!
"Noah..." I couldn't help but to burst into tears. He rested my head on his chest and caressed my hair.
"You were right. I should have listened to you." I managed to speak, my voice is weak.
"Have you forgotten what I told you? I've got my eyes on you. Even in your damn failures."
I sobbed even harder when he comforted me.
"You're a good friend, Noah."
"Shut up. Now, let's drop you home." He was serious and gentle. Somehow different from the usual Noah.
It's almost dark. We were just quiet while walking under the street lamps. Our paces are synchronized. We're at the arc of the Cherry Lane already. I'm almost home.
"I think they wouldn't be able to find you here. This neighborhood is safe." He looks around the big houses and the green lawns.
"I really hope so.."
"Blue house, big windows, right?" He asked, confirming.
"Well, here we are."
I nodded and stopped walking. "Draw your curtains down. And always lock your windows." he reminded, looking around the neighborhood. He just kept on looking from here and there. His face is frowning and unsettling.
"Is there a problem? I thought you said it's safe?"
"Lean in closer." He demanded. I'm starting to feel nervous. "Are your parents home tonight?"
"Only my mom."
"I'll spend the night here." Noah demanded and looked up my window.
"But why? And how are you gonna get in? My mom will kill you!"
"In your window. I'll just climb."
"You're crazy, Noah." I smiled and walked right into the front porch. I tiptoed all the way in the house and made no sound. It looks like everything is going well according to plan. He is taking the bait.
---
When I reached my bedroom, I opened the window and waited for Noah to come up. He climbed a little ways up the tree and landed on the veranda.
"I swear, if my mom—"
"Sshh, close the window. Lock it!" Noah demanded right after he gets in my room.
"W-what's wrong?"
"Nothing, I just wanna spend the night with you."
"Noah, you're scaring me. Tell me, what is it?"
"It's nothing. Don't mind about it."
"If you don't tell me what's going on, I'll scream."
"You won't be able to anymore," He shown off his smug smile as he reached for my jaw and kissed my partly open mouth. It was a long press until we both gasped for air. He managed to lay me down the bed and crawled on top of me. His hands landed on my thighs and was about to attack me with kisses when I pushed him back.
"Is this part of your plan? To come into my room and take advantage of me?" I said, a little mad.
I sat down the bed and reached for my bunny plushie to cover my legs. It's the first time I've got a boy in my room.
"I don't do sorry." he trailed off.
"I appreciate you helping me, Noah. Look, uhm... why don't we just sleep, without doing you know... anything sexual." I uncomfortably said.
"Fine, I'll sleep on the floor." he surrendered.
"No, it's alright. We can share the bed. But we have a deal, okay?"
"No touches. Got it." he winked and get comfortable on my bed.
He looks around the room and touched my stuff. I closed the windows and locked them. "Stay here, I'll go get changed." I hurriedly went into the bathroom and had a quick shower.
I put on my pajamas and blow dried my hair before going back to my room.
"Noah?" He's not on my bed.
I looked around only to find the door to the veranda was unlocked. The white ruffled curtains are flowing due to the chilly night breeze. I let out a sigh when I found him looking around.
"What are you doing?" I hysterically asked.
"Investigating." he replied briefly.
"Come inside, it's cold out here."
I dragged him back to my room and threw some clothes at him. "They're my Dad's. You can wear them."
"You might wanna pack your things for tomorrow. And think of something to tell your mom. 'Cause you won't be coming home for weeks."
"Would you mind explaining me what's going on?"
"When we got home, I heard footsteps in your yard. That's why I decided to sleep in here tonight. And now, I heard static sounds from a two-way radio, so I decided to come out here and investigate."
"Are you s-serious?"
"Someone's keeping an eye on you." He held my waist and bring me closer to him.
"We'll leave here first thing tomorrow. You'll stay in my place." he pointed at me.
"Hey! I'm not staying at a boy's house!" I whispered angrily.
"Yes, you are, Iris. Don't worry, I won't lay a finger on you." he muttered.
"Why are you so desperate to help me? I am just a random girl." I wondered.
"I am not desperate to help you. I am desperate to do my revenge on Joe." I buried my face on his chest and wrapped my arms around his neck, thanking him.
"Don't you do that again, miss." He turned his back on me and propped down the bed.
"It's just a friendly hug, Noah." I sat down next to him.
"Damn. You are so clueless, aren't you?" he muttered and started arranging the pillows. He made a division on the bed. His side. And my side. I removed everything.
"You are so stubborn! Do you know what could I possibly do to you?" he gritted his teeth.
"What are you gonna do? Lay a finger on me? I know you wouldn't do that. And besides, I don't wanna be alone! You insensitive bastard!"
"You're not alone, I'm literally here beside you." he convinced and crossed his arms.
"Would you hold me?" I pleaded. My voice was weak and soft. It's as if my walls broke down.
He heaved a sigh and pulled me closer to his body. His hands are caressing my hair down my back. I could feel his face leaned forward to get closer to mine. He bit his lower lip, stealing glancing to my face.
"Noah?"
"Hmm?"
"You can kiss me. But only a kiss."
"Oh, thank God." he murmured as he attacked me with kisses. He placed his hands on my cheeks and guide my lips to move along with his kisses.
I snaked my arms around his nape and played with his hair. His breathing is heavy and so is mine. I could feel our heartbeats in sync. He nibbles on my lower lip and whispered, "Make me stop." he pleaded.
"I can't... but we need to."
"Why the fuck do I need to stop? Don't you wanna do this?" he gently asked while intertwining our fingers. His kisses went down my neck and he started marking me. I moaned and he immediately silenced me.
"Oh, Noah... But I'm... I'm a v-virgin." I was embarassed to reveal that but we were so close to removing our clothes.
And I am not ready for that to happen. Not this time. Not with all the guilt I have in my mind.
"Damn."
"I'm sorry, Noah. I didn't mean to make you feel bad."
"Forget it, Iris." It sounded like the finale. He walked towards the window seat and sat down. Is he disappointed? Why can't I just cuss him out? Did I lose my power to nag the hell out of him?
"I'll stay here. I'll just watch you sleep." He took something from his pocket, a cigarette and a lighter. He lit one and bummed a smoke.
I pulled my comforter just above my chest. I could still smell him. His fragrance is lingering in the inches of my hair, my clothes, and my hands. I don't think I will be able to sleep tonight.
"Why the hell are you smiling?" I heard him asking.
"I can't believe I almost gave my virginity to a childish, smoking bastard like you!" I tried to sound harsh and hid under the comforter and forced myself to sleep.