Loving Noel (Wildcat Graduates Book 1)

by Xana Jordan

  We grabbed some pizza in the food court after we finished mini golf. A large pepperoni pizza wouldn’t have been enough for the four of us if Xana had eaten more than one piece. Even that piece took her the entire time we were there to eat it. Every time I glanced at her, she just seemed to be picking at it.

  The four of us decided to walk around the mall for a little while since it was still a little early and the mall had another two hours before it closed. Everyone working at a kiosk tried to get our attention and show us what they had, but the only thing that really got Stacy and Xana’s attention were the sugar gliders. A couple raises them and had several for sale. They’re a lot like little tiny chipmunks with a bushy tail like that of a squirrel. They really are kinda cute, and the girls spent a lot of time trying to figure out how to convince Xana’s dad to buy them one. For as much as they cost, I’m pretty sure having one as a pet is out of the question. If she were to turn those pouty lips and sad eyes on me, I’m not sure I could say no. Her dad must have an ignore switch somewhere to resist her when she begs.

  We are finally able to drag Xana and Stacy away from the sugar gliders so we can finish our walk around the mall. Things are never boring when Cade and Stacy are around. Their constant joking and laughter, and sometimes bickering, can turn any activity into a good time. After walking around for thirty more minutes, we leave the mall and decide to hang out at the ballpark for a little while before going home.

  Xana and I arrive at school a little later than usual this morning. She was running late, reluctant to get out of bed. I can’t really blame her. The weather outside is so cold and grey I didn’t exactly want to get out of bed, either. Having hot chocolate ready and waiting for Xana when I picked her up got a smile out of her.

  When Xana and I walk into the band room, most of our friends are already there in our usual circle of chairs. We take a seat in between Cade and Jason and relax before the bell rings. Everyone is talking about their breaks and what they did for Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Xana finishes her hot chocolate and walks over to the trash bin to throw it away, when Mercedes and Jessica walk over to us.

  “Oh, Noel,” she says as she takes Xana’s seat beside me and places her hand on my arm. “I’m so glad to see you’re feeling better. I was afraid you really hurt yourself when you crashed on the mountain,” she tells me, concern dripping from her words. She’s totally exaggerating what happened.

  Everyone in our little group has stopped talking, and all of their attention is focused on the two of us. Mercedes is clinging onto my arm, smiling at me, and I can see Xana standing over by the trash bin, watching us.

  “Yeah, I’m fine. It wasn’t really that big of a deal,” I tell her as I move my arm away from her. I lean forward and place my arms on my legs in hopes of getting away from her a little more. In the corner of my eye, I see Stacy looking over at Xana in an attempt to get her to come back to our group.

  “Well, it really looked awful, and you were kind of out of it that night at dinner. I’m glad it wasn’t anything serious,” Mercedes states as she leans closer to me, once again laying her hand on my arm.

  “No, it was just a bad fall. Nothing serious,” I reply, my eyes, never leaving Xana, pleading with her to come back to our circle.

  “That’s good,” Mercedes says, smiling up at me before continuing, “We missed you and Cade at the party Saturday night. I’m sorry you weren’t able to make it,” she pouts. “We really missed you, didn’t we, Jessica?”

  Apparently having had enough of the ridiculous display, Xana arrives back at our group and comes to my side just as Jessica answers Mercedes.

  “Yes, we did, Noel. We really missed having you guys there,” she tells me sweetly.

  “Oh, I’m so sorry we couldn’t make it to your party, Jessica,” Xana interrupts, stepping in between me and Mercedes. I automatically lean back and let her sit in my lap. “We already had plans made for our Saturday night date, and we just couldn’t get out of them. I hope you understand,” Xana apologizes with sincerity. Mercedes’ smile fades at Xana’s interruption.

  “Oh…sure, no problem,” a stunned Jessica replies. Fortunately, the bell decides to ring for school to start and everyone starts heading for their first hour classes.

  Xana and I stand up and I grab her bag off of the floor. Xana takes my hand and we head out for class. As we reach the door, she stops and turns to look over her shoulder at Mercedes and Jessica.

  “Maybe we can come next year, Jessica! It sounds like a lot of fun,” Xana calls out to them before turning to wink at me and pull me through the door, leaving behind a stunned Mercedes and Jessica.

  Once outside, Cade reaches out for Xana and grabs her in a huge bear hug that makes her giggle. “You are seriously a badass, Xan,” Cade exclaims as he twirls her around. “The look on her face was priceless.”

  Xana laughs at Cade, “Okay, okay. Put me down or I’ll be late, Cade.” Cade lets go of her and takes Stacy’s hand.

  “Okay, but I owe you one, because that totally made my day. See y’all in band,” he tells us and leaves with Stacy for their classes.

  Xana and I walk quickly to first hour and are halfway there when she says, “You looked like you were gonna barf. Did she smell bad or something,” she asks as she tries to stifle a giggle. I shake my head at her question and smile.

  “No, she didn’t smell bad, but she did have on a lot of perfume. I was more worried about how you were going to react to what she said. She made it sound like we were on vacation together and had some sort of date the other night. Thank God everyone there already knew what happened. How mad are you?” I ask as we reach Mr. Jones’ classroom.

  “I’m not really mad. She just…” she begins but pauses for a moment. “She just gets on my last nerve with how she’s always throwing herself at you. She was even doing it to Cade with Stacy right there. She’s never liked me, even when we weren’t dating. I just try to ignore her, but it’s hard sometimes.” Xana sighs and looks up at me.

  “I know she’s difficult, but as long as you know the truth, we can handle her. Now, go to class and I’ll see you after. The bell’s about to ring.” I squeeze her hand and turn for my class. I have a feeling this is going to be a long week.

  Ever since we got back from Christmas break, I’ve heard so many people talking about Mercedes and Noel’s supposed relationship I just want to give up. I know in my heart that they aren’t true, but it’s just so hard to ignore the way people look at me when I walk by. I get questioned about different stories at least once a week in class, and I’m tired of defending myself and my relationship with Noel. What makes my relationship so special that it’s THE topic to talk about?

  It’s the beginning of February and people are still talking about me like I’m some sort of home-wrecker, for lack of a better word. I’ve even heard the guys in my Architectural Drawing class whispering about it. Some even wonder why Noel would date me instead of Lay-Me because her chest is bigger. I get it. I’m not blonde and built like a Barbie doll, but I never thought I was that bad looking, either. I think Mr. Jones can hear them because he told me after class one day that I could bring an ipod to listen to while I worked. God bless him. Best teacher ever.

  We had some icy weather come through last night and all of our usual outside eating spots are either covered in ice or water, so we are forced to eat in the Orchestra Hall today. Blain meets me at the vending machines after Chemistry, and walks me there on his way to the Choir Hall to eat with Andi and Jaxson. Rounding the corner, I almost slip on a patch of ice I didn’t see and Blain grabs my elbow to keep me from falling. Knowing how prone I am to falling, he keeps hold of my arm until I get to the Orchestra Hall. Noel is waiting for me at the door, and his smile fades a little when he sees us.

  “There ya go, Shortcake. You should be safe from falling now,” Blain says as he helps me up the steps, his hand still lingering on my arm.

  “Thanks, Blain. I probably would have slipped more times than that if you had
n’t caught me. See ya in class,” I tell him and walk inside the door, Noel following behind me.

  Before I can get to our circle of chairs, Noel stops me. “He likes you, Xana. More than just as a friend.” Frowning, I stop and look up at his face, puzzled as to what made him say that.

  “No he doesn’t, Noel. He’s like my brother. We’ve been friends for too long to ever be anything else. Why do you think he likes me like that?” I question him. I really don’t understand where this is coming from.

  “I know you think of him as just a good friend, a brother even, but that’s not how he sees you. I’ve seen the way he’s been looking at you. At the dance, after school, whenever we see him around town. He looks at you like I look at you. Even Cade has noticed it,” he replies, taking my hand in his.

  I’m not sure how to respond to that. I try to remember anything different that Blain’s done, but I can’t think of anything. “I just don’t see it, Noel. He hasn’t done anything to me to make me think he likes me that way.”

  “I know you are close to him, and maybe that’s why you can’t see it like we do, but please be careful around him. He really does like you.” Noel pulls me to him and kisses my forehead.

  Looking up into his eyes I can see that he is very concerned about this, so I tell him the only thing I can. “Okay.” He squeezes my hand and leads me into the room to our chairs, our conversation about Blain forgotten.

  Stacy and I are at the ballpark watching Cade and Noel practice with the team. It’s cold outside, but since the wind isn’t blowing it’s actually kind of nice. The team has been practicing for an hour and a half and should be finished soon. I love watching Noel play. Seeing him swing at the ball with such force and focus makes my stomach flutter. The way he fills out his uniform pants isn’t such a bad sight, either. God bless the designer of those pants.

  “So, have your parents decided what you’re going to do for Spring Break, yet?” Stacy asks as we watch the team work on their fielding.

  “Not that I know of. Dad can usually take time off, but it’s not always as easy for Mom to leave the doctor’s office. They’re fairly busy this time of year. Being my luck, I’ll end up staying at home by myself.” I sigh as I think about not going anywhere. We used to go on more vacations when Mike and I were little, but that happens less frequently these days.

  “Well, who knows. Maybe you’ll get to go somewhere after all,” she replies and we grow quiet again, both of us lost in our own thoughts as we continue to watch practice.

  “Noel says that Blain likes me as more than a friend. That he looks at me differently. Do you think he’s right?” I turn to the side and look at Stacy, her expression confused.

  “What makes him say that?”

  “He says that Blain looks at me like he looks at me, and that Cade has noticed it, too. Has he said anything to you?” Stacy shakes her head at me.

  “No, he hasn’t mentioned anything to me. I can’t remember any time where Blain was looking at you like that. He’s just Blain.”

  “I tried to tell him it couldn’t be right, but he seems convinced that Blain wants me for more than a friend. Made me promise to be careful. That just seems so wrong. He’s been my friend for most of my life. For me, he’s just like Mike, a brother, to me. I’m not sure I could ever see him as anything else.” I lower my head and play with the hem of my scarf.

  “I know you don’t. You’ll just have to watch out and not give Noel any reason to think otherwise, I guess.” Stacy grabs my hands and pulls me into a hug. “Besides, the way you look at his butt in those ball pants should be a good indication that you’re interested in him and not Blain,” she laughs, making me giggle along with her.

  “You weren’t supposed to see that!” I swat her arm as she leans away from me, laughing harder.

  “Next time wipe the drool off your face and people won’t notice.” And there she goes again, dragging me out of my own head. I love her.

  We’re getting ready for our first game of the season and have had long practices every day this week. Coach has had us practice a couple of times with the junior varsity team, and I loved having Xana in the stands to cheer me on. I’ve had girls cheering for me before, but it’s so much better with her because I actually care about what she thinks of me. Seeing her smile at me after practices, or when I score a run, makes me feel a little taller than I was.

  Xana isn’t here watching me today because she’s at Andi’s house studying with Stacy, Jaxson, and Blain for a Chemistry test they have tomorrow. Something about balancing equations, or whatever. I’m not too thrilled that Blain is there, but at least they’re not alone. He still shows up to talk to her after school, and somehow finds a reason to be at her house at least twice a week. It’s about pushed me to my limit, but Xana assures me he hasn’t said or tried anything with her, so I just have to hold my tongue if I don’t want to make her mad.

  I’m picking her up after we’re finished with baseball, and we’re going back to my house for dinner. Mom and Dad love Xana and try to have her over for dinner at least a few times a month. My friends are usually afraid of my dad, but Xana is actually intimidated by mom of all people. It’s actually quite funny because Mom loves her. Sometimes I think she’d rather have her for a daughter and not me as a son. There isn’t anything Xana can do wrong in my mother’s eyes. I’m glad they like her so much. She’s someone I can see being around for a long time.

  I’m on my way to pick up Xana from Andi’s house when Cade texts me.

  CADE: What are you and Xana doing for Valentine’s Day?

  ME: I haven’t thought about it much. Why?

  CADE: You know it’s next week, right?

  Oh crap. I didn’t comprehend it was that soon. Baseball must have over crowded my brain.

  ME: I realize that now. I’ll figure it out. I’m not sure how big of a deal it is for her anyway.

  CADE: Okay, if you want to do something together let me know.

  ME: K.

  When I knock on Andi’s door, she lets me in and I follow her into the living room where everyone has been studying. Xana is sitting on the couch, with a textbook in her lap, between Blain and Stacy, and his arm is wrapped around her shoulders. What the hell?

  “Xana, your man’s here,” Andi sings as she walks over to sit on the loveseat with Jaxson. Xana looks up at me and smiles.

  “Hey, you’re here,” she exclaims as she drops her book on the coffee table and walks over to wrap her arms around my waist. “I’ve missed you,” she whispers after I hug her body to mine and give her a thorough kiss. Yeah, I’m marking my territory and I’m not ashamed to admit it. I hope he gets the hint.

  “Me, too,” I whisper back to her. “Are you ready to go? Mom should have dinner ready by the time we get there.” Xana steps away from me and turns to the group.

  “Is there anything else we need to go over before tomorrow?” she asks them, and they shake their heads in reply.

  “No,” Jaxson replies. “I think we’ve covered everything but the definitions, but those are easy.”

  “Okay, I’m going to go then. I hate to keep his mom waiting!” Xana gathers up her books and tells everyone goodbye before we leave. I did notice Blain’s eyes following her every move. He didn’t look too pleased she was leaving so early. I knew I was right about his feelings for her. He’d better keep them to himself.

  Mom and Xana set the table while I go shower and change. I hate using the locker room showers when it’s cold outside. I am not a fan of getting all warm and clean, only to go outside and freeze. Mom always monopolizes Xana’s attention when she first gets here anyway, so why not let them talk while I shower.

  Dinner is good, which it always is when Xana is here. Mom goes out of her way to make her favorites, even for dessert. She’s always impressed with how Xan actually eats food and doesn’t just push it around on her plate.

  After dinner we all sit in the living room for a little while and watch a little television. Mom has gotten Xana hooked
on “Supernatural” and they always end up watching it together when she’s here. I’m not complaining since it always scares Xan at some point and she hides her face in my chest. Sam and Dean do a lot of things that make her jump, so it’s worth watching it every time.

  I drop Xana off at her house and end up staying for a while. Her dad and I end up talking about sports while Xana and her mom clean up the kitchen. Her dad is really funny and would have been a great sportscaster. His commentaries are hilarious and usually spot on. Before I realize it, I have been there over an hour and still have homework to do.

  Standing up from my seat I thank her parents for having me over and say my goodbyes for the night. Xana walks me to the porch and we kiss for awhile before I head on home.

  “Goodnight, Sweetness.” I leave her standing on the porch like I always do, speechless and smiling.

  Valentine’s Day was yesterday and Noel really surprised me. Although, I’m not really sure what I expected since I’ve never really had a boyfriend before. He had a box of chocolates waiting for me when he picked me up for school, and flowers were waiting for me in his car after school. I’m still not sure how he managed that one without me seeing them that morning. Maybe he had his mom drop them off before school was out.

  The weather was really nice yesterday, so instead of taking me to a restaurant, Noel and I had a picnic in the park. He had a basket of food that his mom made and dessert was even included. She made my favorite peach cobbler and her amazing fried chicken. I swear if I lived in that house I would be as big as a cow. The picnic wasn’t anything fancy, but it was perfect for us. I’m not one of those girls that has to have lots of money spent on them to make things better. If you’ve given thought to something it means more to me than anything else. Noel always knows what I would like, and I love him for it.