Page 64 of The Breaking Pointe
It seemed like two movies went by like lightning. Some- how, I found myself a glass of champagne and two beers in.Not a lot.But based on the loose feeling in my body, it’s enough to have me buzzed, and probably warrants me walking home rather than driving.
Lauren is getting tired and confidently announces as such while the movie comes to a close. Tony is practically falling asleep in his seat.After a few minutes of small advances from Lauren, Tony gives up the fight and decides to go to the bedroom, her following after him not too long afterward.
“I’ll clean up more in the morning.You guys just hang out until whenever. I’m exhausted,” she says, kissing Noelle’s temple and waving to me before walking down the hallway.
Nowwearealone.
Noelle chugs the last bit of champagne that is in her glass, tilting her head back to get it all down.She then sets it on the table, bringing her knees to her chest, fitting her entire little body in the chair as she hugs her legs. Resting her chin on her knees, she smiles at me with glassy eyes.
“And then there were just the two of us…” She sighs pleas- antly.“Not gonna lie, that movie makes me emotional,” she says, giggling quietly.
“HomewardBoundislike—oneofthesaddestmovies known to man.Of course it does,”I say in a mellow tone,
watching her cheeks tighten and spring into a reddened color.
“My parents used to play it for me all the time, and it still affects me like it’s the first time.They said it made sense for adopted kids.” She laughs softly.
Mybrowscrinkle.“You’readopted?”
It’s not that it’s a bad thing. I guess I didn’t expect that to come out of her mouth, though.
“Yeah, but don’t ask me about my birth parents, because I have no idea who they are. My parents got me as an infant,” she explains, waving a hand.
“I’ll hold all questions, then.” I lick my lips, puffing out a small bit of laughter.
She scoots her body closer to mine, using my leg to lift herself up to my face and softly attach her lips to my cheek, sitting down afterward. If it were up to me, I would kiss her right now.
Hold her.Any reason I can think of to have more of a connection with her right now.
“What about your dad?I know your mom is around, but you haven’t mentioned him,” she asks, still looking up at me.
“He’s not around,” I say, feeling a coldness wash over my insides.
“IshehereinNewYork?”shealmostmumbles.
“He passed away.”I slowly shake my head, assuring her. “Oh…I’m so sorry…” Her head raises, and her mannerisms become more alert. “I didn’t mean to change the vibes, I—” “It’s okay, Noelle.It’s fine.My mom is a gem.She’s all
I need.Vibes are good.”I smile, kissing her forehead and lingering for a second.I slide her body to the edge of the
couch, finding that this is probably my warning to leave before I make things even more awkward.
Or before she begins to ask me more questions about that wretched man.
“I’m making you uncomfortable, aren’t I? You don’t have to leave…”
“It’s a little late, sweetheart. I don’t want to keep you up forever.”I clear my throat between my words, fixing my clothes as I prepare to stand up.
“Well, wait—Colton.”She grabs my sleeve to hold me in place.“You’re allowed to keep me up for as long asyou want to.I wouldn’t mind you being the reason I’m a little bit sleepy tomorrow,” she says, loosening her grip on me.“And you had a few drinks.That’s not very safe,” she continues, listing reasons I should probably forget about going anywhere.“So stay,” she says, finalizing her decision. “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”I ask, only trying to
solidifythedeal.
“I’m serious,” she states.
Reaching my hand out, I grab onto her waist, pulling her into my lap.My eyes slowly work their way up her body until I’m able to lock my eyes with hers.
The music continues to play in the background with different previews to movie options on the TV, slowly fading into the next. There is a weird tension between us, but the pressure is one-sided. She is nervous, I can tell. I just can’t figure out why. Or if it’s okay to take any next steps.
“So,” I say, squeezing her waist softly, still looking up at her.
