Sweet creature | I'm hers

I was taught young how to be stone-cold, self-reliant. To hold myself high and prideful, with a ready smile and a subtle charming ready to conquer the world.

So I learned from early on to cry behind close doors; on dim lights, without sound. To howl in pain silently, to break down without anyone knowing, and to never ask for help.

Because when no one sees you suffering, do you really suffer? Much like when a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear is, does it make a sound? I can always just pretend that whatever pains me never happened, and I can always go back and face the world pretending I'm okay

Cynthia

Serenity

I sit soundly in my room, with my nose stuck in a book, and my thoughts in the world of fiction. I hear a sudden knock on my door, I turn my attention to the person that dared disrupt my peace. It was my mother. Her eyes looked younger, her smile was fresh, and lively. She wore a sparkling backless red dress that flowed down her back, and stopping at her ankles. Her makeup was natural - she looked every bit of beautiful. Her appearance stunned me. It's been years since I've seen her so dressy. She looked absolutely beautiful.

"Wow" is all I could manage to say, so stunned by her beauty. She lives me a heartfelt smile.

"Its Friday, do you have many plans?" She questions.

I shake my head. "This guy from my biochemistry class did invite me out, but I don't know if I should go-"

"You should most definitely go" My mother encourages, her cheerful voice ever so enthusiastic.

I sigh nervously. "I don't think so" I state, firm but not so convincing.

"Well do you like this boy?" My mother questions. Now she's invested.

I shake my head. "No. Not like that at least, he's a friend" I admit truthfully. I don't feel anything romantic for Noah, at least not right now. I enjoyed him more as a friend, than a lover. In fact I needed a friend more than I needed a lover, and I refuse to jeopardize my only friend for a meaningless High School relationship.

"Is he cute?" My mother questions, her voice in a teasing tone like a child. I roll my eyes.

"Yes bu-"

"So you should go out with him!" My mother enourgages once more. Man she was stubborn- I guess I got that trait from her. She was slightly invasive towards the things she desired, and never took no for an answer. I mean she may be right, it is a Friday night - and even my own mother clearly had plans. I felt like some sort of loser - the kind of loser who's parents has a better life than the child. I guess I could take Noah up on his offer, maybe it wouldn't be so bad to hang out with him and just a few other people.

"Fine," I sigh in defeat "I'll go out since it'll make you feel better" I say, clearly using my mother as a excuse, I wonder if Noah would buy it- I mean she was partly the reason for my now change of decision. When I see my mothers mood change, it brings a smile to my face. I get why she is the way she is. No parent want's to see their own child miserable. I've been miserable for too long, and I'm sure it pained her to see me tune out everyone and everything.

"Great, because as you can see I have a date tonight" My mother tease, as she shows off her graceful beauty. It brings me a genuine kind of happiness.

"I'm glad to see you smiling again" I admit softly, my eyes leaving her gaze to avoid the sadness within me. It's true. My mother has had a life of great loss. First with my father, and then my sister. All she ever has left in this world is me, and all I have is her. I loved her more than anything in this life, and her smile brought me peace. When I feel her arms wrap around me I can't help but cry. I've held it in this whole week, and in her arms I felt the safest.

"I love you so much baby. You deserve all the smiles out of life" She whispers against my ear gently. Her words gave me comfort. They allowed me to break down my walls, just a bit and allow happiness in. I wanted to be happy, I don't want to be sad forever. Finally she releases me, wiping my tears away and planting a soft kiss on my forehead. When she leaves I decide to dig out the number from my jacket pocket. It only takes just one ring before I'm hearing that familiar charming voice.

"Glad you called" Noah teases from the other line. I narrow my eyes in confusion

"How did you know it was me?" I question, confusion taking over my tone.

"I didn't, but I was hoping you would" I nod my head in ah.

"Well it's me. Is it too late to change my mind about the spot?" I question cautiously, hoping that my indecisiveness didn't cause me to lose out on a night of 'fun'.

"I'll pick you up 8" Was the last thing I heard before the call ended. I stand there stunned, but pleased. I had a date with Noah - well a group date, but anything to see his icy eyes, and addictive smile. I look at the clock in my room, I had exactly fifteen minutes to be ready, so without another thought I dash for the shower, to prepare myself for the night.

"Serenity, your friend is here" I hear my mother call from down stairs. The fifteen minutes seemed to fly by in a blur, but nevertheless I was ready to go. I decided to wear a surplice neck Rib-knit slim fit maroon long sleeve crop tee V-neck shirt, with some dark washed low rise jeans, and a pair of converse. My hair was down, and my face was bare. I looked better than my usual everyday look, but still managed to be causal. I slide out the door, and down the stairs. When I'm met with those ice blue eyes, I couldn't help but smile.

"Hey" I greet casually as I finally make it down the steps. Noah seemed at loss for words, as he scans me from head to toe - admiration dancing in his eyes.

"Uh hey" He finally mutters nervously.

"Well mom this is my friend Noah, Noah this is my mom" I introduce the two.

"Pleasure" Noah says, the charm coming back in his tone. My mother seemed stuck by his charming smile, and tone, but then again Noah had that affect on everyone.

"The pleasure is all mine" My mother says. Flirtation fills her voice, and now I'm embarrassed.

"Well now I see where Serenity get's her beauty from, you are stunning Mrs. Hale" Noah pleads, returning the flirtation. For once in the past five years I see my mother blush - it was weird seeing how she got this way, I'm sure it was all harmless, but still it was weird for me.

"Please call me Stacey"

"Ready, Noah?" I question rather rudely, but I couldn't stand to hear any more of this. When his eyes lands on me embarrassment flushes through him.

"Yes. Of course" He says, stunned by me. I open the door, and he's the first to exit. I turn to my mother as she mouths the words " I like him" , still annoyed I just give her a simple eye roll before closing the door behind me. When my eyes spot the the latest Corvette Coupe my mood changes from irritation to shock in a blink of an eye. This car cost more than my mothers rent for a year. The outside was a pearl white, but the interior was red and black. It looked like a top of the line luxurious car that no teenager should ever be allowed to drive. It was breath taking, but also embarrassing. It put my Volkswagen hatchback to shame no doubt.

"Nice wheels" I breath nervously. Noah smiles almost instantly.

"Ladies first" He prompts as he holds out the door for me. I slide into the expensive car smoothly as I take in the scent. It smelled of peppermint. The seats were a dashing red color, the dash board a jet black color, as some parts of the interior was covered in silver. The passenger side was simple, I had only the freedom to control my window - while Noah controlled all the other panels. I didn't mind much, I wouldn't even know where to begin with all those buttons.

"Ready?" Noah questions as he finally settles into the drivers seat. I give him a single nod before we're speeding down the road and into the thick of it.

We were outside of the red brick building, with the green neon sign with the words "The Spot" sitting in the middle of it. The place was packed with cars, and young people filled the parking lot. A lot of the kids I recognized from school. I was slowly starting to get familiar with everything again. Noah eyes lid with excitement, as he drove past all the staring teenagers, that sat outside the spot - too cool to go inside I assume.

The nerves in my stomach started to return. This is what I feared most about coming back, reconnecting. Who knows what these kids have been up to over the years, who knows the whispers and gossip they've chatted about in the past. The town was so small, news like mine would be considered legendary to these small lifers. I was always out of the way, and out of the mix.

Now here I am, right in the middle of all the drama with the schools basketball star.

I was literally opening up doors for people to talk about me, and that's what I hated most about being in Noah's world.

"You'll be okay tonight," Noah says, as if he could read my mind, either that or I was horrible at hiding my nerves. "Everyone will be curious, but I got you." He says sweetly, placing his palm on top of mine. " I won't leave your side, not unless you ask me too." He whispers, brushing his fingers against my own. He was doing it again - being amazing. It was almost so hard to believe that someone could be so nice to me.

The feeling of his hand on mine didn't spark anything within me, It just felt comforting. Knowing I had a friend like Noah, knowing that I would be okay around his crowd. And maybe I'm naive but I believed him when he said he wouldn't leave my side.

I manage to conqure up a smile, and just enough enthusiasm to get through this tonight.

"Let's go then" I say with a smile. Noah Smiles in return before turning off the car and jogging to open my door for me. I never had a guy hold the door for me before, it was strange being taken care of by someone else. I'm usually the one taking care of everyone else, so having Noah support was nice, and I just let it happen, and didnt second guess myself.

All eyes were on us as we walked past the crowded parking lot filled with kids that were too cool to go inside, and too busy getting high to join us. I was thankful that wasn't Noah's group of friends.

On the inside the building was huge. As soon as you walked in the first thing you noticed was the theme of the place. It was fillied with lots of neon colors and different sections fillied with different things. In one corner was a bumpers cars section, when you walked a few feet futher there was a bowling area with a couple of lanes, as you contuine to walk back there were arcade machines filled with alot of cool games.

"This place is cool" I say, and for once I meant what I was saying. The place was fillied with teenagers, but it didn't matter, the energy around was playful, and everyone seemed lively, not like how they were at school. And now that I was noticing it fully this place lacked adult supervision. Except the two security guards that stood at the front entrance door, but that was it. The rest of the place was fillied with kids, even the workers didnt look over the age of twenty-five.

"Yeah, Maddie Winston's dad owns this place. Maddie architect it, and her dad invested the millions to get her dream to come true. She's super popular because of it, and sometimes it can get to her head- so if she seems like a shark, it's cause she smells blood, so I wouldn't let her see you sweat" Noah says. I nod, I'm so glad Noah knew that I was going through a hard time, but still wanted me to meet him friend, and he was preparing me. He made me feel strong, and if I must admit, that's what I liked most about being in Noah's presence. The courage I got with him. He didn't treat me like I was broken.

"Anything else I should know?" I question as we begin to enter a cave like room. Written at the entrance was the words "The Cave" with an 18 or older warning sign sitting at the front, along side of the sign was another security guard. He didn't stop us, as Noah passed, but I couldn't help but notice the security stopping the random teens behind us.

"Well besides Maddie being rich and popular she can be a bit arrogant. She's also has the biggest crush on me since forever, but aside from that she's...Maddie. And then there's her best friend Kylie. Kylie dad owns some real estate, so she's also loaded, and is also on the dance team with Maddie, and dating my best friend Justin. Justin Has been my best friend since we were kids. He's my best bud, and you will love him. But he can put his own foot in his mouth, so if he says something stupid, that's just Justin. He warned, I could feel the nerves returning, but I knew I could handle it. I wouldn't give them more than what I would have to.

"Sounds fun" I lie.

"It will be" He reassures.

The cave was fillied with teenagers, all 18 I'm assuming because everyone held a red cup, some even holding beers. The state law drinking age was twenty-one, but maybe this maddie girl somehow convinced her dad to allow kids to drink, either that or he doesnt know, but I was going to mind my own business and not ruin the fun for everyone. I also don't drink though, which sucked more. I would most definitely stand out .

"Noah" A girls cheers, her high pitched voice excited, as we walk towards a crowded group. The girl jumps up and jumps into Noah's arms, which pushes me to the side. She clearly lacking regard that I was a person standing here. Noah hugs the girl back. Her hair was long and a natural red color, her eyes a beautiful emerald green. She had deep dimples on both cheeks, her teeth perfectly straight and beautiful. She was absolutely gorgerous and I could never compare. When the was finally done hugging Noah she turns to me, her eyes bright and playful.

"Who's this?" She questions, looking at me up and down, she wasn't smiling at me, instead she was curious of me. She didn't know me- good. Then maybe I could survive this night.

"This is Serenity Hale, She just moved back here. Serenity this is Maddie Winston."

So this is the girl who's parents owns this place and has a crush on Noah.

"Oh from where?" She questions, cheerful again, but this time she was addressing me.

"San Francisco" I say simply, not giving her more imformation. It's better this way. She says nothing else to me, her eye's immediately jump back to Noah. Clearly Her main concern.

"Oh fun, I'm Maddie," she greets, but not looking at me, her eyes stay on noah

"Has she met everyone?" Maddie questions.

"Nope." Noah says

I can see the fake excitement flash in her eyes, the way this girl is overly excited I can't decide if it's real or not.

"I'll slow her around, get us a beer?" She questions, looking up at Noah with puppy eyes.

Noah turns to me, apologetic. I could tell he didn't want to leave me alone with her, he didn't want to break him promise, but I'm guessing this Maddie gets whatever she wants .

"I think that's a good idea." I say

The girl didn't like that, her face immediately turning sour.

"Okay, I'll be right back" he says to me. The girl stands smiling until he's out of sight. She turns to me, her smile sour but she doesn't say much. She just walks off, and I follow her towards a loud crowd in the corner. I didn't recognize everyone here, just a few people from classes, but for the most part they were all strangers to me.

I wasn't surprised when Maddie completely ignored me, and went to go sit by a group of girls, leaving me alone. Luckily it didn't last that long. Aubree white was now making her way over to me. I remembered the last time we left off, and I didn't know if I should apologize or what. So I just stood there silently waiting for her to make the first move.

"Hey, how are you?" She questions, this time I smile.

"I'm fine." I say

"Are you here with Maddie?" She questions, confused. I immediately shake my head. The thought of me being associated as Maddie's friend scared me. Girls like her, don't mix with girl like me.

"Oh no, I came with Noah, but he went to go get them some beers , and then she"

"Ditched you?" Aubree finishes, as if she knew this Maddie girl all too well. I didn't have to respond to know that Aubree want a fan of Maddie.

"Don't let it get to you, Maddie has been trying to get with Noah since forever. She moved here in the middle of sophomore year - was instantly popular because she was....well, pretty. And everyone loves her" Aubree says, filling me in.

"And does Noah like her back?" I question. It wasn't obvious.

Aubree shakes her head "No. but he's never let her down- he knows the whole team would humiliate her, so he goes along with her game."

I just nod. I didn't know what to say. I mean Noah was attractive, but it was hard seeing him as something more than just a friend. I didn't like him like that- but was that obvious to him? Maybe he's taken my nice for something more. Maybe that's why Maddie looked at me with sour eyes. She's probably convinced that I want him. And that couldn't be further from the truth.

Before I could respond Noah is back, a beer in one hand.

"There you are, come sit with us the group has questions" Noah says. Oh boy. The questions faze. I bit my lip hard, as I stuff my hand in my back pocket. I was nervous and there was no hiding it.

Obviously Noah noticed and came to my Aid quickly.

"You'll be fine" Noah assures, brushing his hand against mine. I could feel my nerves easing, but they weren't all fully gone. Let's hope so. I thought, but I didn't speak, I just let him lead the way as I followed. Aubree came along too, and if I must admit her presences was starting to make me feel easy as well. I wouldn't call her a friend, but her being with me felt less scary.

"So," A girl begins and me Noah and Aubree take a seat at a crowded booth. The girl looks at me "Is it true you grew up in this town, but moved away freshman year?" The girl questions me.

I nod.

"Yes" I say.

"Because your sister died?" The same girl questions, this question knocked the life out of me internally.

"Kylie" Noah warned. Oh so she was Kylie, Maddie's best friend. I'm sure Maddie put her up to ask me these questions. The thought of it made my blood boil. A part of it hurt, and a part of it made me see red. I wanted to attack this girl, because mean people who get off on others pain should be held accountable.

But, I wouldn't give her the satisfaction of seeing me get mad or break. Being back meant facing it. And even if that means facing it in front of the entire schools athletes then so be it. I'll make an example out of this Kylie girl.

"Yes. It was a car accident, I lived she didn't" I admit, but the truth didn't set me free. I still felt suffocated in this room full of people. No doubt they all were judging me.

"Interesting, and it's just you and your mom and dad?" Kylie goes on.

I shake my head.

"My dad died when I was just a baby, so it's just me and my mom. Im not rich, I don't live in a nice house , or drive a nice car, I don't have a trust fund, my mother takes care of me off of a nurse's salary, and I'm so happy with that. Because although my life has losses, and I've experienced real pain, I'm still here. And I'm stronger for it." I say, the words just flowing out of me.

It's the most real I've spoken aloud, and I was damn proud of myself. I didn't expect Noah's friends to clap for me after I said it , but they did. And it felt good. It also felt better to watch Kylie's smirk turn into a frown, that matched Maddie's.

"I think Serenity is right, and I think this now calls for a game of bowling" Noah says, turning the attention off of me and onto something else.

"You down for a friendly game of bowling?" Noah questions me. His eyes inviting, his smile refreshing.

I smile back at him automatically

"Game on" I say.

And for the rest of the night I was apart of something, I was apart of Noah's world, with his friends, at their favorite spot. I was apart of being a teenager again, where the girls gossiped, and the guys made bad jokes - and as the night progressed it felt more comforting. Knowing that I would have Noah as a friend now, And I liked the idea of it. Almost as much as I liked beating Noah at every game of bowling. It was nice. The comfort- my depression took a back seat and tonight, I could breath.