Hey all, sorry I haven't updated in months, but that is what college does to you. I actually had most of this done in January...and then had some trouble with the last part. Grr. But now it's up! Sorry for the delay.

Chapter 4: Memories

“Noah, you loser,” I called, jumping up and down in my swimsuit impatiently. “Stop playing with David and get over here or I’ll push you into the pool!”

He watched as the football sailed neatly into my older brother’s hands, and then turned around and grinned, approaching me. “Don’t I usually push you in?”

I smiled at him. “You wouldn’t do that on your best friends’ birthday.”

His eyes glittered. “What makes you so certain?” he said, before lifting his arms slightly and forcibly pushing me into the water.

“Ahhh!” I screamed, plunging into the deep end and touching my feet to the bottom. I pushed up and surfaced, grinning. “You’re evil! Sara, get him!” I cackled in delight as Sara made her move, shoving him in without a second thought. He was laughing as he went in, and quickly came up. “Why most there be more than one of you?” He asked, grinning.

Sara and I looked at each other. “Because,” I stated simply.

“That’s a great answer,” he said, one side of his face curled up.

“Hey!” I cried, moving over to him in the water and pushing him. He grabbed me around the waist in retaliation and dunked me.

“Ahhh!”

I resurfaced, glaring and trying not to grin at the same time. Noah was so much fun to be around and I could never stay mad at him. Plus he was my best friend, and he would never hurt me intentionally.

Much later, after the birthday cake and the presents, I found myself climbing into David and Mark’s old tree house. I had recently discovered it was a wonderful place to think and have alone time. In addition, I could dangle my legs off the side in the back and gaze across the valley where I lived. It was peaceful and relaxing and I found the reason why I had come up here in the first place was fading to the recesses of my mind.

“What are you doing up here, Birthday Girl?”

I twisted to see Noah plopping down next to me. I hid a smile. He always follows me around as if he’s afraid I’m going to get hurt.

“Thinking,” I told him, moving my feet back and forth in the open air.

“About what?”

“School, and being a freshman,” I answered, biting a nail. I was nervous, okay? The idea of being in high school with all the big kids imitated me. I was going to be a lowly freshman. What would happen if I were made fun of, or worse, hazed?

Noah rolled his eyes at me. “Sophie, you worry too much.”

“No, I don’t,” I said stubbornly. He already knew about this, since I tell him everything. He continuously tells me I’m a fool.

“Sophie, nothing is going to change except for the work and the teachers. You’ll still be going to school with the same kids,” he said.

True. I had not thought of it that way.

I looked straight into his green-gray eyes. “Will you promise me something, then, if it’s going to be so easy?”

His eyes bored into mine. “Anything.”

“Will you look out for me if I have problems, and I’ll do the same for you?” I asked. “After all, we have to stick together.”

Noah smiled at me. “Of course.”

“Say it.”

He gave me his this-is-ridiculous-I’m-your-friend look. I pouted my lips and made puppy eyes, gazing at Noah with wide, innocent eyes. “Please? For me?”

He patted my knee. “I promise, Sophie.”

I scowled and shook my head. Why was I thinking about that stupid promise we made? Oh, wait, maybe because he was a loser and broke it. And I believed in him so deeply. I was a naïve little girl.

My phone vibrated on my desk, and I reached for it, flipping it open. It revealed a text from Christine.

Is 8 my res hall okay? I’ll let u in.

I smiled and texted back my answer. I was excited to hang out with her; I didn’t have too many friends in my own residence hall yet, and I have a tendency to latch onto Sara and never let go. She deserves a break from me to make her own friends. We might be twins, not to mention incredibly close, but we both need our own space.

I stopped up and stretched. It was Saturday afternoon, and I wanted to get some of my reading done outside while it was still warm out and when the ground wasn’t covered in snow. I grabbed my history book, put on my denim jacket, and headed outside. In front of my hall, there is a pretty lawn with a large oak tree that is perfect for leaning up against. And that was where I intended to read my heart out.

I passed a boy as I was going down the stairs, and his bright blue eyes seemed almost identical to Toms’. But why the hell was I thinking of that kid? I didn’t even know him that well! I reached far back into my memory about him. Oh yes…

It was the middle of September. My freshman year was going along smoothly; Noah and Rose were still my best friends, though a new member had recently entered our group: Kyle. He was a friend of Noah’s from swimming, and one of the funniest people I knew. Only I knew his dirty little secret; He has a huge crush on Rose! It is so cute, and she doesn’t suspect a thing. Typical clueless Rose…she does not see what’s clearly in front of her.

“Hey, Sophie.” I looked up from my desk to see Tom, the kid that sits in front of me in earth science. He has really blue eyes, and they are quite intriguing.

“Hi, Tom,” I smiled at him. “Did you have a good weekend?”

“I did, thanks for asking,” he answered. Then he paused for a minute. “Can I ask you something?”

“Yeah!” I said. “What is it?”

“Um…well…I was wondering…” he shifted in his seat and rubbed his neck awkwardly. “If you want to see a movie with me.”

I stared. “Do you mean…like a date?” I asked tentatively.

His face flushed. “Yeah.”

I was quiet for a minute. Frankly, I was in shock. Quiet Tom was asking me out on a date? I wasn’t even that pretty! My orange hair was a giant poof of frizz, and I currently had about ten zits on my face. Puberty sucks, man.

I hesitated for a moment longer before I said, “Sure.”

“Really?” His face lit up into a grin. “Thank you! I’ve been wanting to ask you for so long, but I could never get the guts to talk to you about it, and...”

“You’ve wanted to ask me?” I asked, feeling a little weird, but pleased at the same time. A boy liked me!

“Yeah. You’re a really nice girl, Sophie,” Tom said, gazing at me with those bright blue eyes that just about swept me away. A little voice in my head went Awwwww.

I smiled at him. “Thanks, Tom. You’re really nice too.”

And that was the start of me starting to like boys in a more than platonic way. It was insane. So many boys wanted to go on a date with me? What was it about me that everyone wanted a piece of?

“I don’t really understand it, Noah.” I was telling him about the date I was on this weekend. “Why would anyone want to take me out?”

He shrugged. “I don’t know.” He looked down at his hands and played with them, twiddling with his thumb. He avoided eye contact with me, even though I knew he could feel my gaze on him. My eyes narrowed. “What’s wrong with you?”

“Oh, nothing important,” Noah said, getting up from our kitchen island and grabbing a soda for himself. “I’m going to hang out with Mark for a little while.” He then left the kitchen without a backwards glance at me.

I sat there in my chair. What was up his butt? He doesn’t even like Mark. My oldest brother tends to be a bit egotistical when he wants to be and likes making fun of Noah and me for being lowly freshmen. My brother can be a bit of a jerk, but I still love him to death. I’m going to miss him when he goes away to college next year.

Anyway, back to the situation at hand…

After a few seconds of sitting there in shock, I got up and went to Mark’s room. Mark was doing homework and Noah was nowhere to be seen. What the hell? Where was that little bugger?

“Hey Mark, was Noah in here?” I asked, sticking my head in through his door.

My 18-year-old brother glanced up from his book and gave me a look. “Sophie, Noah hates my guts, why would he come in here?”

“Because he told me that’s what he was going to do,” I snapped, feeling frustrated. Did Noah leave?

Mark raised his eyebrows. “So he lied to you.”

“What the—urgh!” I said, slamming his door shut and moving down the hall to my other brother’s room. “David! Have you seen Noah?” I yelled.

“Ow! What a way to shout in my ear!” He said, emerging from his place behind me in the hall. “I thought I saw him leave.”

I stared at David for a moment. “What the hell!” I said, and sprinted outside. I could see his retreating back just turn the corner of my street. “Noah! What is your problem?” I shouted, knowing he probably couldn’t hear me but not caring. He was being stupid! What was he so upset about? As far as I knew, there was nothing going on at home and he was popular in school. He did seem like he was making many new friends lately. And a lot of them were with “that” crowd…

Was that going to be a problem? Was Noah…changing?

“You met he was,” I muttered to myself as I plopped on the ground and leaned my back against the tree. It was warm out, and the leaves were still a bright green from the summer. It was pretty. I opened my book, and began to read.

I was standing outside Christine’s residence hall, hoping this would be worth it. I always have trouble meeting new people; I never know what to say and everyone always seems so awkward around me. It’s annoying. I do not bite. I may be a bit of a bitch at times, but I definitely don’t bite.

“Sophie!” I heard a muffled voice on the other side of the door, and I waited. A few seconds later, Christine was standing in front of me with a huge grin on her face, holding the door open for me. “I’m so glad you could come!” she said as I walked in.

I smiled at her. “It’s no problem. If I wasn’t here I’d be sitting in my room doing nothing.”

“I’m glad you’re here, then! I can’t wait for you to meet my friend!” she answered, leading me up the central flight of stairs.

“What’s her name?” I asked.

“Gabrielle. But she prefers to be called Gaby. She thinks her full name is too girly,” Christine said, flicking a piece of dark brown hair out her face.

I grinned. “It’s nice and short.”

“Yeah. Okay, here we are!” She said, stepping out onto the third floor landing and leading me down the packed hallway. Many people were playing games, and by games, I mean beer pong. There were five different tables set up, and so many people were already drunk. I made a face and continued to follow Christine. “Where is your RA?” I asked. “I doubt they he or she are going to like this.”

She smirked. “Lisa is out on the town with her boyfriend. She won’t be back till late. Hence the people getting piss-drunk.”

I rolled my eyes. “Pathetic,” I muttered under breath. “Do you drink at all?”

“Not really,” she said. “I have twice; it’s not really my thing.”

“Good, there’s someone else here at this college besides me that isn’t consumed by alcohol,” I answered dryly, and she laughed at me before pulling me into a random room.

“My room,” Christine announced, spreading her arms open in effect. I smiled and let my gaze sweep over her walls. She was obviously very into art, as her half of the room was dominated by famous paintings. She had Picasso, Dali, and Van Gogh all up next to each other and a collage on the opposite wall of museum pictures and tickets.

“Cool,” I said, and noticed for the first time we were not alone. Another girl was in the room with us. She was very pretty. She had straight, long back hair reaching to her upper back, and dark eyes. She looked Latin American with her smooth, golden skin and distinctive facial features. She was wearing dark jeans and a Boston College t-shirt, and was currently appraising me, glancing at my clothes.

“Gaby, this is Sophie, and Sophie, this is Gaby,” Christine introduced. “So talk.”

“So is your temper as red as crazy as your hair or are you one of those girls who can’t stand up for herself?” Gaby spoke with a distinct accent, her eyes glittering.

“Gaby!” Christine said, shocked. “Why do you always have to be so direct?”

Gaby did not answer her as she continued to stare at me, as if daring me to take up some challenge. Well, I was not afraid of her…I wasn’t afraid of too many people anymore. “I think you’ll find that I have no problem with that,” I answered calmly. “If you really want to see my temper I suggest you ask a guy to randomly hit on me and see my reaction.”

She studied me for a moment. “I like you,” she announced suddenly, getting up from her perch on Christine’s bed and walking up to me. “Gaby Gomez,” she said, offering her hand. I took it.

“Where are you from? I’ll assume for the moment you’re not from the ghetto because of your Dolce and Gabana jeans and think you’re another rich kid getting in on Daddy’s money,” I said, pretty sure she would be able to take it.

Sure enough, after a second or two, Gaby started laughing. “You’re funny! I need to hang out with you more often!” she remarked.

I smiled in spite of myself. I liked her.

“So?”

“I’m from Venezuela,” she explained. “I was born there. “But I’ve lived in the States since I was eleven. You?”

“Cool,” I replied. “Maine. New England girl through and through.”

Gaby smiled at that. “Well, you must be, if you’re crazy enough to live up there with the moose and the sub arctic tundra.”

I rolled my eyes. “It’s not that cold,” I said. “It’s called dressing in layers. And the moose are cute.”

“That sounds nice and everything, but I think I prefer Florida,” she said. “With the sun.”

“It’s sunny here too!” I argued. “Grow some balls and brave it.”

She just looked at me. “But I’m a girl.”

My lips twitched. “That’s the point.”

“Older brothers?”

“Two,” I answered. “One of them is at Tufts. I’ll probably be visiting him sometime in the near future.”

“Nice. I have one. He’s annoyingly overprotective. That’s why I’m glad there are 3,000 miles between us. That way I can meet some guys without him breathing down my neck,” Gaby said.

We talked like that for a while, learning a little bit about the other. I found out Gaby is a big soccer and basketball player, and she’s interested in marketing. Christine joined in as well, and we had a nice talk while crazy things were going on outside her door. Soon though, I was feeling the urge to be alone, and with a promise to Gaby and Christine that we would get together again soon, I left, quickly skirting all of the stumbling drunk people.

The air was cool and crisp outside, feeling more and more like autumn. It was like this five years ago too. I hated this time of the year, as everything that had been going on freshman year culminated in one week in October. My life as I knew it came crashing down. Now I was more prone to push people away instead of getting close to them. And the feeling in the air was causing me to recall those days again…Damn, I hate this!

“Look, it’s her! I can’t believe she had the nerve to do that!”

“I know. God, what a slut.”

I ignored the girl’s pointed looks and whispered conversations, keeping my head up high and avoiding their glances. I had been enduring this for a couple of days now, and I still didn’t know who had spread the rumors. I found it hard to believe anyone thought they were actually true, since I pretty much keep to myself and my own group of friends, which is small. Rose, Kyle, Noah, and Sara. It is always the five of us, most of the time. Sara has other friends from volleyball, but she likes to hang with us sine we make her laugh.

Anyway…

The rumors are this: apparently, all the ‘dates’ I was going on were only a ploy-I wanted to have hot, steamy sex with anyone and everyone, and that’s why I was suddenly going on dates. Who would seriously believe that crap? Doesn’t everyone know I have been boy-phobic most of my life? But of course, people must need some reason why I suddenly have boys swarming around me. I don’t understand how these rumors are sticking!

“Sophie?”

I turned abruptly and looked into Kyle’s slightly amused eyes, and then sighed in frustration. “Did I say something out loud again?”

He smiled sympathetically. “It’s okay.”

“I just wish I knew who started them!” I said, gesturing emphatically. “Then I would go beat the shit out of them!”

Instead of laughing as I thought he would, Kyle’s face became serious…and apprehensive?

I stared at him. “What is it?”

“Well, I…I found out who spread the rumors about you. And you’re not going to like it,” he said as we walked into the library. “You’re not going to like it at all.”

“Who?” I demanded, gripping his arm.

He looked at me. “Just know I’m 100 on your side with this one. I had no idea, or otherwise I would have done something…”

“Kyle. Just tell me.”

He took a deep breath, and then exhaled. “Noah,” he whispered.

I stared at him in disbelief before I started laughing. “You honesty expect me to believe Noah would spread rumors about me? I’m his best friend! Everyone knows that!”

“I know,” Kyle replied. “But I heard this from Jeremy Conners on the swim team. You know how trustworthy he is. Apparently, Noah told Jeremy that he started them, and when Jeremy asked him why, Noah wouldn’t tell him. Jeremy knows I’m friends with you, so he told me.”

I was gaping by the time he finished. “Noah?” I whispered, stumbling backward a bit. I knew the hurt was etched into my face. How could he say such horrible things about me? We have known each other since we were in diapers, and he knows very well that I do not want to have sex with anyone I don’t care very deeply about. I told him that about a year ago, when some of the girls in my class started having sex and the question of boys came up. And Noah really respected that. I felt a teardrop on my cheek as I stood absolutely still.

“Sophie?” Kyle asked tentatively.

I glanced at Kyle briefly before I quickly wiped the tear away and composed myself. Then, I walked out of the room, intent on finding Noah. I was going to wring his filthy little neck…

I found him by his locker, getting his earth science book. I grabbed his arm and started to drag him around the corner, where it was always deserted hallway.

“Sophie, what are you doing? I have to go to class!” Noah said, trying to pull away from me, but I wouldn’t have it.

“No, you don’t.” I swung around the corner and backed him up against the wall, giving him a cold glare.

“Why are you glaring at me?” He asked, sounding annoyed. “I haven’t done anything to you.”

I raised one eyebrow high. “Oh? Well guess what I just heard out of the rumor mill? You are the one spreading those nasty rumors about me. And don’t try to deny it. I have a very good source.”

He glanced at me for a few moments, his face carefully blank. “Yes,” he muttered, turning away from me.

Hearing him say that was much worse than hearing it from Kyle. “Are…Aren’t we friends? Friends don’t make up rumors about their friends behind their backs! Especially untrue ones!” I pleaded quietly. “You’ve changed so much lately, Noah! You hang out with the snobs and we barely talk anymore. Is something wrong? Can I help you?”

He was fidgeting on his feet, and I barely heard him mumble, “Well, people change. I’ve changed. Things are different now.” Then he broke free of my grip and walked briskly around the corner.

I was left standing there in complete shock and betrayal, and as I watched him walk away, I felt something huge had just happened, and nothing would be the same ever again.

I scowled at myself for thinking of these times. That is four years ago, Sophie, I scolded myself. Can’t you forget?

But, I can’t, another voice whispered. I can’t forget. He was my best friend, and he hurt me so much…

Snapping out of that moment of weakness, I briefly remembered what had happened after that day. I had tried repeatedly to talk to him, try to find out what was wrong because I knew something was bothering him. I even managed to forget he started the rumors for a while because I was more concerned for him. But Noah wouldn’t tell me anything, which hurt even more, and I finally gave up. I was heartbroken that he did not trust me, and that soon grew into anger as a way to hide away from the hurt. Hence our relationship until he moved away.

Can you see why I was so anxious to go to college?

I sighed as I climbed the stairs to my floor. I wanted alone time, or Sara time, because she is the only person around that really understands me. Especially about the whole Noah business--

I stopped at my open door, peering in. My body tensed as I saw Noah and Sara sitting together on her bed, talking quite amiably. Or they were, before they saw me. Sara instantly glanced away from me, appearing guilty. Noah had an impassive and blank look on his face.

“What’s going on?” I asked, glancing from Noah to Sara.

Noah stole a glance at Sara, who was resolutely staring at the wall, and eased off her bed. “Oh, nothing of importance, Adams,” he said smoothly, slipping past me easily and strolling down the hallway.

I turned immediately to Sara. “Why were you two acting so friendly? And why did you stop talking as soon as you saw me?”

She blushed crimson and turned away from me, abruptly gathering books up her arms. “Um, I have to go to the library, Sophie, I’ll see you later,” she mumbled, before exiting just as quickly as Noah.

I was confused. Wasn’t there just two people here?

“Gah! Why won’t anyone tell me anything?” I yelled in frustration. “It’s annoying!”

The silence of the room was my only answer, and I kicked at my bag. I hate secrets, especially ones that are hidden from me.

I sighed and resigned myself to the fact that since Noah was back in my life, things would be different.