23

“She said yes? Just like that?”

Jonathan chuckled. “Not ‘just like that’. Mom was pretty hesitant about it. She felt…feels responsible; like this is all her fault.”

“But it’s not,” Bella protested. “None of it is.”

Jonathan nodded. “You know that. I know that.” He looked at his watch. “I better get to Lit. Don’t want to be late.”

“Okay.” Bella agreed. “See you at lunch?”

Jonathan nodded again, this time with a smile. “You bet.” He gave Bella a quick hug and hurried down the hall.

Once he was out of sight, Bella turned to enter her algebra class. Before she could make it to her seat, however, she was shoved from behind and landed on the ground.

“Oops,” Fiona loomed over her with a sarcastic smile.

Bella lowered her eyes and concentrated fully on standing up. Fiona’s thin hand put a stop to that process, however.

“Look,” Fiona began, in a sickeningly sweet voice. “You have Jonathan, let Noah go. I don’t know what kind of hold you have over him, but stringing him along is not fair. He needs to move on.” She gave Bella a cursory once over with her eyes. “You did.”

With that, she was gone. Bella quickly pulled herself up and looked around to see if she had an audience, before sliding into her desk. She thanked God that no one appeared to be staring at her or even had any idea what had just taken place. She laid her head down until she heard the teacher walk in a few minutes later.

oooooo

Bella stared across the crowded cafeteria, her eyes fixed on Fiona and Noah, who were sitting a few tables away.

“Looks like Noah’s found a new best friend.”

Bella moved her eyes away from the couple and glared up at Sophie.

“Too soon?” Sophie set her lunch tray on the table and sat down.

Bella shrugged. “That doesn’t bother me half as much as who he chose to replace me. I don’t trust her at all.” She shook her head and took a bite of her sandwich. “She’s nice to him…and he doesn’t seem to realize that it’s all an act. She’s not nice. She cornered me before class and told me to leave Noah alone…again.”

“What does Jonathan think?”

Bella frowned. “I don’t want to bring it up to him. He already has enough to deal with.”

“What does that mean?”

Bella quickly realized her slip up and fumbled over her words. “I--I just mean that I--I don’t want to make him jealous because I’m talking about another guy.” She nodded in satisfaction.

“But this isn’t just some random guy we’re talking about; it’s your best friend,” Sophie protested.

Bella shook her head. “Was my best friend. I have to accept that my decisions have consequences,” she said with a frown. “But I don’t want him to get hurt…and I can see that happening.”

“Well, if it bothers you that much,” Sophie began. “Tell Noah how you feel.”

oooooo

“Thanks for bringing me last night,” Fiona said before putting a forkful of salad in her mouth.

Noah shrugged. “I wasn’t sure whether you’d like it or not. We’ve never talked about God or…stuff like that, but I thought I’d take a chance.”

“I’m glad you did. I had a good time. I’ve never been to church before, but I didn’t think it would actually be fun.” Fiona smiled and laid her hand on Noah’s, grasping it gently. “I enjoyed hanging out with you.”

Noah blushed slightly. “Thanks,“ he said awkwardly. “We can go again next week…if you want.”

“I’d love--wait,” she pulled her hand away. “I’m sorry. I didn’t even think--it’s probably awkward for you…if Bella’s there, I mean.”

Noah shrugged again. “Sometimes it’s hard; sometimes it’s not.” He smiled. “Having you around makes it better.”

“Really?” Fiona gushed. “That’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me.”

Noah chuckled. “I bet you’ve used that line before.”

“Maybe,” Fiona teetered her hand. “But this time it’s true.” She set her hand back on Noah’s and smiled.

oooooo

Bella was seated at a lab table in biology; the last class of the day. She was anxiously shaking her leg and tapping her fingernails. She just remembered that today was an experiment day and Noah was her lab partner. She hoped that he was feeling as friendly and open as he appeared to be last night.

Now was the time to find out. Noah walked into the room right as the bell rang. Bella waved, but she was not acknowledged.

“Mr. Lucas,” the teacher called out, noting Noah‘s wandering eyes. He appeared to be looking for an empty desk. “We’re doing an experiment today. Ms. Barringer is waiting for you.” The teacher motioned to Bella and Noah slowly made his way to the table.

“Hey,” Bella greeted with a smile.

Noah barely responded -- just a cursory head nod.

Bella turned back to the teacher, who was currently explaining the specifics of the experiment. Once he was done, Bella pulled her lab manual from her messenger bag and started reading. Noah tapped her on the shoulder a few seconds later and she jumped.

“Oh, sorry,” Noah said sheepishly. “Um, do you want to read the instructions and I’ll get what we need?”

Bella nodded. “Okay.” She began listing the supplies that were needed and Noah hurried off to get them. “So, it was, uh, good to see you last night,” Bella said once he returned to the table.

“Yeah.” Noah nodded. “I finally got off punishment.”

Bella forced a smile. “That‘s good.” She lowered her head. “Did Fiona have a good time?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Noah asked defensively.

So much for Noah being the nice guy he was last night. Bella sighed. “Nothing. I--just--I’ve noticed that you and Fiona have been spending a lot of time together lately; and I haven‘t seen her at youth before--”

“Since when is it a crime to make new friends?” he snapped.

Bella frowned. “Well…it--it’s not,” she said cautiously. “But I’m worried about you.”

“Why?”

Bella shrugged. “There’s something about Fiona that I don‘t quite trust. I‘m afraid she‘s going--”

“Look, I don’t give you advice about your relationship, so stay out of mine!” Noah cut her off.

Bella bit back a few tears and focused her full attention on the lesson in front of her. She didn’t look at Noah for the rest of class and they completed the experiment in a knotty silence.

oooooo

“Hey there.”

Mona gasped and looked up from the grill. “Hi,” she replied softly, smiling weakly. “I didn’t think you were working today.”

“I’m not,” Mark explained. “But I knew you’d be here…” He paused, almost unsure whether to say anything else. “I, uh, noticed your disappearing act last night and wanted to make sure everything was okay.”

Mona nodded before lowering her eyes. “I--I’m fine. I was actually in the hall most of the night talking to Bella--well, until Mom called me anyway. Then I had to leave.”

“Oh.” Mark shrugged his shoulders. “So, everything’s okay?”

Mona looked up and smiled. “Yeah.” She chuckled. “Are you nervous or something?”

“No,” Mark said before shoving his hands in the pockets of his jeans. He cleared his throat. “Why do you ask?”

Mona bit her bottom lip in an effort to keep her laughter quiet. She just shook her head.

Mark stared at her for a couple of minutes until Matilda strolled up behind Mona and threw an apron at him.

“Can’t get enough of this place, huh?”

Mark pulled his eyes from Mona’s face and widened them at Matilda. “What?”

“Well, you’re always here…even on your days off.” Matilda nodded to Mona. “And now I think I know why,” she said mischievously in a softer tone. “Since you’re here…” She walked to the door. “Start cleaning the dishes.” She chuckled and walked into the main part of the restaurant.

Mona put her hands on her hips and squinted at Mark. “Was there something you wanted to tell me?” she asked with a smirk.

“Nope.” Mark shook his head quietly and stood motionless as Mona walked away from him; headed in the same direction as Matilda.

Before he even knew what was happening, he lightly gripped her arm just as she was about to push the double doors open. He could feel Mona shudder, but she didn’t try to pull away. Instead, she took a few steps back to him. Their mouths met before their bodies did, both filled with a passion neither one was prepared for. The kiss lasted only seconds…then Mark went to the sink and Mona left the room.

oooooo

Sophie was waiting outside Bella’s biology class when she walked out a few minutes after the bell rang. Sophie frowned upon seeing her friend. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” Bella responded hastily. “I’m fine.”

Sophie shook her head. “No you’re not,” she argued. “Something’s up with you. Did Noah say or do something?”

Bella looked around quickly to make sure that no one was listening in on their conversation. Even though there was no one standing remotely close to the two girls, Bella didn‘t appear to be satisfied with the privacy level and took Sophie‘s hand; dragging her to the women‘s room.

“What the--Bella, you’ve gotta tell me what’s going on.” Sophie pulled her hand from Bella’s tight grasp and studied it; looking for bruises.

Bella frantically made sure that both stalls were empty before facing her friend. “I’m sorry.” She pointed to Sophie’s hand. “Did I hurt you?”

“It’s fine,” Sophie replied.

Bella began pacing. “‘I don’t give you advice about your relationship, so stay out of mine.’ That’s what he said to me!” she exclaimed. “They have a relationship now? It‘s been what--two weeks?”

“Maybe he didn’t mean it that way,” Sophie offered; instantly feeling stupid. She knew Noah well enough to realize that he was completely aware of what he was saying and the effect his words would have on Bella.

Bella shook her head. “No. There was no mystery behind those words,” she muttered, confirming Sophie‘s suspicion. “But thanks anyway.” She smiled at Sophie.

“I’m sorry, Belle.” Sophie hugged Bella.

Bella returned the hug and shrugged. “Guess I’ll just have to get used to it. I thought that ignorance would be the worst thing Noah could do to me, but now I’m not so sure.” She paused briefly. “I’m not surprised he’s upset…well, not anymore…I just…” her voice trailed off. “This whole situation sucks.”

“That it does,” Sophie agreed. “Um…not to be rude, but I…” she pointed at the door. “I mean, are you…can we get--”

Bella smiled softly. “Go ahead. I’m gonna fix my make-up. I’ll be out in a minute.”

oooooo

Mark laid his head in his hands and slumped to the floor. Now what was he supposed to do? He thought he was doing such a good job of keeping his feelings hidden. He wanted to become friends with Mona first…not fall back into a physical relationship. That seemed to be his default setting.

Mark had a handful of girlfriends between his time with Mona and accepting the youth pastor position at Bellamy. It always amazed him how quickly he would cross that line into a physical relationship. He didn’t seem to care, and neither did the girl. But after awhile, the empty nights and superficiality wasn’t enough for him anymore. That was right about the time he ran into David again. He accepted his friend’s invitation to go to church and vowed to change his ‘dating’ style.

Since he hadn’t had a girlfriend in the time he had been saved, he was hesitant on how to behave. He wasn’t sure what else there was to do if sex wasn’t a part of the equation. But it wasn’t a big deal…

Until now.

“Mark?”

He looked up, instantly recognizing the quiet voice as Mona’s. Her hair was now in a haphazard bun and she looked like she was on the verge of tears. “Hey.” He smiled.

“I, uh, I have an order for you. Unless you‘re…” She shifted her weight nervously and was chewing on her lip. “Are you okay?” Concern flooded her eyes when she saw Mark on the floor. “Did you get hurt?”

Mark simply nodded and stood up. “I‘m fine.” He stretched his hand out to her. “You have an order?”

“Yeah.” Mona looked at him curiously. “Are you sure? You’re not even scheduled to be here. I could…” she reached for the spatula.

Mark grabbed her wrist right as she touched the handle of the spatula. “I don’t mind.” He smiled. “Look, I’m sorry about before. I--”

“I don’t want to talk about it.” Mona pulled away from his grip and handed him the order slip. She turned around and began filling two glasses with soda. She exited the kitchen a few seconds later, without even a glance in Mark’s direction.

oooooo

Sophie left the bathroom and made her way to the parking loop, but didn’t see her mom or dad waiting. She slid to the ground with her back against a brick wall. Then she pulled a notebook out of her bag and started doodling on an empty page.

Suddenly a dark shadow rested upon her shoulders. She looked up and bit her lip. “Hey Noah,” she said, somewhat self-consciously.

Noah was looking around nervously, like he didn’t want to be seen in his present company. “Hey,” he said quickly.

“Are you and Fiona going out?” Sophie asked pointedly, her sharp stare holding Noah in his place.

Noah let out a loud sigh. “I take it you’ve been talking to Bella,” he spat with a touch of irritation lining his tone.

“Well, yeah…” Sophie lowered her head.

Noah rolled his eyes. “What difference does it make? She’s dating Jonathan.” He started to walk away.

“You didn’t answer my question,” Sophie called out, feeling a little bolder.

Noah turned around, ready to hurl a ‘leave me alone’ dagger, but part of him really wanted to talk to someone…even if that someone was a good friend of Bella‘s. “I, uh--I really don’t know what’s going on.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I bet you’re just dying to run and tell Bella that I made the whole thing up.” He extended his arm. “Go ahead. I really don’t care anymore.”

“No. I’m not on an informational dig for Bella. I--I thought we were friends,” Sophie offered.

Noah nodded. “We are.”

“Well, I know this whole thing has been rough on you and I just wanted to know how you’re doing…that, and maybe get a little gossip,” she admitted with a chuckle. “There are rumors flying all over. I’ve heard everything from you and Fiona aren’t dating to she’s pregnant with your kid.”

Noah scoffed. “Well…”

“I’m not going to run to Bella. Promise.”

Noah shrugged. “Like I said, I really don’t care anymore. The thing is, I know Fiona likes me, but I’m not sure how I feel about her. What I do know is that it’s nice to have that attention. And she’s not pregnant…not by me, anyway.”

“Phew.” Sophie wiped some imaginary sweat off her forehead.

Noah cocked his eyebrows. “What?”

“If she was pregnant, it might’ve changed the way I see you.”

Noah adjusted his backpack on his shoulders. “I’m by no means perfect,” he said with a chuckle. “Not like Bella and her happy little life,” he muttered.

Sophie made a face. “Perfect? You know about Bella’s dad, right?”

“You mean David, the wonderful pastor? What about him?”

Sophie frowned. “Oh. Never--I thought you knew.” She turned to leave.

“Wait.” Noah grabbed her arm and spun her back toward him. “Knew what?”

Sophie pursed her lips. “I probably shouldn’t have said anything.”

“Please tell me.” He took a few steps closer to where she was sitting. There was a desperation in Noah’s eyes that Sophie had never seen before. Maybe he cared after all.

Sophie took a deep breath and looked around to make sure no one was eavesdropping on their conversation. “Pastor Dave’s not her father,” she whispered.

oooooo

Bella pushed the swinging door to the girl’s restroom open, thankful that this long day was finally over. She turned to the left and took a few steps; her ultimate destination being the parking lot. Since Jonathan was back at school and would be living with the Barringers, it made sense that he would give her a ride home.

A familiar face stopped Bella in her tracks. She saw Sophie smiling and whispering something into the ear of the person she was hugging. Bella was about to wave at her friend when Sophie backed away and Bella recognized the back of Noah’s head. He was walking away, but it was definitely him. Sophie looked up and immediately frowned at Bella, who was walking briskly in the opposite direction.

“Belle!” Sophie called after her, but it was no use. She never turned around. Sophie ran her hand through her hair and walked right into Jonathan‘s chest. “Oops. Sorry,” she apologized and picked up her fallen books.

Jonathan squatted and handed her some papers. “You okay, Sophie?” he asked.

“I guess.” She shrugged. “I--I gotta go. See you later.” She hurried off.

Jonathan laughed a little. “O--kay,” he mumbled. He looked down the hall and saw Bella walking toward the library. He decided to surprise he by sneaking up behind her and covering her eyes. “Guess who,” he said in a soft voice once he caught up to her.

“Aah!“ Bella shrieked and turned around with a start; her hands furiously grabbing at what was covering her eyes. “What was that for?” she demanded.

Jonathan pursed his lips. “I wanted to surprise you. I didn’t--I’m sorry.” He lowered his head.

“No! It’s my fault!” Bella shouted and tried to pull away from Jonathan, but he wrapped his arms around her tightly. “Just let me go!” She hit him in the chest and the tears spilled from her eyes.

Jonathan shook his head. “No. Do whatever you want to me, but you are not running away.” He rubbed her hair and kept his voice calm.

“You can’t hold me here. Let me go!” Bella threw punches at Jonathan’s chest, trying again to break free. “Let me…go,” she said as the sobs consumed her. She gave up her fight and let Jonathan hold her while she cried.

After a few minutes, she pulled away and wiped her nose. “Sorry,” she mumbled.

Jonathan held her at the shoulders and looked at her tearstained face. She was wearing a lopsided half-smile and her eyes were roaming the ground. “Can you tell me what that was all about?“

“Nothing,” Bella said quietly. “I--I’m fine.” She tried to loosen Jonathan’s grasp.

Jonathan narrowed his eyes. “Yeah right.”

“I don’t want to keep doing this--it’s not fair,” Bella said between gasps. “It’s not fair to you.”

Jonathan shook his head. “I‘m a big boy. I can decide what is or isn‘t fair. And so far I’ve seen nothing I’d define as ‘unfair’. I love you. The rest doesn’t matter to me. ”

“What did you just say?”

Jonathan wrinkled his forehead. “The rest doesn’t matter to me,” he repeated, not catching on to what Bella was talking about.

“Not that,” Bella explained. “Before.”

Jonathan’s face bloomed. He realized what he said. He cleared his throat nervously. “I said I lo--” He swallowed. “I--I love you, Belle.”