Chasing Shadows | ✓

Part Two: Chapter Seven

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some souls leave behind a trail of

light that is never forgotten

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"PLEASE DON'T GO."

His voice stopped me, just as I move forward an inch, my feet itching to go comfort my friend. My entire body froze at the vulnerability that sounded in his voice, and I turned my head to glace back at him. His eyes were wide and pleading, begging me not to go. My mouth parted to speak, but no words came out.

"Please," he whispered, repeating himself, "Just. . . stay here. With me."

"I. . . I need to check if Noah is okay," I gnawed on my bottom lip. Why was my heart tugging so painfully?

"He's fine," Travis dismissed, eyes narrowing in the direction he had left in, "Trust me."

Even though my heart was screaming at me to stay, my feet were pointed towards the exit, the logical side of my brain forcing my to leave.

"I'm sorry, but he's my best friend," I murmured, "He's always been there for me, and right now I need to make sure he's okay."

A sad smile curled on Travis' lips, but he nodded anyway, "Right. Go ahead, Nat. Sorry."

"I'm sorry, I'll be right back," I apologized, yet the feeling that I was doing something wrong settled on my chest. Why did I feel so guilty for wanting to check up on my friend? What was it about Travis' gaze that hypnotized me?

"Don't worry about it. I understand," he assured me, and this time his facial features relaxed more, "Seriously, go ahead. I'll see you tonight anyway. Just leave me your number or address so I know where to go."

"Thanks for understanding," I forced a smile, and ruffled inside my bag for a scrap piece of paper and scribbled my phone number down, "I'll text it you later, okay?"

I handed it to him, and stood up, glancing over at the door Noah had slammed shut. Noah had never acted this way before, and his actions were worrying me. He had never been the type to be dramatic, or even glare at people.

So, what was with his sudden shift in attitude?

After shooting Travis one last glance, I rushed out through the door Noah had only moments earlier. My eyes were wild and searching, scanning every corner and hallway. My heart was beating - pounding incessantly in my chest. I wasn't sure why nerves wracked my entire body, but the sooner I found Noah, the faster I would feel better.

As enthralled as I felt with Travis, I knew I couldn't just abandon my friendship with Noah. We had been with each other for so long - we were practically siblings. He had been the one who was always with me whenever I needed him, and now, he needed me. How could I turn my back on him?

"Noah?" I called out, slowing my pace when I came by his locker, "Where are you?"

I spun around on the spot, gnawing on my bottom lip. The corridor was eerily empty, not a single sound heard. I ran a rough hand over my face, releasing a tired groan and shuffled my way over to peek inside the classroom doors. Not expecting to see anyone, I froze when I noticed Noah inside, hands curled up into fists. His face was screwed up in anger - an expression I had never seen on him before. Quickly, I lowered my head, until only my eyes were peeking in.

My gaze then locked on another figure in the room, someone I couldn't recognize. A dark hood was pulled up so far over their face, it was completely hidden, but just by looking at Noah, I knew the conversation they were having wasn't pleasant.