Two Rules

Chapter twenty-four: "sometimes it can't be about me"

"Sam Prescott is Noah's dad. He pays for Noah's college, this house, groceries, literally any expense he has in return for 2 things." Andrew tells her.

"Which are?" She asks.

"He, and his mom and sister, keep their relation a secret. Second, he ensures that Clarkson wins games to help him win bets."

I add in, "so far he hasn't actually swung any games to help Sam, claiming that there's nothing he can really do to him. If he cuts him off, then he applies for a full ride and gets money from his mom."

"So what is Sam doing now? And why do you "have" to break up with Noah?"

"After todays game, Sam cornered me in a room. He told me that I have to end things with Noah or he was going to get my dad fired. He says I can't tell Noah either."

"Damn. Can he really get your dad fired?" Andrew asks.

"Yeah. He has majority votes on the board, if he suggests it then the rest will likely follow."

"Okay Scarlett, I get wanting to protect your dad, but ending things with Noah? You're so happy with him though."

I feel tears start to run down my face and just nod, not being able to speak. 

"Sometimes it can't be about me." I finally say, "I have to think about my dad, my mom, my brother. I mean we all depend on my dad and this job."

She and Andrew both nod. My phone lights up with a text from Noah.

Noah♥️: Where are you?

Me: Sorry, talking with Nat, omw

"I gotta go. Noah's here. Please don't say anything. I'll figure out how to do it tomorrow."

"We won't say anything. But, please just think this through."

I nod and walk out, back to Noah's room.

I unlock the door and walk in. Luckily he's in the shower so I take a second to make my face less red and wipe the tears away.

The door opens, "there you are." He says hugging me from behind.

"Hi" I say as I lean back into him. 

I make the decision to have tonight with him. I can be selfish for one night. I'll break both of our hearts tomorrow...

We both climb into bed, exhausted from today's events.

"Thank you for staying with me tonight." He whispers.

"Of course, thanks for wanting me here." I lean up and kiss his cheek before lying back down on his chest. 

"Goodnight, Scar. I love you."

"Goodnight Noah, I love you too."

I feel a single tear slide down my cheek but quickly wipe it away before Noah notices. 

Sunday December 13th

I barely slept last night. Tossing and turning all night, worrying about Sam's threat.

This morning we all woke up early and had breakfast down stairs. The boys got on the bus and the 4 of us got into Noah's jeep. Nat and Andrew have kept their promise so far, none of the group knows what's about to happen.

I decide that, although it's really shitty of me, I'm going to break up with him over text. I know, total dick move, but if I do it in person, he will see right through my bullshit excuse to end things.

Since the boys left 15 minutes after us, plus the fact that the bus goes slower, I'll have enough time to get my stuff from Noah's and get back to my dorm to hide before he even gets home. I asked Chloe to drive, claiming my exhaustion was not a good idea to be behind a wheel. She and Bella are up front and Nat and I are in the back.