The Rebel.

7- Oh, Brother.

“I know Mom and I’m really sorry, I was out with Hanna and I fell asleep at her house. So she took me home this morning, I forgot to text you, and I won’t do it again, I promise.” I lied through my teeth. She didn’t need to know about that party, I was lying for her sanity, “But more importantly, you look exhausted! Mom, don’t worry about me and Noah. We’ll be fine. You, however, need to sleep!”

She sighed, “You’re right sweetie, it’s just I worry that without your Dad around that I might not be doing a good job at parenting you two.” Whoa, she never talks about Dad and I mean never. She must be delirious from exhaustion.

“Please, you’re a way better parent than he ever could have been.” I started pushing her towards the door, “Now go, and get some rest. You deserve it!”

She gave me a tired smile, and left my room. She has never mentioned my dad; I mean we moved all the way across the country just to get away from him, and memories of him. It must be the full moon, yeah, that’s why everyone is acting so strange.

For the rest of the day I did nothing but have good quality time with Noah, with his new friends and my only friend, we haven’t spent much time together. What was better than watching zombie movies with your older brother on a Sunday? Nothing, that’s what.

---

Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep beep beep beep beep!

I groaned, sticking my arm out from under my covers and searched for my alarm clock that I wish would shut up. I found it, picked it up, and threw it across my room. Silence at least! I grinned against my pillow and attempted to continue my slumber.

Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep.

“You have got to be KIDDING ME!” I jumped off my bed and stomped towards my alarm clock; I ripped out the back, and pulled out the batteries. The damned thing finally stopped. I breathed out a sigh of relief. I knew I would just get screamed at by Noah if I even tried to go back to sleep, so I just decided to get ready. Walking into my shower, I reached down and turn on the faucet; remembering this weekend’s events and how Hanna was going to kill me. The thought alone gave me chills as I stripped down, and entered the steamy shower. The hot water was relaxing against my tired body. Noah never asked me about my whereabouts Saturday night, and I’m somewhat relieved. I don’t know how I would explain sleeping with Derek, and I honestly had no clue how I was going to tell Hanna.

You can always not tell her. My inner voice enthused.

No, that was wrong. Lying was not the answer!

Then simply, avoid the truth.

Now you’re onto something! So maybe my inner voice was good for something after all.

After spending 15 minutes in the shower I deemed myself clean, and I step out, cold chills covering my body from the crisp air. It was only September but already it was getting colder and colder. I was a summer girl after all. I rushed to wrap a towel around my body, giving myself some warmth as I walked to my closet, searching for something to wear.

Finding clothes was a lot easier now that I had finally unpacked, with the help of Hanna. Even if it was two weeks ago we had done that, I was still appreciating the organization. Hanna had sorted my clothes out into casual and not casual, and then sorted by color. I never asked her to do that, but she did insist. And I wasn’t going to complain, it was less cleaning for me to do anyway.

After little to no contemplation, because I honestly didn’t give two whats about what I was wearing on a damned Monday; I put on warm skinnies and a long white shirt that said ‘rebel’ accompanying it with my favorite combat boots and jacket. Satisfied with myself, I walked out of my room and out to Noah’s truck.

The only thing off was that Noah wasn’t inside his truck. This was weird. I suddenly had an eerie feeling as I pulled out and checked the time. It was 7:45. Usually by this time Noah was in the truck and screaming for me to hurry. I reasoned that he simply slept in and there was nothing to worry about. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that something wasn’t right.

I walked back into my house, running straight to Noah’s room and knocked gently on the door, “Noah? Did you forget today was Monday or are you playing some sick joke on me?”

No answer.

I knocked again, “Noah…?”

No answer.

I was definitely freaked out now, he couldn’t have left me, and his truck was still here. And Noah never left without telling me first. I swallowed my fear and pushed his door open. My eyes widened in fear at what I saw, and I let out an ear-splitting scream.

---

*Evil laugh* What do you guys think happened to Noah?

 What do you think Derek should do about Amber?

 Who do you think Amber's father's colleague is that she is making Derek break Nova's heart for?

 How do you think Hanna is going to react about Nova leaving the party with Derek?

Song- Gin Wigmore - Man Like That