The College Room [THE KISSING BOOTH #2 - FAN FICTION]

Chapter Two

It was a Sunday, which meant six days until I would see Noah again. Just six days! I could barely keep from dancing around my bedroom as I searched for a swimsuit to wear to the water park. 

As I rummaged through my draws, my eyes fell on my usual choice: the multi-colour bikini set that I wore more often than not. If I remembered correctly, I was wearing it the day Noah came home from football camp last year, and Lee and I were sitting by the pool struggling to come up with ideas for a fundraising booth.

We all know how that ended up.

I smiled at the memory and pulled the bikini set from my drawers. As I replaced my completely unflattering tracksuit pants, I struggled to tighten the bikini top around my back. Was it possible my chest had grown even more?  I guess Lee had been right about human growth hormones.

Frustrated, I stretched my arms and tied the string as best I could. I decided to bring a shirt, too, in case I had yet another wardrobe malfunction and ended up revealing a little too much to the whole population of the water park. But before I put it on, I picked up my iPhone and faced the camera toward me. Smiling, I pressed the capture, and immediately attached the photo to a text message.

Miss you, Noah. Remember this bikini?

If boobs didn't get Noah's attention and warrant a few more texts, I didn't know what would. Shrugging, I threw the t-shirt over my bikini and headed for the front door.

"Good to see you're finally getting out of the house, Elle," Dad said as he looked up from his place on the couch. My little brother, Brad, was curled up next to him.

It was sweet to see them together like that. After Mum died, Brad and I struggled with affection, worried that if we gave too much, the person we loved would be ripped from our arms once again. But, as can be seen through my love for Noah, and Brad's love for Dad, we were slowly learning to trust once again.

I smiled at my dad as I wrapped my hand around the doorknob. "Yep. I'm third-wheeling Lee and Rachael at the new water park."

"Oh, can I come?!" Brad yelled excitedly,  his curly brown locks waving through the air.

I frowned at him. "I think this one's for the big kids," I told him sadly. "How about I take you another time? Just you and me?"

He smiled a big, toothy grin, and I could tell he and Dad were impressed with me.

As I waved goodbye, Dad stood from the couch. "Hold up. Why do you look so happy suddenly?"

I couldn't help but let the blood rush to my cheeks. I felt like I'd been blushing ever since Mrs Flynn told me that Noah would be coming home this weekend.

"What, I'm not allowed to be happy?" I asked, avoiding having to tell him that it was because in just a few days time I'd be in Noah's arms again.

Dad had never been totally okay with me and Noah being together. And, yeah, I saw his point, given Noah was older than me and due to the fact his reputation was not the best. But I loved him, and I hoped Dad would learn to accept it.

"You haven't smiled like that since Noah was here," Dad said, and I smiled again. "That's it, isn't it? He's coming to visit?"

Sheepishly, I nodded. "I know you don't love our relationship, Dad, but I really love him."

He shook his head and sighed. "I know you do, kiddo. Alright. Go have fun."

The sun welcomed me when I left the house, the warmth of its rays kissing my pale skin. I relished in it as I stood by the mailbox waiting for Lee to pick me up. It really was a beautiful day, and I couldn't help but think about all the times Noah and I had spent down at the beach, enjoying the sun and riding his motorbike.

God, I missed him.

As Lee's car came roaring down the street, my phone buzzed in my hand. Instantly, I unlocked the screen. It was Noah! He had finally texted back.

Cute bikini. How could I forget? 

I squealed as I read the message. I needed to reply instantly, knowing that, with Noah's busy schedule, this might be my only time to talk.

Wish you were here, I typed. Going to the new water park with Lee and Rachael.

"Excuse me!" Lee called. "Get off your phone and get in the car!"

"Oh, sorry!" I yelled back, rushing down the driveway. I said a quick hello to Rachael and she expressed her excitement about the new park. I wanted to be excited with her, but the only thing I could really focus on was Noah.

When my phone buzzed again, my heart sank.

I won't bother u then. Have fun. Love u. xo

Did he really think he was bothering me? Or did he just not want to talk? 

I shook my head. No, I couldn't think like this. He was coming home in six days, and there was no way I was going to be in a bad mood for his arrival.

With a smile on my face, I texted back love you more! and slipped my phone into my bag. Rachael gave me a smirk from the front seat and I knew she wanted the details.

"From the huge smile on your face, I'm guessing that was Noah?" She asked.

"Is there anyone else who makes me smile that much?" I replied, laughing.

I realised as I said it that Lee would have been offended. I glanced from the back seat up at him, but he didn't meet my eye in the rear view mirror. Instead, all I saw were his fingers turning white, his grip on the steering wheel tighter than ever before.

He clearly wasn't over this.