Five years prior
Dear Veronica Blair Madden
Congratulations! We are pleased to inform you of your acceptance into the journalism program at Penn State University.
My eyes scan over that one statement repeatedly, my heart pumping with excitement each time I reread it. A large grin pulling at my lips so tightly it causes my face to ache. After all the bullshit, and putting my best efforts forward it finally has paid off and I'm receiving the news I've been striving so hard to achieve.
I can't help but let a small squeal of glee escape from my lips as I finally drop the expectance letter from my gasp.
In the midst of my joy I can't help but feel a little sadness prick at my chest, not being able to share this news with my dad makes it terribly bittersweet. He always pushed me go above and beyond and never stop trying for the things I wanted in life. He instilled in my head that nothing was ever out of reach, and to never settle for less than my worth. I can only imagine how proud of me he would be, and how he would most likely wake me up in the morning with every piece of Penn state merchandise he could get his hands on. It was only a few months ago that he was helping me ready myself to send out this very application, and now here is my acceptance letter. That thought alone makes me smile softly to myself. The sadness in my heart causing a small tear to slip from my waterline and trickle down my cheek.
I'm pulled from my thoughts when I hear the driveway moan under the tires of Noah's blue car as he pulls in. His speakers blasting a slipknot song that I can hear rattling his old mirrors as he bobs his head in the front seat. I can't help but snicker slightly at the innocent nature of his actions, how carefree he truly is even when he doesn't suspect a soul is watching. I observe him cautiously, watching as he air drums along his steering wheel and bangs his head to the beat. His smile never once leaving his lips as he relishes in his own little world. I don't think I've ever met anyone in my life quite like Noah. Someone full of so much laughter and love ready to share every ounce of it with anyone willing to take it. He is the keeper of my secrets, the protector of my fragile heart. I don't think I've ever met anyone as gentle and patient as him, his tender soul full of more love than anyone is worthy of. Watching him In his own little world puts my throbbing heart at bay, seeing him smile a wide toothy grin.
After a few moments he looks up and we lock eyes, causing him to snap out of his actions and give me a heart warming grin as he raises his hand to wave at me. I giggle, giving him a small wave of my own in return as I watch him depart from the driver side door.
"Whatcha up to Roni?" His voice is light and cheery as he calls out, locks his doors and walks towards the patio steps i am sitting on.
"Not much" I hum back softly as I place my arms over the letter that's sitting in my lap. I want to tell him my exciting news, but I have to wait for the right moment. The only down side of getting into my dream school is the fact that it's a lengthy drive north from my closest companion.
"Well I have some amazing news" he exclaims joyfully as he takes a seat next to me on the step. He turns to face me, his honey eyes dancing with an abundance of elation.
He looks at me for a moment, his smile never once flatlining as I watch his mouth open and close as he tries to forms the words.
"Well spit it out, dumbass" I say with a chuckle as I shove his shoulder playfully
"WE GOT SIGNED!" He howls as he brings his arms up and out to pull me into a tight embrace.
Im taken aback as I try to dissect his words.
"W-what? Like the band? You guys got a label?" I stammer bewilderedly as he pulls away from our hug. He keeps me at arms length as our eyes connect, I can see small tears pooling at his waterline. His cheeks flush with excitement.
"Yes! We leave in three days for LA and start recording a real demo sometime next week!" He exclaims happily, his voice raising in octave as he all but screams it at the top of his lungs.
Im at a lost for words as he unloads this new information on me, trying to wrap my head around it all. Him and Nicholas deserve this and then some more than anyone I've ever met. They've worked hard the last few years making music and trying to create a name for themselves. They've been playing shows around the area for the past year and have gained quite the following, so to see their careers reach the next level comes to no surprise to me. It just seems otherworldly to hear him say they would be moving to LA and start recording an actual album all in a week.
"Hello! Earth to Roni" he calls out to me, his words snapping me from my thoughts.
"Sorry I'm just... flabbergasted" i admit as I'm brought back to reality.
"That's amazing, Noah! I'm so fucking happy for you" I cry out as I pull him back into a hug.
"I want you to come with me" he says as we begin to pull away.
My breathing hitches at his words, and my mouth hangs open in shock
"Noah.. I-I can't" I admit meekly as we fall from each others grasp.
He looks at me with a raised eyebrow for a moment, his face contouring in confusion.
"Don't be modest Roni! It's no big deal at all. I want you there with me" he coos in a soft tone.
I swallow harshly at his statement, his genuine words causing my heart to ache. As much as I would love to take this adventure with him, I know I must walk a different path . Even though I know it will break his heart, i have to pull the bandaid off.
"I have my own news" I begin as I reach for the paper in my lap. I take a few deep breaths to prepare myself.
In and out
In and out
"I got into Penn State" I spit out as I shove the paper into his lap in a swift movement, the simple action causing my body to convulse with nervousness.
He doesn't speak for a moment, almost a moment too long as I watch his eyes carefully read over the small white paper repeatedly.
He brings his attention back to my face, an unreadable look plastered on his features as he studies me.
"Roni, this is amazing! I'm so proud of you" he admits timidly, an undecipherable demeanor hidden behind his words.
"Thank you Noah. I can't even explain how happy I am" I admit as I bring a hand up to scratch the nape of my neck in unease.
"You can't go though! You have to come with me" he adds in
His words catch me by surprise as I watch him place the paper down next to him in dismissal.
My mouth falls agape, not able to conjure up any kind of response.
"What?" Is all I'm able to say as I watch him lean back on his hands.
"Roni! This is OUR dream come true. You have to come with me. You're smart enough to get into any hot shot school in California anyway" he says with a small shrug as he begins relaxes a bit.
"Are you fucking serious?" I inquire with a raised brow.
He looks at me perplexed, his brow raised in confusion.
"You HAVE to come" he stated matter of factly
"No Noah I can't. You know how I feel about this" I retort with a stern tone. He knows I've always wanted to not only go to college, but this one in particular. This has been my dream school for years, my dad and I looking into the best program for my career since I was old enough to know what college was. There's no denying that I want to join Noah on his new adventure, but I can't throw away my future on HIS pipe dream. As talented as I know Noah is, there's a part of me that can't help but think of all the what if's.
"Veronica. You promised you'd come with me when we got singed " he whines as he peers up at me with enlarged eyes.
I know the words he speaks are true, I did promise to explore the world when he made it big. However, being faced with the promise of furthering my education makes it much more difficult to hold to that.
"I know Noah, but this changes everything " I counter argue, picking up the piece of paper he dismissed.
"We made plans! You can't just fucking back out because something more interesting comes up" he argues back with a flick of his eyes.
"This isn't an easy choose to make, but I am making the decision that was best for me! This is a HUGE opportunity, Noah! I wouldn't ask you to give up your music to come with me" I all but yell back as my patience begins to run thin. His nonchalant attitude and careless words beginning to make my blood boil.
He looks at me with a baffled expression, his mouth falling agape as he tries to muster up his next response.
It's quiet for a moment as I watch the wheels turn in his head, his eyes never leaving mine as he ponders.
"You're right" he admits after a while.
"It's selfish of me to expect you to throw away your dream to tag along with me while I chase mine" his words catch me by surprise as I watch him sit up straight and run his large hand through his straightened hair.
"You deserve this, and then some and im so fucking proud of you. I know your dad would be too" he finishes after i don't respond, his words causing a sad smile to tug at the sides of my lips.
"Thank you, Noah. It means a lot to hear that from you" I admit bashfully.
"I'm just going to miss you. It's gonna be weird to be on complete opposite sides of the country" he says
As painful as it is to admit I know his words hold an abundance of truth. We haven't spent more than a weekend apart since we were five, and now all within a week he will be in California and I will pack up my life and leave for Pennsylvania shortly after.
"I'm gonna miss you! But I promise NOTHING will change. We will talk all the time. When I'm on break you can come visit or I can come see you, as long as you're not touring the world of course" I say causing him to chuckle slightly.
Contrary to the smile that paints his face, I can tell it's not genuine. The joy never once reaching his eyes, making me frown slightly. I place my hand on top of his own that sits in his lap and give it a comforting squeeze.
"I promise, Noah. Nothing will EVER come between us"
—-
Hope you all enjoyed this chapter <3
Wanted to give you guys a little background on Noah and Veronica's past!
The story will be picking up soon, just trying to get the storyline in place.
More to come hopefully in the next week as long as I can get a few more chapters written up.
-XX J