27: Noah
Noah’s heart raced when Leigh caught him looking and he refused to smile as she grinned before brushing past him. He wondered if she had recognised him. He kind of hope she had. Even though his photo hadn’t really given much of his physical identity, he wondered if it was enough.
As soon as Leigh left, he looked back up and took a drink of his coffee. From the top of the cup, he could see a university couple at the back of the café. They were laughing and talking, drinking coffee and sharing something to eat. Noah watched the way they looked at each other and leaned in to talk, whispering secrets and dreams to each other, not only appreciating each other’s stories but the voices that said them too.
Noah wanted that with Leigh. To bring her to public places and hold her hand. To lend her his jumpers, even though they were too big on her but somehow fit so well. He wanted to kiss her in coffee shops and tell her she was beautiful. He wanted to make memories and share experiences with her.
Conversations were important, but there was only so much words could express. He wanted to hold Leigh and let her know that he’d protect her, without saying a single word. He wanted to brush her hair from her eyes and hear her breath catch, her heart pound, just as fast as his was. He wanted to look at her, and that single look alone would tell her that he thought she was beautiful. He wanted to kiss her, and that single gesture would tell her that he loves her.
He didn’t want there to be just a Noah.
He wanted there to be a Noah and Leigh.