never look back

noah anderson south side of the tracks 25 british author

[warrenkenna]

“I didn’t have someone to tell me you know. Normal might not be as normal to me.” Shrugging her shoulders, Emily sat up onto the couch and looked at him. “I am not embarrassed, I never am.” she lied, biting her tongue slightly. “But I am sure your life was pretty interesting before she got married so..” she smiled slightly. “Truth Or Dare.. or Never have I ever.. OR! 21 questions? I don’t know.”

[noahanderson25]

“I forget how young you are. Damn, what I’d give to be nineteen again.” Noah shook his head, suddenly feeling like he was a hundred years old. He noticed she was lying when she said she was never embarrassed, but he didn’t fight it. “Yeah-we had our moments. She followed me to America and met her husband, and then Sophia was born...and she’s three, so everything kind of happened back to back.” He shrugged, putting the blanket over him as he crossed his legs. “Can you play Truth or Dare with only two people?” He asked, narrowing his eyebrows. “I don’t know, you pick.”

[plzalli-blog]

Addison smiled, nodding her head. It would be best for him not to fall especially around her. “Addison Sawyer, please to meet you, Noah.”

[noahanderson25]

“Oh-Anderson. Noah Anderson. Sorry, I didn’t know we were saying last names.”

[warrenkenna]

“Look at you complimenting yourself now. Hey – you were too freaking smart to be in a University. Ask me, I’m there, it’s not a big deal. It’s not even fun, unless you count that time that I had some action in a public space. Woops – you forget I ever mentioned that.” Groaning lowly, Emily kicked herself mentally for saying that. Feeling her cheeks blushing out of sudden, she kept her head hidden under the blanket. “No.. go on. I like hearing about your family. They seemed very happy in that photo you showed me..” she mumbled softly, curling up on the couch. “Hey, Noah? Wanna play a game?”

[noahanderson25]

“I forgot you haven't read my book. We all have that phase in University. I guess no one’s told you yet that it’s normal.” Noah laughed, covering his face as the thought of all the places he and his first girlfriend had sex on campus. “Why are you embarrassed? We’ve talked about much worse.” He reminded her, setting his place down on the table across from them. “Well, there’s not much else to tell. It’s just me and Nicky. Or-it was until she got married and had Sophia.” He shrugged, looking back over to Emily. “Oh, lord. What kind of game? Do I even want to know?”

[warrenkenna]

“You’re very smart for your age, I’ll give you that.” Emily said, tugging the blanket over her head to hide her smile. He was definitely one of the only few people who got to see that side of her. “I’m not that hungry right now, so I might just have my drink.” she replied, letting out a soft sigh before falling on her side. “Ugh, great –” she mumbled, tugging the blanket slightly away from her face to look at him. “When you get fat the world will end. You have some great genes, don’t be silly.”

[noahanderson25]

“Thank you. My whole family is pretty smart...it’s one of the things I know for sure about myself. I studied my ass of as a kid. Got perfect marks in University up until I dropped out.” He felt like a broken record since all of this was in his book, but Emily hadn’t read it yet, and it was funner to tell her himself. “Okay, I’ll put yours in the fridge.” He offered, picking up the bag before taking it over to the kitchen. “It’s from my mum, I mean she had two kids back to back and people can never tell. Same with Nicole. She had Sophia and she doesn’t look like it at all. Nathan is adopted, my nephew.” He added. He didn’t know if Emily cared, but he had a way of rambling about his family whenever someone gave him the chance. “Sorry, I talk too much once you get me started.” He said as he sat back down on the couch next to her.

[char92-blog]

“We all have those days sometimes, don’t worry about it.” She smiled at him and pointed to the line. “I’m here to get some coffee as well. Can I stick around with you? Only if you are okay with it, of course.”

[noahanderson25]

“I seem t-to be having them a lot.” Noah forced out, trying not to be so awkward, but he never succeeded. “Oh, uh-yeah, sure.” He nodded, having no idea why she wanted to stick around with such an awkward person, but he had no reason to say no with it. “I’m Noah.”

[plzalli-blog]

Shaking her head, she smiled. “Don’t worry, welcome to the club. We welcome you with open arms which probably won’t catch you if you fall.” She joked.

[noahanderson25]

Noah laughed at her joke, feeling comfortable around her now. “Okay, well I’ll try not to fall. I’m Noah, by the way.”

[mooreandy-blog]

The other’s hesitance spreads a brief confusion over him. Was he that intimidating that the other could barely look him in the eye? His curious expression only lasts for the time the other’s is there, grabbing his order, but as the other returns, Andy replaces it with a soft smile. “I’m serious, man, it’s fine,” he insists. “I’m Andy,” he introduces, extending his hand out for the other to shake.

[noahanderson25]

Noah heard firmness in the other male’s voice and accepted that he wasn’t upset. “Okay, good.” He nodded, knowing the man was probably tired of hearing him apologize. “Oh, Noah. N-Nice to meet you.” He nodded, shaking the man’s hand.

[warrenkenna]

“I wasn’t being straight forward though – okay, busted! Don’t rub that on my face.” she grinned. “Smart move, older guy.” Emily folded the paper back and placed it underneath the boxes, before opening the whiskey’s bottle. “Alrightly, take your time. I’ll just have my first drink already.” she shrugged, bringing the bottle close to her mouth to take a sip. “Thanks.” Taking the blanket she placed the bottle back onto the table before jumping on his couch to curl up with it. “So.. you don’t want to try these burgers out? It’s chicken ones. I try to eat less like a pig these days, getting fat and unwanted is my biggest fear. Not.”

[noahanderson25]

“Uh, yes you were.” Noah laughed, shaking his head at her. “I’m very smart. I also just know that you can never win when a girl says something like that. I’ve got a little sister, remember?” He asked through a chuckle. As he got back he sat down on the couch beside her, reaching for the Italian food. “Oh, no. I’m good.” He replied, making a face at the thought of eating one of them. “I’ll stick with my pasta.” He laughed, reaching for a fork. “I’m going to get fat since I’ve stopped working out. I’ve come to terms with it.” Noah teased, letting out a light laugh.

[warrenkenna]

“Hey – I could be just a pron freak. You never know. Don’t judge a book by its cover, I could be pretty innocent just very smart.” She threw her hands in the air defensibly. “Woah there Mr. I know it all — are you saying I don’t look like one? Damn. There goes my cover.” Emily laughed loudly once more, watching as he walked towards the kitchen. “Do you have any blankets?” she called out, getting back on her feet to grab the bottle of whiskey. “Well, that’s interesting. Have you ever tried meat? I can’t live without it.”

[noahanderson25]

“Yeah, you could. I wasn’t judging you! I was making an educated guess based off of something you told me.” He shrugged. “I feel like there’s no correct answer to that question...so I’ll pass.” Noah laughed as he walked to the kitchen. He didn’t want to say the wrong thing in that situation. “Yeah, just one second.” He said as he set down the plates, going into his bedroom to get blankets out of the closet. “Here you go.” Noah said as he sat them down beside her. “Yes, I have. I’ve had chicken, I like it. I had a steak once, too. That’s about it, though.”

[warrenkenna]

Emily burst into a laughter at his words and rolled her eyes. “Of course you are. Thank God you don’t think I am one of those shy virgins.” she exclaimed, setting the small boxes full of spaghetti on the table. “Of course you are.. and I’m the pig who eats everything. I’ll have those, you can have all the spaghetti in the word. I got carbonara and lasagna.” She smiled widely before taking a seat on the couch. “Hey, I promised you a great night, this is the least I could do.”

[noahanderson25]

“I didn’t think you were a virgin. I don’t mean to offend you. You said at the cafe that you knew from experience that you couldn’t go six months without sex...so put two and two together. It wasn’t that hard.” Noah laughed. “I know a shy virgin when I see one, trust me.” He added as he took out some of the lasagna, walking over into the kitchen to get some paper plates. “I was raised to be a vegetarian because my mum was one. When we were older we go to chose if we wanted to stay one. I stayed, my sister didn’t.” He explained as he came back with the plates. “Italian food does guarantee a great night, you got lucky.”

[warrenkenna]

“Well – it doesn’t bother me either. You’re not the first guy I see shirtless and you’re not gonna be the last. Besides, this is your house and you can do whatever you want.” she said, placing his favorite beverage on the table next to a bottle of whiskey. “Alright.. so I brought something to eat. I didn’t know if you liked burgers or Italian more so I brought both and your favorite dessert.”

[noahanderson25]

“Touchè,” Noah laughed as she said he wouldn’t be the last. “I know. I’m wearing pajama pants, aren’t I?” He teased. He was, because he knew Emily wouldn’t expect him to dress up. “I’m a vegetarian.” He sighed, making a face as she mentioned burgers. It wasn’t her fault, she didn’t know that. “Italian. I could eat it all day long, it’s my favorite.” He smiled, looking in the bag to see what kind of Italian food she had gotten. “Thank you for all of this. You didn’t have to.”

[warrenkenna]

Holding the paper back full of goodies close to her chest, Emily did as she was asked and quickly walked inside. “Nah, it’s okay. I’ll figure something out.” she said softly as she set the bag on the table. “Unless you feel more comfortable – who am I kidding, go get dressed.” she said with a laugh, pulling out of the bag the food and desserts she had bought for them.

[noahanderson25]

“Are you sure?” He asked from the bathroom as he put his shirt on. “Being shirtless actually doesn’t bother me. I was a lifeguard for years, remember? I think I told you that. From the time I was twenty-one up until earlier this year. So...I’m used to it. I just prefer to have a shirt on.” He shrugged as he walked over to the couch, sitting down as he rubbed his hands together. “What did you bring?”

[warrenkenna]

“I brought everything but I think I’ll be getting in trouble. I forgot my ID home, if a guard asks for it, I’ll have to flash them.”

@noahanderson25·

[noahanderson25]

“Are you joking?” Noah asked as his face turned pale. “C-Can you go home and get it? We’ll just have to make sure no one sees us, I guess. Here, get inside.” The male said quickly before letting her in and locking the door. “You got here while I was changing. Make yourself at home, I need to put on a shirt.”

[warrenkenna]

“There, I lost a chance to see that happening. I’ll try again next year.” Emily said, sticking her tongue out at him. “Life’s not fair. People call me a bastard and they don’t even know me. Being my friend has its perks. Don’t act like you wouldn’t be saying the same if you were in my shoes.” she replied, leaning against the soft pillows lazily. Taking care of her friends was an instinct she always had – maybe because she was not used to have too many of them. Being judged from the moment she was born, hated over the fact she wasn’t some pure royal blooded heir made Emily’s mind think a little different than others.  “I still think you’re a catch – I dare you to try and change my mind.” she joked, grabbing one of the pillows to throw it at him. “It’s been fun, I agree.. See? You already are smiling, I thought I’d never manage to do that. It’s process.” Taking a deep breath, Emily looked over at him once more before her eyes focusing on the picture he showed her. “Wow – there. That little girl has your eyes. Is that your sister? You two look alike..”

[noahanderson25]

“Who cares what other people think? I stopped caring a long time ago.” Noah shrugged. People thought they knew him and his family when they didn’t, and at some point he had to learn to stop caring. “I’ve been in your shoes...not too long ago. I always wanted to help people, give them anything and everything I could.” He sighed, narrowing his eyebrows. He knew he could still be there for people, but maybe not in such a helpful way. “I’ll prove you wrong, it’s only a matter of time.” He reassured her, although he felt like she was going to be stubborn on that subject. “Never manage to do what? Get me to smile? Am I that bad?” He asked through a chuckle. “Sophia? Yeah, she does. She has her our eyes. Me and Nicole.” He added, pointing to his sister. “Yep, that’s her. I know we do, but she’s a lot prettier.” He teased, laughing softly. “That’s my brother-in-law Connor, and that’s my nephew Nathan.” He pointed to the two blonds before taking the picture back once she had looked at it. “Nicole’s only a year younger than me and has her entire life sorted out...it’s insane.”

[warrenkenna]

“Then how about this.. I bring you your favorite beverage and I’ll just go soft for a night and have only a bottle of whiskey.” Emily mumbled, her hands reaching over to cup his face. “Hey now. I promise you, I won’t let you lose control Mr. Let me worry about everything – Anderson.” she said and pulled her hands back a failed attempt to make him laugh or even smile. Emily was known for speaking up her mind, even if that was considered to be too harsh. For her, the shit she had been through made her stronger.. or not. She was trying to get over all of her problems and the fact he was still so sad and heartbroken over his past relationship upset her. “Hey.. Bastard niece of the mayor here. He actually likes me, I don’t think you’ll be going to jail for my irresponsible ass..” she said, biting down on her bottom lip. Letting out a sigh, Emily looked at him. He was really not going to make things any easier. “You know I am not telling you to move on, right?” she asked, tilting her head on the side. “I am just trying to make you realize what a catch you are.” she nudged his side. “Besides.. you are already creating new memories. When was the last time you were breaking the law, doing something as dangerous as crossing on the rich side and meeting with a rich Bastard who is very pretty – there’s not question about that – to have coffee?” she asked, a wide grin forming on her face. “You are doing things. Just let nice things into your head. Remember the good stuff, you know? It’s going to get better as the time goes by.” It was like Emily didn’t just tell him her whole life story. As if she came up with some kind of story to make a point; she was completely numb. “Writing is your life.. and that’s great. I just believe you have your happy moments and I wish you could notice them as well. I promise you won’t regret it.”

[noahanderson25]

“If you bring a bottle of whiskey I won’t say no-I’m just saying I won’t get hammered off of my ass.” He teased, taken aback a little when she grabbed his face. “I really can’t help worrying so much, it’s just how I am.” He sighed, looking down before back up to her eyes. “It’s not fair that I wouldn’t be punished just because I know you.” He shrugged, reaching over to drink the last sip of his coffee. “I know...you’re just saying I need to stop worrying about everything and have fun. I honestly don’t know how. I had fun with my friends when I was younger, I think...but the stress kind of makes you forget that it’s possible to have fun. This is why it’s so hard for me to make friends.” He wasn’t joking, but once he did make friends it tended to go well. All of the ones he had made in recent years were all off doing their own thing, though. “I’m honestly not that much of a catch. I just scream baggage, I should have it tattooed on my forehead.” He chuckled, looking back over at her. “To be fair-I didn’t know I was going to run into you when I got here. I don’t find pleasure from breaking the law, just anxiety. However, I will admit, this has been fun...yes.” Noah admitted, feeling himself genuinely smile for the first time in a while. “Yeah, I remember the good stuff.” He nods, getting out his wallet to show Emily a picture of his sister, brother-in-law, niece and nephew. “Okay, like I said, I’ll try. This is a good of a night as any, since I’m trying to come up with a reason not to hate this night.”

[noahanderson25]

♥ 452

@noahanderson: Missing my little sister a lot today. Love you, Nicky. 

✎ 56

[warrenkenna]

“But I am. It makes things more fun – and let’s be honest here, who doesn’t want to forget crappy things in life? I am not an alcoholic, I just like a nice drink. Or two. I don’t lose control though, so no worries.” Emily said softly, hoping that he would believe her. It was true though, she wasn’t an alcoholic. Reaching out to poke his nose, a small smile formed on the girl’s lips. “Dude, relax. I am practically legal in Europe. No one has to know I am under-aged. Let that go poof from your mind, it’s not important.” she added, grinning widely at him. Placing the empty cup down on the table, Emily looked down at her own hands as he spoke. “You know, it’s time for you to loosen up a little bit. You can’t go on hating this day. That’s not process. Just do something about it, create new memories you know? It’s like being stuck in the past – tell me do you think you can live like that?” she asked, being completely honest with him. “If I had to live like you, I’d go on crying about my mother getting shot or my father dying in a very suspicious car accident – not mentioning the bitch witch of a step mother waiting for me at home. Do you think I should let those facts stop me from I don’t know.. having fun? Being myself and just living?” she mumbled, feeling kind of guilty to be throwing all that at him. She just wanted to make a point. “Look, Noah. I am going to come over tonight and you have to promise me that you will try to have fun. You don’t have to drink or anything like that. Just.. do something different other than sit there with me and dwell over the crappy past we’ve had.” she reached out to take his hand into hers, her eyes searching for his. “Can you at least try?”

[noahanderson25]

Noah was quiet, because he didn’t exactly know what to say to Emily. There was still so much about him she didn’t know, and he wasn’t ready to open up completely yet. “You may not lose control, but the Anderson’s are known to. It’s been an issue for me in the past.” Was all he could bring himself to say, as his eyes awkwardly scanned the floor. For both him and his sister, and there was also the fact that his dad was an alcoholic. Noah had never done anything to hurt someone else when drunk, but he’d put himself in danger plenty of times.  “Practically legal and legal aren’t the same thing, babe. I don’t plan on going to jail anytime soon.” Noah teased her, although he was serious about the not going to jail part. He sighed as she talked about him loosening up, because he got this talk from his sister all the time. “Give me time to heal,” he said quietly, narrowing his eyebrows as he looked over at her. “It’s been less than a year since my fiancee left me. I can’t get over that overnight. I’m not ready to be creating new memories, or if I am...I don’t know it.” He shrugged, rubbing the back of his neck. His entire nature was to respond to things defensively, he honestly couldn’t help it. When she mentioned her mother being shot, he placed his finger on his shirt above where the scar was from when he was shot. He couldn’t help but think of how painful that was, and how much he wished her mother didn’t have to go through that. “I am living...writing is my life, and I’m writing a lot. I’m a lot happier of a person when my sister is around.” He admitted, knowing that he just sounded like a pool of depression. He was trying, though, he really was. Noah listened to her, nodding as she took his hand. His eyes met hers for a minute before he sighed. “Yeah, I promise you that I will try.”