•28•

Noah

I've never liked or been able to stand Matt, but as my mother always reminds me, family comes first. I wasn't looking forward to this dinner with him or to be celebrating anything associated to him, but a night out couldn't harm me or anyone, or so I hoped. The only plus side to this would be seeing my sisters and my parents. Dixie didn't want to be at her apartment, so I left her at my place to watch TV, study, and bake. She insisted on getting me to try her famous "strawberry almond macaron cookies."

"Are you going to get him a present?" she asked as she whisked the batter together. I'm not much of a baker, but whatever.

I replied, "My presence should be enough for him." No one really realizes how much I despise him. I'm not saying I wouldn't save him if he was dying, but I don't want to be affiliated with someone who is so self-centered and unpleasant to everyone he encounters.

"I know you don't like him," she sighed and glanced up at me, "but I think you should at least get him a card or a bottle of wine. After all, it's his birthday," she explained. This woman, and her heart, would be the final nail in my coffin, figuratively of course.

I gave in and said, "I'll get him a card." He should be thankful that I have an angel on my side, or else, I would have arrived empty-handed.

"You look great, and the black truly suits you and puts everything together," she smirked. I could see her nipples becoming more erect and straining through the loose blouse she was wearing, and I would have catered to her needs if I hadn't been busy. She's always aroused at the moments like these.

"I appreciate it," I said with a smile. Maybe it's just me, but I feel complete everytime she compliments me on my physical or mental state in a positive way. I've seen "getting butterflies" connected with ladies only a few times, but while with her, I've been receiving millions of butterflies. It's also absurd because she was only supposed to be submissive, and now I can't imagine my existence without her. It's undoubtedly dawned on her that I haven't yet asked her to be my girlfriend, but patience is virtue. Everything will fall into place when it should.

"Good," she said "you'll be late, so get going and have fun."

"What are you going to eat and lock the doors when I leave, I have my keys." I had to make sure that was safe before I left. It wouldn't stop me from worrying or sending random messages to her occasionally but just for settled nerves.

"I'll find something to eat and yes I will," she said "Bye now baby."

"Bye," I said giving her a quick kiss and entering the car.

•-•-•-•-•-•-•

That lady in the store was unpleasant and didn't seem to be able to take a hint. She started to flirt when all I wanted was a happy birthday card. It's almost as if a man can't be uncomfortable around a woman without being branded as him being a "jerk."She was continually touching me and making rude remarks. I had to fend her off, and other people assisted me as well; thank God for them.

However, I received the card and was now parked in front of my parents' house. I noticed four to six other cars parked nearby, which led me to believe that our grandparents were also here, or that she had invited some of Matt's colleagues or his close friends. This evening was already turning out to be fantastic.

I approached the door and started knocking. Yes, it was my parents' house, but I wasn't the type to just open a door that I hadn't owned.

"Noah," my mother exclaimed as she drew me in for a hug. "I'm glad you made it and you didn't have to knock silly," she laughed as I walked in. My mother appeared to be bright and radiant, which made my heart swell. When she was happy, it made me happy too.

"Hey mom, yes I did," I said, kissing her on the cheek. "Of course I made it, I missed you."

"I missed you too sweetheart."

I went to greet others around the party while she went to the kitchen. Thank God, Matt was nowhere to be found, and my father was still upstairs. I went to the sitting area and spotted some of Matt's other friends, including my beloved sisters.

"Noah got me a car for my birthday in October," Tatum screamed, "so I think Matt's getting something really good or not. They don't have the best relationship."

"Tatum," I stated firmly, a little startling to her.

"Noah, you're here!" she said quietly. She screamed and dashed over to hug me. Tatum was one of the people I loved the most in the world, as obnoxious as she was.

"Hello, and yes, I am," I said with a smile. "Haley, what's the matter with you?" Haley, my other sister, was always the talkative one, so her silence surprised me.

"I don't want to be here," she grumbled, "and Matt doesn't even like me," she added, "but hi Noah, it's great to see you." I took a seat on the couch after she greeted me with an embrace. Present were a few other people there who I recognized as Matt's friends or neighbors.

"It's okay, Hals," I reassured, "the night will be over soon, just do it for mom and dad."

"Fine," she said with a little chuckle and went away. I'm not sure where she went because this is a large estate, but she'll be back soon.

We sat and talked for a while until I realized I hadn't texted Dixie to let her know I got here safely. I knew she worried about me when we weren't together, since I do the same.

Noah Beck: hey love, I got to my parents house around 15 minutes ago, sorry for not texting sooner. I got caught up in the mixing and mingling.

Dixie D'Amelio: i was worried about you for a second and i'm glad you're safe and socializing. have fun.

Noah Beck: i will thanks, what are you doing?

Dixie D'Amelio: cooking dinner and finishing up my cookies.

Noah Beck: leave some dinner for me too and be safe.

Dixie D'Amelio: okay, you too bye babe.

Noah Beck: text you in a few. bye my love.

Maybe commitment wasn't as horrible as I thought it was; our texts were short and sweet. Things were changing, and she was shifting my entire outlook on life and what I believed was valuable. I can't believe I'm changing for a woman, but granted, she's mine. All mine.

When Matt arrived, my mother summoned us to the dining room. He appeared properly groomed and cared for for the first time in a long time. I wasn't complaining because he didn't give off the creepy vibes he usually does. After all, I'll probably have a good time tonight.

"He doesn't look too shabby," Haley whispered in my ear, causing us to bust out laughing. Everyone in the room, including our parents, turned to face us. This was embarrassing, yet it brought back memories of our adolescent and childhood years. It brought back a lot of happy memories.

"Care to share the joke?" mum asked, casting a serious glance at the two of us.

"No," we both agreed, "we're good."

"I thought so," she scoffed at us before returning her attention to the dinner. Amy, as wonderful as she was, was very high on the "time and place" issue, but she was also a cool mother. As every parent does, she instilled great principles in us and herself.

We all got seated and the dinner was being served by waiters and waitresses. Matt was at the head of the table and everyone filled in between.

"Well, Matt," Dad said, "how's it doing at that school?" Matt wasn't his father's biological kid, but he loved and treated him like one.

"It's going well, dad," he said as he bit into his food. "Just a lot of work and assessments, as well as other things." He left out a lot of information, but I'm sure this wasn't dinner conversation.

"That's excellent; keep up the good job, son," says dad. He gave Matt a friendly grin before turning his gaze to me.

"Thank you, dad," Matt said.

"How have things been at school for you, Noah?" I had a feeling this would turn around to me.

"It's great; psychology is a lot of fun to teach there, and my students are great," I said, "I still have my other businesses and ventures outside of the school, but it's all good," I boasted.

Dad smiled and added, "Proud of you, my son, keep it up."

I said, "I love you dad, and thank you," and began eating. Looking across to Matt, he appeared to be a little offended when dad told him he was proud of me. Matt's problem was that he was always trying to outdo me instead of spending that time to better himself. He was always in a competition with me, while I was out here creating my own reputation and brand. Even on my darkest days, the two of us are incomparable. He knows it, I know it, and everyone else in the room knows it as well.

"Are there any women?" mom asked.

"I'm not interested in dating right now, mom," he remarked, abruptly ending the conversation. He was well aware that his gaze was drawn to the school's very young and minored students, so he wasn't looking. Another reason I dislike him is because of this.

"Aww," she sighed, "don't worry about it," she comforted him as she resumed her meal.

The conversation over dinner was stale and unpleasant, but that was to be anticipated. This evening was just a group of adults conversing about life over a delicious meal. This was not something that should have been expected.

"The best thing is—." Matt's friend Nola began to speak, but was cut off by the loud ring of my phone. I was surprised as well, but when I looked at the caller ID, I noticed Dixie's number.

"Noah," my mother replied severely, a puzzled expression on her face.

"Sorry, I have to take this," I nervously giggled as I walked from the table to the phone. Dixie would not have called unless she was bored, needed, or in danger.

"Sorry for calling, but is the stove supposed to have a red light when I'm done using it?" she said. She needed help with something, as I had predicted.

"That light is only to show you that the surface is off, but it's still hot. You will see a blue light after it has cooled, and don't apologize baby."

"Thank you, and I'll talk to you later," she added as she hung up the phone.

Before I re-entered the room, I had to let my wide smile wear off for a few moments. The last thing I wanted was for my family to become involved in the search for the mystery girl. I stepped in after about 10 minutes to hear Haley and Matt arguing. This was a common occurrence, although never in front of Mom or Dad.

Haley rolled her eyes at him and replied, "I don't care."

He retorted, "You should care, but whatever." You could see he was angry, and anger like that needed to be addressed right away.

"Everyone stop," I said, and the room fell silent.

"But Noah-," Haley said, with her expressions dropped a little.

"This night isn't perfect," I murmured, staring at her. "I'm sure we all have better things to do, but we're already here, so get use to it. Regardless of your affections for each other, there's no need to be openly nasty and loud, especially in front of your parents," I said, my tone harsh.

My parents were pleased that I spoke up, but they were also surprised. They'd never seen me get so enraged at Haley before, but I couldn't yell at one while ignoring the other. The people in front of us would think it was strange.

They exchanged apologies and went about their business for the rest of the night. The hired employees cleared the plates when dinner was finished. This entire set was well done; Dixie liked décor and I'm sure she'd be enthralled by it if she were here with me.

Mom brought out the cake, and we all began singing him happy birthday. Aside from the bickering, the night went down without a hitch. Even more reason to love it: Matt and I kept a friendly distance from each other, and no one questioned me about anything.

As he sipped his scotch, Dad added, "Now it's time for everyone to give a wish to Matt and hand him your gift." That's where we get our alcohol addiction from.

This was something I dreaded. I didn't have anything nice to say to Matt, and I wasn't going to lie to make him feel better; that wasn't me, but I did have something planned in my head. Mom was the first to speak, and she was tearful, as expected. After all, he was her firstborn, albeit not her favorite. We all know I'm the favorite child, but that's a discussion for another day. Dad followed, and his was similarly brief and beautiful. They didn't really know their kid, which explains why they were so complimentary of him, but it wasn't my place to air anyone's dirty laundry. It was now my turn to speak, and I really didn't want to, but I had to.

"Happy Birthday, Matt! I having a great birthday and that you will become a changed person. I got you a card," I said with a smile, handing it to him. He didn't seem pleased, but that isn't my issue.

"Thank you, Noah," he said, feigning a smile, "but a changed person?"

"Yes, exactly what I said," she says. "I didn't suggest you were a bad person," I said, "but everyone has space for improvement." Why, of all people, was he trying to provoke a fight with me? I wasn't the one who was put to the test or treated badly.

He couldn't say anything except grin and direct his attention to another person at the table. Matt was about to meet his maker, but I just wanted to get out of here. I said my goodbyes to everyone and returned to my apartment.