Noah and Jordan - 3. Chapter Three

*** NOAH ***

Today is one of those days when you simple feel great to be alive. Last night, after I don't know how long, I actually slept without waking up once. When I got up in the morning, not only did I feel well rested, but also full of energy. I haven’t felt this good in a long time. Plus, the sun is shining, there isn’t a cloud in the sky. The weather is great.

For most of the morning I stay indoors, but the weather is too nice to waste inside. Around noon, I grab some books and my bike and head out. I usually just go to a local park, sit under a tree and read for a while, but today I feel a bit more adventurous. Instead, I head out of the city. It takes about an hour, but the ride is totally worth it. This other park is absolutely beautiful. It's actually down a very steep and rocky hill and sits on the lake. On one side is a beach, full of children running and building sand castles. I head in the other direction. On the other side there are a bunch of boulders. Most people don’t come over here, because it’s not super safe. I slowly walk down the small hill, careful not to fall and split upon my skull. I find a boulder right beside the water and sit down. I take off my shoes and place them beside me. I dip my feet into the water, grab a book, and start to read.

I have one major problem when I start to read; I get lost in the book and completely forget about my surroundings or the time. At the moment I’m reading ‘Mrs. Dalloway’. I’m so engrossed in the book I don’t realize how many hours go by. When I finally look up I notice the beach is not as busy as it was before. Instead, just a bit further down a bunch of guys have started a volleyball game. My eyes drift to this one guy. He’s taller than the others, probably 6’2 or so, and well built. The muscles in his arm, exposed because of his sleeveless shirt, bulge every time he hits the ball. And he hits it a lot. He clearly is the leader of the group, or wants to be. He is so energetic, moving effortlessly across the makeshift court. I wonder if that is how Jordan plays.

For the most part the game is friendly, but things start to change. They enter into a very long rally. The ball has gone back and forth at least eight times. Neither side wants to be the one to lose this point. I can sense the passion rising in the guys, especially the tall one. The other team finally seems to get a break. The ball is set and a guy jumps up to hit it. It seems like he will slam it, but he doesn't. Instead he tips it over the net. The other team, the one with the tall guy, is caught off guard. The tall guy had moved back. But I see his feet flinch, and the next thing he is diving to the floor. This is going to be close. But he makes it. His arms reach the ball just before it touches the ground. I don’t know why but my heart is racing. This is pretty exciting. My eyes are glued to him as he gracefully gets up. The ball is still in play, and his team has little time to celebrate. The ball soon comes back over and is set again to the tall guy. I can see the determination in his eyes as he jumps up. His arm comes up, his bicep flexes, as he hits the ball. It flies over the net, landing with a thud on the other side. As he comes down his eyes relax and a smile crosses his face. His hands are in a fist and he pumps them up into the air. I can’t seem to take my eyes off of him. That’s when he looks my way. Even though I am far away, I quickly look away. I glance at my watch. Shit, it’s late. I grab my stuff and head back home.

By the time I get home I’m starving. I quickly grab a bunch of stuff from the fridge to make dinner. I could just warm up a frozen dinner, or make pasta, but that’s never really been my thing. I always like to cook. I don’t have time to be fancy today, so it has to be a simple meal. While chopping up vegetables I start to think back to the volleyball game, and that guy. That reminds me of Jordan. I wonder how he’s doing with his crutches, or if he’s eaten anything. Why do I care if he’s eaten? For some reason, I do. I can’t imagine it is easy living alone in a small dorm. I should call him. Nah, he probably doesn’t want to hear from me.

It only takes about half an hour to prepare dinner. I throw some food onto a plate and plop down onto the couch. I’m about to eat when I start to feel guilty. I wonder if Jordan ate anything all day. I don’t know why I feel guilty. I don’t owe him anything. He’s a grown guy, and I’m sure he can manage. But still, I should at least check. I grab my phone.

"Hey.”

It’s nice hearing his voice. "Hi, Jordan. It's me, Noah."

“How are you, buddy?”

“I'm alright. The real question is how are you?”

“Oh, I'm fine. My foot feels much better now actually. And before you ask, I’ve been following the doctor’s instructions.”

“That’s good to hear.”

“Thank you so much for last night, I really owe you,” he says.

“You don’t owe me anything. How are you getting along with those crutches?"

“That’s a different story. Just getting by. It’s been a bit hard getting out of bed and moving around, but I’ll get used to it ... I hope.”

“Have you eaten anything all day?”

“I had some leftovers.”

“When was that?” I ask.

“Around four, I think.”

“It’s now eight. Do you have something to eat for dinner?” I have no idea why I’m asking all these questions. This is so not like me.

“No, I don’t. I’ll probably just hop down to the cafeteria in a bit.”

“I can bring you something if you’d like. I just made dinner.”

“I couldn't ask you to do that,” he says.

“You didn't, I offered.”

“Honestly man, don’t go out of your way for me.”

“Jordan, you don’t have to be formal with me. Are you hungry?”

He pauses before answering. “Yes.”

“Well, then I’m bringing you food. I made way too much anyway, so I need someone to help me finish all of this!” Again, this is so not like me at all! I would never be this bold with anyone else, save Jenn. But a part of me wants to see him again. I know I shouldn’t go. This is all so stupid. But I really want to.

“Thank you, Noah.”

“No worries. See you soon.”

I pack a couple of things, hop on my bike and head over. I’m at his place in no time. Luckily, someone is leaving when I arrive so I’m able to walk right in. I make my way to the second floor. There is no elevator here. Last night, helping Jordan up the stairs took a lot out of me! I raise my hand and knock on the door.

“Give me a minute …” he shouts. I can hear a bit of sound coming from the other side. He clearly is still getting used to the crutches.

“Take your time.” I yell back.

A few seconds later the door swings open. A smiling Jordan is hoping on the spot. He decided to ditch the crutches.

“Come on in,” he says as he tries to hop out of the way. But instead it seems like he is about to fall. I quickly grab his arm. “Thanks, man.”

“How about you not break your other foot.”

*** JORDAN ***

I want him to come over. But I don’t want it to be obvious that I want him to come over. What the fuck is wrong with me? I’m acting like a teenage girl. I don’t play games. I’m a grown man! I don’t know why I’m over thinking this so much. He’s just another guy from school. I’m usually so relaxed about all of this. Socializing comes easy to me. I don’t know why I’m acting like an idiot.

I look around my tiny room. It’s a mess. Usually when John or Caleb come over I don’t care. But this is the first time Noah will actually spend time in my ‘home’. I should at least try to clean up. I hop around the room, trying to put some stuff away, but it’s not much use. It’s really hard to manoeuvre with only one good foot. I give up and sit back down.

Moments later I hear a knock on the door. Great, I left my crutches by the other wall. Not that they’re far. This room is tiny! Screw it, I can make it to the door without them.

“Come on in,” I say as I try to move away from the door. Shit, I'm about to fall! Phew! Noah grabs my arm. “Thanks, man.”

“How about you not break your other foot,” he says with a smile.

“I’ll try not to. Take a seat …” I look around. The chair is hidden under a pile of clothes. “Ah, I guess here on the bed.”

“I’m okay. I just came to drop this off. It should still be warm, so you might want to eat now. I brought some utensils too, in case you need those, and a couple of bottles of water.”

“I’m going to be indebted to you forever, you know that right.”

“Oh, I know. I’m keeping a list,” he says with a smile. “Alright, enjoy. I’ll see you around.”

“Wait, you’re not going to eat?”

“No, I’m okay,” he says as he moves toward the door.

“Have you eaten yet?”

“No. Not yet. I’ll eat when I get back home.”

“So, wait, you’re telling me you made dinner, didn’t eat, and instead came here to drop food off, and now will go back and eat a cold dinner?”

“Ah, yeah, but it's not a big deal.”

“Dude you’re killing me! I can’t eat this if you haven’t eaten yet. I insist you join me and have some.”

“But there isn’t that much.”

“There is plenty for both of us. I’m not letting you leave. And besides, I really do hate eating alone.” I say trying to make the saddest face possible.

He laughs. "Alright, I'll stay. But that list just got longer.”

“I can live with that,” I say.

“Out of curiosity, does that attempt at making a sad face actually work on anyone?” he asks sitting down on the bed.

“Worked on you, didn’t it?”

“Fair point,” he says with a smile.

It’s only when I start eating that I realize just how hungry I am. Plus, this food is amazing. “Dude, this is awesome. You made all this?”

"Yeah, sorry it’s so simple.”

“What do you mean simple!? This is fantastic! You should see what I cook. And when I say cook, I mean warming up instant noodles. THAT is simple.”

“I’m glad you like it. So, what have you been up to today?”

“I started reading ‘Mrs. Dalloway’!”

“So did I. How do you like it so far?" Noah asks.

“It’s good. Clarissa Dalloway is an interesting character. She seems obsessed with throwing this dinner party. I wonder how it will end up.”

“Yeah, she is interesting. And so is the soldier in the book Septimus.”

“There is a whole topic we can present on him, on mental illness and the First World War.”

“True. Then there is the whole sexuality question about Clarissa as well.”

My hand stops midway between my mouth and the plate. I look up at him. “What do you mean?”

He stops eating. His eyes go wide. “Shit, you haven’t gotten to that part yet, have you?”

“I guess not.”

“Sorry, man. Didn’t mean to ruin it for you. I won’t say anymore.”

But now I’m curious. “Now I have to know. What do you mean her sexuality?”

“You really want me to ruin it for you?” Noah asks.

“Go for it.”

“Well, the whole marriage to Richard. Does she really love him, or is it out of convenience because, you know, she really is gay.”

I stare intently at Noah while he talks. He says the last few words casually while looking down at his plate. “I didn’t see that coming.”

“Have you ever heard of 'The Hours' by Michael Cunningham?”

“Yeah isn't it a movie with ... uh …”

“Nicole Kidman. She won an Oscar for it.”

“Right, I never saw it but I remember hearing about it,” I say.

“His book is based on ‘Mrs. Dalloway’. I won't say anything more, but that's something to look out for.”

“Alright, now I’m even more interested.”

“Oh, I forgot to mention,” Noah says looking up at me. “I saw this really intense volleyball game down by the beach. It reminded me of you.”

“Why is that?”

“Because you play volleyball …”

“Right, of course. D’uh! Those could have been my teammates. They mentioned they were going to go down this weekend to practice. I was going to go as well, but, you know.”

“They were really good. There was this one guy, he was taller than the rest. He was really good. But …”

“But what?”

“I don’t know. I don’t know the rules well, but it felt like he didn’t trust his teammates. At first, I thought he just moved a lot, but it felt like he was everywhere, like he didn’t trust others, so he went after the ball himself. And he did scold one guy for missing what he thought was an easy shot. Or at least that’s what it looked like from where I was sitting.”

“You’re probably talking about Sebastian. He’s a good player, but he can be a bit intense at times.”

“He’s probably not as good as you, I’m sure.”

“Ha! You haven’t seen me play yet. When my leg is better I’m inviting you to a game.”

“Sound good, man.”

I have no idea where the time goes. After we’re done eating, we talk for a few hours. The conversation just flows so naturally with him. When he is gone, I curl back up into bed and grab my book. What he said really intrigued me. Could Clarissa be gay? Well, there is only one way to find out.

*** NOAH ***

When I’m with Jordan I have no idea where the times goes. I was shocked when I realized it was close to midnight! I thought I would just spend a few minutes at his place, drop off some food and leave. But instead I ended up staying a few hours. I really hope I don’t come across as some creepy stalker. Or even worse, someone who has no life or other friends. I really should stop spending so much time with him. But I have to admit, it was nice not to eat dinner alone.

Technically, we also did get some work done. We talked about the book and some possible ideas. Though, I do feel bad. I kind of ruined the novel for him. It really irritates me when people give away the ending of a book. His reaction was interesting though when I said Clarissa, the main character in the book, could be gay. It took him by surprise. I found his reaction a bit odd. It was like I said she transforms into a monster. Maybe he’s homophobic. I guess I’ll find out when we talk again later.

Before I hop on my bike I take out my phone to check the time. That’s when I notice I have a dozen missed calls. Shit! Jenn. The movie! We rescheduled for tonight. I was supposed to meet her at nine o’clock! How did I forget? She is going to be pissed. I should call her.

“Where the hell have you been!?” I can actually hear the foam bubbling at the corner of her mouth when she answers the phone.

“I’m so sorry, Jenn.”

“Sorry? I waited for like an hour outside the theatre for you. I called you like a billion times! Where were you? And it better be good, like saving a drowning person or something.”

“Uh, no, no drowning person ... I um … I actually forgot.”

That's weird. I don't hear any screaming. Perhaps I've gone deaf with fear. After a few seconds I can hear hissing as she slowly exhales through her clenched teeth.

“So, what you were just at home ignoring my calls?” It isn’t really a question, more of an accusation.

“I went to the lake this morning and I put my phone on silent. I forgot to turn the volume back on. And then at night I went to … um …” I don’t want to tell her this part.

“You went to …” I can tell by the edge in her voice she means business. There is no skating around this topic.

“I went to see Jordan.” I say quickly.

“What did he break his other foot?”

“No.”

“So then, what did your boyfriend need this time?” Ouch, she really is angry. Not that I blame her.

“I called him to see if he wanted me to drop off some food. I figured it would be difficult for him to go out and get something.”

“And what did he say, sure why not, come on down and bring me food? There’s a word for people like that, leech.”

“It's not like that at all, Jenn. I offered. I felt bad for him.”

“Look, it’s nice of you to care. But he’s a grown man, I’m sure he can fend for himself. This doesn’t even sound like the Noah I know. What happened to the shy, anti-social guy? Heck, it took you days to really start talking to me!”

“I’m kind of surprising myself too. I’m maturing, all thanks to your guidance.” Might as well try to throw a compliment her way.

“Nice try, that’s not going to work. You should have called me.”

“I know I should have, and I’m really sorry I didn't.”

“You forget me, but you didn’t forget to check up on your charity work.”

“He's not charity work, he's just a classmate,” I say.

“I hope he’s more than a classmate. I hope at least the two of you are friends.”

Are we friends? I don’t know. I guess you could call him that. I'm not helping him to become friends. I'm helping him because it’s the right thing to do. And deep down because … well that doesn’t matter.

“All that matters is that we are friends and that you’re not mad at me anymore,” I say.

“Who said I’m not angry? I’m pissed.”

While she talks I start to smile. I know Jenn. Sure, she is angry now, but she’ll be fine in half an hour. “You can act all tough, but I know you love me.”

“Wait a minute, your story doesn't add up.”

“What do you mean?" I ask.

“You said you went to drop off food. It’s now close to midnight. Where have you been since?”

“I ended up staying and having dinner with him …” I don’t know why but I blush when I say this. I’m so glad Jenn is not here to see me!

“Ah, it was a date.”

“Ha ha ha, you're so funny. It was just dinner, some food I made, whatever.”

“You cooked for him, how sweet. You've never made dinner for me!”

“I didn’t cook FOR him. I cooked, and took some over. And I’ve made you food dozens of times!”

“But you've never brought it over to my place.”

“Next time I’ll bring it over as well. Happy?”

“No. But it's a start. Look, I’m just giving you a hard time. I’m glad you're hanging out with other people, you need to make some more friends. But listen closely mister, if you ever ditch me again, and I don't care who it's for, then you’ll see what happens.”

“I promise I won't ditch you again.”

“Twice in a week too! Mark my words, boy!”

“I hear you.” I knew Jenn wouldn’t stay angry for too long.

———

Normally I don’t care what I wear to school. I should, but I don’t. Not to say I dress like a slob. I think I have a decent style. Today I put on a pair of black skinny jeans that fit just perfectly. I throw on a fitted blue long-sleeve shirt, because everything I own apparently is blue. So not formal, but not super casual either. I actually combed and styled my hair to. That’s a first for me. Usually I just run my fingers through and let the strands fall wherever they want. I also trimmed my facial hair, keeping it very short, and cleaning up the lines.

Why did I spend an hour getting ready today? No real reason. I just felt like it. Sometimes it feels good when you put in a bit of effort. Besides, I got up early today. I’m not sure what changed but those sleepless nights are gone. No more weird dreams, no waking up in the middle of the night. I’ve actually made it to all of my classes on time this week. I was even early for my class this morning.

“You got a haircut!” Jenn says as she walks into the classroom.

“Yep, I went yesterday.” Normally, I don’t get a fancy haircut, but I felt I could use a change. I got it cut short on the side, but kept it longer on top. I used gel to comb it back and keep it all in place.

“And is that gel in your hair?” Jenn asks surprised.

“Yeah …”

“I didn’t think you knew there was such a thing as gel.”

“Ha ha ha.”

“No, seriously. I’ve known you for three years. This is the first time I’ve ever seen you use gel, or style your hair, for that matter. It looks really good!”

“Thanks, Jenn.”

“You even tidied your facial hair. Ah, I see what’s going on.”

“There is nothing going on,” I say.

“Who is she?”

“Who is who?” I ask confused.

“Clearly, you’re trying to impress some girl,” she says.

She's not far off. “The only person I’m trying to impress is you, and clearly I have.”

Just then the professor starts talking. Perfect timing. It shuts down her line of inquiry. After class we go for lunch. After we eat we normally part ways. I head to my English class, while she goes in the opposite direction for a politics class. But today she says she will escort me to my building.

“But you’ll have to run across campus to make it to your class on time,” I say to her.

“I’ll be fine,” she says with a smirk.

She is up to something.

“Okay, I’m here, safe and sound,” I say as we near the building. “Thank you for walking the dangerous streets with me. You may run off now.”

“I still have time,” she says. “I’ll walk you to class.”

“Is there something you need to say or ask me?” She is being really weird.

“No, not really,” she says looking around.

Then it hits me. I know why she walked me to class.

“You really are a loser, I hope you know that.”

“Shut up,” she says smacking my arm. Wow she is a violent one today!

“I know why you’re here. You want to meet him. I assure you, he’s real.”

“Meet who? I have no idea what you're talking about Noah. I'm just walking you to class.”

“Sure, Jenn.”

Just then I see Jordan come around the corner on his crutches. I don’t think I need to point him out. Jenn leans in closer to me as he approaches. “Thank God, he’s real!” she whispers rather loudly.

I roll my eyes. “Satisfied? You can leave now.” I say as I try to lightly push her. But she doesn’t move.

Instead she leans closer towards me. “Wow, he’s a hot one! Maybe you should introduce me?”

“You’re really trying your luck. I think it’s time to leave,” I say.

“Fine, fine, I'm going. See you, later.” She starts to walk away, but suddenly stops and turns around. “Oh, and don’t forget Noah, tonight is date night!” She really is loud. I think everyone in the hallway heard her.

I nod as she turns around and walks off. That girl is going to get me into a lot of trouble one day.

*** JORDAN ***

He looks different today. The way he’s dressed. His hair ...

“Haircut?” I ask Noah as we take a seat at the back of the classroom.

“Yeah.”

“It looks really good man.” It really does suit him. He looks sharp.

“Thanks. How’s your foot?” Noah asks.

"Good! I’m starting to get a hang of these crutches. The first few days were tricky, to say the least.”

"Yeah, I know. I broke a bone in my foot when I was in high school and had them for a few weeks.”

“How did you break your foot? A sports injury?"

He laughs at my question. “Sports and I do not go together. You would think I would hurt myself playing sports, seeing how I'm a hazard not only to myself, but everyone around me. I’m not athletic in any sense of the word. No, I fell down the stairs actually."

“That doesn’t sound fun,” I say.

“No, it wasn’t.”

“So, if you weren’t the sporty guy in high school … let me guess ... you were the nerdy kid?”

“All the way. I was the kid who always got picked last in gym class. You know, I shouldn’t tell you this but I will, once I was playing volleyball and the ball was coming towards me. I saw it, and I called it. I got ready, put my hands up to volley the ball. Everyone was watching me. And I don’t know why, but I sort of froze. I didn’t hit the ball. Instead it smacked me right in the head. No one said anything for a few seconds. I think everyone, including myself, was in disbelief! I was utterly embarrassed, and my head hurt! Needless to say that didn’t help my reputation in gym class.”

I really try hard not to laugh, but I can’t. I can just imagine the ball smacking him in the face.

“I’m sorry, I know I shouldn’t laugh. It happens all the time on the court,” I say.

“Go ahead, you aren’t the first person to laugh. I know it’s funny. And you don’t have to humour me, I know it doesn’t happen all the time. I don’t harbour any ill will towards my old peers for not picking me. Heck, if I was them I probably wouldn't have picked me either!”

"Well, if you ever need volleyball lessons I'd be more than willing to help out. It is the least I can do to repay you. You can drop by anytime.” Deep down inside I hope one day he takes me up on that offer.

“You could probably teach a rabbit to play volleyball better than me. Trust me, I've given up on sports.”

“I'm sure I could teach you how to play,” I say.

“This isn't a comment on your teaching skills, but rather my lack of hand-eye coordination. Honestly, I’m a lost cause.”

“You know what, that sounds like a challenge, and I have to tell you, I'm quite competitive and love challenges.”

“Even with both of my legs, and you on crutches, I still think you could easily beat me.”

“Well, challenge accepted. When my foot is better, I’m teaching you how to play volleyball. Deal?” I extend my hand to shake on it.

“Deal,” he says shaking my hand. “Your funeral.”

The entire time we've been talking there has been something else on my mind. I want to know who that girl was in the hall.

“So, if you don’t mind me asking … who was that girl outside of class?”

“Oh, that was just Jenn —”

He doesn’t finish. He’s cut off by the professor. Stupid prof! What awful timing. I have a name, but I have no idea who this ‘Jenn’ is. Whoever she is the two of them are definitely close, she was practically hanging off of him. She did say they’re going on a date tonight. She’s probably his girlfriend. Though, I’m pretty sure he told me he doesn’t have a girlfriend. Maybe they just got together? I can't imagine I would be the first person he would tell about his love life.

Finally, after two hours the professor decides to let our souls rest in peace. Noah starts to put away his things. I want to ask him about that girl again, but I decide against it. I don’t want to be intrusive, and he seems to have forgotten about the conversation. Instead, he starts about our English presentation.

“Which way are you going?” he asks as we exit the classroom.

“I’m done for the day so was going to head to the gym. We have volleyball practice today, but I need to talk to my coach about my foot.”

“That’s on my way. I’ll walk with you,” Noah says.

“Sure.”

“Here, let me take those.” He tries to grab my binder and book from my hand.

“It's okay, I got it.”

“You barely have the crutches, let alone your books. It will make your life much easier.”

“Thanks.” Honestly, he is pampering me way too much. I almost feel like we’re in high school and he is offering to carry my books between classes, you know, how guys always end up carrying their girlfriends' books. Not to say he’s like my boyfriend.

“So, as I was saying …” As we walk, or well he walks, and I hop, he tells me about his presentation idea. But we are soon interrupted.

“Hey, Jordan!” As we get closer to the gym I notice Sebastian, the captain of our team.

“Hey, Sebastian. How are you?”

“Not bad man. I heard about your foot. I was hoping it wasn't as bad as the other guys said … but this doesn't look good. We have our first game in a few days!”

“I know and I really want to be there. But unfortunately, I’m going to have to sit this one out.” While talking I notice Sebastian look at Noah. Noah, on the other hand, is looking at the floor. “Oh, sorry, Sebastian this is my friend Noah, and Noah this is our team captain, Sebastian.”

“Hey, Noah, nice to meet you,” Sebastian says extending his hand out.

“Nice to meet you too,” Noah says rather softly.

“Sebastian is really good. You should see him in action. Oh, wait, you did. He’s the guy you were telling me about the other day at the beach.”

As I say this I can tell I’ve embarrassed Noah. His cheeks flush red and he looks away from both of us. Sebastian on the other hand is beaming. He can be a bit cocky.

“Well, I'm not the only great player on the team. Trust me Noah, this guy is really modest about how good he is. You really should see this guy play. Anyways, I have to run. I have to talk to the coach about what to do now that you're out.”

“Wait up, I'm just coming in right after you.” I say. “Thanks for all of your help with my books,” I say as I take them back from Noah. “We should continue planning on Friday about the presentation?”

“Sure, take care,” Noah says.

“It was nice meeting you,” Sebastian says to Noah.

“Same. Bye guys.”