Noah and Jordan - 4. Chapter Four

*** NOAH ***

Well, that was embarrassing. I can’t believe I actually blushed! I’m such an idiot. It was just the way Sebastian smiled when he heard that I had been talking about him. I wanted to crawl into a hole and never come out. Clearly there is no limit to how many times I can make a fool of myself.

I start to walk off campus towards the movie theatre. We aren’t scheduled to meet for another hour, but I want to get there early. I do not plan on standing up Jenn again. She was relatively easy on me before, but I know I’m walking on thin ice.

Seeing how it’s Wednesday, the theatre isn’t busy. We agreed to meet at six, but there is no sign of Jenn yet. Half an hour later, still no sign of her. Of course, she doesn’t answer her phone, or respond to any of my messages. I think this is pay back. I kind of deserve it. She arrives at seven.

“Hey, Jenn. You made it!”

“We agreed to meet at seven, right?” she asks trying to sound innocent. She isn’t fooling anyone.

“Six, or seven, it doesn’t really matter,” I say. “Well played.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” she says with a smile.

Much to my dismay, and I’m sure her evil delight, she picks a chick flick. I want to argue with her, I even have an entire argument prepared on why we should see a different film, but I decide to let it go.

In terms of the movie, well, the next two hours are a slow, dull, painful death. You long for death but it never comes, it is always just a bit further then the tip of your finger. You would think a romantic comedy would at least have some funny scenes. Nope, not this one. Well, at least in all of this there is one highlight, a silver lining; I can tell Jenn is also miserable.

“So, did you enjoy the movie?” I ask when we’re out of the theatre.

“Best movie ever,” she says with a forced smile. “Oscar worthy, no?”

“If they give Oscars for worst movie of the year, then yes. Spare me, I know you hated it.”

“Holy crap, I didn't think it would ever end! Both the guy and the girl were so annoying. I was actually hoping they wouldn't get together,” she says throwing her hands up in the air.

“If I was that guy I would have dumped that girl in the first five minutes of the movie and run. She was such high maintenance, just like you.”

“Ha ha, you're so funny. Trust me, I'm not high maintenance. You should see some of the other girls I know and what they make their boyfriends do for them. And if you want to talk about high maintenance, then look no further than your previous girlfriend, Stacey. SHE was the definition of high maintenance.”

I clearly remember all of the drama with Stacey. When we first got together it was a lot of fun. We would go out, talk, laugh, and have a good time. That only really lasted for a few weeks. A month in and she never wanted to go out. Or she would always want to go at the most inconvenient time. She also became so picky about where we would go. Nothing was good enough for her. And if I was busy, like writing an exam, then I was avoiding her on purpose. Yet, despite the fact that I was utterly miserable, I hung on. Jenn tried to intervene several times. She could tell just how depressed I was. But I didn’t listen. Being with Stacey was safe. I knew her and I had gotten used to being with her. Plus, breaking up would mean I would have to deal with emotions I wasn’t ready to think about. And so I hung on until she dumped me.

“I guess I have a type,” I say hitting her softly on the arm. “And what are you going to do? Us guys just have to put up with your kind,” I say.

“I know, that's the leverage we hold over you guys. You're stuck with us. Unless you just all ditch us and jump boat, hook up with a guy instead,” she says.

I know she isn’t saying that directly to me. She was rambling as usual. But it really hit home. The first thought that came to my head was of Jordan. But I quickly get his image out of my brain and look at Jenn. “Why don’t I push you off a boat?”

“You're so funny! Sadly, you're even funnier than that damn movie! Does the director even know what romantic comedy means? It should at least be partly funny!”

“Well, it serves you right for trying to get back at me. You just wasted two hours of your life too.” Seeing how annoyed she is with herself it feels like I kind of won in the end.

“True, but at least I got to see some hot shirtless men in the movie. You want to know who else is really hot?” she asks bumping her shoulder into mine.

“Who?” I say without much enthusiasm.

“Jordan.”

Not this again. I wish she would just drop this subject. All I say in response is “uh-huh”.

“When are you going to introduce me?”

“To the psychiatric doctor you desperately need to see?” I ask to annoy her.

“Hilarious. I mean introduce me to Jordan!”

“You really are crazy if you think that's going to happen.”

“Why? He's single. I’m single. Clearly you like hanging out with him so he has to be half-decent. I don’t see the problem.”

“I'm not a match maker. And besides, he just got out of a serious relationship. I don't think he's ready to jump back in just yet.”

I have no idea if that is even true, but it could be! I don't want Jenn hooking up with Jordan for a number of reasons. It would be weird if they hooked up because … you know … because it would be weird! I would be the odd one out. And besides, he is an outside friend, someone not in my regular circle of people. I would rather keep both spheres separate for now. And say if it doesn’t work out? Or say if he declines to go out with her? That will make everything awkward. Clearly it is in everyone's best interest to drop this topic. But knowing Jenn I know she won't. She will get herself at least introduced one way or another.

*** JORDAN ***

I really should pay attention. Look at Noah. Man, he is a nerd. He is listening so intensely to the professor. I could probably throw a piece of paper at his head and he wouldn’t notice. Hmm, I wonder if he would notice. I shouldn’t. Oh, but it would be so much fun. I carefully rip a piece of paper out of my book and quietly scrunch it into a ball. So far, nothing. He is still listening to the prof. Slowly, I bring my arm up over the table and toss it towards his head. Bull’s eye!

He turns and looks at me with what I can only describe as a bewildered look. That’s when I notice his eyes. How have I not noticed before? They are the most striking hazel colour I have ever seen. They are light brown, yet almost greenish. How did I miss that? He just shakes his head and turns around.

Clearly he noticed.

I’m about to grab the ball when Noah picks it up. He lightly tosses it forward, hitting the guy sitting in front of us. The guy turns around, confused. Noah just looks at me again with that same bewildered look. Of course, the guy thinks I threw the ball! I quietly mouth ‘sorry’ and he turns around.

“Well played,” I say leaning in close to Noah.

“Amateur,” is his response.

The rest of the class I devote to thinking about my next diabolical plot. I really should be listening to the prof. But that doesn’t seem as important right now. I’ll find a way to outsmart Noah when he least expects it.

“So, random question,” Noah says when class wraps up. “Do you always randomly throw balls of paper in class?”

“I was actually carrying out a scientific experiment,” I say.

“Ah, and what exactly was your experiment?” he asks with half a smile. He knows I’m full of crap.

“Well, you see, I was trying to determine what it takes to distract a diligent student who is taking notes in class. My theory was a paper ball. Turns out, my theory was correct. So, you can’t be angry. I did it in the name of science.”

“Oh, well when you put it that way, of course, I’m not angry. Say, did I tell you about the scientific experiment I’m currently conducting?” He is totally serious now.

“Ah … no …” This can’t be good.

“Well, I’m trying to determine whether throwing a textbook at a college student helps him mature faster.”

“Oh, I can answer that easily. No, it does not. No need to carry out that experiment.”

“You sure? I have this huge history textbook that I think would be perfect. And say, you're a college student. I think this could work.” Noah tries to stay serious, but I can see he is trying hard not to smile.

“Huh, that’s really interesting,” I say caught in another thought.

“My experiment?” Noah asks confused.

“Say what now?” Now I’m confused.

“You said that was really interesting. What’s so interesting?”

“Oh, I just noticed something. But it doesn’t matter.” I’m such an idiot. I quickly start to throw things into my bag.

“What did you notice?” Noah asks.

“Oh, nothing. Just me being stupid.”

“You know I’m not going to let this go, right?”

“Fine, I’ll tell you.” He’s going to think I’m a freak. “I just noticed that earlier when you were serious and concentrating your eyes were a light brown colour. But when you smiled just now it almost seemed like the colour of your eyes changed. They looked more greenish, like they do now. I know that makes no sense. I also know I sound like a total creep. I’m not, I swear! Just something I happened to noticed.”

Noah breaks into a huge smile. “It's nice to see you squirm for a change. You’re not totally crazy. Depending on the light the colour of my eyes looks a bit different. Though, I’m pretty sure they don’t change when I smile. That would be cool though.”

“That would be,” I say.

“And for the record, yes, that came across super creepy.”

“Right. Now that I have thoroughly made a fool of myself, shall we leave? Everyone else is already gone.” I don’t think either of us noticed but the classroom is empty.

“Yep. I think you’ve done enough damage to your reputation for one day,” Noah says walking out.

“So, what exciting plans do you have for tonight and the weekend? Let me guess, reading a book?” I’m kind of hoping he doesn’t have any plans. It would be nice to continue hanging out.

“I’m not always a nerd, you know. I don’t stay in and read books. Well, except on Sunday night, when I stay in and read books. But tonight I’m actually going to this comedy club with Jenn. And then tomorrow Jenn and I are going cycling, and then on a hike.”

“Sounds fun.” Dammit he has plans. And there is that name again, Jenn.

“And you? What crazy plans do you have this weekend?”

“A couple of friends of mine wanted to go out tonight for drinks, so I’ll probably go with them. And then I think a couple of my volleyball friends are getting together tomorrow night. So that’s about it. You’re more than welcome to join on Saturday after your hike.”

“That’s nice of you to offer, but I’m not sure how late we will be. I’d invite you to come cycling, but you know,” he says gesturing towards my leg. “Plus, you’d slow us down on the hike.”

“Wow, thanks for being so blunt!”

“Clearly I’m thinking of your best interest! You’d slow us down, then we would be forced to ditch you. I wouldn’t ditch you, of course, no, that would be Jenn. She’s not as compassionate as me. Then you would get lost, chased by a pack of wolves. It wouldn’t end well.”

“I’m glad you’ve thought so much about my well-being.”

“I’m a nice guy. It’s almost a fault,” he says with a laugh. “Alright, have a good weekend. I’ll see you next week.”

“You too, Noah.”

*** NOAH ***

There is nothing better than putting on a comfy pair of pyjamas, grabbing a blanket, plopping down on the couch, and opening up a good book. This is usually my Sunday night tradition. I know, super exciting, right? I’ve done this for years now. I’ve always found it’s a good way to relax before the start of another week.

I’m usually on the couch by eight, but today I was a bit delayed. I’ve been feeling horny all day. Like any lad in his twenties, I take care of myself a few times a week. But today, and to be honest, this week I’ve been busier than normal. I’ve watched a lot more porn than I normally do. But I can’t shake the thought. Every time I’m close, I have one image in my mind. I’m screwed.

Enough of that. Time to read. Of course, just as I get comfortable and am about to start, my phone rings. That’s when I realize I left it in my room. I should probably get up and get it. But I’m comfy. No one important is calling me. It's probably only Jenn. I’ll call her back. But it keeps ringing, and ringing. Whoever it is really wants to talk to me now. I should at least check who it is. Great, I have to get up. Of course, it stops ringing when I get to my room. I look at the screen. It was Jordan. I call him back.

“Hey, man!” he says with a lot of enthusiasm.

“Hey! Sorry I missed your call. What’s up?” I try not to sound too curious, even though I really am. This is the first time he’s called me.

“Not much. Is this a bad time? If you're busy I can call you back. I know this is your book reading time.”

“How did you know that?”

“I’m a pretty good mind reader. Plus, you told me the other day that you read on Sunday nights,” Jordan says.

Of course, I did. “Well, if you’re such a good mind reader I’m pretty sure you know what I’m thinking right now.”

“That is so sweet of you, Noah. I know I am a pretty awesome guy.”

“Yeah, that's what I was thinking. Keep telling yourself that.”

“I will. So, how was the bike ride and the hike?”

“Good. The weather was great, there was no one on crutches slowing us down. Couldn’t have asked for a better day. How was your weekend?”

“It was good. Not as adventurous as yours, because you know, I’m told I slow people down. I hung out with some friends on Friday and Saturday night. Spent most of today doing school work, which actually means I spent most of the day binge watching Netflix. So yeah, it was good. Anyways, the reason why I called was I wanted to ask you something.”

“Sure, ask away.” I’m curious. What does he need to ask me?

“Well, um … it's no big deal if you can’t … but our first volleyball game is on Tuesday at seven … and since I can’t play … I thought … maybe, if you’re free that is … you want to come watch with me?”

He sounds nervous. He never sounds nervous. He’s always so confident. “Dude, I would love to but —”

He doesn’t let me finish. “You’re busy. I get it. That’s fine. I’ll be fine on my own.”

“You didn’t let me finish. I tutor on the side and I have an appointment on Tuesday. I was just going to say I might be a bit late.”

“Oh, yeah, no worries, come when you can. But again, if it’s too inconvenient for you …”

“Not at all. I was actually planning on coming. You know to cheer on the team, show some school spirit. We might as well go together. I thought I told you I’m a fan of the school team.” I decide to throw the guy a bone. I don’t know why he thinks this is such a big deal.

“Really? What's our team called?”

Oh crap. I took it too far. “The um …” Stupid Google, now you slow down! “The … Lions?”

“Hawks.”

“Lions, hawks, is there really that much of a difference?”

I can hear him laugh. There is the Jordan I know. “Thank you.”

“Why are you thanking me? I'm not coming for you. I'm there to support the team. It's all about the team.”

“Alright, so I'll see you at the game.”

“Sure …” If I can figure out where it is.

“You know where to go, right?” he asks.

“Maybe.”

“But I thought you said you were planning on going?”

“I am. I am just making sure you know where to go,” I say.

“Oh, of course. Tuesday at seven in the main gym, right?”

“Yep, that’s right.”

“You do know where the main gym is, right?”

“I'm not that helpless,” I say rather loudly.

"I'm not too sure about that buddy. See you Tuesday.”

“See you then. Bye, Jordan.”

*** JORDAN ***

I don’t know why I was nervous. It’s so not like me. Usually I am care free. I make friends easily. Being social has never been difficult. Yet, asking Noah to the game made me nervous. I thought about it all day on Sunday. At first I thought I would text him. But then I didn’t. I probably should have just texted him. I’m an idiot. Then I thought I would call. And I didn’t. After going back and forth for hours, I finally called. Again, that is so not like me! I just felt it would be nice to have someone with me in the stands. All of my volleyball friends will be playing. John and Caleb have never come to a single game. So, I thought maybe Noah would join me. It would be nice not to be alone and angry that I can’t play.

The most striking part of all of this, besides the fact that I acted like a fool, was how understanding Noah was. I think he knew I was nervous; I was pretty obvious. He could tell I was hesitant and so he tried to make the situation less awkward for me by saying he was planning on coming. I know I could have been nice in return, and not asked him questions, but where is the fun in that? I like teasing him. And I like how he can stand his ground. He’s pretty good at making me squirm too.

I would love to say the gym is packed tonight with supporters, but like most nights it's half empty. Volleyball just doesn't have the same number of loyal fans as others sports at the university. It's a shame too, because our team has really improved a lot over the last few years.

As I'm looking around the gym I notice Noah. I wave at him. He really is a klutz. He's almost fallen as he tries to climb the bleachers. Probably doesn’t help that I went all the way to the top. It took forever with these crutches, and was the stupidest thing I’ve done all day, but I have no regrets. Getting down though is going to be a bitch. Oh, and he almost goes down again. Perhaps he is right and any type of hand-eye or foot and eye co-ordination isn't his thing. And down he goes. Ouch, that looks like it hurt. Even from this distance as he tries to fumble his way to the top, I can see his is sporting a new shirt with the volleyball team’s logo.

“Hey, you okay?” I ask when he reaches the top.

“Yeah, I’m fine. They make these bleachers so narrow! And of course you had to come right to the top! How did you even manage to get up here?”

“I dunno,” I say with a shrug. “Someone's all dressed up for the occasion.” I just have to tease him.

“What this old thing,” he says pointing to his shirt, “I've had this for years now.”

“Right, and that's why you forgot to take off the price tag?”

“Shit, I thought I took …” He starts to look for a tag on his shirt. There isn't one. I just wanted to see his reaction. It confirms my theory; the shirt is new. I start to laugh.

“You’re an awful human being, I hope you know that,” Noah says to me.

“I do, and I’m very proud of it too. When did you really get the shirt?”

“Today. You really couldn't just let it be, could you?”

“Nope.”

It's nice of him to show he wants to be here. I know he isn't an actual fan, but the length he went to get involved is nice. I guess he really did sense I was being self-conscious the other day when I asked him to come. I really do appreciate how he is making this about the team and not me. At the same time, I could make this easier on him, but I won’t. I know if I had asked John to come he would have never been as supportive. He doesn't really consider volleyball a spectator sport unless you’re talking about beach volleyball with girls in bikinis.

Soon enough the game gets underway. At first my team is doing pretty well, though the other team starts to build an early lead. We keep making too many dumb mistakes. Since I can’t play there is a sub in my place. Usually he doesn’t get that much court time. So far, he’s missed the ball several times. I can tell everyone on the team is starting to get frustrated, especially Sebastian. He is known to lose his temper, though he won’t right now in front of everyone else.

“Are you enjoying the game?” I ask turning to Noah.

“Yeah. Though it would be nice if we were winning.”

“I know. They're just not communicating with each other like they should.”

“Yeah. That guy,” he says pointing to the sub, “he’s not really that good.”

“He actually is a good player. He’s new and hasn’t been on the team that long. Normally that would be me, if it wasn’t for my foot.”

“If you were there I’m sure you guys would be winning.”

“You're giving me a lot more credit than I deserve,” I say.

“Perhaps, but take it and run with it. Or, um, in your case … hop with it.”

I give him a mock smile to indicate to him how he's so not funny. I must say I'm glad I asked him to come. By half time we're behind, but I'm not throwing in the towel just yet.

During the break a few of my teammates come up to ask how I’m doing. I introduce all of them to Noah, who sits there quietly. They’ve all gone back down by the time Sebastian walks up.

“Enjoying the game sitting on your lazy ass?” he asks me.

“You know I would be out there if I could.”

“Noah, I tell you any excuse to take a break, this guy will take it.”

“I know,” Noah says. “I’m pretty sure he didn’t break his foot. He’s faking it.”

“Honestly man, we could use you out there tonight,” Sebastian says.

“I know. It's killing me sitting here!”

“I should say we're usually not this bad,” Sebastian says turning to Noah.

“I never said you were. You guys are playing really well,” he replies.

“You don't need to be spare my feelings," Sebastian says. “It's bad enough we’re losing, you’re also stuck with this guy. On behalf of our team I apologize for anything this guy says.”

“I’m not that bad!” I say in my own defence.

“He may be mediocre company,” Noah says to Sebastian, “but at least I’m enjoying the game.”

"Well, you should come by more often then, we would love to see you,” Sebastian says to Noah. “I should get back. Did the guys tell you we’re going out for drinks after the game?”

“Yeah, they did,” I reply.

“Great. I hope to see you there as well, Noah. Oh, and I should say, you should be more careful with these bleachers. They’ve taken out a lot of people, including me, and it really hurts!”

“Yeah, I know,” Noah says with a smile.

“And nice shirt, by the way. At least some people have team spirit. Bye!”

“I have team spirit!” I yell as Sebastian jogs down the bleachers.

I would love to say after the break the team found this new energy and won. But we didn’t. Our first game and our first loss. After the game it took a lot to convince Noah to join us for drinks. He tried to make excuses and back out, but I didn’t let him. I get the sense he doesn’t go out a lot or have a big social circle, so it would be nice if I include him in some of my activities. He’s helped me so much, it's the least I could do for him.

*** NOAH ***

This is not like me at all. I’m not one to go to a bar with a bunch of guys I don’t know. Heck, I wouldn’t go to a bar with a bunch of guys that I do know! I don’t do well in new crowds, or crowds in general. I become quiet and melt into the background. I tried to make up an excuse as to why I couldn’t come, but Jordan was insistent. In the end, despite my better judgement I decided to come. It’s nice to push the boundaries at times. So here I am.

Should I have come? No. The only person I know here is Jordan. He spent some time with me at first, but then got caught up in his group. I don’t blame him or the others. They wanted to talk about the game, and volleyball stuff that I know nothing about. Or I assume it was volleyball stuff. I wasn’t actually really listening. At one point in time I was so lost I left to get a drink.

“What are you having?” I turn to see Sebastian leaning against the bar. There is something about him that just oozes confidence.

“Just getting a coke,” I say.

“Who gets a non-alcoholic drink at a bar?” he asks, his expression feigning disappointment.

“I’ve had too much already, plus it’s a school night.”

“Live a little. You’re getting a beer,” he says. He notions to the bartender to get two beers.

It bothers me a bit that he orders for me. I sense a bit of arrogance. But I shouldn’t over think this. Maybe he is just being friendly. One more beer won’t hurt. I’m a bit buzzed, but I generally can hold my liquor. “Thanks,” I say.

“Cheers,” he says holding up his drink.

“Cheers.”

“I’m glad you came tonight,” Sebastian says looking at me.

“Yeah, so am I. It's been good. The guys on the team are really nice.”

“They’re good guys … but you seem a bit bored.”

Yes! But I can’t say that. “No, no, I’m having fun.”

“Don’t worry, I’m not offended. I was watching you when we were with the group. I could tell your mind was drifting. I’m sure you’re not that interested in volleyball talk.”

It sounds weird when he says he was watching me. Even now his eyes are fixed on me. “I learned a few things!”

“That’s good. I don’t know if you remember this, but we were in the same class once.”

“Really? Which class?” I have no idea. I think I would remember Sebastian. He’s not a guy one easily forgets.

“It was a politics class two years ago with … his name was … Professor Davidson, I think.”

“Right, I remember that class. Man, that was a while ago. I don’t remember much from that class. There were like a thousand students!” It was an introductory class so it was huge. I can’t say I remember a single person in that class. Well, except for one.

“Yeah, it was a really big class. I remember you were always with this one girl.”

“You have a great memory. Yeah, that was Stacey.”

“Friend?” he asks.

“Sort of.”

“Girlfriend?”

Man, he asks a lot of questions. “Ex-girlfriend now.”

“Sorry to hear that,” he says.

He doesn’t look sorry. “Don’t be, it was a long time ago.” Now I need to change the topic. “I’m really trying to remember that class and you … but I’m drawing a blank.”

“It's fine. There was no reason for you to remember me.”

“Yet you remember me,” I say.

“Well, that's because I never spoke in class. I was quiet and sat right at the back. But you were always near the front and answering questions. I remember how impressed I was with some of your answers. You really made me think. That’s why I remember you.”

“I guess I talk too much.”

“No, no, you didn’t talk enough! You always added something valuable to the conversation.”

“Thank you, that’s nice of you to say.”

“So, are you seeing anyone now, or still single?” Sebastian asks.

Great, we’re back to this topic. No one ever asks about my personal life. I wouldn’t ask someone I barely know. Yet this guy feels confident enough to ask me. “No, I’m enjoying the single life.”

“The single life is great,” he says. “I’m also enjoying it as well.”

“A young lad, captain of the volleyball team, I’m sure you do well,” I say.

“Yeah, it's not that. I’m just taking a break from seeing women for now. So, how long have you known Jordan? I’ve met a few of his other friends, but I don’t believe I’ve seen you two together before.”

“We met at the beginning of the school year, so about two weeks ago. We’re in the same English class and presenting a book together,” I say.

“Ah, gotcha. Which book?”

“‘Mrs. Dalloway’ by Virginia Woolf. Have you heard of it?”

“Nope, can’t say I have. I’m not much of a reader.”

“Oh.” Well then.

We talk for a while. Sebastian is a nice guy, and I can tell he is trying. But we have very little in common. The conversation is a bit forced, at least on my part.

“I think that girl over there likes you,” he says pointing to these two girls sitting not too far from us. I turn to look. They seem to be in their own world.

“I don’t think so. I think she was looking at you.” I have no idea if that’s true. Probably would be. He’s a handsome guy.

“Not your type?” he asks.

“I think she is more your type.” Not that I know what his type even is! “Anyways, it’s getting late. I think I’m going to head home. Thanks for the beer and the company.”

“Always a pleasure. I hope to see you at more games.”

“I’ll try.”

I want to say bye to Jordan but he is surrounded by teammates. I try to make my way over, but it is surprisingly busy for a Tuesday night. Instead I text him that I’m taking off and that I’ll see him tomorrow in class.