The Outside Lines (boyxboy) - Chapter 25: Chapter 25

Nathan's POV
Now that the shining light, that being Noah, was obscured by a swarm of moths I turned my attention elsewhere, hoping to find something to occupy me. Taylor had already disappeared so I was left alone.
The wind grazed across the drying grass, chilling my furnace like frame. On my retreat from the wind I noticed a small food hut stationed a bit away from my current location. I journeyed through the peaceful windy field on a mission to get something to eat. It's only been around an hour or two since I last ate but my stomach was already feeling light.
Stepping onto the small deck drew some attention my way. I received a couple friendly smiles while everyone continued talking. I threw up a wave and a partial smile before scouting over the food.
"What're you having." An older man with a bear belly came over to me, draping an arm over my shoulder.
I chuckled a little caught off guard. "I'm not sure yet. The ravioli is catching my eye though." I pointed to the container placed in between several other dishes.
"I think Julie brought that one. Most of the food here was made by the hired cook though." He said, sounding almost out of breath.
"Julie?" I questioned.
"Yeah, y'know, Julie. Everybody knows Julie. She's the co-owner of the bargain shop down the street." He bent over to get a better view of my face.
"I'm... from a couple towns over, so I wouldn't know." I explained slightly awkward.
"Oh no wonder I didn't recognize you." He said a realization washing over him while he shook my shoulder with a firm grip.
"Ignore him. I'm pretty sure he's drunk." One of the girls sat at the side of the hut informed.
"I ain't gonna bother him." The guy continued shaking my shoulder. "Well, I get out of the way and let you eat." He chuckled. I flashed a smile as his intense gaze was set upon my face. He began to stumble off moments later.
Not without one final sentence though. "You know-" He started but was interrupted by his own cough. "You could be a model." Was all he finished on before turning around and walking away with a sway in his step.
His words garnered attention from the occupied bodies around, some of them sneaking glances. That exchange left me feeling odd, yet flattered.
I want through with my decision on the ravioli and added a side of chicken nuggets to my plate to go along with it.
I found a seat near the walled area of the hut. I set my plate down and settled behind the dark wood table. I sat in silence as I looked up at people, unintentionally eavesdropping while I ate.
People would occasionally glance over in my vicinity and I'd just flash them smiles.
-
After eating my meal alone I sat my plate in the bin amongst many other. I stuffed my hands in my pocket before returning to the windy field. Taylor, Noah and I were supposed to see a movie this evening so I didn't want to be split from them too long.
I returned to the area where Noah and the other runners were hanging out, but I didn't see any of them. I scanned the location, turning around hoping to spot any trace of them. Familiar voices off in the distance caught my attention. I followed them, passing several stalls and unfamiliar bodies of people along the way.
To my relief both Taylor and Noah were there. Though Noah was still surrounded by several of the runners from earlier. All of them sat at the edge of a near by river tossing in stones.
"Oh there you are." Taylor noticed my approach. Everyone turned around to see who she was talking to. Having twelve sets of eyes on me was certainly enough to make me uneasy. I simply kept smiled like I had been.
I sat off to the side and listened in on their conversation. Not much different than what I was doing at the food hut really.
"So what are we doing?" One of the guys asked, leaning towards the lake.
"Taylor and I were going to see a movie in a little. You guys should come!" Noah informed and invited them along. My exclusion in his sentence stung a little.
"Sure, I'll tag along." One of them said, with the others joining in soon after. A few of them weren't going to make it though. They had other things to attend to.
"What movie are we going to see?" One of the girls asked.
"Nightmare of Faces." Noah responded, pulling out his phone. He looked through the listings of the times for the local theater.
"Cool I haven't seen that one yet"
"Same."
They chimed in one after the other.
I sat with my back propped against a medium sized oak tree near the river. The small black radio placed atop the picnic table playing classic rock tunes edged off my boredom while I waited for time to pass, waiting for the movie to begin airing.
Taylor looked pretty bored herself. She sat at the riverbed on her phone. Noah and a few of his new buddies were playing checkers on a table also placed near the riverbed
They were teaching him how to play. I knew a little bit about checkers myself, but didn't have the confidence to insert myself between everyone, so I continued being a scarecrow observing from the sidelines.
They played for at least an hour. During that time Taylor gave me a look of pity, me simply smiling back.
"Think we should head out now?" A slender black haired guy I came to know as Jerry said.
"Oh, yeah okay." Noah adorably looked up from the table.
"Guys, we're heading over to the theater now." Noah informed, getting closer to us than he had been in the past couple hours.
I grunted, pulling myself up off the rough bark of the tree. Noah stepped away from Taylor and I only a moment ago and he was already surrounded by the runners again.
"Are we paying for our own tickets?" A short dark brown haired guy named Jelongi asked.
"Taylor's got us covered, right?" Noah asked, raising his head above the several people around him to get a better view of her.
"Huh, what?" She started, a little confused. "Oh. Right. Sure." She agreed, flat toned.
"Let's go then!" Jerry cheered.
-
The nine of us all filled the sidewalk, traversing through the neighborhood. Taylor and I trailed a distance behind, Noah still swarmed like he was being attacked by a hive of bees.
While it was hard not to be jealous of Noah having attention elsewhere I was fine chatting with Taylor. Well I say chatted, but it was mostly her teasing me most of the time.
"Is that the theater?" I asked Taylor as a large building came into view.
"Think so." She responded, scoping out the surrounding area. "I've been here before, just never to the theater."
The occupying area was pretty open compared to the densely packed neighborhoods. That said, the parking lot was extremely crowded.
"Wow, there are a lot of people here today." Taylor pointed out. "We should probably snag some tickets before the seats are gone. I'm going ahead." She informed.
"Hang on." I called out, following behind her, her red hair blowing with the wind. She looked back acknowledging my call with a smile, but not slowing down.
The rest of the group looked pretty confused as Taylor and I pulled ahead. They were already a considerable amount ahead of us anyway so it didn't matter much. They picked up their pace, now following along behind us.
Several footsteps echoed across the parking lot as we raced inside. We drew a lot of attention rushing through the glass doors.
Just like the parking lot the place was busy, people both young and old filling the lobby.
"Is she your girl?" I overheard Jerry whispering to Noah as Taylor went up to the front to order tickets.
"No. She's my best friend." He chuckled awkwardly.
They continued goofing around while we waited. I casually stood alone in the center of the room, scanning my surroundings.
"Hey." A sudden but faint voice caught my attention. I turned around to see one of Noah's friends approaching.
"I saw you just standing here and thought I'd come say hi. Forgive me for not doing so earlier, I was just so enamored by your friend." She apologized with a somewhat adorable chuckle.
"That's fine." I assured her. "Nathan." I introduced, extending a hand.
"Clara." She accepted it with a gentle shake.
"Sorry for hogging your friend." She apologized again, this time with a smile. " Are you two close?"
"Not really." I woefully admitted, more so to myself.
"She is though. They've known each other for years." I pointed to the preoccupied Taylor at the ticket reception counter.
"Noah was telling us you guys don't live around here, so us hogging him wont be an everyday thing." She assured with a laugh. While that made me happy I couldn't help but to feel a little selfish. I just flashed a smile in response, leaving the conversation at an end.
Her dark brown hair flung hip to hip as she hurried back to the rest of the group, after being called over.
"I got the tickets, let's get a move on before we miss the previews." Taylor pressed, handing the tickets out to everyone.
"Said no one ever." Noah chuckled in response, noticing Taylor's sarcasm.
"Hey, I like the previews. Don't judge me." Jerry responded in defense of himself prompting a few chuckles out of the group.
We began moving through one of the four doorways. Two being for the bathrooms, and the others leading to another corridor of rooms.
Taylor lead the group down the dimly lit halls of the theater, guiding us to our designated room, that being room number 7. It had the movie's poster digitally displayed above the entrance.
Now was the moment. Amidst the darkness shrouding the room I made a great effort to slip in between the group. I was determined to to get a seat beside Noah, and for that reason I stuck to him like glue. I don't think he even noticed with due to being surrounded by so many bodies all day.
We continued down the small hall lined with dim lights just above the red matted carpet leading to our seats. We walked up a small set of stairs before reaching our row. I watched Noah's every movement like a hawk, trying to predict which seat he'd take. My chest was practically pressed against him as the rest of the group cluttered behind me.
Noah took the seat beside Taylor, and I quickly claimed the one next to him. The light emitting from the giant screen in front of us shone on the rest of the group as they scrambled to get into the remaining seats. The light revealed a couple pretty upset expressions. I didn't pay much mind to it though. I'd been anticipating hanging out with Noah like this for days and they've only just met him.
After the somewhat entertaining previews the actual movie started, the theater going silent as the screen faded from black into a panning shot of a town. Me being the huge film buff that I was my eyes were glued to the screen, watching the movie intently. That was until I felt something connect with my arm. It was Noah's own that met mine on the arm rest. What was more surprising was that fact that he didn't remove it. Small contact like that was enough to drive me wild. The subtle warmth from his small slender arm caressing my own large one sent shivers across my skin. As interesting as the movie was, the majority of my attention was drawn to the boy beside me.
The theater erupted in laughter, and gasps of fear throughout the movie. From what I gathered it wasn't meant to be a comedy, but the characters' predictability wasn't helping it achieve any level of seriousness. There was this one scene where a blonde named Janis was being chased by her murderous ex around her home, and instead of running to her car, driving off or calling the police she instead makes for the inside of the house, the one the killer already entered and trashed.
While I wasn't paying much attention to half of the movie I still thought it was pretty good, the rest of the room seemed to think so as well. The comfortable warmth built up between Noah and I broke as he stood up, following along with the rest of the group.
You totally wet your pants, didn't you? Jerry, wrapped his arm around Noah's neck and pulled him into a head lock.
"W-what? why would I wet myself?" Noah answered, seemingly caught off guard.
"You were scared, don't lie." Jerry teased the boy. He seemed to be getting extremely friendly with someone who he met just a few hours ago. Well closer to five but still.
The nine of us exited the theater into the afternoon fall air. The chilly wind mixed with the scents and aromas coming from every building in the district captured my nose. That appeared to be the case for Noah as well. He looked like he was about to be drawn into the streets by an almost visible scent cloud.
"Anyone hungry? I missed lunch." Noah noted, putting his hands up against his stomach. Despite having already gone out for lunch myself I was already craving my next meal. All that bulking and exercise has really made me into a some kind of monster.
"Sure."
"I'm starving."
"I could go for a bite."
Their voices chimed in one after the other.
"Who's paying?" Jelongi's eyes traveled from person to person. I certainly didn't have the money to be spending on a group as large as this.
"Taylor?" Noah clasped his hands together, asking her to take the bill once again.
"Sure." She replied nonchalantly, but at this point I could tell it was wearing on her.
"Alright let's go then!" Jerry lead the group this time. He told Noah all about his favorite restaurant just within walking distance. I could see his passion with the way he described the food. I almost felt like he was challenging my own love for food.
Plenty of cars were leaving and entering the parking lot giving small windows for the large group to cross. After a red sports car made past us we took the opportunity to cross the busy pavement.
A couple people weren't able to join us, still leaving the group at a large number of seven.
-
"This should be interesting." Taylor mused at the cozy looking Italian restaurant. The doorway to the inside was a small glass door on the side of the building.
We piled inside, drawing a lot of attention to ourselves like we had been all day. It's kinda hard not to with such a large group. That said, Noah and the others were being rowdy. Taylor and I just followed behind in silence.
Paytra, one of the runners tagging along went ahead and ordered two large pizzas. She did so without asking anyone what they were going to order, but to be honest I wasn't complaining, I'm never one to pass up pizza. It would probably be cheaper for Taylor in the long run anyway. The others were too distracted with their banter to really care.
Since the tables only held six people and five seats were already taken, instead of snagging the last one Taylor joined me on a separate table. I couldn't tell whether she was fed up with the others, or she was trying to keep me company. My small talk seemed like it was just keeping her entertained enough not to drop dead from boredom.
To my surprise Clara joined us. She wanted to know more about me but despite the questions being aimed at me I tried my best to include Taylor in the conversation. It wasn't working well though, she showed little interest in keeping the conversation alive.
The pizzas arrived. But as soon as Taylor grabbed a slice her phone went off.
"Hey mom." Her tone was dull.
"Right now?"
"Actually, no, it's fine."
"Yeah, be right there."
"Bye mom."
"Byeee moooom." She repeated before hanging up.
"Something important?" Clara asked, half way into her slice of pizza.
"Yeah, my mother needs help with a project and my father's too busy to do it." She sighed as she stood up, collecting her things.
A frown formed on my lips. She was the only one willing to keep me company throughout the entire day.
"See you later Taylor." I waved with a saddened smile on my face.
"Later Nathan." A woeful smile appeared on her own.
"Noah." Taylor called out his name, tapping his shoulder.
"Oh, huh?" He responded, though it seemed like his attention was still on the group.
"I'm heading home now, mom needs me." Taylor informed him.
"Oh yeah?" He replied almost as if he didn't hear what she said.
"...Yeah." She muttered walking away from the table.
"Nathan, can you give him a ride home?" She asked with a hopeful expression.
"Yeah, sure." I gladly accepted. Not only was it helping her, but it also meant I'd get to spend more time with him.
Clara and I said goodbye to Taylor before getting back too our conversation. I was thankful that she stuck around. It would've been awkward sitting alone. Then again now that Taylor was gone it meant I could take the open seat at the other table.
"You two dating?" Clara suddenly asked, catching me off guard.
"Who, me and Noah?" I responded with the first thing that came to mind, and instantly regretting it.
"No..." She eyed me with an odd expression. "You and Taylor."
"Oh, right, of course." An awkward chuckle escaped me. "No, we're just friends." I answered.
"Speaking of dating." She sighed, looking over my shoulder.
"What the hell Clara, why is it that I always find you flirting with attractive guys?" An unfamiliar voice approached.
"I'm not flirting." She said with a roll of her eyes. "Why are you so controlling? Am I not allowed to talk to any guy besides you?"
"That's not even the issue, and you f***ing know it. Every time I find you you're alone with some guy, and they're always good looking!" He gestured to me. I felt both flattered and a little awkward at the same time.
"You can't do that and expect me to believe nothing's up." The longer he spoke, the louder his voice grew.
"You're too paranoid." She replied in a dismissive tone.
"Guaahh." His hands made their way to his scalp and pulled at the locks of hair out of frustration. The couple were causing a scene. It was almost as if they were reenacting a drama right it in the middle of the room.
"We're leaving." He ordered.
"Fine whatever." I could hear the anger in her somewhat controlled tone.
Neither of them said bye to the rest of us, they just up and left. Their bickering was still audible even after they'd stepped outside.
"Well, today was eventful... I think I should get going myself." I recognized that voice to be Paytra's.
"Wait, why?" Jerry asked.
"I've been hanging out with everyone for hours, I think it's time we all went home." She stood up from the table and stretched her arms.
"Can we all like, exchange numbers so we can stay in touch?" He asked, pulling out his phone.
"Sure." She rolled her eyes.
The three of them exchanged numbers and were on their way. That only left Noah and I.
Realizing he was alone at the table he scanned the room, looking for me, maybe? I stood up from my seat and made my way over to his side.
"Have you seen Taylor?" He asked, still looking around.
Well I guess I was wrong...
"...Taylor?" I repeated her name, making sure that's what he said.
"Yeah, Taylor, my best friend, the red head, slightly sarcastic, witty." He used sarcasm of his own to describe her.
"What do you mean? She left around ten minutes ago." I answered, even more confused than he was.
"W-why would she leave without telling me?" He replied, almost offended.
"She did." I raised a brow at the upset boy.
"What? No she didn't." He argued, confusion apparent in his eyes.
"She tapped your shoulder and said she needed to help her mom out. You responded but apparently weren't listening." I recited everything that occurred. He stood there silent for moment, his cheeks going red.
"H-how am I supposed to get home?" A sudden panic overcame him.
"Noah, I'm still here, I could give you a lift." I pointed out as if it were obvious. He looked at me for a moment before calming himself down.
"You don't mind?" He asked, his voice going soft.
"No, of course not." I eyed him with a raised brow. "You're going to have to give me directions though." I told him. He did a small nod in understanding.
I was both nervous and excited about our time alone. Today started off well with the three of us but became a slog when the others decided to tag along. I can't be upset at Noah for being popular though.