#noah mc

As MC is about to go to the bathroom to change, a piece of paper in her desk catches her eyes. Even if the paper is folded, she knows what it is. It's Noah’s homecoming invitation. Yes, these past few months she was confused but now, things are much clearer. Maybe the uncertainty in her is caused by her lack of experience but she knows deep down, that no matter how much she convince herself that Mason is as important, she knows it's not true, maybe he is but not in that way.

MC always envisions it would be her and Mason and she knows that is the reason why they are all here. She was too comfortable with the idea she has for them so when Noah came, she was surprised and became confused. But that confusion ends tonight. She needs to stop playing with their feelings and Noah was right, both of the guys deserve to be someone’s first choice. And she knows who her first choice is. She could only hope that she hasn’t blew her chance completely.

 ~

MC

MC wakes up really early the next day. She needs time with what she has on mind and she’s determined. Before she heads to school, she stops at Noah’s favorite restaurant. As she enters, the smell of freshly made meals envelops her. She looks at her left and saw the table they sat in a few days ago, memories come flashing back and all she could think of is how lucky she is to have Noah by her side. How he cared for her when she fell of the pyramid, the look on his face when he fetched MC and her sister at jail, how he stood by her side when the whole school judged her, how gentle and patient he is with her and God knows what else he is capable of doing just for her. MC is surprise when a crew greets at her “Good morning, ma’am!” and immediately, she’s back to the present.

She smiles as she approaches the man in the cash register. “Hey, I’m looking for Ms. Evans. Is she already here?” as if on cue, Ms. Evans emerges from the back. “What do we have here, Noah’s girlfriend?” she smiles teasingly at her. MC doesn’t know if she should correct her. The last time she claimed they’re together was when they are at the bar, how she wanted to let everyone know they are together but she knows she have to be honest since she’s going to need her help.

“We’re not together.” MC says, focusing on everything except her face.

“I think you mean to say not yet. I know my Noah. And the way he looks at you? Hon, you’re one lucky girl.”

MC knows it. She really is. Nodding, MC starts saying her business. “Listen, Ms. Evans, I know you don’t know me but I need to do something for Noah. Something that could at least give him any idea how much I care about him but I still don’t know enough about him and that makes you my last hope. Can you please, please, help me cook Noah’s favorite meals from here? I know it’s a lot, I-I…”

MC is cut when Ms. Evans holds her hand. “What’s your name again, honey?” she asks her.

“It’s MC.” she looks at her hopeful.

“MC, you must really care about him for coming here this early to ask me that.”

“I do.”

“Say no more. Go here right after your classes, I’ll make all the arrangements. Let’s cook my favorite boy’s favorite meal.”

MC goes across the counter to hug her, a big smile on her face. “Thank you so much Ms. Evans. I owe you a lot!”

“Just promise me one thing, MC. You’ll always be there for him no matter what happens.”

MC looks straight into her eyes. “I will, Ms. Evans. I promise.”

 ~

MC

MC goes back to school after cooking with Ms. Evans. She heard from her schoolmates that the football team are going to have a small celebration on the field with the cheerleaders and she’s thankful, it’s like fate is on her side, but now she is done depending on it. Just like what Noah always does, she’s also going to make sure she deserves him.

She started calling Mackenzie to ask for a favor. If she’s going to surprise Noah, she has to be as smooth as possible and not give him any clue. When Mackenzie meet her on the parking lot, she doesn’t look so excited.

“What, MC?”

“Mac, I need you to do something.” she hands her the paper bag of foods and a piece of paper where the hills are located.

“Go here and put this bag by the tree. Noah and I will be there shortly.” MC still doesn’t know where Noah is right now and that makes this plan 50% fail already but she’s looking up.

Mackenzie feel that the bag is still warm so she opens it. “MC, can I have something? Promise just a bite.”

“Mac, no. You can’t. I promise I’ll treat you there next time but not this one. This is for Noah.”

Finally getting the point, Mackenzie looks at her sister with an amazed look. “MC, you don’t cook!”

“I know that’s why I asked for help. And it’s edible I promise!”

“You really care about him, huh?”

“Yes, I do. So please, little sis?”

“MC, after everything you’ve done for me? Of course! Go get him.” she says as she walks away.

 ~

Noah

He hasn’t seen her the whole day and it makes him think that maybe what he said last night is the reason. Maybe she already has decided and he’s not her first choice. Noah dismisses the idea as he walks towards the field. He doesn’t really want to celebrate with these guys so he comes late but right now, there is no space for his wants, even though he doesn’t like to come, he knows he needs to, after all he is the quarterback and he’s looking forward to have a conversation with the coach about the scholarship update.

The thought about MC and Mason occupies his mind again. If she made her choice and she didn’t choose him, he has to be ready to see them together and he knows he won’t be. He won’t ever be. Noah feels dejected when he notices that both MC and Mason are nowhere to be seen. Maybe right now, they are having their own celebration.

 ~

MC

Before she proceeds to her plan, she wants to talk to Mason first. She doesn’t have any idea how she will say it but it’s okay. She’s ready for this talk now more than ever. MC dials her best friend’s number, the person she thought she’d end up with and the same person she’s now ready to let go.

Mason looks so happy when he sees her. “Hey, MC. Where have you been? And why are we here, we should be celebrating with the guys on the field.”

“Well, I’ve been busy. Listen, Mason I have something important to say…”

“It’s him, isn’t it?” Mason says forlornly.

MC is shocked that his best friend already knows. “H-how… do you know?”

“I can see the way you look at him. I guess, I’ve known it even before you realize it. I will be okay. Don’t worry.”

MC nods slowly taking what Mason just told her. She sense that Mason is about to walk away and she’s not yet done so she stops him.

“Mason, it’s not just that. I want you to know that I am all in with Noah. I want us as much as he wants it. And I need you to give that to us. I know I have been an asshole and you guys deserve better and I will be better. I will be better for all of us, especially him. I understand your feelings, Mason, trust me I do, because I always thought that it’s going to be us, you know? I liked you for so long.” MC says replaying every memory in her mind.

“I understand your feelings that’s why we are here, Mason. I let you, but from now on, I won’t. I’m hurting Noah and I don’t want to cause him any more pain. I’m sorry for hurting you. I’m sorry, Mason.” words continually flow. She didn’t know she would be capable of doing this and she’s kind of proud because for her, it’s step one of deserving Noah.

“This is what I have been waiting for, you know? You telling me all of these. I’m sorry for being a jerk. I just thought that you haven’t made a choice yet so I’ll do everything for me to be your choice. But I overstepped, many times. I’m sorry. We’re still friends thought, right?” Mason says.

“Of course, Mason.”

“Good. Noah’s a lucky guy. Take care, MC.”

With that, Mason turns his back and never look back.

 ~

Noah

After the celebration Noah go straight to the parking lot to go home. “MC and Mason are together nothing big, everything’s okay.” he thought to himself pathetically. He fishes his keys in his pocket and is shock when he looks up. Leaning into his motorcycle with a big smile on her face is MC, waiting for him.

“Hey, Jeff Goldblum.”

Noah chuckles at the remark. He missed her today, he willed himself not to go and hug her but his body betrays him. He goes to her side, holds her waist and hugs her tightly.

“Don’t tell me I’m turning you into a marshmallow.” MC said as she hugs Noah back.

“Only around you.” Noah whispers as he plants a small kiss on her head.

“Let’s go.” she says confidently as she gets the helmets in the compartment.

“Where to?” Noah asks confused.

“It’s a secret. All you have to know is I have a surprise for you.” MC winks and tugs at his arm.

They settled on his motorcycle, MC closes her eyes as she hugs Noah and lean into his back. “She looks so beautiful” Noah says to himself. A few seconds later, Noah speaks.

“Hey, MC? You realize you need to tell me where we’re going, do you?” Noah says smirking.

“Oh, yeah. Right, oh God. I-I…”

Noah senses that she’s nervous so he holds her gaze. “Hey, relax. It’s okay. I promise I’ll act surprise when we get there.”

MC laughs and hugs him tighter this time. “To the hills. Your favorite spot.”

Noah starts the engine and start driving. She’s acting different. She shamelessly cuddled him in the parking lot where a lot of people could see them which is so not like them. As much as they want people to see them together, Noah likes that MC also respects privacy. Something both of them have in common. Just awhile ago he’s convinced that MC and Mason are already together but something in her today makes him think otherwise and he’s about to find out.

 ~

Noah

They sat on the hill and enjoy the fresh air for a while. She looks so relax and Noah like it. MC suddenly speaks. “I’m hungry.”

“Why didn’t you say anything earlier? We could have brought something before we went here.”

MC just smiles at him, goes to the other side of the tree and grabs the bag. She opens it and shows him what’s inside.

“No way! This is your surprise?” Noah looks at her stunned. This is so thoughtful of her.

“A part of it. Here.” MC feeds him and waits for his reaction.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“How does it taste?” MC looks at him curiously.

Noah is confused but he still answers her question. “Well, it’s really delicious but I don’t know, it tastes a little different, it’s saltier than how it usually tastes like. They must have adjusted something. But still, it’s delicious. Come on, eat with me. I thought you’re hungry.”

“Yeah, Ms. Evans said a pinch of salt. I’m not sure how much a pinch is.”

Noah stops immediately. Putting down the food, he gives her a surprise look. “You cooked this?”

“Yeah, I’m sorry I didn’t get the exact taste. I asked Ms. Evans for help.” MC says shyly.

Noah cannot believe it. MC waited for him by the parking lot, cooked him his favorite meal and led him to his favorite spot. He smiles at her. This is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for him. And it’s MC who does it. The girl he cares so much about.

“M-MC…” Noah is speechless. He is deeply touch by the gesture.

“We can grab something else. I-I… I’m sorry I ruined your favorite meal.”

Noah wants to stop her doubting and he cannot think of a better way so he drapes his arm around her waist, touches her cheek and kisses her with all he got to offer.

MC

MC is surprise when he feels Noah’s lips on her. Everything happened so fast and she’s not about to complain. His kiss is sure and gentle and MC swear she could melt right away. He nips at her lower lip and she let him in. Exploring her mouth, MC moans holding his neck tighter.

“Noah, I need to tell you something.”

Noah

He lets her go and holds her face between his hands. As they pant, Noah fixes her hair. “I’m all ears.”

“Noah, I’m ready. I want to see where this takes us.” MC says, almost crying.

“M-MC… don’t…” Noah cannot believe what he’s hearing. A tear fall as he looks into her eyes which he instantly wipes with his thumb.

“Let me finish please. Noah, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry for hurting you. I’m sorry for everything. But I’m ready now. I’m all yours. If you still want to be with me.” MC hold his gaze as she waits for his response.

“What about Mason?” Noah asks, afraid he still have to compete with him.

“It’s okay now. I already talked to him. He’s not happy but he received the message. It’s you, Noah. Only you.”

“MC.” Noah whispers her name and kisses her again. He can feel his body tensing so he takes comfort into her touch. His MC. He feels MC gently rubbing his back as they deepen the kiss and he slowly relaxes. This is it. The war has ended and they won, together. They are finally together and Noah couldn’t ask for more. Noah feels her smile through the kiss which makes him smile also.

“Noah, I won’t ever complain when you surprise me with a kiss but I need an answer.”