Chapter Nine

Another week has gone by after the day at the mall and Harken is back to acting like Noel doesn't exist, this time her anger lasting a lot longer than it did before.

Priscilla praised her a lot after that day for being so bold with Nolan, but Noel knows she only got the confidence that she did because she was provoked by Harken, and probably won't have it again. Therefore, despite Priscilla's nagging, she hasn't tried to approach Nolan since. The party he invited them is tonight, but Noel is once again thinking of backing out.

Coming to her locker at the end of the school day, she contemplates what excuse to use to get out of the party, knowing Priscilla will insist on coming over tonight to help her pick an outfit and get ready, and is suddenly approached by Nolan.

"I never got the chance to thank you again for inviting me to hang with you guys' last weekend, it turned a weird day into a pretty good one," he says.

Noel is surprised when she doesn't become flustered like usual by his