“Don’t let your parents’ expectations overshadow the unique path God has for you. Your worth comes from Him, not from living up to someone else’s standards.”
His words wash over me like a warm, cleansing wave, sweeping away the doubt and pain left by my parents’ visit.
“Thanks, Will,” I manage, my voice thick with emotion. “I... I needed to hear that.”
He smiles, the familiar twinkle returning to his eyes. “Anytime, Noah. That’s what friends are for, right?”
As the door closes behind Will, I’m left alone with Paige. The silence stretches between us, heavy with unspoken words. I’m not sure how to make things easy with her again. I feel like all the ugly parts of my life have been laid before her, and I’m waiting for her to recoil and run away.
Thirteen
NOAH
As Will’s words settle in the air, I feel a strange mix of emotions. The impact of his message lingers, resonating deep within my soul at the same time. I’m not sure what to say or do with Paige.
The trailer feels quiet, almost too quiet. I’m acutely aware of Paige’s presence beside me, her warmth a stark contrast to the chill that had settled in my bones during my parents’ visit. I turn to look at her, and the concern in her eyes makes my heart constrict.
“Noah,” she says softly, reaching out to snuggle against me. “Are you okay?”
The simple question, laced with genuine care, nearly undoes me. I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. “I... I don’t know,” I admit, my voice barely above a whisper.
Paige nods, her hand still on my arm, anchoring me. “Do you want to talk about it?”
Part of me wants to say no, to brush it off and pretend everything’s fine. But a larger part, the part that’s been awakened by Will’s words and Paige’s unwavering support, knows that I need to face this head-on.
“Yeah,” I say, running a hand through my hair. “I think I do.”
Paige guides me to the small bench by the window. As we sit down, our shoulders touching lightly, I’m struck by how natural it feels to be close to her. The scent of her perfume mingles with the familiar smells of leather and metal that permeate the trailer. It’s like she’s a part of my life here and always has been.
I want to keep it that way. I want her to feel comfortable with me—always. I’m not sure that’s possible with the parents I have, but I hope it is.
“They’ve always been like that,” I begin, my voice low. “It’s always comparisons to my siblings or not-so-subtle hints about how I’m wasting my potential.”
As I speak, the words start to tumble out, years of pent-up frustration and hurt spilling over. I tell Paige about growing up in the shadow of my high-achieving siblings and not being able to keep up. I’m wired differently from them, and that’s not my fault. It’s not something to blame on someone either—it’s just how I’m made. I tell her about the constant pressure to be something I’m not. I talk about the dreams I gave up, the parts of myself I buried deep, all in an attempt to gain my parents’ approval.
Paige listens quietly, her presence a soothing balm to my frayed nerves. When I finally fall silent, emotionally drained, she squeezes my hand gently.
“Noah,” she says, her voice filled with a fierce conviction that makes me look up. “You know that’s not true, right? You’re doing amazing things here. This skate rental brings joy to almost everyone in Benton Falls every single year. You’re a part of so many families’ traditions. Not to mention that co-chairing the parade is all about bringing joy to the holidays. You are not wasting your potential—you’re fulfilling it. Can you feel that? Does doing these things make you happy?”
“Yes.” I turn to meet her gaze. “These last few weeks have been the happiest of my life. But—.”
“But what?” she gently prods.
“I don’t know if that’s because of the parade or because of you. I’m falling for you, and that feels incredible.” I lean my forehead against hers.
She whimpers and then kisses me. “Me too.”
As I look at Paige, her face is sincere and caring, and I feel something shift inside me. The weight of my parents’ disapproval, which has been a constant presence for so long, seems a little lighter. I watch the light play on her golden hair, and I run my fingers through it. It is just as I thought—silk. I trace the curve of her cheek, and her eyes grow warmer. She leans into me, and I capture her lips in a kiss that’s been building inside of me.
She responds, and I’m no longer thinking about anything but her. We pull apart, needing air, and grin at one another. “You are so beautiful.” I trace her cheek again.
“Beautiful and antsy.” She hops up and pulls me with her. “Let’s close this place up and go have some fun.”
I laugh. She is just what I need and, more importantly, want in my life. “We’re open for another hour, and then I’m all yours.”
She pouts playfully. “Fine. I can wait that long.” She looks around as if a little lost. “What can I help with?”
For the next hour, we sort through paperwork and organize equipment, our hands occasionally brushing, sending little jolts of electricity through me each time. I find myself hyper aware of Paige’s presence, of the way she moves, the sound of her voice, the feel of her sweater brushing against my arm as she puts skates on the rack next to me.
