Chapter 25: Promise

Ava's POV:

I couldn't meet Astrid the whole day yesterday because Ms. Sophie was strict as hell. At the end of the day, I waited for her at the gate, but she didn't come, so I guess she already left. The next day I came and waited for her in class. When she didn't come, I decided to go and see in the infirmary. But Ms. Sophie told me that it's not allowed. It's allowed, I know. But no one will fight her. I'll meet her at the end of my classes. And yeah.. Noah and Lucas were also in the infirmary. But Liam told me to stay away from Lucas and Noah both. So.. I didn't go to meet them either.

I ran to the infirmary. I met Astrid on the gate itself.

"Astrid! What happened to you? You didn't come to class for two days?" I inquired.

"Nothing. I'm fine.. Well, can we go home? I'm tired" she said.

"Yeah" I said and dragged her to the bus station. I saw Noah behind her, but Lucas was not there. Did something happen?

"Astrid. Wait" he said and looked worried. But why? Ugh, I can't understand them.

"Yes, Noah?" Astrid replied.

"You have your phone, right?" he asked, and she checked her pockets and showed the phone.

"Call me if you have any problem in doing anything, if you feel like you need someone to talk with or if you feel unwell or uncomfortable" he said. I was beyond shocked. Did I hear correct?

"Fine, I will. Thank you Noah" Astrid replied and then we both went home.

Noah's POV:

I went to find a hotel for my stay. Xander met on the way.

"Hey, Noah, How are you?" he asked me.

"I'm fine bro"

"Why was this Ms. Selena (Xander's class teacher) saying that it's not allowed to meet someone in the infirmary?"

"How can I know?"

"Oh yeah.." he said.

"It's fine. I'm going to find a hotel, okay?"

"Really.. I mean how will you stay in a hotel all by yourself?"

"I can. It's fine, then bye"

"Bye" he said and then I went to find a hotel near our college. I found one, and I got a room there. I have my cards, in which I have my money which I collected by earning different scholarships.. even though my so-called parents took them, but I knew one day I have to live on my own, so I saved a few.

The next day:

Noah's POV:

I got to the college and was going to my class when I saw Lucas on the way. He was looking all well again.

"Hey Noah... you know what... I want to fight with you again" he said. I was shocked. How can someone be so fearless?

"I don't" I said, and I walked past him. I clearly remember that I promised Astrid not to fight.

"Not even for her?" he said. I stopped at my position.

"What did you just say?"

"I said, not even for Astrid?" he repeated. I took his collar.

"Just shut up! Don't even take her name from your mouth" I yelled. Everyone was staring us now.

"Oh really.. What I did to her.. I can do that again.. and you can't even stop me"

"Shut up you ass!"

"Don't curse me so much"

"Stay away from her!!"

"Then fight me!"

"Okay.. I will fight" I said and went from there to the class. The whole day I couldn't concentrate on studies. I just kept looking at her and him.

It was lunch period. I was out of the class. I met Lucas on the way.

"Let's go to the backside Noah, I hope you like being alone?"

"Fine" I said and went with him.

Backside.. it was a place, where students rarely went, so it's a lonely place.

I got there and started fighting with him. He was clearly losing again. I wonder why did he urge me to fight when he doesn't have any plans or backup? Just then I heard a voice.

"Noah..." Astrid said. She was standing at some distance. Just then I noticed the smirk on his face and then I understood everything.

"So that's how you keep promises?" she said.

"Astrid.. let me explain" I said.

"So that's how much our friendship means to you" she said.

"No Astrid, please.."

"So.. I meant nothing to you too"

"No Astrid.. you've got it wrong. I’m sorry"

"Noah, you know what, don't say sorry to strangers" she said and started going away. I froze at the moment. Lucas started fighting again, but I wasn't defending or attacking. I was just blank.

Astrid's POV:

I can't believe what I'm seeing. He broke the promise? Really? I was going back when I heard some sounds, terrifying screams.

I turned back again, facing them. Lucas was beating Noah and Noah wasn't even stopping him. He was lost in his world. I didn't know what to do. I was going to stop them when Noah spoke.

"I...I lost.. stop it" he said. I couldn't believe what he said. Noah went directly to the infirmary from there. I was standing still; a tear escaped my eyes. Then Lucas took out his phone. He came a little near to me. I stepped back.

"Huh, I won't do anything now, don't worry. I just want to show you something" he said. He played something on his phone.. a recording of Noah saying that he lost.

"You know what.. this can become the headline on the notice board tomorrow... the fighting champion lost to a rookie... and you know what... he will not be able to take this insult.. and I'm proudly saying that this was possible because of you" he said.

I was dumbfounded. No.. I can't let this happen.. What should I do!!