A/N: So I finally got chapter two up. Yay. We finally get to hear Newbie's story. Once again, I do not own Glee or Lima, Ohio. Other what nots are mine. Read and review.
~Elizabeth's POV~
Noah takes a minute to get the truck started then just starts driving seemingly without a destination. I keep my eyes on my knees but through my peripheral I can see him glancing at me. He drives just out of the town limits to the edge of a forest and pulls in so that unless you're looking you won't see the truck. It all makes perfect sense now, he is gonna use me just like the others; treat me like a common whore.
"What were those guys talking about? You live with your parents, just outside of Lima, in a nice house with your siblings and are shy and sorta virginal." He seems like he's trying to convince himself more than ask me but there's also that glaring truth. I don't want to ruin the delusions of such a soft guy, even if he is tough on the outside. I look straight ahead and sigh.
"I came to Lima, we were in a hotel at the time, with my parents and younger siblings. we left my older sister in California with her marine boyfriend and moved here for a new start. Three days after moving her, the day before I was set to start school, my family was headed to check out a house, the one we were supposed to move into. They'd left me at the hospital to get labs done and they came back in an ambulance. They were hit by a drunk driver in a big rig. None of them survived. I started selling things off so that, combined with the money I was given to after the funeral, I was able to rent an apartment, a crappy little one-roomed flat in a crack house. I've refused to sell certain things, things that I relate too closely with my family to get rid of. So in order to pay the 300 a month rent and a 60 a month cell bill, so my older sister suspects less, plus basic necessities: food, shampoo and conditioner; I've been selling myself, well parts of myself, to pay for it all. I'm still a virgin, still shy, but I do what have to in order to get by. No one knew about my family because, plain and simple, I threatened to sue the city if any information got out. I made a big enough show out of it that they covered everything up. So as far as anyone knows my family is alive and well, I'm upper middle class, and I've never even seen a penis. Those guys found out when they were in my neighbor hood looking for some ho's and saw me. All they know is I suck for cash to pay rent. that and they hold my 'job' over my head. So, there ya go Noah, you know what they meant and even how it got to tat point. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go call my sister with another half assed complicated excuse as to why my parents haven't talked to her in two months." I grab my bag and open the door. Before I can even open it enough to slide a foot out his hand is on the door closing it.
"No. If you need to call you can do it here. I just risked my ass in all reality to stop those guys and I want to help. So you're not going to just sit here and brush me off." I look at him for the first time since we got out here and study his face. He doesn't seem angry or upset but sorta desperate and almost sad. I sigh and drop my bag.
"Fine. What do you want to talk about?" I sit back against the bench seat and cross my arms once again not looking at him. People never want to 'help' unless they think they'll get something for it. I feel a hand on my shoulder and cast a sideways glance at him.
"Listen, Elizabeth, I know I'm sorta not smart seeming and an asshole but I do have a heart; and you do somethin' to that heart. It sorta flutters or something when I see you, sorta hurts when you seem sad, and thuds when you do one of those quirk things that are fuckin' sexy even when you don't know you're doing it. Knowin' that you've been hiding these things and how bad you've got it I wanna help; help make life, and school, and everythin' easier for you. I can't do that if you wont let me. I know you're too tough to take charity," he grins a little in that 'you're almost badass' way before continuing.
"But I can give you a job, since it's summer my pool cleaning business is pickin' up and havin' an extra person would mean being able to take on more pools. That way you wouldn't need to de-grade yourself to make money. Maybe you could y'know talk to me, let it out and I could help you tell your sister even." He finishes speaking and looks at me earnestly seeming to have an almost kicked puppy look. I sigh.
"I don't really know what to make of all that Noah, because you're right. I don't like the thought of charity even when I know I need help; I'm not used to people wanting to help unless they're getting something out of it." I look up at him through my lashes and allow a small smile.
"As for the job... I think I'd like that. I could use a source of income that doesn't require me on my knees, and someone to talk to- even if it is the resident badass." I almost feel content, enough at least to allow a smile and relaxed sigh. A thought occurs though; this isn't usual for Puckerman. I mean he's been against bullying and all but even then I'd never seen him so soft. I sit up straighter and look at him.
"Noah Puckerman, what's your angle? I get that you wanna help and that you've convinced yourself you fancy me, but you're being so much softer and quieter and less asshole-ish than usual. Why?" I watch him, looking at him head on as he seems to close up.
~Puck's POV~
Elizabeth is looking at me like she's just seeing me, and I guess she sorta is. I don't show anyone outside of ma and Sarah how I can be nice, not since my dad left us. Shrugging, I try straightening out my expression.
"Just thought a bit of the Noah side of me would do better than the Puck side of me y'know? You make me feel like Noah, not Puckzilla." I flash one of my cockiest, best player, most charming smiles and slide across the seat till I'm beside her. She looks up at me with that smile, the one she always uses when she shakes her head and tells us New Direction guys we're silly. She sighs but it doesn't sound sad so I guess she's just content or like tired or something. She looks up at me and sorta relaxes against me. I can't help staring at her lips as she talks.
"Noah, you're one of the silliest guys I have ever known, but its cute- in a non detrimental to your badassness way. I don't know what all this means, well I do just not in relation to you, but you can be kinda sorta really amazing, when you want to be." She just sorta tucks herself against me and curls up. Now I know I have to get home, it's already like 4 and I told my mom I would cook tonight, but I can't just take her home to her crappy little place that I don't know where it is. Ma probably won't mind an extra guest; I should probably ask though. I try not to jostle Elizabeth as I pull out my phone with one hand and wrap my other arm around her; she doesn't move so I'm pretty sure she's asleep, or really good at faking; and call my ma.
"Noah? Is something wrong? You haven't gotten home yet and Sarah said you haven't called either. Are you okay?" I can't help but laugh, my mom gets so spaztastic when she's worried.
"Yeah Ma, I'm fine. I been with a friend, they've been having a hard time and needed a shoulder. I'll be home soon, but Ma, do you think it'd be okay if my friend comes for dinner?" I look down at Elizabeth as she moves. She's sitting there all cuddled up to my side looking up at me like I just kicked her puppy, looking almost scared.
"Of course Honey. They're more than welcome to come for dinner. Be home soon Bubee. Love you."
"Love you too Ma, thanks. See you soon." I hang up and look at Elizabeth.
"Elizabeth-"
"Liz." I blink.
"Huh?" She giggles; like holy hell she just giggled.
"Call me Liz, or Lizzii, or Ellii. Just not Elizabeth, it sounds too formal." I nod playing with the names in my head.
"Okay, Lizzii, would you like to come to dinner with me and my family? I'm making flipped chicken shredders and ambrosia salad and a pumpkin roll." I pause to gauge her reaction, trying to really convince her.
"It'd really mean a lot to me." She sighs and pushes against me a bit.
"Okay Noah, get in your driver's seat, we can't keep your mom waiting." I grin and slide across the seat pulling her with me then start-up my truck.
A/N: So what do y'all think? Feel the tears yet? Review and let me know what you think. Cookies to all that do; flames will be used to make those cookies.
-*Liz*
