Picking up The Pieces

Paloma Faith

Noeloma

Romance / Friendship

When Julian and Noel go their own way, it's up to Paloma to be the ox that Noel orbits like a fairy.

"I miss him, Paloma."

"Noel. We're married, remember."

Noel couldn't help but smile. "You danced on the table with another man."

"I'm sorry." She gave him a big hug. "Come on honey. When you think of him, think of me."

"I can't."

"Come on. It'll be easy. Don't think of him when you're with me. Think of me. Replace me with Julian in your memories."

"I can't!"

"Am I too loud? I'll take off the sweater." She tossed the bright coloured sweater across the room. "There."

"Paloma."

"No!" She or Noel didn't expect her to squeak like that, but she had gotten angry. "He's got a perfect heart, he's flawless, he's the other . . . friend. Now she's gone, and I'm picking up the pieces of your heart! Do you think I like seeing you like this?

"I watch you cry," she continued. "But you don't see that I'm the one by your side? He's gone, Noel! All that's left is you and I, and I'm picking up the pieces he left behind."

"Paloma . . . what's wrong with you?"

"You look so happy when you're with Julian, Noel! Are you missing the way it used to be?"

"Of course!"

"Is he a better friend than I am?"

"What?"

"Is he? It's a yes or no question, but just remember, I'm your wife!"

"It's a plastic ring, Paloma! With eggs on top!"

"It meant something to me! Apparently it didn't to you, you bastard!"

"Wh- What?"

"He's got a perfect heart, he's flawless, he's the other... friend. Now she's gone, and I'm picking up the pieces of your heart! Do you think I like seeing you like this? Your mopy little, whiny little, snot ridden face?

"I watch you cry," she continued. "But you don't see that I'm the one by your side? He's gone, Noel! All that's left is you and I, and I'm picking up the pieces he left behind."

"Paloma, you're not making sense."

She gasped. "Am I just a rebound friend? Are we just liars, in denial? Are we smoke without the fire?" She growled. "Tell me please is this worth it?" She softened a little, and muddy streaks started down her cheeks. "I deserve it . . . don't I?"

"Paloma. I want you to answer me seriously, alright."

Paloma nodded, not looking at him. "Sure."

"Look at me."

"Fine," she rolled her eyes.

"Do you fancy me?"

She turned as red as her hair and looked down again. "No," she mumbled.

"Oh my gosh," he whispered. "You fancy me."

"No I don't!" She looked at him. "I may fancy you a little." Noel grinned. "Why do you care?"

"Because, Mrs. Fielding, I believe we're married." Noel extended his hand to her, and she took it. "All we have to do is seal the marriage with a kiss, you know."

It wasn't like in movies, it was even better.

Noel tasted like Oreos and Bailey's, while Paloma's lips tasted like strawberries and frosting.