Noah (Angel Institute #7)

Chapter 10

Ten

NOAH

I nsistent knocking at my front door pulls me from a deep sleep. I blink groggily, my mind struggling to catch up with my suddenly alert body.

“Go away, Sam!” I yell and roll over.

Sunlight streams through the gaps in my curtains, painting stripes of warmth across my rumpled bedsheets. For a moment, I’m disoriented, the events of last night—the caroling, Paige’s hand in mine, and the hours I spent afterward with pencil in hand—seeming more like a dream than reality.

I glance at my bedside clock and groan. It’s barely 8 AM on a Saturday. I do not want to work out. If he doesn’t stop knocking soon, I’m going to disown him as my best friend.

I’d been up until the wee hours of the morning, my mind too full of Paige and inspiration to sleep. Instead, I’d pulled out my sketchbook and let my pencil fly across the pages, capturing moments from the past few weeks that had etched themselves into my memory.

There was Paige, her face lit up with excitement as she talked about the Christmas parade. Another sketch showed her bundled up for our night out, her cheeks rosy with cold and exertion. A third captured her in profile, bathed in the soft glow of Christmas lights during the caroling night. Each drawing clearly shows the impact Paige has made on my life in such a short time. Each line, each shadow, speaks of the warmth and joy she’d brought into my carefully ordered world.

The knocking becomes more enthusiastic. I sit up. Sam doesn’t knock like that. He pounds.

“Noah. Are you awake? Come on, sleepyhead, we’ve got an adventure to go on.”

Paige.

Panic surges through me as I realize my sketchbook is still open on the desk, the drawings of her clearly visible. I leap out of bed, hastily gathering the loose sheets and stuffing them into a drawer. The last thing I need is for Paige to see how much I think about her and now I’m wide awake and couldn’t go back to sleep if I tried.

“Coming,” I call out, my voice still rough with sleep. I stumble around, hastily pulling on jeans and a sweater, running a hand through my hair in a futile attempt to tame it.

When I open the door, I’m greeted by the sight of Paige, bundled up in a bright red coat, her cheeks flushed with cold and excitement. In her hands, she’s holding her vlogging camera, already powered on and pointed at me.

“Good morning, sunshine.” Paige chirps, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Say hello to my viewers. We’re about to embark on a Christmas adventure.”

I blink, momentarily stunned by the camera in my face. “Uh, hello,” I manage, offering an awkward wave. “What’s going on?”

She lowers the camera, grinning. “We’re going on a research expedition for the parade. And I thought it would make great content for my channel. ‘Small Town Christmas Magic: Parade Planning Edition.’ What do you think?”

Before I can formulate a proper response, Paige has bustled past me into the house.

“Research expedition?” I ask, watching as Paige surveys my living room and then plops herself down on the coffee table.

“Yep. We’re going to Millbrook. They’re famous for their Christmas decorations. I figured we could get some inspiration for the parade and create some amazing content for my viewers.”

I blink, surprised. “Millbrook? I haven’t been there in years. You want to film it?” I thought I read something about it being nicknamed Christmas City because every resident decorates as if they’re a Griswold.

“All the more reason to go,” Paige declares. She hops up and grabs my coat from the hook by the door, and tosses it to me. “Come on, what do you say? Want to be my cinematographer for the day?”

“Okay,” I find myself saying, shrugging into my coat. “Let’s do it. I’ll... I’ll help with the filming.” I have zero experience with filming anything. I didn’t take photography in high school and I haven’t wanted to try it. I’m not even sure what she’s looking for. Though I’ve seen her channel so I might be able to get close. If she trusts me to do this, then I have to trust myself.

She hands me the camera. “Perfect. Let’s make some Christmas magic.”

The drive to Millbrook is filled as she films an introduction for her vlog. I watch the familiar landscape of Benton Falls give way to rolling hills dusted with snow and bare trees, reaching branches to a pearl-gray sky heavy with the promise of more snow.

As we near Millbrook, the transformation is gradual but unmistakable. First, it’s just a few more strings of lights here and there. Then, elaborately decorated mailboxes and lawn ornaments. By the time we reach the town proper, it’s like we’ve stepped into a Christmas snow globe.

Every building is festooned with lights and garlands. Wreaths adorn every door, their red ribbons fluttering in the crisp breeze. The lampposts are wrapped in evergreen boughs and big red bows, looking for all the world like candy canes. And everywhere, the twinkling of thousands upon thousands of lights–even in the daytime. You can’t see them as well, but it’s kind of neat that they leave them on.

“Wow,” I breathe, taking it all in.

Paige is practically bouncing with excitement. “Isn’t it amazing? Let’s start filming. We need to capture all of this.”

As we park and start to explore on foot, I feel like I’m inside a children’s Christmas book.

Being behind the camera allows me to notice details I might have otherwise missed. I find myself directing Paige to certain spots, suggesting angles that will capture the magic of the scene.

“Noah, this is fantastic,” Paige exclaims as we pause to film a particularly elaborate nativity scene. “You have such an eye for detail. The footage is going to be amazing.”

I feel a flush of pride at her words. “It’s nothing special,” I say, but there’s less self-deprecation in my tone than usual. “It’s like looking for the right perspective to use on a drawing. It’s easier than I thought it would be.”

As we continue our tour of the town, I find myself relaxing more and more. Since I’m familiar with her work, ideas come quickly. I suggest she try on a ridiculous Christmas sweater in a local shop, sample homemade fudge at a candy store, and pose like many of the snowmen around town. She can do a music video montage thing with those shots. It’ll be great.

I’d watch it.

Several times.

“Let’s stop for lunch.” Paige rubs her belly as if it needs consolation that it doesn’t have food yet.

“There’s a Chinese place up the street.” I point that way. “Egg rolls?”

She furrows her brow in mock seriousness. “And everything else. I love Chinese food.” She stows her camera and I take her hand. We go inside and order. It’s a pretty straightforward menu. We’ll split an order of orange chicken, but we both want two egg rolls and our own containers of ham fried rice.

“Noah,” Paige says as we slide into one of their booths. “have you ever thought about doing this professionally? You’re really good at it.”

I pause, considering her words. “I can honestly say that I have not.”

Paige’s eyes light up, and she laughs. “Well, maybe you should. You clearly have a talent for it. Just something to think about.”

Her words plant a seed in my mind, a possibility I’d never considered before. I have to tuck it away to consider later. There’s no downtime with Paige. She’s always thinking, always moving. Though, I’ve noticed that she doesn’t mind if I sit still for a while.

“Oh. Look at that.” She points to a small storefront across the street, its window filled with an eclectic mix of paintings and sculptures. “Is that an art gallery? We should check it out. It would be great for the vlog.”

“I’m game.” I’ve explored most of the galleries within a three-hour radius. I must have missed this one. Or it’s new. I don’t know if she’s really interested in going inside or if she’s doing this for me. Either way, my heart is a little more hers.

We eat way too much orange chicken and clear our table before heading over to the gallery.

The gallery is warm after the chill of the street, the air heavy with the scent of oil paints and canvas. Soft classical music plays in the background.

We wander through the space, taking our time. Paige films a few things and then turns the camera on me. I don’t mind. I don’t feel like she’d put me on her channel—I’m not that interesting. And who am I to judge her for taking a video when I drew twelve pictures of her last night?

I find myself getting lost in the artwork. Each piece tells a story that invites interpretation. Before I know it, I’m explaining techniques to Paige on camera, pointing out the interplay of light and shadow in a landscape and the bold use of color in an abstract piece.

“This one,” I say, gesturing to a painting of a snowy forest scene, “see how the artist has used cooler tones in the shadows? It makes the snow look deeper and more three-dimensional. And here, in the sky, those touches of pink and gold? That suggests early morning light, giving the whole scene a sense of new beginnings.”

I turn to find Paige watching me, a soft smile playing on her lips. “What?” I ask, suddenly self-conscious.

“You’re awfully handsome when you talk like that,” she says, her voice low and warm, momentarily forgetting the camera.

For a moment, I’m frozen, caught off guard by her words. But then I feel something shift inside me, a surge of courage I didn’t know I possessed. I reach out, my hand finding her waist, ready to pull her closer, to finally bridge the gap that’s been narrowing between us for days.

But before I can, a cheerful voice breaks the moment. “Noah? Noah Bennett, is that you?”

I turn, startled, to find Will striding towards us, his face split in a wide grin. He still looks like an overgrown Peter Pan with his impish nose and slightly pointed ears. I can almost see the green hat with a red feather perched jauntily on his head.

He glances quickly from me to Paige, a shadow of … jealousy crossing his face.

I look at Paige. Is he interested in her? My nerves are suddenly on alert. I tighten my grip on her hand.

He’s accompanied by an older man with salt-and-pepper hair and wire-rimmed glasses.

“I thought that was you.” Will claps me on the shoulder. “What are the odds running into you here? Outside of Benton Falls.”

I scowl. It’s not like I never leave town.

Will continues, “Mr. Cavanaugh, this is the artist I was telling you about. Noah Bennett, meet James Cavanaugh, owner of this gallery.”

I feel a moment of panic, but it’s quickly replaced by a strange calm. “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Cavanaugh,” I say, shaking his hand. “We’re actually here filming for Paige’s travel vlog. Would you mind if we included your gallery? It’s a beautiful space.” I tug Paige into the circle and put my arm around her. It’s a possessive move, and I don’t care.

Mr. Cavanaugh’s eyes light up. “Not at all. I’d be honored. And please, call me Ted. Will here tells me you’re an artist, Noah?”

I glance at Will and his smug features. If he’s jealous of me, why is he helping me? I manage a small smile. “I dabble,” I say, not willing to put myself out there yet. I have thought about Paige’s encouragement to sell my art, or at least get it into a gallery, but that’s about as far as it’s gone. “But today, I’m just the cameraman. Paige is the real star here.”

Paige, ever the professional, steps in smoothly. “It’s wonderful to meet you, James. Would you mind telling us a bit about your gallery and how it fits into Millbrook’s Christmas celebrations?”

As James launches into an explanation of the gallery’s history and its annual Christmas art show, I take the camera from Paige and start filming. I can focus on capturing the best angles to highlight the artwork that catches my eye while helping her get footage.

When we finally wrap up the impromptu interview, Will gives me another hearty pat on the back. “You’re a natural, Noah. Maybe you should think about doing this more often.”

“Maybe I should.” I shrug noncommittally. This guy is a little too much for me. He’s so … confident. But in a weird way that I can’t put my finger on.

“Or you could be here.” He waves toward the walls. “I bet they’d love to have your work on display.”

I stare at him. The strange flashback of doom comes back to me—the one that happened when I first met Will. I take two steps away from him. “How do you know so much about me?”

Will turns quickly and asks Ted a question.

Okay, this is getting too strange. I lower the camera. Paige sees me and says a gracious goodbye to everyone. We make our way outside. Will scowls after me like I’ve somehow disappointed him. I shake it off as soon as we are outside.

As we drive back to Benton Falls, the sun setting in a blaze of orange and pink, Paige turns to me with excitement dancing in her eyes. “I can’t believe how much footage we got today,” she says, her voice brimming with enthusiasm.

I nod, feeling a surge of pride. “Yeah, I really liked working with you.”

Paige grins, reaching over to squeeze my hand. “Ohmygosh! That cute couple we caught under the mistletoe. That’s definitely making the final cut.”

I chuckle, remembering the elderly pair who’d shared a sweet kiss to the delight of onlookers. “They were adorable. I think we should open with that scene. It really captures the spirit of the town.”

“Ooh, good idea,” Paige agrees. “And maybe we could transition from there to the main street decorations?”

As we continue to discuss editing ideas, I find myself getting more and more excited about the project. “You know,” I say, “I never thought I’d enjoy being behind a camera this much. It’s a whole new way of seeing the world.”

Paige beams at me. “You’re a natural. Just wait until we start putting it all together. It’s going to be amazing, Noah. Our first collaborative piece!”

I can’t help but smile at the way she said first–as if there will be a second. “I can’t wait to see the final product. It’s going to be special, isn’t it?”

“More than special,” Paige assures me. “It’s going to be the start of something wonderful. I can feel it.”

When we pull up in front of my house, Paige turns to me, her eyes serious but kind. “You know, Noah, I think you might have found something special today. You have a real talent both for art and for being behind the camera. But whatever you decide to do with it, just know that I believe in you. And I’m here to support you every step of the way.”

As I look at her, backlit by the setting sun, her hair a halo of gold, something stirs deep within me. A certainty, small but growing stronger by the day.

Her eyes reflecting the warm hues of the sunset, and I feel a sense of freedom I’ve never known before. Without thinking, I reach out, gently tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. My hand lingers, cupping her cheek, and I’m struck by how right this feels. Paige leans into my touch, her eyes never leaving mine.

“Noah,” she whispers, my name a gentle caress on her lips.

I don’t reply with words. Instead, I lean in, closing the distance between us. Our lips meet, soft and tentative at first, then with growing confidence. The kiss is everything I never knew I wanted and more.

As we kiss, I feel as though I’m floating and grounded all at once. Paige’s warmth, her scent, the softness of her lips against mine—it all anchors me to this perfect moment. I’m not sure I could draw this if I wanted. It would be abstract–all warm colors, soft curves, and definitive lines, signifying that this is exactly what I want.

When we finally part, a smile tugs at my lips, mirrored on Paige’s face. In her eyes, I see a reflection of my own emotions—wonder, happiness, and a deepening affection that makes my heart swell.

I may not know exactly what I want for my future, for my art, but I know, with absolute clarity, that I want Paige to be a part of it. And for now, that’s more than enough.

As we say our goodnights, the promise of tomorrow - of more parade planning, more adventures, and church together - hangs between us like a shimmering thread of possibility.

Back in my house, I pull out the drawer where I hastily stashed my sketches of Paige. Looking at them now, I think it’s time to start sharing my art with the world. And maybe, just maybe, I’m starting to figure out what I want after all.