Noah (Angel Institute #7)

Chapter 12

Twelve

NOAH

T he rhythmic scrape of metal against ice fills the air as I sharpen another pair of skates. It’s a sound as familiar to me as my own heartbeat, a constant backdrop to my days here at the rental trailer. The smell of leather and cold metal mingles with the winter air that sneaks in through the cracks, creating a scent that’s uniquely mine. I didn’t pay much attention to it before, but it seems like it’s a living thing these days.

I am proud of my business. It brings in enough to support me all year round and pay Sam some extra money during the holidays. I’ve done well here.

But I don’t know that I love it like I should. I mean, if I spend every minute here for half a year, shouldn’t I love what I do?

Big questions.

Lots of reflection.

Probably too much time on my hands if I’m getting all introspective about life.

I should put this time to better use and mentally run through the parade preparations. The plans are coming together nicely, but there’s still so much to do. I glance at the growing pile of skates waiting to be sharpened and sigh. I’ve been neglecting some of my usual tasks, and it’s starting to show.

Someone taps on the window. I look up, expecting to see another eager skater, but instead, I’m greeted by a mop of blonde hair and an enthusiastic grin.

“Good morning, Noah.” Will’s voice is as bright and cheery as ever, seeming to fill every corner of the small trailer. “I thought you could use some help today.”

I blink, taken aback by his sudden appearance. “Oh, uh, good morning, Will,” I manage, setting down the skate I’ve been working on. “Help? I don’t remember asking for any...”

Will’s smile doesn’t falter. “I’ll just come around.” He motions to the door. Before I can stop him, he bounds into the trailer, his eyes taking in every detail. “You didn’t have to ask. I just knew you could use a hand.”

I raise an eyebrow at that. I’m not sure how I feel about having this whirlwind of energy in my carefully ordered space. “That’s... thoughtful of you,” I say slowly, trying to find a polite way to decline. “But I’ve got a system here, and—“

“Perfect.” Will claps his hands together, the sound echoing in the small space. “I’m great at following systems. Just point me in the right direction, and I’ll get started.”

I open my mouth to protest, but as I look around the trailer, I have to admit that I could use the help. The pile of unsharpened skates seems to have grown even larger in the last few minutes, and there’s a stack of rental forms I’ve been meaning to file for days. Maybe having Will around won’t be so bad after all. His energy might be a bit much, but his willingness to help is genuine.

With a sigh, I nod. “Alright. If you’re sure you want to help, I suppose I could use an extra pair of hands.”

Will’s face lights up like I’ve just given him the best Christmas present ever. “Absolutely. I’m at your service, Boss.”

Despite my initial reservations, I find myself smiling at his enthusiasm. “Okay, let’s start with something simple. Can you organize these rental forms by date? They need to be filed in that cabinet over there.”

Will salutes dramatically. “Consider it done.” He dives into the task with gusto, humming as he sorts through the papers.

Surprisingly for me, I feel a small spark of gratitude. Having him here will help keep my mind off all the deeper things, and I can crank out the skates.

The morning passes in a blur of activity. Will proves to be a quick learner and an efficient helper. He moves from task to task with an almost supernatural speed, his cheerful humming a constant backdrop to our work. Despite my initial misgivings, I relax into a comfortable rhythm with him.

“Noah,” Will says as he polishes a pair of skates to a high shine, “ how’s the parade coming?”

I pause in my work, considering his words. “I never thought I’d enjoy something like that, but it’s been... nice. Challenging, but nice.”

Will beams at me, his smile impossibly wide. “That’s fantastic.”

I chuckle, shaking my head. “Thanks.”

The door handle jiggles, and the door swings wide open to reveal the last two people I expected to see.

My parents.

They step inside, and the comfortable atmosphere in the trailer evaporates instantly, replaced by a tension so thick I could cut it with one of those spoons they use to feed babies. My father’s imposing figure fills the doorway, his salt-and-pepper hair meticulously styled as always. He wouldn’t dare go a day over four weeks between haircuts. My mother follows close behind, her blonde hair pulled back in a severe bun, her eyes already scanning the trailer with poorly concealed disapproval. She’s wearing the blue eyeshadow that haunts my nightmares—I don’t remember a day she didn’t have it on before I was out of bed.

“Noah,” my father’s voice booms, making me flinch involuntarily. “Are you going to greet us or stand there like a child and stare?”

I swallow hard, forcing a smile onto my face. “Mom, Dad. This is... unexpected. What brings you here?”

My mother’s hot pink lips purse as she takes in the cluttered counter and the piles of skates. “Can’t parents visit their son? We were in the area and thought we’d stop by to see how you’re... getting on.”

The way she says it, like she’s referring to some kind of illness rather than my life, makes my skin crawl. Will’s eyes dart between us, confusion evident on his face.

“Of course,” I say, my voice sounding strained even to my own ears. “It’s just that you usually call first.”

My father waves a hand dismissively. “We thought we’d surprise you.”

I gesture to Will, grateful for the momentary distraction. “This is Will. He’s been helping me out today.”

Will steps forward, his usual enthusiasm somewhat subdued in the face of the palpable tension. “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery,” he says, extending a hand.

My father shakes it briefly, his grip visibly firm. “Charmed, I’m sure,” he says, though his tone suggests he’s anything but. “I hope our Noah isn’t working you too hard. He’s always had a tendency to... delegate.”

The jab stings, and I feel my cheeks heat up. “Will offered to help, Dad. He’s been an asset today.”

My mother’s eyes narrow slightly. “I see. And is this a regular arrangement, or just someone you’re taking advantage of?”

Before I can answer, my father chimes in. “You know, your brother just hired two new associates at his law firm. He’s really expanding his practice. And your sister, well, she’s sold more homes this year than anyone in a three-state radius. They’re both so busy these days, it’s hard to keep up.”

I feel my stomach twist. Here it comes, the comparisons. My parents make it into an Olympic sport. “That’s great for them,” I manage, trying to keep my voice neutral. “I’m sure they’re both very happy.” They probably are. They’ve always been high-achieving types who measure their personal worth by their bank accounts. I don’t think either of them have had a late assignment or a parking ticket in their lives. They play by the rules and have mastered life to the point that it hands them all their dreams.

My mother nods, a small, tight smile on her face. “It’s so wonderful to see them really applying themselves, making the most of their potential.” Unlike you, her eyes seem to say. She sniffs and then wrinkles her nose. The scent of this place isn’t for everyone.

Will, bless him, jumps in. “Noah’s been doing some great work here, too,” he says brightly. “Did you know he’s co-chairing the Christmas parade committee this year?”

“Is that so?” my father says, his voice dripping with skepticism. “I wasn’t aware you had experience in event planning, Noah.”

“I don’t, really,” I admit, hating how defensive I sound. “But I’m learning as I go. It’s been a good opportunity, too.”

“To what?” my mother interrupts. “Play at being important? Really, Noah, don’t you think it’s time you focused on something more... substantial?”

Each word chips away at the confidence I’ve been slowly building over the past few weeks. I open my mouth to respond, but no words come out. I’m not sure what I could say that wouldn’t bring a barrage of criticism and judgment down upon my head.

The tense silence is broken by the opening and closing of the door again. I don’t usually have any visitors in the trailer, and I can’t stop them from piling in there today.

Paige shivers and grins at me. Her cheeks are flushed from the cold, her blonde hair tucked under a knitted hat, and her smile is as bright as ever. “Noah,” she exclaims, her eyes sparkling. “I thought I’d stop by and see how you’re... oh.” She pauses, taking in the scene. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you had company.”

“Paige,” I say, unable to keep the relief out of my voice. I didn’t realize how much I need her support until just this moment. She’s been such a strength to me the last few weeks, seeing my art as a talent instead of a curse and encouraging me to do things I wouldn’t normally do. I’ve enjoyed the parade planning. It’s been fun, and a challenge, all wrapped up with a Christmas bow. “These are my parents, Richard and Patricia Montgomery.”

Paige extends her hand toward my dad and hits him with her 1000-watt smile. “It’s lovely to meet you both. I’m Paige Henderson. Noah and I are working on the Christmas parade together.”

My father shakes her hand, his expression unreadable. “Henderson... that name sounds familiar. Are you related to the Hendersons who own that big manufacturing plant over in Millbrook?”

I can see the momentary confusion in Paige’s eyes, quickly replaced by understanding. “Oh, no, different Hendersons. I’m actually a travel vlogger. I make videos about my adventures around the world.”

The temperature in the room drops a few degrees. My mother’s eyebrows raise slightly. “A vlogger? How... interesting? And is that a full-time occupation?”

I can feel my hackles rising at her tone, but Paige doesn’t miss a beat. “It is. I’ve been fortunate enough to turn my passion into a career. It’s challenging work, but incredibly rewarding.”

My father nods slowly, his skepticism evident. “I see. And how did you end up back in Benton Falls? Surely, a world traveler like yourself has more exciting places to be.”

Paige waves away his comment. “Actually, I find there’s something special about coming home. Benton Falls has a charm that’s hard to find anywhere else in the world. Plus, it’s been wonderful reconnecting with old friends and getting involved in the community.” As she speaks, her eyes meet mine, and I feel a warmth spread through my chest. She gives me a smile that’s all my own, and I hold on to the feeling and warmth it brings to my heart.

No wonder I’m so drawn to her. She’s the opposite of everything I’ve been trying to run away from. I just didn’t know that I was running toward her.

My mother, however, seems less than impressed. “Well, isn’t that nice,” she says, her voice dripping with false sweetness. “It must be nice to be able to flit about like a butterfly and not have a care in the world.”

I can see Paige’s smile falter slightly, and I feel a surge of protectiveness. “Mom,” I start, but Paige puts a gentle hand on my arm.

My father raises an eyebrow. “And what does your family think of that? Surely they must be concerned about the stability of your... career choice.”

I can feel the tension building in my shoulders. “Dad, I don’t think—“

But Paige interrupts me gently. “It’s alright, Noah,” she says, her eyes never leaving my parents. “My family has always been supportive of my choices, Mr. Montgomery. They understand that happiness and success can take many forms—even ones they wouldn’t adopt themselves.”

There’s a moment of awkward silence, and I can see my parents processing Paige’s words. Finally, my mother clears her throat. “Well, we shouldn’t keep you from your work. It was... interesting to meet you, Paige.”

Paige nods, her smile never wavering. The woman is a saint if ever I’ve met one. “Likewise. I hope you enjoy your visit to Benton Falls.”

With a final glance around the trailer, my parents turn to leave. “Noah,” my father says, his voice stern. “We’ll be in touch.”

As the door closes behind them, I let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. The trailer feels suddenly larger, as if my parents’ presence had been taking up all the available space.

Paige turns to me, concern etched on her face. “Noah, are you okay?”

I nod, not trusting my voice just yet. Will, who has been uncharacteristically quiet throughout the exchange, pipes up. “That was... intense.”

Paige’s hand is still on my arm, and I focus on that warmth, using it to ground myself. “I’m sorry you had to see that,” I finally manage. “They can be... difficult.”

Paige’s eyes are full of understanding. “You have nothing to apologize for, Noah. Family can be complicated.”

I nod, grateful for her words. How does she know what to say? She’s giving them grace, even when I think they don’t deserve it. “Yeah, complicated is one way to put it.”

Will clears his throat. His eyes dart between me and Paige, and he seems to resign himself to something. “I, uh, I should probably get going. Thanks for letting me help out today, Noah.”

“No, thank you.” I step around and shake his hand. I don’t want him to leave on the sour note my parents brought into the trailer. He caught me up on filing and organized my bulletin board. He saved me hours of work out of the goodness of his heart. I don’t know why he chose me to be his friend, but it’s time I start acting like it. Maybe, in a couple of weeks, I’ll invite him to workout with me and Sam or something. “I’m really grateful you stopped by today. I’ll see you around?”

He brightens a little. “Yeah? Good. I—I’m glad.” He pauses at the door, his hand on the knob. “I—I want you to know that our worth isn’t determined by what others think of us.” He takes a step closer, his voice low but intense. The glow around him seems to grow stronger, and I feel my heart begin to race. “Your father’s opinion of you doesn’t define your worth. God sees you as His beloved child, full of potential and purpose. He’s the one who gave you your talents, your kind heart, your ability to bring joy to others through this ice rink and the parade.”

As Will speaks, I feel his words reaching deep into my heart and mind. They resonate with a truth that I’ve always known but somehow forgotten. My breath catches in my throat as he continues.

“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.