Old Soul, Young Heart
Chapter One, Just Say Yes.
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The fear in his eyes is alarming as he desperately tries chasing after her before she can afflict any damage whatsoever. There's tears of anguish pouring out of her shimmering blue eyes, and her cheeks are slowly becoming vivid red the longer she continues to cry. It's the middle of the evening with still a little daylight left before dusk falls, but she clearly doesn't care about any possible witnesses. Instead, rushing outside to the curb with a bat in her hands to begin smashing and banging the car to a pulp.
Josh runs up from behind her just as she steps on the porch, firmly gripping her arm in attempts of holding her back. "Tess!" he shouts frantically, and seeing as she looks back at him. "Stop this right now!"
"Screw you!" Tess screams, vision blurry with tears, and threatening to hit him with the bat until he finally lets go of her. "What kind of boyfriend are you, anyway?" she cries, and Josh doesn't reply.
He looks at Tess somberly, his body trembling as he worries for the worse, and soon dropping his head down. "Baby—"
"Don't you dare call me that!" Tess hollers abruptly, and by now, several civilians have stopped to witness the commotion. "I gave you four years, and for what? You're staying out late, ignoring my calls, and you don't even want to make love anymore! Are you cheating on me, Josh?"
"No, I'm not Tess!" Josh pleas, hoping for an opportunity to snatch the baseball bat out of her hand, while apparently being the entertainment of people's Snapchat stories as multiple phones point in their direction. "I keep telling you I'm not, so get over it already!"
"To hell I will!" Tess exclaims, and staring at Josh with her teeth clenched. "I wasn't born yesterday, Josh! There's obviously another girl, and when I find her, I'm beating her ass!" she promises, and proceeding to walk down the rest of stairs of the doorstep until she reaches the ground.
She then approaches Josh's car, raising the bat above her head. "Here's what I think of you and your precious car!" she shouts, while a gust of springtime air smoothly glides across her exposed skin.
Tess starts to swing the bat, but not successful with making contact when Josh suddenly tackles her to the ground. He wrestles with her for the large wooden stick until she finally no longer has it, and quickly getting up before she can start hitting on him. However, she doesn't even try. Tess remains down on her hands and knees and sobbing uncontrollably, while Josh and random pedestrians simply look at her.
Josh momentarily looks over his shoulder at the many staring pairs of eyeballs, and soon glancing at Tess sympathetically. He sighs, biting the bullet, and opting one last time to hopefully comfort her. "Tess," he says quietly as he kneels down close to her. She gradually lifts her head to gaze at him. "stop it. You're causing unnecessary attention, and it's embarrassing. C'mon, pull yourself together." Josh says, aiming for her hand to help stand her up, but Tess swiftly slaps his hand away.
"Don't touch me." She says in a demonic groan, and Josh stares at her speechlessly. "I want you to go to hell, Joshua Matthews. I want you to burn and rot and scream for help until your corpse is scorched to ashes."
"Tess—"
"Leave me alone!" Tess yells, and Josh flinches. "Go! Get out of here! Leave before I call the police! I don't ever want to see you again!" she declares in a fiery fit of rage, and Josh awkwardly grinds his teeth.
Regardless, complying to her request, and standing up straight, while she looks up at him like he's the wicked Satan himself.
Josh keeps the bat in his hand, tightly holding it as he walks around his car to the driver's side, and getting inside before harshly slamming the door shut. He tosses the bat in the backseat, searching for his keys, and starting the engine prior to pulling away from the curb in front of Tess's apartment building. Josh peers at his rearview mirror, staring at Tess's reflection, and noticing when two guys graciously come over to help her up.
He shakes his head pitifully, unfazed and careless. Him and Tess have been together all through college, and even with the plans to move in together after graduating, but not even given the chance once things suddenly turned weird between them. From the constant cheating assumptions to the uncomfortable time spent with each other, Josh truthfully happy to be out of the relationship. Nevertheless, unable to forget how she almost destroyed his car, and all for something she couldn't prove.
Josh's vintage 1967 Ford Mustang had been given to him by his father on his twentieth birthday, and he takes care of it like a mother takes care of her child. For instance, he never takes it to car the wash, cleans it out frequently, and protects it against severe weather such as thunder and snow storms. Albeit, he could just die if something terrible were ever to happen it, and getting faraway from Tess is the first step in keeping it safe.
It's thirty minutes later when Josh makes it back to his own apartment, relieved that he hadn't yet started packing to move-in with Tess, and looking around at the overwhelming mess surrounding him.
Dirty dishes in the sink, empty beer bottles and cans scattered all over the floor, and leftover food still sitting out, ultimately giving the place a foul and wretched odor.
Josh isn't particularly keen when it comes to cleaning, and hardly ever being home also doesn't help the issue as he's usually either busy with Tess, or hanging out with his friends—the ones Tess allows him to be with, that is.
He carefully maneuvers his way around the clutter until he reaches his bedroom, and pushing the door open to see the atmosphere just as jumbled as the rest of his apartment. His bed is unmade, clothes are everywhere, and shoes that one can easily trip over if they're not careful. Josh then walks over to his open closet, sifting through the debris for his suitcase and duffle bag, and beginning to gather many of his things from outfits to shoes to toiletries. Josh eventually picturing a life outside of New York, hopelessly wanting to getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city, and suddenly with the chance looking more and more like reality as his relationship always kept him from chasing after it.
The second he mentioned going on a vacation to Georgia to stay in his wealthy friend's family lake house, who literally said he can use it whenever he wants, Tess immediately shut down the idea; says she hates the thought of traveling and living in the wilderness, and basically giving Josh an ultimatum—if he goes, then they're done, and with the love he did used to have for her at one point, he decided not to go. However, now that they're broken up, all of that is irrelevant.
It's sixty minutes later when Josh finally finishes packing with only a couple more stops left to make. He then grabs some of the money he keeps stashed away under his bed before going back outside to his car, the sun completely down by now, and opening the trunk before tossing everything inside. He then hops into the front seat, buckling himself in, and driving under the dim streetlights until he arrives at a twenty-four-hour convenience store.
Josh parks out front in one of the available spaces, and casually walking inside to the part of the store where the drinks are located. He grabs half a dozen cans of Arizona Green Tea and water prior to seeking for some different snacks to take along with him on the grueling thirteen-hour journey like Doritos, Tastykakes, string cheese, crackers, Oreos, Reese's, pretzels, granola bars, potato chips, and Cheez-Its—a little much, but totally worth it. Afterward, on his way to the counter until he catches something strange from the corner of his eye.
There's a young boy, who looks to be at least eleven-years-old, sneaking candy bars into the pockets of his jacket, and Josh briefly glares toward the front of the store where the clerk is. The counter is being run by a middle-aged man seemingly in his forties, and he's too busy reading a newspaper to notice anything suspicious that could be going on.
Josh glances back at the boy, and quickly widening his eyes when he sees that he's no longer standing near the candy. He frantically looks around for him, and soon spotting him on his way out the door. Josh then dashes to the counter, dropping his stuff off, and swiftly moving to the entrance of the shop as he blocks the doorway to prevent the boy from leaving. "Aren't you forgetting something?"
The young boy looks at Josh timidly, and then peeking over his shoulder to see everybody else looking at him. He bows his head solemnly. "I didn't do anything…" he mumbles, and Josh is sympathetic.
He lowers himself down to be eye level with the boy, and digging something out of his pocket. "You're, right. Because you're going to take this, and give it to the friendly man over there." Josh points after dropping a five-dollar bill into the boy's hand. He smiles, while the boy looks at him breathlessly. "Go on," Josh urges with a tilt of his head, and watching from the door as the boy hesitantly walks up to the counter to pay for all the candy he stuffed into his pockets.
Two Snickers, a 3 Musketeers, and a pack of Kit-Kats all paid for with the money given to the boy, and he turns back to Josh as he slowly approaches the door to leave. "Thank you,"
"No problem. Now hurry and get home. It's late, and you don't want to worry your parents." Josh says, stepping aside to let the boy leave, and seeing as he quickly scurries out of the store.
Soon after, Josh sighs. He's glad he'd been there to stop the boy from making a huge mistake that he's surely to regret for the rest of his life. Needless to say, the clerk should do a better job watching the riffraff of his establishment.
He walks back over to the counter, ready to pay for his own stuff, and the old guy looks at him intently. "Thanks for what you did a minute ago,"
"Huh?"
"That little boy always comes in here, although usually with his friends. I never actually catch him stealing anything as he's normally just his friends' 'lookout', but I guess today he was desperate." The clerk explains, and Josh sucks his teeth.
He then diverts his eyes as he swallows. "Yeah, well…hopefully he knows now to ask before he takes. I didn't mind giving him some money."
"Yes, you're a fine young man with a good head on your shoulders, but I have to ask…why all the snacks?" the clerk wonders, and Josh chuckles nervously.
He scratches his head. "This ain't nothing. I need all this stuff for the long drive I'm about to take,"
"Where you going?"
"Georgia. I just want to getaway for a while. Clear my head a little," Josh smirks just as the guy finishes bagging his stuff.
He then tells him the total. "By the way, I gave you a discount for helping me from being robbed."
"Thanks, man." Josh replies, and dropping his cash into the guy's hand.
Afterwards, grabbing all of his bags before exiting the store, the bell above the door dinging the second he opens it, and about to put everything in the backseat of his car until something obscured causes him to stop.
Someone suspicious is standing behind his car, and Josh's heartbeat promptly escalates. "Hey! Get away from my car!" he shouts abruptly, startling whoever it is, and running toward them with the bags still in his hands, while simultaneously prepared to fight if need be. However, immediately slowing down the closer he gets, and mouth ample as he stares at the silhouette in perplexity; presently frozen in place and awestruck.
The shiny blonde hair and brilliant blue eyes, Josh would recognize her from a mile away.
She tenderly smiles, while Josh remains dazed. "I thought this car looked familiar,"
"Maya…what are you doing here?" Josh asks, staring intensely, and Maya calmly walks up to him.
Currently standing in front of him, the top of her head merely reaching Josh's chin. She stares at his chest before narrowing her gaze up to meet his. "Just out for an evening stroll," Maya responds.
Josh licks his lips, and fidgets. "Well, you should really be getting back. Do you want a ride home?" he offers, but Maya politely declines.
She shakes her head. "Calm down, Boing," Maya retorts, and Josh blushes. "It's not like I don't know where I am. Besides, it's safe."
"Yeah, for now." Josh says, and Maya rolls her eyes. "Look, I just don't want something bad to happen to you." He admits, and Maya looks intrigued.
She looks at Josh expectantly. "Is that so?"
"Yes."
"And what does Tess think about that?" Maya taunts, and Josh grunts, which causes her to raise a confused eyebrow. "What's wrong?"
"I don't want to talk about it. Just go home Maya, please."
"Yeah, no. I don't think so. Not yet, anyway." Maya declares, beginning to walk backwards, and it's in that moment when Josh soon notices the camera dangling from her neck, which suddenly clears up everything—Maya usually liking to take pictures as a second hobby, and aiming to draw inspiration for future paintings with the photographs she takes; choosing to do this instead of going to college.
Maya walks back over to Josh's car, lookin at it closely, and then lifting her camera in front of her face. She then glances at Josh reluctantly. "Do you mind?"
Josh shakes his head. "Not at all." He assures, and standing from afar as Maya aims and points the camera to begin taking photos of Josh's car.
Gleaming forest green paint for the exterior, sparkling rims for the tires, and black leather seats on the inside—Josh proud of the condition of his hot, vintage ride, and clearly so is Maya.
She then snaps a candid picture of Josh the minute he moves to stand beside her, and smiles at him sweetly. "Who knew you were so photogenic?" Maya says once she physically has the polaroid photo in her hand, and Josh shyly smirks as he looks over her shoulder to see it.
"I suppose you're keeping that?"
"Yup. It'll go nicely with my collection of sleeping, eating, and driving pictures of you." The blonde winks, and Josh laughs. He then unlocks the doors, tossing the bags into the backseat of his car, and Maya appears undoubtedly puzzled. "Going somewhere?"
"Huh?"
"What's with all the food?" Maya questions.
"Oh," Josh says, and crossing his arms as he casually leans back against the car. "I'm going on a trip."
"What kind of trip?"
"A road trip to Georgia." He clarifies, and Maya's eyes widen.
She's always known of Josh's crazy obsession with the suburbs—tired of the overwhelming atmosphere of New York City—but also aware that his girlfriend would never allow it. Albeit, clueless as to why Tess would choose now to change her mind…that is, unless she hasn't. Maya looks at Josh incredulously. "Really? Does that mean Tess is going with you?"
"No, and I said I didn't want to talk about it." Josh groans, getting into the driver's seat, and switching on the engine. He then looks out of the open window at Maya as she's still standing next to the car. "What are you waiting for? Get in," He demands, while Maya furrows her brows, bewildered.
"Why?"
"Maya, I already told you. I'm taking you back to Riley." Josh says, knowing the exact route to the apartment the two best friends share together.
Maya folds her arms. "And I already told you, I'm not going home yet." She says irritably, and starting to walk away to continue on her trek of taking some late-night pictures.
"Maya!" Josh yells, but still she proceeds to leave without so much as glance in his direction. "Dammit," he scoffs, putting the car into 'drive', and riding out of the parking lot of the convenience store to go follow Maya.
She's walking down the sidewalk by the time he catches up to her, and driving the car slowly as he looks at her through the window on the passenger side. "You're following me now?" Maya says nonchalantly without glancing at him.
"Anything to make sure nothing happens to you."
"Josh, I'm fine." Maya replies with a stomp of her foot. It's not like he's ever shown this much concern whenever Tess is around, although it's not like he needs to. She's perfectly capable of taking care of herself, and this time is no different. "I just want to take some more photos, and then I'll go back."
"Maya, you can't just—" Josh pauses, considering his next words. He doesn't understand how Riley even let her out of the house since she's just as concerned for her friend as anybody else, which has him beginning to wonder if the brunette even knows she left. Cars then start to honk at Josh, distracting him from his thoughts, and quickly deciding to park the car to follow Maya on foot instead.
Josh hurriedly runs after her before grabbing ahold of her arm. He then spins her around so they're facing one another. "Josh, what is the matter with—"
"Come with me." Josh interrupts, successful with getting her attention, and Maya is confused.
She's speechless, and her lips are ajar as she feverishly gazes into Josh's eyes. "What are you talking about? You don't mean…"
"Yeah." Josh smiles. "I want you with me on my vacation. What do you say?" he asks hopefully, and Maya twists her lips.
"What about—"
"Don't worry about that." Josh prompts, frustrated with the constant mention of her when she has nothing to do with anything. "You're my top priority right now, and I'm not taking no for an answer."
Maya's cheeks immediately flush, hot and radiant, and soon shifting her gaze down to Josh's hand that's still lingering on her arm. "Why me?" she mumbles sheepishly, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Why not?" Josh challenges, momentarily silencing her. "I honestly can't think of a better person. Say yes."
"Josh, I can't just…stop everything to go backpacking to another state." Maya says unconvincingly.
"Not even with me?" Josh smirks, and Maya playfully rolls her eyes.
She then removes his hand off of her. "Especially with you."
"Why?"
"Because…" Maya murmurs, dropping her head. It wasn't easy watching Josh be with another girl, but it still didn't make her feelings for him go away.
Josh gently tucks a hand under her chin, lifting her head, and bringing his face close to hers. "Just say yes." He says again, and Maya bashfully smiles, while softly sinking her teeth into her bottom lip.
"Will I regret this?" she asks, and Josh simply smiles.
He'll take that as a, yes.
PLEASE REVIEW, your feedback is much appreciated!
Hi guys, I'm back with another Joshaya story now that Summer Daze is complete, and I hope this first chapter was interesting. I actually had a different approach for this story, but ended up changing the plot a little, which I think will be a lot better than my original idea. This is another AU as pretty much all my stories are, and the characters are still OOC, but I hope that doesn't stop any of you from wanting to read it.
As you can see, the story takes place sometime after Josh graduates from college, and I tried to really reel any of you readers in with the crazy first scene with Josh and his ex-girlfriend, Tess, so I hope that was interesting. Josh is also in love with the vintage car given to him from his dad, which ultimately gives him the idea to drive away in it since he loves it so much; his breakup with Tess evidently frustrating, and deciding to getaway to relax and forget about everything. Then cue Maya. She didn't attend college in this story, but still does her art along with some photography (Sabrina's WHY video obviously giving me the inspiration). Josh then has the idea to invite Maya along with him because why not, right? However, Maya's skeptical because she still has feelings for Josh, and believing their agreement of the long game to have fallen apart once things seemed so serious between him and Tess, which she still doesn't know the truth about yet.
Recap:
1. Josh breaks up with his long-time, controlling girlfriend.
2. Josh decides to take a trip to Georgia to stay in his best friend's lake house.
3. Josh stops a young boy from robbing a convenience store.
4. Maya isn't sure about going on a vacation with Josh where it's just the two of them.
Thanks to everyone that read, reviewed, and followed. Much appreciation!
