Josh sat by himself on the bench outside this hellhole he liked to call high school. It could be so much worse, he'd like to think. But could it really? Yeah, I could have no friends. I could be a loser, made fun of everyday, like....

He scanned through the people waiting for their buses around him. Mostly normal people. Neutral, they were. Like he was. Not popular, but not completely dorky. They made up about 90% of the entire school's population, but when you thought of high school, they weren't the first people you thought of.

He looked to his right, to the bench across the pathway from him. There sat Robbie Fauber, practically the biggest loser in school. He wasn't your stereotypical nerd. In fact, he was actually pretty normal-looking. Okay, maybe he was a little pale, and he did have that big gap in the front of his teeth, but who didn't at one point or another? And his story wasn't like the rest's. He was actually semi-popular for a long time. From 4th grade to 7th grade. He played on the basketball team all of these years, and all the girls swooned over him. Even Stewart, believe it or not. Then, in 7th grade, as if things couldn't get better for the kid, an 8th grade girl Jessica asked him out. He was so ecstatic that he followed her around, and went wherever she went. Josh guessed he thought that's what a boyfriend was supposed to do. In fact, that's what most boys at that age thought. But it finally hit him, that fateful night at the skating rink. She broke up with him, saying he needed to give her space. From then on, he lost all of his pride. He gave up on basketball, and people just stopped liking him.

Josh found himself staring at Robbie. But Robbie, devoid of all self-esteem, could never confront Josh about it. He just pretended to not know that he was being surveyed.

Most other days, he would ignore Robbie. He was just another face in the crowd, but something today was ousting him on, compelling him to just talk to the poor kid. Just to make small talk.

Josh swallowed his pride, and marched over to the other bench across the pathway. Just getting there was somewhat of a challenge. To feel as though you have no control over a situation. Could anything be worse ?

He stood in frontof Robbie, his hands stuffed in his pockets.

Hey, Robbie! He spoke enthusiastically, not wanting to give the impression that he was going to say anything derogatory.

Um, hi, Robbie said, his voice lacking any sort of emotion whatsoever.

Hey, what's wrong? You don't sound too happy. Thank you, Captain Obvious, Josh thought, mentally kicking himself in the head.

Why do people always think that? I'm perfectly happy, thanks anyway, he said, picking up his schoolbag. My ride is here. Bye. He stomped towards the white Honda parked in front of the school and shoved his things into the car, jumped in, and slammed the door.

Rejected by a reject. Yep, I've definitely hit rock bottom.

But being snubbed by Robbie Fauber was the least of his concerns. He rummaged through his pockets until he felt a thin piece of paper. He pulled it out, and read it over.

That new girl. Cyrus Young.

He couldn't believe he had ever even considered liking her. That backstabbing little...

He stopped short. Maybe I deserved this.

WHAT? Another part of his brain screamed. No, that girl is a little brat, and she needs to learn a lesson.

But come on, man, you sort of did ditch her.

But she deserved it!

No, she didn't.

She wanted to tear you and Stewart apart. Now would a real friend do that?

No, I guess not.

One side of your brain convincing the other side. Both sides being rational. This was just a little too weird for Josh.

He sighed and walked back over to the bench on which his bag was laid. He picked it up and was about go inside when someone yelled after him.

He didn't recognize their voice, but she was the only one he'd ever allow to say that name in public. Cyrus.

He could've just continued on. He could've walked inside and things would stay the same and he'd be okay with it. But he just had to spin around and talk to her.

he said, a little impatiently. Cyrus sighed and slowly, but quietly, approached him.

I...I just wanted to say I'm sorry. And that I was just in Principal Morris' office, and I confessed to everything. I shouldn't have done it, and I'm really sorry. It just...

Just what? Josh said, not really paying much attention the fact that she was apologizing.

It just hurt when you chose Stewart over me. Because I thought you really liked me. And I thought, maybe...maybe for once, I had found someone who I could love, and...and would love me back. And at that, she broke down in tears, wiping away each tear that escaped her eyes.

Josh stared at the sobbing girl for a few seconds. What should he do? Confess his undying love for her? That would just be lying. Spontaneously, he embraced her, holding her in his arms. Before, she was just this slutty brat. But here in his arms, she seemed so...young. And vulnerable. He never wanted to let her go.

~~~~~~~

Riiiing.

Riiiing.

Josh groaned. Not again.

He picked up the phone.

What do you want NOW, Stewart?

Josh, can you please just be serious for ONE minute?

What are you talking about? When was I ever not serious?

God, Teddy must've really rubbed off on you.



Why are you both so...difficult?

If we're difficult, I don't even want to know what you are.

You are so annoying!

Stop calling me!

I'm sorry for wanting to wanting to talk to my FRIEND. Do you not realize that you are the only friend I have left?

Oh, I'm sorry, I guess my invitation to your pity party got lost in the mail.

A pause.

I hate you, Joshua Gordon.

Click.

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[A/N: Oh, bubby. What happened between Josh and Cyrus? Does Stewart really hate Josh? And why didn't Robbie ever get braces? Find out next time on Joshua Gordon.]