A/N: I started off writing the previous chapter like this and then I didn't feel comfortable suddenly adding a Josh POV. And so, because I didn't want to completely be rid of it, I've added it as a bonus. Hope you enjoy!
The Library
Part 4.5
aka. How Josh ended up in the Principle's office
Josh grumbles, shuffling further down the squeaky, leather seat. His arms are tightly crossed over his chest, his bottom lip jutting out like the little kid he is.
He narrows his eyes at the principle, shifting as far away as he can from the guy sat next to him; "I didn't punch him." That's a blatant lie. Especially when Josh is not even attempting to hide the blistered knuckles rimming his tight fist. But it's not his fault that this punk decided it was a good idea to cheat on his sister.
"We weren't even dating," Beth had rolled her eyes at Josh, letting her breath come out in a scoff. Her eyes had looked loose in their sockets before she'd shifted uncomfortably like she wanted him to stop talking about it. "It was just this... casual thing."
That just made it worse.
This kid thought it was just fine to sleep around with his sister, tick her off the list and then waltz off to the next course. Like Beth was just another "Washington ticket." Asshole.
Josh had instantly eyed up the criminal across the school corridor.
"Josh," Beth had pleaded, gripping onto his bicep. She had looked at him then and he could see the exhaustion swimming in her tear rimmed eyes. Like she was just tired of all this. Like she just wanted it all to just fly over her head. To blow over. To be forgotten.
He wasn't going to let it.
"Please?" It was on the borderline of begging. Don't do it, it said. Don't do it. Her fingers tightened.
But Josh's mind was set.
He had a duty. And that was to be an older brother.
And so he'd shaken off his sister's hand, strode across the school corridor, and stormed straight up to the culprit.
The kid was basking in a crowd of jocks and pretty, blonde bimbos. He was laughing and chattering, wearing some hideous letterman jacket. Probably somebody on Matt's football team. Like that gave him any status in life.
His arm was hooked around the waist of some flirtatious Marilyn Monroe. Who, for all the times she flicked her blonde hair off her shoulder, had far too much ego for her size. Either that or she had some serious twitch that, you know, maybe a doctor should have a look at.
"Oi," Josh had pushed through the crowd, hooking his chin in the guy's direction. "Asshole."
The kid had cocked his head in Josh's direction, eyebrows slowly raising. He looked young enough to be a freshman. He was barely a toddler in an oversized jacket.
The crowd spilling around the kid stopped, their heads turning like cogs on sticks. Their eyes locked onto Josh with curiosity, humour and was that scorn? With that, Josh had gripped his fist. Preparing the weapon.
"If it isn't the Washington Prodigy," the toddler had smiled, slow and long, with ease. An 'ooh' had rippled through the crowd.
A stretched smile tugged up Josh's own face.
And then Josh had smacked him one in the face.
"I didn't punch him," Josh repeats, his tone even grittier.
"Joshua," the principle looks at him through narrowed eyes. "You might want to change your mind about that. There was a crowd of witnesses-"
"I said," Josh grits through his teeth, "I didn't punch him." He huffs through his nose, tightening his crossed arms. He half snorts, a smile twitching at the edge of his lips. "And if I did, he deserved it."
The kid beside Josh flicks incredulous, angry eyes towards him, fingers nursing his burst lip. Aw, poor football star can't play anymore with a busted face. Boo hoo.
Well, two can play at that game.
"Joshua," the principle sighs, leaning back in his chair, the leather creaking. "I think I'm going to have to call your parents."
Josh clicks his tongue once, flicking the invisible 'Washington' card between his thumb and fingers. In a minute, he'd hold it up with one, fully displayed middle finger. "I don't think that's a good idea."
The principle's eyes cloud over with realisation. He lets out a resigned sigh. Well, that was easy. "And why's that?"
Josh lets out a relaxed breath, leaning back in his chair. "Last time I checked," Josh says with ease, despite his stinging knuckles. The nurse had checked up on both of them after the incident. Apparently neither of their injuries were worth much attention. Despite what the moping toddler might think. "My father is one of the main contributors towards this school."
"Josh-" The principle warns once, and Josh eyes him right back.
Then the very wise head of school purses his lips, inhaling through his nose, before clacking his teeth. "Fine," he sighs.
"Seriously?" The jock jumps forward in his chair, the piece of furniture reacting in protest with an ancient creak. "You're just going to let him get away with this?" He waves his hand in front of his face and Josh smirks.
"Why, what's the problem?" Josh teases, finally narrowing his eyes at the jerk. "Can't play football because your pretty face is all messed up?"
The kid growls at Josh.
And Josh just smiles smugly until the principle sighs languidly, waving his exhausted hand. "You can go now."
And Josh does.
He flexes his weapon hand victoriously, paying no more attention to the grunting, arms-crossed kid beside him, and strides out of the room.
Mmm, he could really do with a hamburger.