SATURDAY
I groaned as I twisted slightly as I woke up, my mouth was extremely dry and it was making the back of my throat scratchy. I opened my eyes and looked around the room, I was not at home. Josh was sleeping under me and TV was on the Xbox logo bouncing around the screen. "Shit.. shit" I said getting up quickly and grabbing my phone out of my pocket. No missed calls? Texts? Nothing?.
"Hey" Josh said sitting up than yawned. "You let me fall asleep" I told him looking for my sweater. "Sorry" He said, "I don't usually fall asleep watching TV or even on the couch for that matter". I signed. "My mother is going to kill me" I said. "Give me a few than I'll take you home" He told me. I nodded and sat back down on the couch. He got up and walked across the room and into the bathroom locking the door behind him.
My phone started to ring, I looked down at the Caller ID, it was my mother. "Great" I said and hit talk.
"Hello" I said bracing myself for a shit storm.
"Taylor?" My mother replied.
"Well who else would be answering my phone mom" I said sarcastically.
"What time did you get home last night?" she demanded.
"Last night" I repeated. Then it clicked she didn't know I hadn't home last night.
"Late" I lied.
"Taylor" she said, "coming in Late leaving early", "what time did you leave at this morning?"
"8" I laid again as Josh came out of the bathroom
"Mom?" he mouthed and I nodded.
"When are you planning to come home?" she questioned.
"Uh I don't know" I replied, "soon".
"Alright well don't stay out all day I need your help around this place today" she told me.
"Okay mum" I said, "I'll see you later".
I hung up the phone than looked up at Josh who was fidgeting with his phone as well. "My mom texted me and called" he told me, "she says "Joshua I didn't see you drop Taylor off I hope you didn't do anything stupid". I laughed and stood up. "Well don't worry" I told him, "my mom thinks I got in late and left early". "Fuck" he said with a laugh. "Guess she just trusts me" I said with a small sly grin. "At your age my parents practically had to have bars on my windows" he told me with a laugh. I smirked and walked over to where he stood. "I had fun last night" I told him. "It was horrible I know" he replied putting his arm around my waist. "No" I replied inching closer to him, "I had a pretty good time". He gave a little side smile, and looked into my eyes "I don't know what it is about you "he said softly. "I know" I replied as he leaned forward and kissed me. "I could spend all day doing that" he said. "Okay cheesy" I replied and giggled. "whaat?" he said. "Corny pickup lines don't work on me" I told him with a smirk and kissed him than pulled myself out of his grip.
"Is it Saturday?" he asked me pulling his phone back out and looking at it, "it's Saturday!" I nodded. "Why?" I asked, "Do you have some secret mission to go on?" He laughed. "No" he replied, "I told my sister I'd babysit for her". "Oh" I said in reply. "Yeah and I think she said she needed me at 11" he added, "Which is in twenty minutes". "I guess we should get a move on it than" I replied. "Yeah" he agreed, "I need to eat something though", "are you hungry?" "I could eat "I replied and followed him into the kitchen. "Well all I have is Lucky charms, all brain for some fucking reason, and Kix cereal" he told me opening his cupboard to reveal the cereals he listed. "Uh I'll just have Lucky charms" I replied. He pulled the box out of the cupboard and than the kix cereal. "Where do you keep your bowls?" I asked. "Behind you" he replied reaching into the box and eating handful of cereal. I nodded than turned around and pulled two white bowls out of the cupboard and set them on the counter. "Milks in the fridge" he added pointing behind me, "spoons in that drawer". I grabbed them all than returned to his side. I poured myself the amount of cereal I wanted than carried my bowl over to the small table he had in the corner. "I think you're the first person to use that table" he told me as he leaned against the counter to eat. "Really" I replied with a laugh as I ate slowly. "Well for eating anyway" he said. I looked at him but didn't ask nor did I want to know what he meant by that. Neither of us spoke as we ate, I had just about finished when my phone rang. I looked down at it Private Name
"Hello?" I said as I hit talk.
"Hey Tay" I heard a familiar male voice on the other end.
"Um hi" I replied, "who's this..".
"Psh" he said, "I'm offended you don't know".
I laughed. "Sorry I don't" I told him.
"Jayson" he said.
"Jayson.. " I repeated back to myself, "OH HI". We both laughed.
"How are you?" I asked, "How's things back home?"
"Pretty good, you didn't tell me you were moving" he replied.
"Didn't think you'd care" I told him honestly, "you hadn't talked to me in months".
"I just got busy with shit in the shop" he told me, "I went to your place and you weren't there".
"Yeah well I moved to Vancouver" I told him, "and I won't be going back sadly".
"Vancouver" he said, "that's a far off cry from Toronto".
"Yeah it is" I agreed, "okay this going to sound rude BUT what did you call for?"
"I just miss you" he said, "I wanted to get together".
"I missed you to" I said softly trying to keep my conversation as private as possible, "but you cheated on me with every girl within a 100 mile radius".
I heard him sigh, "I know but I learned my lesson, I've paid enough for what I've done especially with what Natalie".
"Don't bring her up" I said with a lump in my throat, "you aren't allowed to talk about her".
"She was my -" he began but I cut him off.
"I don't want to talk about her, Just don't" I said getting upset and I could feel the pain resurfacing. "I've got to go Jayson". I could feel myself shaking from trying to hold back the tears. I didn't give him a change to say goodbye I just ended the call and put my phone down.
The cereal eating had suddenly lost all appeal so I just played with it swirling my spoon in the bowl.
"You think your ex is bad" I said to Josh, "you should meet mine". "By the sounds of it I'd knock his ass out" he replied. "oooh I've wanted to many times" I admitted, "ugh I hate him". "Change your number" he suggested. "I can't someone important has this number and I don't want to lose contact with them" I told him. I stood up and carried the bowl to the sink and set it inside. "Sorry he put my appetite off" I told him. "Whatever" he said. I felt my stomach start to turn, "excuse me" I said and walked away and into the bathroom.
I locked the door behind me than sat down on the floor; I couldn't fight back the tears I wanted to cry. I sat on the floor by the door and cried, I was able to muffle my sobs by turning on the fan that was in the bathroom, I had been in their for a few minutes when Josh knocked on the door.
"Taylor" he said, "are you okay?" "yea- yes" I lied standing up, "just the milk didn't agree with my stomach I guess". "Okay well I have to get going right away do you want me to drop you at home?" he asked. I pressed my lips together. "Can I come help you?" I asked turning the water on then scooping some in my hands. "Uh I suppose" he replied. "Well if you don't want me to tag along its fine to" I said washing my face to reduce the redness of my face from crying. "No you can come it's just not like it's very fun for you" he told me, "Jessica never liked it". "I love kids" I told him as I opened the door.
"Alright than" he said with a small smile, "let's play house". I faked a smile and followed him out of the apartment.
Josh's sister lived a few blocks away from his parents' house, in a plain white, simple home with a fenced in yard. "How many kids does your sister have?" I asked as we pulled up to the house. "Two" he replied, "Twins". "Really?" I said, "Are they identical?" "not even a little bit" he replied with a smirk. "Are they well behaved?" I asked. "Uh well you can decide that for yourself" he told me, "now c'mon". "Great" I said and followed him out of the car and up the walkway to the house.
Before we got halfway up the sidewalk two kids burst out of the door, a boy and a girl. Both with sandy brown hair and golden brown eyes. "UNCLE JOSH" they screamed and tackled him to the ground. I laughed as they wrestled him onto the ground. "Mackenzie, Matthew" A woman who I assumed was his sister came out the door. She had similar features like he did so she had to be his sister. "Get off of your uncle" she ordered. "But he's fun to beat up" Matthew said with a devilish grin. I laughed. His sister looked over at me. "Um... Josh who's your friend?" she questioned. "That" he said getting up and trying to stop laughing and catch his breath at the same time, "is my friend Taylor". "Friend?" she asked looking me over. "Rebecca she lives next door to mom and dad" he explained, "we hung out last night and I asked her to come help me with Satan's demons... I mean your wonderful children". Rebecca smirked at her brother. "Well keep your focus on the Demons right here and not in your pants" she told him. I bit my lip to keep from laughing. "Not a problem sis" he said and looked over at me. "Okay... " she said unsure but she didn't want to argue about it. "Well I have to go I'm going to be late for the shower". "Nice meeting you" she added to me than kissed each of her kids and then rushed off.
"Can we play Legos Uncle Josh?" Mackenzie asked, "and build a tall tower like last time?" He grinned and nodded. "Yeah let's do it" he agreed. "YAY" they both said and practically dragged him into the house. I followed them close behind; it was cute how he interacted with his niece and nephew.
We spent the afternoon playing Lego's, and Barbie's, and watching Disney Movies. Playing house how Josh called it was really fun with him, and when Rebecca returned I was kind of sad for it to end.
It was six o'clock by the time we finished babysitting and the sun was beginning to set.
"Thanks for coming today" he said to me as we sat in his car in my driveway. "No problem" I replied, "I had fun". "Me to" he said. I looked into the window of my living room and saw my mother peek out. "I guess I should probably get inside before she sends a swat team out" I told him. "Okay" he replied, "can I call you?" I nodded than gave him my cell number. "I'll call or text you tonight "he promised. I smiled and leaned over and kissed his cheek. "Thanks for everything "I added as I got out of the car and walked toward my house.
I didn't go inside right away I watched him drive away than I slowly turned and walked into my house.
"Hey mom" I called as I walked into the door. "It's six o'clock Taylor" My mother told me. "I know" I replied, "but I have a good explanation". "That being what?" she asked. "Well Josh had to babysit his niece and Nephew and I helped him" I told her. "Okay" she said, "but you should have called". "Sorry" I said sincerely. "Whatever it's fine" she said, "do you want to set the table for dinner?" I nodded and walked out into the kitchen and began to set the table. I did this quickly than disappeared into my bedroom to find some warm comfy jammies. "Mom how long until dinner?" I asked from my doorway. "Uh I'd say a good fifteen minutes why?" she replied. "Oh I just wanted to take a shower and change into something comfy" I explained. "Yeah, you have enough time" she assured me.
I had a quick shower than dressed in my most comfortable fuzzy hello Kitty Jammies and walked out into the kitchen to have dinner with my mom.
"So how was your night last night?" she asked me. "Okay" I replied playing with the food on my plate. "Just alright?" she questioned, "what did you guys do?" "Nothing much" I told her taking a bit of chicken, "we went to this Party where some rude girl called me a slut". "You didn't open your mouth did you?" she asked. I laughed and shook my head. "I didn't do anything I shouldn't have" I assured her, "but I did defend myself". "Oh boy" she said looking down at her plate. "She called me a slut" I said getting upset, "what was I supposed to do?" "Walk away" she suggested. I rolled my eyes. I didn't want to talk about my night anymore with her. "Well what else did you guys do?" she pried. "I went to Josh's place with him and watched a rob zombie movie" I told her, "and no mother I did not sleep with him or attempt to ". She looked at me like she didn't believe me but didn't say it. "Well I'm glad you had a good time" she said, "I kind of like Anne as well". I smiled and said, "That's great mom". "She told me a lot about Josh and his issues" she added. "Issues?" I repeated. "He's quite the walking mess" she added, "I'm glad you have no romantic connection to him". I nodded and looked back down at my plate.
"Jayson called me today" I told her breaking the silence that had come over us. "Jayson as in your ex-boyfriend?" she asked. I nodded. "And what did he want this time?" she asked irritated. "He misses me or so he says" I told her. "Well good let him keep on missing you" she replied, "That kid doesn't dare step foot on this property". "No worries there mum" I told her, "I hate his guts to after all he put me through", "I just don't want to go through it all again". "Smart girl" she said and we both smiled.
After Dinner was over I washed the dinner dishes then settled in my room under the covers in my bed with a book and tried to read, but my mind kept going back to Josh and his smile, the way he smelled, his voice, his eyes, I was like a woman possessed. I wanted to call or text him but I didn't want to come across as desperate or needy so I left my phone untouched.
I tried again to read but I couldn't get into it at all, so I got up and walked across my room and back, than turned on my stereo and tried to keep my mind off of him.
I decided to rummage through a box from the old house and found my Britney spears mixed CD, I laughed at myself and rushed over to the stereo and put it into the player. It still worked and I started to sing along to the CD and do the old dance moves I had made up as a pre-teen. I was pretty into it, I had a mirror behind my bedroom door so I faced it to watch myself dance, I was doing pretty good until I looked up into the window and noticed someone staring at me, I screamed at the top of my lungs and jumped back against the door. It was Josh laughing and put his finger to his lips telling me to be quiet. "Taylor" My mom said walking to my door. "I'm okay mom" I told her my heart racing, "I saw a spider". "Oh for peets sake" she said, "that's a bit dramatic for a bug tone it down huh?" I laughed. "Okay sorry" I said. I heard her walk away than I walked over to the window and opened.
"What the hell?" I said, "Do you know you almost gave me a damn heart attack". He laughed. "It's not funny" I told him, "what are you doing here?" "I just came to give u something" he told me. "Oh?" I replied. He handed me one yellow Gerber daisy with a long stem. "A daisy?" I questioned. "It was growing in my mom's garden, thought you might like it" he said. "Oh well thanks" I said and smiled. "Welcome" he said, "sorry I scared you". "It's alright" I replied, "What are you doing?" "Standing here talking to you" he told me. "Well I mean after this" I clarified. "Nothing special going to hang out with some friends at the bar downtown" he told me, "I'd invite you but you are a bit to young". I nodded. "I also came to ask you a serious question" he added. "Like?" I asked. "Okay doesn't laugh" he said, "but I go to church with my mom and she suggested I invite you". I smiled. "Awe that's sweet" I replied, "Sure I'll come to church with you". "Shit" he said as his phone began to ring, "hit", and "I should go just popped by quick to ask that". "Okay" I said, "thanks". "Welcome" he said. "Bye" I said. "Wait" he said, "come here". "Why?" I asked suspiciously. "Just come here quick" he ordered. I got closer to him, and he leaned up and kissed me. "Okay im good now" he said and laughed. I shook my head and smirked. "I'll see you tomorrow" he told me. "Okay" I replied, "Good night Josh". "Night Taylor" He replied and walked slowly away, I waited till he was gone than closed my window and walked over to my bed carrying the daisy in my hands a big smile on my face.
I've known this guy all of two days and I was falling hard and fast, it was scary and exciting all at the same time.
I fell asleep a few hours later but I got woken up at 3am by my phone, groggily I picked it up. The caller ID said it was Josh
"Hello" I said with a yawn.
"Shit don't do that" I heard, "I mean it jess".
"What?" Jessica said, "I know you like it when I touch you like that".
"HELLO" I said louder. Great a pocket dial. I was going to hang up but curiosity got the better of me.
"Jess I don't want to fuck you" Josh said, "so you may as well put your clothes back on".
"But you brought me back here" she whined.
"No you followed me" he replied, "I am serious about not taking you back this time".
"Oh c'mon just for old times' sake?" she said seductively. "Ugh" I said as I listened unable to hang up.
"Josh you know you can't resist me", "I can do that thing you like".
"Dear God" he said, "I think you need to go home, I let you come in because you said you just wanted to hang out I am not going to sleep with you".
"Whatever, you always come back to me" she said, "your just not drunk enough".
I heard him laugh. "Even if I was it wouldn't happen" he said. I giggled and hung up the phone.
I sent him a quick text that said "good night Josh please don't pocket me at 3 am thanks"
My phone rang a few seconds later and it was Josh again, I was slightly irritated and if it was a pocket dial again I'd loose it.
"Hello" I said.
"Hey" He replied, "sorry I leaned against the keypad it must have called you"
"Whatever it's fine" I said, "how's your rape going?"
He laughed, "She is on her way out the door" he told me.
"Sounds like you were having fun" I added.
"Not even" he replied, "she's so desperate it's not even funny".
"Yeah well" I said and cut myself off.
"How was your night?" I asked making conversation.
"It was pretty epic" he told me, "my buddy threw up all over this hot chick he was dancing with" he laughed as he told me.
"Sorry I missed that" I said with sarcasm in my voice.
"I am" he said, "Taylor I think imp fucking insane or crazy or some creepy ass dude".
I laughed, "Why?" I asked.
"Because I can't stop thinking about you, I like you a lot and it's fucking crazy" He admitted, "I couldn't even enjoy myself; you put a spell on me".
I swallowed hard, guys weren't usually this honest, or maybe it was the liquor in his system.
"I think you've had too much to drink" I said, "I think you should get some sleep".
"I know but" he replied, "shit I don't know I've got half a mind to come over there and see you before I go to sleep".
"Don't you dare" I told him sternly, "go to sleep and I will see you in the morning for church".
"Or you could come here and see me" he suggested.
"Tempting" I replied, "but how would I get there?"
"Taxi" he suggested, "bus"
"The bus isn't on at 3 am" I informed him.
"Then take a damn cab and come over here" he said.
"Ugh" I replied, "I don't think that's a good idea my mom".
"So sneak back in" he suggested.
"You're horrible influences on me Mr." I said with a grin in my voice.
"I try" he replied, "I really haven't had that much to drink I could come to your place than crash at my parents".
"Wouldn't they wonder why?" I asked.
"Probably not" he replied, "do you want me to come over?"
I didn't want to say no, but I didn't think drinking and driving would be a great idea however I didn't say anything.
"If you come text me when you get here, I can't open the door for you though" I told him.
"I'll just use the window" he said. I laughed and rolled my eyes.
"Alright" I said, "you do that then".
"Okay" he said, "I'll see you soon... promise".
"yeahh" I replied. I waited a few seconds and then hung up.
I got out of bed and rushed over to the mirror and brushed my hair out, and then tidied up my room slightly, than went into the bathroom to brush my teeth. Then returned back to my room.
I saw headlights in the driveway next door, it was Josh's car, and he pulled his hood up than walked down the driveway and up the side of the house.
"Taylor" My mother said coming into my room, "why are you still up?" I turned quickly in a panic. "I uh went to the bathroom" I lied. "Who were you talking to?" she questioned. "No one the radio was on" I Said my eyes going back to the window. "Why are you at your window?" she asked walking over. "It's hot in here" I lied, "God Mom third degree much". "Sorry" she said turning away. I turned my attention quickly back to the window and saw Josh; he saw my mom and ducked quickly.
"What was that?" she asked rushing over to the window.
She opened the window and looked to the left and then to the right. "Taylor" she said. "Yeah" I replied slowly. "Why is Josh sitting under your window?" she asked. "Josh is at my window?" I replied pretending to be shocked however she was not fooled by my acting. "Oh please" she said, "Josh front door NOW". He got up and looked at me then walked around to the front of the housel. "Taylor living room NOW" she added. I sighed and followed close behind her, I knew this was a bad idea but of course Men never listen.
"Sit on the damn couch" she ordered. I sat down as she opened the door and Josh stumbled into the door. "Are you drunk?" she demanded looking him off. "I cannot confirm or deny that" he replied and laughed. "Oh God" she said and waited for him to sit down. He did so rather slowly and it was painful to watch. "So who's going to tell me what is going on here?" she asked her arms folded across her chest. "Uhhh" Josh said, "Wellllllllllll". I looked at him and shot him a don't even talk look. "I didn't even know he was coming" I lied. "So he just ended up outside your bedroom window?" My mom asked, "That's what you're telling me?" I nodded to scare to speak. "Taylor for God sakes" she said in frustration, "we haven't even lived here three days and you've got guys outside". "Mom I'm sorry but I didn't know he was coming" I said desperately trying to dig myself outta the hole.
She looked over at Josh who was looking at her. "Be honest with me, what is going on between you to?" she asked. I didn't speak but he did, "I like her "he admitted, "she's beautiful, and nice, and I have never met anyone like her and I can't explain it but I need her in my life". I was shocked he said all that. My mother looked over at me. "Taylor, do you feel the same?" she asked. "Slightly" I replied. "Have you had sex with him?" she demanded. I looked away embarrassed. "Mom" I said. "I am sorry but after what happened last year im extra cautious" she said. "No I haven't vie kissed him that's it" I said, "I don't plan on doing anymore".
She didn't say anything for a few mins and they were the longest few minutes of my life. "Look" she said to Josh more than me, "If you want to see her you have to ask me, you want to hang out with her it's in public, and if you want to do anything more forget it". "I understand" he said. "AND" she added, 'If you feel the urge to sneak into her bedroom at 3am ever again DON'T". She looked over at me than spoke to me, "is this understood Taylor?" I nodded. "Good" she replied. "if you want to see each other I can't stop you obviously since you will be 18 in a few months but I will be damned if we have a repeat of last year" she added. "Yes mom" I said. "Good, Now Josh go home" she ordered, "come back when you're sober". "Ok" he said and got up. "I'll give you a few minutes to say good night" she added and walked out of the room. I watched her walk out of the living room and heard her walk into the bathroom and close the door.
"I knew this was going to be a bad idea" I told him as we walked out onto the porch. "Not really" he replied, "at least now your mom said I can see you". "I barely know you" I said, "How do you know I want to see you?" "Just because I think your good looking, and funny and really nice" I added. He laughed. "I think you do" he said and brushed some hair out of my eyes. "Taylor I like you a lot like said already, and I want to get to know you" He said. "Is this you talking or the alcohol?" I asked unsure. "This is me" he said, "I promise". He gave me a smile which made me smile to. "Okay" I replied, "but I want to take it one step at a time". "I wouldn't have it any other way" He said then leaned forward and kiss me. I smiled and kissed him back as he put his arms around my waist and pulled me close to him. "I should go" he said as he hugged me, "but churches tomorrow remember". I laughed. "I'll be there" I promised. "Kay" he said pulling away. He kissed me again than pulled away slowly, "see you in the morning". I nodded and watched him walk across the yard and back into his parent's yard, then heard the gate open than close.
I walked back into the house with a smile on my face. "Taylor" my mom said coming into the living room as I locked the front door. "Yeah" I replied. 'go to bed" she said. "Going mom" I replied and walked slowly and happily to my room.