Heeeyyyooo!
Hi gwuys! :D How ya doin? Me? Well, I feel like crap, thanks for asking! But if it weren't for this stupid cold, this might now have gotten done, so yey? I'm not really sure. I want it to go awwaaayy! Anyways, sorry for the late upload. I've been very busy lately -_- we're driving over four hours to go to a game tomorrow for basketball. You know how hard it is to write on a bus? Very. I got stuck on this chapter too :( I hate writer's block, and I have a feeling this next chapter's going to be really hard to write too. The dance is coming up! Aaahhh! Sooo, something big's going to happen in chapter 13 :3 AND you'll find out who J is in either this next one or 14 (most likely 14, though). I'm so excited! And I just can't hide it!
I'm crazy. I need to get this checked out.
Anyways, again, enjoy mis amigos!
Chapter 12:
"No!" I begged, sticking out my lower lip. "Please, Josh, just stop at the corner. I'll be fine, I promise!" I said, slightly jolting his arm.
He shook his head and I felt my heart drop into my stomach. "No, Danny, I'm not havin' you walk that far on a sprained ankle, and soakin' wet, I might add." He said, a small smile playing on his lips as he took the turn onto my street.
I groaned, hiding my face behind my hands. I ignored his attempt to try to make me smile, instead shaking my head. "You don't understand." I whispered as he pulled into the driveway.
"What? What don't I understand?" he asked.
I froze as he shut the car off, lifting my head to glare at him. "No." I demanded, stomping out of the car. I walked up the porch as fast as I could without irritating the injury before Josh grabbed my arm, spinning me towards him.
"I don't get it." he said, furrowing his eyebrows. "What—"
The front door suddenly flew open and another, harsher hand grabbed my arm. "What the h*** are you doing?" my father growled, glancing at Josh. "Who the f*** are you?" His hand tightened on my arm, but I made no move to try to get him off.
Josh didn't step back like I thought he would. Instead his face hardened as his jaw clenched. "I'm a friend of Danny's." he said through clenched teeth.
Fear prickled at my heart as his nails dug into my skin. "Oh, really?" he asked, unbelieving. "That didn't look very friendly to me." my father said angrily, his eyes narrowing.
Josh shrugged, his hand balling into fists. "So I'm her boyfriend, alright."
I yelped as he pulled me into the house, his voice ruff as he snapped at Josh, "Well, she doesn't need a boyfriend right now. She far too busy and she's already had too many boys in her pants." Both our mouths dropped open as I stared at him. "So I suggest not wasting your time." He said as he slammed the door in Josh's face.
My cheek stung as his hand connected with it. I whimpered as he pulled me into the kitchen, slamming my back against the corner wall. "Who the h*** are you w****** around with now?!" he yelled, slapping me again.
His fist connected with my stomach when I didn't answer. I kept my mouth shut in case Josh was there listening on the other side. He grabbed my chin with his enormous hand, making me look into his stormy eyes. "Did I tell you that you could have friends!" he yelled, making me flinch. "Did I tell you that you could have a boyfriend?!"
Tears welled in my eyes as I shook my head. He pushed my shoulders further into the corner, making me grit my teeth. He scowled, pulling his arm back, his hand closing into a fist. In a split second I ducked and his punch landed in the wall behind me. He cried in pain as I fled, turning and running up the stairs.
"You b****!" he yelled and I cried in pain. He pulled me down by my sprained ankle, slamming my body against the steps.
Suddenly he stopped, laughing as I turned to glare at him. His hands tightened, making me scream. "This is sad," he chuckled, "Your first boyfriend and he's using you!" he laughed loudly to himself.
Anger flared inside me and I lifted my free leg, swinging it towards him. He gasped as my boot heel caught him in the jaw, sending him onto the floor. Gasping at what I had just done, I stood, flying up the stairs and locking myself in. I lunged for my phone on the desk, but my shaky fingers knocked it off the table. My whole body was shaking; tears were rolling down my face as I bent down to pick it up. I jumped as he began pounding on the door. "I told you never to lock this door!" he screamed. The door rattled as he threw himself into it. The lock suddenly broke and the door flew open. I grabbed my phone, holding onto it for dear life.
His face twisted into that of rage. "What the h*** are you doing with that?!" he kicked the phone out of my hands, making me yelp and jump away from him. He lashed out and grabbed my shirt, pulling me close. "You trying to call your pathetic, cheating boyfriend?" he said sarcastically, throwing me on the ground. His fist soon connected with my jaw. I curled up into a ball on the floor, whimpering. He screamed at me, until he suddenly stopped. I opened my eyes to find him staring at my phone, his eyes burning.
"She called you?!" He snarled, throwing my phone against the wall, cracking it in two. "What did she say?" he screamed. "ANSWER ME!" he kicked my side, a cry echoing from my lips.
There was a crack as he stepped on my phone. "I forbid you to call him, talk to him in any way, or see him again. You understand?" I whimpered in reply, nodding.
When he walked out of the room, I relaxed. How was I going to do that? I couldn't avoid him. I had already tried that. Josh had made that impossible. He showed up anywhere I went, whenever Jake or Destiny gave me trouble at school; I'd just have to keep it a secret.
I could do that… maybe.
Or I could just suck it up and disobey him. He'd get angry, but I could take the beating. As long as it meant I could see Josh.
Once the pain subsided, I got up, limping to the bathroom, shivering as I turned on the bath full heat. I stripped myself of the dripping clothes and got in, letting the steaming water run over my freezing body. My fingers tenderly brushed the forming bruise on my cheek, sighing. The dance was tomorrow and I was probably going to use the last of Destiny's old cover-up for school. I couldn't go. I couldn't let anyone see this. No one needed to know.
Once I was finished, I dressed in my pajamas, scooping up the wet clothes in my arms and limping down the stairs. I reached the bottom step, glancing at my father who sat on the couch, staring at the TV aimlessly with a beer in his hands. He glanced up at me, scowling. "Go make dinner. For me and my daughter," He demanded. "Don't think about eating anything, you fat, ugly b****." I flinched at his insult, nodding and continued towards the laundry room.
I sighed quietly as I stuck the clothes in the washer, running my thumb over Josh's sweatshirt. I wanted to wear it tomorrow, but my father would be pissed if he saw me in it. I groaned, slamming the washer shut and hurriedly putting the soap in and starting it. I heard the door open, and giggles sounded through the house. "Hey, Daddy!" Destiny called.
"Hey, baby," came his ruff reply.
There was shuffling of feet as I got the pot out to start spaghetti. "How are you doing?" she asked. I scoffed quietly. That was probably the first act of compassion I had ever seen from Destiny.
He grunted in reply. "Well, I found out that the little b**** has been talking to your mother on the phone."
"What?!" Destiny shrieked.
"Yes. Do you know anything about a boy with her?" he asked and I bit the inside of my cheek.
"That little s***!" she screamed. "I knew she was messing around with Josh, that b******." My hands tightened on the box of spaghetti. I was fine with people insulting me; I was used to it, it was normal. But insulting Josh was a different story. He hadn't done anything. He was the sweetest guy I knew. I had half a mind to go in there and punch that pretty little face of hers, but I knew I couldn't. Destiny groaned loudly. "Whatever. I just wanna see her face when he blows her off like the pathetic thing she is. Let's go to my room, Tony." She said and I soon hear their retreating footsteps. I scowled at the boiling water. She's calling me trashy when she's the one bringing the boy home for obvious reasons? What a hypocrite.
I scowled at the boiling water. I hated this family. Just a couple months more and I could get out of here, if he let me. I could go to college, get a job, marry Josh, and—I groaned, rubbing my hands over my face. When did he come into the picture? I mean he would make a great husband and father… but there was no way he was that into me. Besides, how could I marry someone when I could hardly handle someone touching me after what my father had done to me? There was no way I could have kids with someone after what happened. I would be too scared that he would hurt me again, that he would leave me like everyone did. People didn't care about me. It was just a fact. A fact that I couldn't overcome. People didn't like me. I was too scared, too troubled. No one wanted to deal with my problems at home and my troubled past.
Destiny was right. He was probably just playing me, but I didn't care. If he was going to mess around with me and then suddenly break up with me, I didn't care. I loved the way he made me feel, the way he kissed me. I loved the way we teased each other constantly and the way he stood up for me when no one else would, not even myself. And even if he was just playing around with me and just pretended not to care, I could handle it. I would enjoy it while I could. If I was falling for him, then there was no way I could stop myself.
"Is that f****** dinner done yet?!" he roared, making me flinched. Hurriedly, I drained the pasta, scooping a spoonful in a bowl along with some sauce. I grabbed a spoon and rushed to the living room, setting the plate on the coffee table, avoiding eye contact.
He grunted, setting down his beer at the table. "Make sure Destiny gets hers." He growled.
I nodded meekly in reply, retreating into the kitchen to make a plate for Destiny. After I scooped a cup onto the plate, I poured the sauce over it and started towards her room. I knocked on the door, staring at the plate when it opened. "What the hell do you want?!" She screeched. "Can't you see I'm busy!" My eyes widened. I had forgotten about her playboy.
"Destiny?" A husky voice asked from someone deeper into the room.
She glanced over her shoulder, her features softening slightly. "Yea, sweetie, I'll be there in a minute." She said, fixing her bra strap—which was one of the only things besides panties that she was wearing. "Now leave us alone, b****." She snarled, pushing me backwards into the wall. Sauce splattered over me, making me grind my teeth together. Without thinking, I flung the plate at her.
She gasped as the rest of the food spilled over her face and hair. "Destiny?" That husky voice came again, but a large male figure came up behind her wearing nothing but boxers. The blood drained out of my face as so many scenarios ran through my mind, sending fear through me. I let out a squeak as the plate fell out of my hand.
"You f****** b****!" She screamed, throwing the food on the ground. I ran before she could do anything else straight up into my room and closed the door, pushing my dresser up against it. Tears squeezed through and ran down my cheeks.
A scream rose in my throat as there came a rasping on the windows. "Sshh! Danny, it's just me!" The figure said through the window in a harsh whisper. "Open the— oof! Nevermind. Got it." He said, opening the window and stepping through. He smiled, but as his eyes landed on me, it disappeared.
"What are you doing here?" I whispered so softly, I didn't know how he heard me. "Go away." I sniffled, wiping my eyes, but the tears still came. Suddenly, fists banged on the door, making jump up, straight into Josh's arms.
"Open this door!" He growled as I buried my face in Josh's chest. "I swear, if you do not open this door right now…" he trailed off and the banging stopped, but Josh still growled under his breath.
His arms tightened around me. "Danny, does he treat you bad?" he snarled into my hair.
"Sshh! Keep your voice down!" I snapped. "I'll get killed if he knows you're here! Why are you here anyways?" I said, wanting to push myself away from him, but I couldn't help but melt into him.
"I didn't get to say goodbye properly." He replied, taking my chin in his fingers and lifting my head up to meet his eyes.
I shivered. "Then don't." I said, holding him closer as I shuddered.
He raised an eyebrow, but smirked. "What?" he asked, his eyes glinting.
I hugged him tightly, squeezing my eyes shut so the tears would stop. "C-can you st-stay here tonight?" I asked lowly.
I gasped as he leaned down to pick me up bridal style. "Of course." he said, frowning.
I gripped the fabric on his shoulders. "What are you doing?" I whispered as my heart spiked as he walked towards the bed.
He furrowed his eyebrows. "You seem like you've had a long day." He replied, lying me down on the comforter. I nodded meekly. He gave me a small smile. "Well, why don't you get some sleep and I'll be right back, okay?" he said, leaning down to place his lips on my forehead.
I grabbed his collar. "You better not go talk to my father, you got it? Do not let him see you." My breath hitched as I gazed up at him.
His eyes widened. "Alright. I promise. Get some rest. I'll be back soon."
I frowned. "Al-alright." I mumbled, sliding under the covers as the lights flickered off. I closed my eyes, willing for sleep to take over, but I couldn't get my mind off the beating my father had given me earlier that day. I jumped as someone slide beneath the covers next to me, but soon calmed as he wrapped his arm around my waist, sending tingles through my body. I relaxed into him, sighing through my nose and falling asleep.
Big brown eyes stared up at me, tears leaking down the baby's face. I cradled it further into my arms, shielding the baby boy from my father's harsh gaze. His fists clenched, his eyes darkening as his face reddened. "Give me the d*** baby!" he screamed, taking a step towards me.
I stepped back, shaking my head and holding the crying baby closer to me. "You shut that f****** thing up or you give it to me." Wrinkles covered his face and bags formed under his eyes. Again, I shook my head, pleading with him through my eyes. His hand lashed out, catching my cheek. I stumbled back, feeling something being pulled from my arms.
"NO!" I screamed, pushing him away as I turned with the boy still wrapped in my arms.
He cursed and suddenly I was falling, the boy flying through the air, screams echoing in my ears.
And then it all stopped.
The dream changed.
The tears were now rolling down my face as I curled up in a ball, wrapping my arms around my large stomach. Sharp pains erupted all around my body, his voice yelling at me, knocking around my head until my vision blurred. "You stupid w****! You f****** b****! Leave it to a f****** w**** to get herself pregnant!"
I gasped, my eyes shooting open. Pregnant. No. No. Oh, no, no. Oh, please no. That—that wasn't possible. That couldn't happen. It was one time. I didn't even want it. No. That could not happen. It wasn't possible. I began shaking and the more I thought about it, the more scared I got. "No, no, no, no. Oh, please, please, no." I whined, wrapping my arms around myself, trying to keep my breath under control, but I began hyperventilating.
I gasped as something stirred beside me in the bed. I backed away from it until there was no more bed to back onto and I landed on the floor with an Umf! I groaned, momentarily forgetting about my dream, and glared as Josh's head poked out from above the bed. He smirked, raising an eyebrow. "You forget about me?" he asked, chuckling.
I frowned, sighing. "No—well, a little, but…" I trailed off, shaking my head as I stood to climb back in the bed. He moved out of my way as I curled next to him, my shaking began again as I realized our position.
He rubbed my back, pulling the comforter back over us. "Are you alright? Bad dream?" he guessed.
I nodded. "Horrible." I agreed, sighing again. What if I was pregnant? I mean, I couldn't be, right?
He pulled me into him, the safety of his arms spreading through me. "It's alright, it was just a dream. I promise." He muttered into my head.
I nodded, trying to calm down my breathing as I closed my eyes again. I listened as Josh's breath slowly evened out, matching mine to his own. Eventually, his relaxation spread and through me and I drifted off into nothingness.
The first thing I smelled was the mix of forest and rain. I imagined a misty, foggy forest from a midnight rain, but it all disappeared when I opened my eyes. I blinked to clear my vision, smiling as I caught sight of his sleeping form. His brilliant blue eyes were closed, his mouth hanging open slightly with his arm around my waist, holding me to him. I glanced at my bedside clock, deeming I had a few more minutes, and snuggled deeper into him and laying my head in the crook of his neck. He stirred, his arm tightening around me and his mouth picking up in a smile.
Something suddenly caught my eyes, and I jumped off the bed, throwing the covers back and earning a groan from the lump on the bed. "Mhm... Danny, what are you doin'? We still got a few more minutes, get back here." he grumbled, rubbing his eyes.
I ignored him, rushing to the window. "No! Look, Josh, it's snowing!" I exclaimed, blowing on the window and fogging it.
He groaned loudly. "Great..." he mumbled, running his hands down his face.
I frowned. "What? You don't like the snow?" I asked, pouting.
He sighed, sitting up and running his hand through his behead, yawning. He shrugged. "I do, but it's so annoyin'." he mumbled, swinging his legs over the side of the bed. He shook his head and blinked to get the sleep out of his eyes. "Mhm... Well, I'm gonna go and I'll pick you up in about thirty minutes. That alright?" he asked, eyeing me warily as he walked to the window.
I frowned, wrapping my arms around his waist and shrugged. "Alright. At the corner of the street." I pointed out, not wanting a repeat of last night and glad that my hair was covering my cheek.
He frowned, beginning to shake his head, but I glared. "No, Josh. I'm serious. Corner of the street or I'm walking." I threatened.
"Fine." he grumbled, opening the window and letting in a mix of cold air and snow.
"Be careful!" I said as he climbed out the window.
He dropped slightly, peeking over the sill and winking. "Don't worry, babe. I'll be bak." he said in a German accent before he dropped. I giggled, rolling my eyes as I shut the window. I glanced at the dresser blocking the door and frowned, shaking my head and going to the bathroom. I moved my hair out of my face, flinching at the purple and yellow bruise planted on my cheek. I sighed, frowning at it while reaching for the empty bottle of cover-up. I brushed my hair before squeezing the last bit of it to try to cover the bruise. I used as much as I could, but there was still a slight discoloration. I groaned, sweeping my hair over my cheek, hoping no one would notice it. I swept on some mascara and scrubbed my teeth before pushing the dresser back and going downstairs to make breakfast.
Surprisingly, my father was already yelling. "You f****** w****! Every single f****** night, you're f****** another guy!" he yelled, slamming his fists on the table. "Don't you know how to have real d*** boyfriend!"
Quiet sobbing echoed from the kitchen. "I'm—I'm sorry, Daddy! I—" Destiny began, but he cut her off.
"Don't use 'but Daddy' on me. It's your f****** fault she's gone!" he screamed.
How did he get from her playboys to my mother? My heart dropped into my chest and I scurried down the stairs as fast as I could, finding my father raising his fist as Destiny cowered under him. She turned, catching my gaze. Help. She mouthed, her eyes wide with fear.
Without thinking, I shoved something off the counter, earning his piercing gaze. "You clumsy little b****." he growled, his eyes a mixture of sadness and anger. His hands dropped to his sides in clenched fists. He glanced from me to my sister, the fury in his eyes draining as reality came back to him. Both of us jumped as he punched the wall. "You two are useless." he growled before stomping out of the room.
I frowned after him, raising an eyebrow before picking up the stuff I had dropped. Destiny sighed in relief. "Oh, thank God. That was so scary. How do you handle that every day?" she asked, her voice shaking.
I rolled my eyes, shrugging as I got out the pan to make breakfast.
"Can I help you make breakfast?" she asked, slowly getting up from her chair.
I stared at her, waiting for men to come in, tranquilize her with huge needles and take her to an insane asylum. I blinked at her, giving her a disbelieving look. "Uhh..." she began, looking around. "Nevermind. Make me a sunny side up..." she paused. "Please." she added before returning to the table.
After I had finished making breakfast, I went into the laundry room to retrieve Josh's sweatshirt that I had placed in the dryer after he had thrown me into the lake. I rolled my eyes at the memory, folding the sweatshirt over my arm before retreating up to my room to get dressed. I had never really thought of my wardrobe before. I had never cared what people thought of me and the way I dress, but every time I looked in the mirror, all I thought of was if Josh liked what he saw. He was my boyfriend now. Do you dress up to impress your boyfriend, or should he not care what you dress like? I glanced at the sweatshirt strewn over the bedspread and then at the blue and black spots covering the skin of my face and arms.
In the end I slipped on a simple white t shirt overtop a black tank top, a pair of blue jeans and some tennis shoes. I pulled my hair to hide my cheek even after I had put what little make up I had left on it. I yanked the sweatshirt on over my head. Who cared if my father sees me in it? I'd take the punishment later, but I wasn't planning on freezing my butt off in the cold. I glanced out the window, hardly surprised to see Josh's pick-up waiting at the corner of the street. I grabbed my messenger bag and started down the stairs, stopping as I saw the big burly figure standing in the doorway, gazing out into the white blanket of snow. He took a gulp of whatever was in the beer bottle he was holding and barely glanced at me as I continued down the stairs slowly.
His gaze hardened and his hand gripped the bottle in his hands. "I thought I told you to stay away from that thing." He growled, stepping back form the door slightly.
My eyes narrowed as my jaw set. That thing? That thing? I gripped my bag with such force that my knuckles turned white as I glared at him furiously. He hardly gave me a second look. "I want you to go out there and tell him to f*** off. Tell him he's not welcome here or anywhere that's with the likes of you." he said, disgust dripping in his deep voice.
I could tell you the same thing.
He inclined his head towards the door. "I suggest you go. Now." He scowled. I gave him the sharpest look I could before striding towards him. His cloudy blue eyes watched my every movement as I kept past him, locking our gaze, never failing until I opened the door and stepped out into the white abyss. I flinched as glass shattered on the porch post near me. I stopped briefly before I continued down the stairs, focusing on the satisfying crunch of snow under my feet.
I walked at a steady pace, smirking to myself as I felt my father's sharp gaze piece me from behind. Up ahead, Josh was now leaning against the side of his truck, his head tilted downwards, a smile playing on his lips. Bits of his dark hair poked out from under a baseball cap, brushing his beautiful eyes. A light blue t-shirt suspended from his shoulders, matching the cap he wore. His faded blue jeans hug dangerous low on his hips, ending in a black and white pair of Nike's. His muscular arms were crossed over his chest, but came undone as I approached. I glanced once over my shoulder, pleased to see my father standing on the porch, eyeing me. I sneered at him, turned back to Josh and closing the distance between us.
I went up to him, immediately wrapping my arms around his neck. I stood on my tip toes, crushing our lips together with a little more force than needed. I felt him smile as he enclosed his arms around my waist, pulling me closer to him. I tightened my hold around him, digging my fingers in his hair. I plucked the baseball cap from his head, turning it and laying it on mine. He chuckled, pulling away. "Hi," he breathed, his eyes twinkling.
The corner of my mouth pulled up. "Hey," I murmured, biting my lip. He eyes dropped to my mouth as he leaned in closer—
A shot suddenly rang out in the air. Josh pulled me down as he ducked, his eyes glancing up to the house. I turned, catching the sight of my father holding a larger shotgun, pointed right at us. He hauled me up quickly, pushing me towards the front of the truck. "Get in the car." He demanded, jerking the door open and jumping in. A laugh escaped my throat as I stopped at the hood of the truck, turning towards my father. Smirking, I gave a slight wave before I calmly walked to the passenger seat.
I closed the door before I leaned over the table the separated us. "I'm feeling very… rebellious today." I said, smiling at him.
He gave me a look, starting the truck and shaking his head. "You're crazy. You're father just shot at me because you're feelin' rebellious." He rolled his eyes, sighing.
I shook my head. "No, I'm pretty sure he was aiming for me." I replied, pretending to study my nails as the car lurched into motion.
"What?" he asked sharply, glancing at me out of the corner of his eye.
"You heard me." I stated simply, grinning. "Hey, you like my sweatshirt?"
He smiled, forgetting what I had just said. "Oh, I love it. Where in the world did you get such a beautiful sweatshirt?"
"You know, I'm not really sure. I can't even remember. I was too busy drowning." I hinted, giving him a pointed look.
He shrugged. "I have no idea what you're talkin' about."
"Of course you don't." I replied. "Turn up the radio!" I commanded, leaning forward to turn the volume up as loud as it would go. A song blasted out from the speakers, the chorus striking me as I listened.
Cause when push comes to shove,
You taste what you're made of.
You might bend, till you break,
Cause it's all you can take.
On your knees you look up,
Decide you've had enough.
You get mad, you get strong,
Wipe your hands, shake it off,
Then you stand, then you stand.
I pictured myself standing up to my father, standing after so many times he'd knocked me down. My breath caught in my throat as I imagined his face as I stood, becoming the better, stronger person; maybe not in physical strength, but in mental. I turned to Josh, sure that my stunned expression was still plastered on my face. "What's this song called?"
He glanced at me, noticing my sudden change in mood. "Stand by Rascal Flatts. They're a good band; plays music people can relate to. Why? You like it?" he reached over, turning it down slightly so the music wasn't bounding around in my head.
I nodded. "Yea. Kinda inspirational, ain't it?"
He burst into unsuspecting laughter. He ran a hand through his hand, smiling as he side-glanced me. I gave him a look. "What?" I asked, my face twisting in confusion.
He laughed against. "You," he answered simply. "You used ain't. I'm rubbin' off on ya, babe." He said; his voice was thick with an accent as he winked.
Heat rushed up to meet my cheeks. "Shut up." I muttered, repositioning the hat on my head so it covered my face.
He grabbed it off my head, just as I had done to him, and put it safely back on his head all with one hand. "Why did you take my hat?"
I pouted, giving him puppy dog eyes. "Because it matches my amazing sweatshirt," I urged, making a grab for it. "Give it back!"
He leaned away, chuckling. "No! Never! It's mine!" he dragged the words out, laughing as the truck swerved slightly. He frowned as the school came into view. "Aw, dang it! Iya and Coffeeblue beat us." He said irritably as he turned into the parking lot.
My heart dropped as I caught sight of them. "I am not looking forward to getting ready for the dance." I confessed lowly, slightly hoping he didn't hear.
He chortled. "I think I might be feelin' sorry for ya right now." He said as he glanced at me, giving me a million dollar smile.
I rolled my eyes, opening my mouth to say something, but only a shriek sounded as a loud bang! exploded from behind me. I jumped, clutching Josh's arm for support as I looked to find Iya's wild hazel eyes staring at me from the other side of the window. I narrowed my eyes in a glare as Josh snickered, rolling down the window. "How are we related?"
Her smile widened. "Because," she explained, "your daddy's brudder married my mommy and dey had me! So you're stuck with me whether you like it or not."
"False," He said strictly, beginning to roll up the window again. "I could get rid of you if I wanted to. Don't try me, little cousin."
"No you co—hey! Hey! Quit! Josh!" She whined, crossing her arms over her chest as soon as the window was closed.
I exhaled harshly, straightening up and brushing myself off. "She scared the crap outta me." I muttered, pouting. "That wasn't very nice."
Josh laughed quietly, kicking open the door. "C'mon, babe, let's go." He said almost as an afterthought.
"What is with you and these pet names?" I asked suddenly, following him. I found him sitting on the hood of his truck already with his cousins surrounding him as I rounded the car.
He shrugged as he caught my eye. "I saved ya a spot, sweetheart." The corner of his mouth picked up as he tapped on the hood beside him. I rolled my eyes, smiling as I jumped up next to him, feeling his arm wrap around my waist.
"Dawww!" Coffeeblue said, clapping her hands together as she stared at us. "Y'all are so cute!"
"Yea," Cormac agreed smugly, crossing his arms over his chest, "so are puppies. And kittens. And goldfish. Come to think of it, CJ, what don't you think is cute?"
"You," Coffeeblue replied, smiling sweetly.
"Aw, c'mon, man." Josh interjected. "You're just jealous you haven't found her yet."
Cormac's face twisted into slight anger. "I'm the oldest. I should've found her first." He said, straightening as he uncurled his arms, balling his hands into fists. Once again, their talk of her baffled me to no end.
Josh stiffened, his jaw clenched. "And I'm the al—"
"Josh," Iya warned, her eyes widening.
He merely glanced at her and then returned his gaze back to Cormac. "It doesn't matter."
"Of course it matters." Cormac snapped. "You've just never had to worry about anything like that. Everything's always been laid out for you. It was always when not if."
"What?" Josh questioned. "Cormac, what are you talking about?"
But Cormac had already left, and was stomping down the parking lot. Coffeeblue sighed, kicking the snow. "I'll go talk ta him…" she said, starting after him.
Josh frowned, relaxing again. "What's up with him?" he asked, glancing towards Iya.
Iya shrugged. "Who knows? He always has those days. He'll get over it."
"Yea," Josh said, sliding off the hood. "Hopefully someone'll knock some sense inta him." He took my hand, helping me down.
"So are you two…" she trailed off, pointing at both of, her eyebrow raised.
Josh grinned. "You guys are gonna have ta take her home." He said, completely blowing off her question. "I've got baseball tryouts after school, but I should be home in time ta get ready for the dance."
"Alright…" Iya eyed him, but she turned and headed for the school.
"Baseball tryouts?" I asked as soon as she was out of earshot.
He shrugged, making his way around me to reach into the cab of the truck. "I'm an athletic guy. Are you not wearing my sweatshirt?" he asked sarcastically, glancing at me as he pulled out my bag.
I glanced down, and blushed as I remembered it was a team sweatshirt from his old school. "Oh," I said, catching my bag as he threw it, "I knew that."
"Sure you did." He said, flashing a smile.
I made a face at him, smacking him with my carrier bag. "Don't doubt my skills, Joshua." I said, raising my eyebrows.
"Oh ho," he said, stepping towards me dangerously. "Is that a challenge?"
I squealed, taking off around the truck with him close on my heels. I ignored the sharp stabs of pain as he caught me, wrapping his arms around my waist and spinning. My screams turned into laughs before he set me down on the tailgate, cupping my face in his hands. I opened my eyes, finding him alarmingly close to me. My breath caught in my throat as I gazed into those dazzling blue eyes. Now that I was so close to them, I saw tiny golden specks littered around the pupil. "Ya caught me," I breathed.
"Yup," he agreed, inching closer, "and now you're all mine." I felt something being placed on my head; his baseball cap. A smile itched at my lips.
His breath circled around me, fogging my senses. I closed my eyes, leaning forward so our lips brushed. "That doesn't seem like such a bad thing."
One word: REVIEW! Please, please, please, oh pllleeeaaaasssee?! I would love you foreevvaa! Sooo, question of the chapter: If you could ask me one question, what would it be? I'll try to answer them, but I will not NOT reveal any secrets about the story! But you have to reevviiieeww to ask mmeee! Mwahahaha! I love you gwuys!
~Anni12
P.S. Excuse the typos. I only reread it once and I wrote some of it on the tablet and you know autocorrect... soo... yea... REVIEW! :D