Chapter 14:

A few weeks ago, if someone had told me that I'd be going to the Mid-Winter's Formal with an amazing guy like Josh, I would've laughed in their face. If they would've told me that someone else knew of my home life, I'd think they had gone mental. But here we were, hand in hand as we gazed up at the lighted school.

"Well…" Iya said, grasping Anthony's arm. The dark haired boy's eyes widened as Iya began to drag him up the steps. "What're y'all waitin' for? Let's go!"

"Yikes!" he yelped and soon they disappeared behind the gym doors.

Coffeeblue took off after them, leaving Cormac by himself, grumbling under his breath. As he trudged up the steps, I began to follow him, but Josh pulled me back. I gasped as I turned, throwing my hands on his chest to stop me from running into him. His lips lifted up in a crooked smile. "Why don't we just… wait out here for a bit?" he suggested, pulling me closer.

"Josh…" I warned, giving him a look and trying to pull away, but he held me firmly by the waist. "We could get in trouble."

He shrugged nonchalantly. "We might…" he said, lowering his head. "But what's the fun in that?"

"Josh," I said slowly, but his lips were already claiming mine. I stepped back, ignoring the click of heels approaching.

I gave him a look. "Oh, get a room, you s***." A snide, shrill voice interrupted as I felt a hand between my shoulder blades, pushing me towards Josh.

I gasped as he stumbled back and he threw a glare over my shoulder. "Sorry," I mumbled, feeling my cheeks heat up in embarrassment. He closed his brilliant eyes, shaking his head. "I don't understand." He muttered just enough for me to hear.

I ignored him, sighing as I intertwined our hands and momentarily lay my head on his chest. "You should," I breathed shyly. "I've explained it the best I could.

Absentmindedly, his fingers twirled around a lock of my forced curls as he stared hard over my shoulder, his eyes dark. His mouth was pressed into a firm line, his eyes growing darker with his thoughts. Slowly, he returned his gaze back to me. I searched his face for any opening to his mind, but there was none. How I wished I could just read his thoughts. "Family," he said, picking his words carefully, "is somethin' I've never doubted. If there was anythin' I needed, my family'd be the first I'd go to. I couldn't imagine not havin' a family I could rely on. I love 'em, even if they are the most annoyin' people sometimes, but I knew that they love me too." He sighed lowly, his eyes darting back and forth as they studied mine.

I sucked in a breath to hold back the tears I felt coming. "Josh," I whispered, "you don't have to…"

He shook his head, cutting off my attempt to speak. "If there's one thing I know, Danny, it's that a family is and always will be forever. You should be able ta count on yer family in the worst and best times. Not countin' on them for that worst part of yer day."

"I know it's not right," I said defiantly. "But there's nothin' I can do about it."

I only realized how I had said what I said when a small smile played on his lips. I sighed irritably, blushing. "But there is," he said, chuckling slightly. "I might be okay with sharin' my family with ya, if ya'd like."

My scoff of disbelief seemed to discourage him. "I really don't wanna talk about this right now, Joshua. This is supposed to be a good day, and I don't really wanna to ruin it by thinkin' of… him."

"Alright," he said, chuckling again as he leaned down to brush his lips to my ear. "But I'm still rubbin' off on ya, darlin'."

Swiftly, I turned my head, my lips grazing his. I smiled as he gasped, blinking wildly. "I'm startin' ta enjoy it," I whispered, using my best imitation of his Southern accent.

He laughed, closing the short distance between us. "I…" he began, but thought better of his words and stepped away from me, glancing up towards the school. "Think we better be goin' in soon."

I sighed, glancing towards the school. Lights were pinned on the edge of the roof, covering just the front half of the school. Blue, sparkling garland draped the double doors and balloons floated from the corners. Someone had shoveled the slush away, but snowflakes still drifted slowly onto the ground, making the winter evening cool and peaceful. Still, a knot had formed in my stomach at the thought of entering the gym. "I don't really want to…" I confessed, biting my lip.

"You're the whole reason I'm here!" he said, glaring at me.

I flashed him an innocent smile. "How 'bout we ditch the dance?" I suggested. "Go somewhere else? Like dinner, or a movie?"

He pinched the bridge of his nose. From his pause, I could tell he was tempted. "No," he finally said. "Iya and Coffeeblue will go nuts."

"So?" I whined. "How bad could that be?"

He gave me a look like I'd just offered to throw a kitten down a cliff. "No, you're right, let's go." I said quickly, turning towards the building. I hesitated, staring at the doors. I heard a chuckle sound behind me and then felt a hand on my waist, lifting my feet off the ground. I yelped as Josh set me down at the top of the steps, smirking at me before heading towards the doors. "I changed my mind!" I squeaked. "I don't wanna go! I wanna go home, curl up in a blanket and watch a movie!"

He ignored me, never letting go of my waist and continued to drag me to my death. "How 'bout let's not?!" I screeched feverishly, squirming in his grip. It only tightened. "Please, Josh?!" I whined.

He stopped suddenly, chewing on his lips as he stared off away from me. He closed his eyes tightly and shook his head curtly. "It's just a dance, Danny." He said with his voice strained. "Trust me, no one's gonna hurt you."

My stomach twisted as my throat closed. He just had to bring that up, didn't he? "Fine," I breathed. I did… trust him, didn't I?

Without another thought, he pushed through the doors. "Hello!" An oddly cheerful voice greeted us. Two ladies, teachers, sat at a table with a metal box in-between them and a roll of tickets.

Josh shot her a smile. "Hello," he replied, pulling us up to the table. He pulled out a couple of bills and gave it to the lady.

"Thank you," she said, taking it and counting. "Have a nice night!"

We turned to stroll down the hallway. "You too!" he responded.

My breath caught in my throat as we walked down the hallway, and I began to hear music. I stiffened and crossed my arms on my waist, clutching my sides. I could do this. I could do this. As long as I had Josh, I could do this. I could do this.

I couldn't do this.

An odd, pathetic sound slipped from my throat as I dug my heels into the floor. "Josh," I whimpered. "I can't do this. I can't do this. I can't."

He turned, catching my shoulders gently to make me look him in the eye. "What are you so scared of?"

"Everyone," I squeaked. "Everything. I—I could trip over my feet, or, or—"

"You shouldn't be afraid of what everyone thinks." He said softly, rubbing my upper arms in attempt to comfort me. "You shouldn't be afraid of what I think, or what Destiny thinks, or even what you think. As long as you believe in yourself, others will too. I promise."

"But I don't," My throat tightened again. "When you have people putting you down your entire life, at one point, you start believing them. And you think that maybe they're right, that you aren't good enough for anyone. Eventually you realize you're not pretty, and that you're not worth anything." I looked down, afraid that if I gazed into those brilliant blue eyes, I'd break down.

"How 'bout this…" he breathed, holding up his hand with his pinky hooked out. "I promise that if you don't have fun, we can go home."

I stared at his hand. "Wha—wha—what is this?"

"A pinky promise," he said, raising an eyebrow. Sighing, he took my hand, closing it into a fist except my pinky and then hooking mine around his. "But you gotta promise you'll try."

"Alright," I whispered.

I gasped as the door shot open, clinging to Josh. "There y'all are!" Iya's harsh voice called. "Y'all take too long!" A hand wrapped around my upper arm. Why does she always grab me? I took hold of Josh's sleeve as Iya pulled me into the gym.

I had never heard music so loud and fast. I closed my eyes to the blinding light, gripping Josh's sleeve tighter. "Iya," he scolded.

"What?" she said, but released my arm seconds later. My eyes fluttered open as I felt his arm wrap around my waist.

Anthony suddenly appeared next to Iya, wrapping his arm around her waist. "C'mon, babe," he said, nodding to the dance floor where all the other students were grinding against one another, "let's go dance."

Iya glanced nervously at Josh, and then at the people dancing. "Uhh…" she began before the song changed, the music slowing into something slower. Her face brightened. "Alright!" She took his hand and dragged him to the edge of the crowd.

"Whadda ya say?" Josh said suddenly, dropping his arm to take my hand.

"What?" I whispered, turning my head towards him. "Dance? Me? No way."

He smirked. "I was hopin' you'd say that…" his eyes flashed devilishly. "I know this song really well…In fact, I could sing it for ya…"

"No!" I squealed, covering his mouth with my hand. "I'll dance, just don't scream, please."

He laughed. "Good," He said, pulling me towards the horde of students. "I'm glad ya see it my way."

I shot him a glare, but he was already mouthing the words to the song. I get carried away, by the look, by the light in your eyes before I even realize the ride I'm on, baby, I'm long gone. He took my hands, placing one on his shoulder and taking the other in his own hand. He then wrapped his other arm around my waist and began swaying side to side. I get carried away. Nothin' matters but bein' with you. Like a feather flyin' high up in the sky on a windy day, I get carried away.

I leaned in close to him. "Do you have to know every country song there is?"

He gave me a look. "Of course. It's my job as a cowboy!" he joked.

"You are not a cowboy, Josh." I breathed, closing my eyes and shaking my head.

"Sure I am!"

I patted his shoulder softly. "Alright, Joshua."

"Are you mockin' me?" he growled, pulling me tighter against him.

I choked back a gasp. I could feel his rhythmic heart beat pound through his shirt. I smiled innocently, blinking up at him. "Me? No, never."

He pushed me away, keeping a tight hold on my hand, so that I spun once before he pulled me back to him. I laughed breathlessly as he continued to spin us around, pretending to know how to do the waltz. His brilliant blue eyes sparkled with laughter and his smile shined brighter than the lights around us.

The moment was perfect.

And then the song ended.

And for a second, we were still dancing. That was, before something caught my ankle. I gasped sharply, feeling the already sprained injury giving out. Arms wrapped around my waist, keeping me from falling. "Destiny," Josh growled, glaring over my shoulder, and setting me up back on my feet.

"What an ugly dress," her shrill voice said behind me, "but it suits you." I cringed, closing my eyes.

"You wanna talk about an ugly dress, Destiny," Josh spat, "go look in a mirror."

I opened my eyes to see him still glaring over my shoulder viciously. If only looks could kill. I glanced back to look at Destiny, and covered my mouth to hold in a scoff. Destiny's lips were pressed into a thin line, her makeup caked eyes were staring harshly in my direction. Her dress was blue, like the color of a small pond on a perfect day. Two pieces of fabric ran vertically down her chest, coming to meet at a silver hoop. It continued to trail down, splitting down her leg. All in all, a lot of skin was shown.

Jake frowned behind my sister, the corner of his mouth picking up as he saw me studying him. I blushed, adverting my eyes downward. He wore a simple black suit with a blue bowtie matching the color of Destiny's. "Eyes off," Josh snarled, tugging on my waist to half-stand in front of me.

Jake chuckled darkly, his smirk widening. However, he didn't get the chance to speak. "Is there something wrong here?" Mr. Louis asked, staring defiantly at the two boys.

Josh's chin rose a little higher in the air, his nostrils flaring out in a warning. Still, he continued to stare down Jake, daring him to do something. Jake laughed once, a short, shadowy laugh. "No, sir," he said, taking Destiny's waist and stepping back. "He's got no chance anyways."

Josh grumbled something under his breath, taking a step forward, but I held him back. "I already beat your…" he paused briefly, "once."

Jake glanced over his shoulder. "Beginner's luck," he replied before disappearing into the hallway.

"Yea right," Josh scoffed. "I could do it again in a second."

Mr. Louis rolled his eyes, straightened his tie, and walked off back to the circle of other teachers. Suddenly, my stomach growled loudly, making my cheeks red with embarrassment. Josh brought his fist up to his mouth and then turned to look at me. "Hungry, are we?" he asked sarcastically.

Red painted my cheeks even more. "Um…" I breathed softly. "I haven't really had anything to eat today…"

His hand dropped along with his jaw. His beautiful eyes widened in shock. "Please tell me yer exaggeratin'."

Don't think about eating anything, you fat, ugly b****. I flinched again involuntarily. Sighing, I whispered, "No."

He grabbed my wrist gingerly, beginning to drag me towards the side of the room. "You're eating somethin'," he demanded.

Maybe this dieting thing would be a good thing. Maybe I had gained a few pounds. I wrenched my hand out of his, blushing deeply. "Um… I'll be right back, okay? Imma go ta the restroom." I pointed sheepishly, smiling innocently.

He gave me a small smile. "Alright," he replied, turning and making his way through the crowd.

I turned on my heel, letting out a breath I didn't realize I'd been holding. Starving myself may be extreme, but I wasn't really looking for another beating more than what I already deserved. If he found out I'd eaten just a crumb, I'd be lying in a pool of my own blood.

After I'd finished, I walked out of the bathroom that was hidden at the end of a tiny hallway. A tall, slim figure stood in the dark, blocking the way back to the gym. I gasped, jolting back a couple steps, and placed a hand over my heart. "You Josh's girl?" The voice was deep, familiar, but I couldn't place my finger on it.

I backed up to where I was pressed up against the bathroom door. I pushed it open slightly, the thin line of light streaming over the boy's face. He was about six foot tall, his shoulders were small along with the rest of his body, but he still had an air of dominance around him. His stringy black hair hung, brushing his forehead just above his eyebrows. His eyes struck me so much that my heart leapt in my chest. They were a dark, luminescent blue, shining when the light reflected off of them.

"You Josh's girl?" he repeated again, taking a step forward, his arms crossing over his chest. He rolled his eyes when I didn't answer, scoffing. "Of course, yer the girl who don't talk."

He dropped his arms suddenly, briskly walking up to me. He put his hands on either side of my head, staring down at me, but not putting any weight on the door. "Look, I know you think that Josh is all special, and wonderful, and all the good stuff, but he isn't. He's just usin' you. You really think that someone can be in love at seventeen?" he scoffed, shaking his head.

My heart beat erratically, and I was almost sure he could hear it. Of course. Of course he was using me. "You probably don't believe me, do ya?" A small smile played on his lips. "Well, ya should. You see, the first one of us that finds her gets control. That's all he wants. Is control of the p—family. And with you, he has that. That's the whole reason he's playing all lovey dovey and crap. Power. Control.

"He doesn't love you." He shook his head in disbelief.

"Adam," a voice behind him growled. Josh took him by the collar, pinning him against the opposite wall. "What do you think yer doin'?"

Adam scoffed, brushing himself off. "Just tellin' yer girlfriend here what yer real intentions are."

Josh lashed out, grabbing handfuls of Adam's suit, pushing him up against the wall again. "Oh really?" he growled. "Ya think ya know what I want?"

A deep rumbling came from somewhere in Adam's chest. "That's all ya ever talk about!" he said loudly. "Someday Imma be—"

"I suggest you get out of here," Josh said, cutting him off before letting go of his jacket.

Adam shook his head to let his hair fall back into place. "Whatever," his eyes caught mine briefly. "Think 'bout what I said." He shot a glare at Josh before stomping down the hallway.

Josh turned to me, fear written over his face. "What did he tell you?" he asked, taking my hand and pulling me into a hug.

A small gasp escaped my lips as I wrapped my arms around his neck. He was right. In every aspect, he was right. Maybe not for what I had thought, but Josh was using me. To get control of the… family? Although it didn't make complete sense, I knew it was true. Adam was just saving me the time and the heartbreak. But there was no way I could lose Josh. Not after what he's done for me. Not after he's helped me changed. I shook my head softly. "Nothing," I lied. "Nothing I believed, anyway."

I pulled away, smiling weakly at him. I had never been a good liar. Still, he smiled in relief. "Good," he said, taking my chin in his hand to lean down to press our lips together softly.

I stepped back, blushing. "But, um, I think I'm gonna go home, though." I pointed over my shoulder.

Josh's face fell, but he nodded. "Alright, I guess I did promise. Do you have to go home?" he asked, scowling.

I sighed, nodding as we walked slowly to the door. "Yea, it's 'bout time I get home. My father's gonna be pretty ticked already, so I better not keep him waitin'."

"At least let me talk ta him," Josh pleaded, his eyes wide as he begged.

I shook my head vigorously. "No!" I all but screamed. "You do that and neither of us'll live ta see another day."

Josh scoffed, rolling his eyes. "I can't believe you don't have any faith in me." The doors shut silently behind us as the cold wrapped its icy fingers around me. Josh shrugged off his jacket, draping it over my shoulders.

"And I can't believe you don't believe me," I said, turning to begin the long walk back to my house.

"Hey!" he said, grabbing my wrist. "Yer gonna walk? Can't I drive ya?"

I frowned, the memory of the last time I'd let that happen running through my mind. "No, I'll walk."

"Aw, c'mon, Danny," He began.

"No, I'm good," I said, continuing. "I'll just steal your jacket and go."

Josh laughed, shaking his head. "That's cool," he said, rolling his eyes.

I laughed, spinning around to walk straight ahead. I took the back way, walking along the backsides of the buildings. I tightened his jacket on my shoulders, shivering slightly. As I passed an alley, suggestive sounds floated out. I scowled, closed my eyes, and kept walking.

Footsteps sounded behind me, the snow crunching underneath. I scoffed, rolling my eyes. Josh, I thought, still trying to convince me to let him drive me. An arm suddenly slipped around my shoulder, pulling me closer to the person's chest. "Hey, babe," the smell of old alcohol drifted from his breath.

I gasped, ducking under Jake's under. He stumbled slightly, throwing up his arms to steady himself. How do you get drunk in the matter of ten minutes? Only Jake. "Go away," I squeaked, pulling Josh's jacket tighter around me still. Oh real nice, Danny¸ I thought sarcastically to myself. Way to sound intimidating there, bud.

His eyes widened and he smiled idiotically. "She speaks!" He yelled, stepping towards me.

I took a couple steps back. "L—leave me-me a-alone." I stuttered.

He staggered forward, his eyes glazing over. "C'mon, babe," he slurred. "Just play along." He reached out to touch me, but a yell escaped my lips. I turned and ran without a second thought. If I was lucky, Josh hadn't left yet, and even if he had, I could go back into the dance. Anything, anywhere but with Jake. I could hear his slow, sloppy footsteps behind me as he ran after me.

Bright headlights interrupted my vision as I came in view of the parking lot. The SUV's lights switched off and Josh stepped out of the driver's seat, a blank, confused look spreading across his face. I ran into him, throwing my arms around his waist. "Jake—" I panted, gasping for breath. The cold cut through my throat, stinging as I breathed. "He—he tri—tired to—hurt—" I stopped, burying my face in his chest.

"Therrreee you arrre." His words slurred together as I heard his come up behind us loudly.

"Dude, you're drunk," Josh stated obviously. "How'd you get drunk in less than ten minutes?"

"Itssss called drinking," Jake scoffed. "'ssss fun!"

Josh sighed, but pulled me closer to him. "Just go home, man. Lay down, get some sleep, throw up while you're at it."

"Buuuuuut…" he began.

"Just… just go."

"Alrrriiigghht."

Josh laughed. "I think I like 'em better drunk…"

I scoffed, lifting my head to gaze up at him. "Maybe," I agreed. "Can you take me home now?"

He looked at me, his eyes studying me intently. "Home-home or home?"

I sighed, laying my cheek on his chest so that I could hear the steady beat of his heart. "Just home."

His lips pressed softly on my head. "Alright, sounds good to me."

I reached up to wrap my arms around his neck, standing on my tip toes to look up at him. "Kiss me," I demanded, my arms tightening around him.

"If you insist…" He sighed, leaning down to press our lips together. I chuckled, tightening my arms to press him closer to me. His lips parted mine, exploring my mouth without a second thought.

I think I'm falling in love with you. The words formed on my lips as he pulled away to breath. I held my tongue, biting my lip as I stepped away from him. He's just using you. Adam's words echoed in my head. I couldn't fall in love with him if he was just going to throw me away after he was done. Just save myself the heartbreak, but I wasn't strong enough to let him go before I had to.

He took my face in his hands. "I thought I told you to stop that," he said, stepping up to me.

I gripped his hands on my cheeks, still continuing to bite my lip. "Oh, and why is that?"

"Because," he leaned down. "It makes me want to kiss you."

"Then why would I stop?" I breathed before our mouths met once again, briefly. I backed away, a sneeze tickling my nose. I opened the door to the car before sneezing into my elbow, a short cough following it.

"You alright?" Josh asked as he settled in the driver's seat.

A cough escaped again and I shook my head. "Yea," I said, buckling myself in. "I guess that's what happens when you get thrown into a lake."

Josh laughed curtly, throwing his head back. "It was yer fault! You threw my cookie inta the lake!"

"It was dis—" I began before Josh shot me a glare, "Heavenly." I said instead, nodding at him.

"Uh huh," he said, speeding out of the parking lot.

"If I get sick, it's your fault."

He gave me an innocent smile. "And I'll be a good boyfriend and take care a you."

"You better," I snapped, sticking my tongue out at him.

The rest of the ride was filled with constant playful bickering, like always. At one point, he took my hand and leaned over to kiss me at a stop sign. I yawned, curling up in the seat, with his hand still in mine and closed my eyes. "I'm tired," I whined when we stopped. "Carry me."

"So demanding," Josh murmured as he got out of the car. I unbuckled myself but didn't move. The door opened seconds later and I felt his hands slipping under me. Soon, I was curled up against his chest with my head on his shoulder. He closed the car door and began up the steps.

"You're home already?" Gail's voice called from somewhere in the house.

"Yea," Josh said back. "Adam gave Danny a hard time, so we decided to just come home."

There was a pause. "Adam?" She asked. "Is she spendin' the night again?"

"Probably," He replied.

"My Adam?"

Josh sighed, walking up the stairs. "Yes, Mama!" He called loudly.

He set me down on the bed, kissing my forehead. "Do you need me to dress you, too?"

My eyes shot open, staring up at him in horror. "That's a negative," I said quickly, hopping up to dig through his dresser. He laughed, coming up behind me and pulling out two pair of sweatpants and ratty t-shirts. He handed one to me, nodding towards the bathroom. I changed quickly, hanging my dress up on the shower curtain, and came out to see Josh digging through his closet. "Josh," I said.

He barely glanced my way as he pulled down a spare blanket. "Yea—" His sentence was cut short by the pile of sheets the fell on his head. He huffed angrily, shoving them off of himself. His cheeks were flushed red—in anger or embarrassment, I wasn't sure.

"You don't have to sleep on the floor tonight," I whispered, "if you don't want to."

His eyebrows came together in confusion. "Then where would I—oh." His eyes brightened. "Alright."

"But no funny business, you got it?" I growled, pointing at him with a look.

He saluted me, the smile never leaving his face. "Yes, ma'am!"

I rolled my eyes, but climbed underneath the covers. "You goin' ta bed so early?" Josh asked, the bed dipping under his weight.

I nodded meekly. "Mhm," I hummed. "I'm tired."

"It's only eight o'clock," He protested.

I groaned. "Maybe if you shut up I could catch some shut-eye."

I felt his arm wrap around my waist. "Maybe I'll just keep talkin' just ta annoy ya."

"I will kill you," I threatened.

He laughed, but said nothing more.

:::::

"I hate you." I moaned, turning to dig my face into Josh's pillow as I tried bringing the covers up higher. I had woken up with a sore throat, sniffling nose, and a pounding head. So far, Josh was keeping his promise of taking care of me.

He chuckled. "Sorry," he said, amusement hidden in his voice.

I groaned. "It's your fault. You're the one that threw me into the freakin' lake!" I tried yelling, but it just ended in a cough.

He laughed again, deeper this time. "Sorry," he said again, "but you threw my cookie into the lake. It was only right to make you go get it." He flashed me a grin as I lifted my head to glare at him.

I sniffled, groaning again. "And why aren't you sick, huh? I pulled you in after me! If I'm in pain, then you should be too." A shiver suddenly ran through me, making my teeth chatter.

The bed moved as he shrugged. "I don't know. I'm too hot to have a cold." He chuckled, winking at me.

I shook my head. "You are so full of yourself. And you already used that one, so you can't anymore." I groaned loudly, pulling the blanket around me. "I'm so cold." I whined.

He moved underneath the covers with me, opening his arm. "Come'mere." He said and I happily confined, snuggling up to his chest.

"I still hate you." I said as he wrapped his arm around my shoulders.

He chortled, kissing the top of my head. "I know, I know."

After a few moments of silently watching the TV, I spoke again, smirking. "You should go make me chicken noodle soup." I offered, poking his chest.

He scrunched up his nose, tilting his head slightly. "Why? Did you see the way my cookin' turned out Sunday? And now you want me ta go make ya soup?" he asked, bewildered. "This cold must've gotten ta your head or somethin'." He shook his head slightly, smiling.

I pushed him as hard as I could, but he didn't budge much. I sighed irritably. "Because that's what you do for people when they're sick. Especially if you're at fault! Have Hanna help or something." I snickered.

He rolled his eyes, but slide off the bed. "Fine. Just don't get mad at me if I burn it or somethin', kay?"

I giggled, shaking my head. "Alright. Whatever. Just promise me you won't burn it." He shot me a glare as he left the room, sticking his tongue out.

One TV show and a hundred Kleenex's later, he finally came in with a steaming bowl of liquid. "Yey!" I cheered sarcastically, sitting up and clapping my hands together. His eyes narrowed as he came towards me, handing me the bowl. "Took you long enough." I muttered, stirring it.

He rolled his eyes as he climbed in next to me. A faint blush covered his cheeks, making me giggle. "Shut up. I had to restart it… a couple a times…" he said faintly while shooting me a glare.

I laughed. "Well, thank, you, Joshywa." I giggled again as he shot me another glare. "Did Hanna hewp you dis time?" I said in a baby voice, batting my eyelashes at him.

He groaned, but it sounded a little like a growl. "No. She did not." He sighed.

I took a bit, almost spitting it back up, but I swallowed it before placing the bowl on the table. "Let's go for a walk."

He whipped his head towards me, his mouth agape. "What?!" he exclaimed. "But I just—I just…ugh. Fine." He snatched his sweatshirt off the ground as he got off the bed and tossed it to me. Smiling, I put it on, following him.

"So where are we—" I asked as we joined up at the door before he pulled me to him, cutting off my sentence with a kiss. I pulled away from him. "Stop! I'm sick!" I said, biting my lip.

He growled that animal-like growl and pulled me back to him. "I don't care. I haven't kissed ya all day. It was buggin' me." He pulled back, kissing my nose and then my forehead. "I really am sorry I got ya sick. But it is kinda funny." He chuckled.

I punched him in the stomach. "Shut up." I coughed.

He laughed again, but reached down to take my hand as he led us out the door and down the stairs. "Mom!" he called as soon as he reached the last step. "We're goin' out!"

"What?!" Gail shrieked. "It's freezin' out there!" she said, her eyes narrowing as she put her hand on her hip.

Josh shrugged. "She wanted to. And who am I ta say no?" he chuckled, winking.

She rolled her eyes and returned to whatever she was doing. "Whatever. Just don't get hurt, okay?"

"Alrighty boss!" He exclaimed. He grabbed a coat off of the hangers and shrugged it on as we walked out the back door. "You wanna take the horses?" he asked, glancing in the direction of the stable.

I shook my head. "Nah. Let's just walk this time." I blew out in agitation, thinking about last time.

He scoffed through this nose. "Okay. Trail or no trail?" he asked, a dangerous tone in his voice as he look at me.

Having a boost of confidence, and a sneeze, I rocked back and forth on my toes. "No trail. Just a walk through the woods."

He stepped in front of me, dipping his head forward slightly. "The road'll be rough." He warned jokingly, quoting a movie we had watched. I giggled, shrugging. "There's no turnin' back." He said, his voice low as he stepped forward slightly.

I frowned. "But then we'll never get home." I pretended to think as he chuckled. I shrugged. "Alright."

"Easy won't be part of the equation." He growled.

"Oh, I remember this part!" I squealed. "Um…" I turned my face serious as Josh tried to hold in his laugh. "Promise?"

He took hold of my upper arms. "I gotta warn you. Goin' into the belly of the beast. There'll be danger at every turn."

I stepped up to him, poking his chest. "I eat danger for breakfast!" I bit my lip to stop from laughing.

"You hungry?!" he asked, his face lighting up.

"Starving!" I exclaimed.

"Welcome aboard!" he said, taking my hand again as we both burst into laughter. "Okay, okay, c'mon, let's go, Rhino." He joked again, starting for the woods.

I jokingly saluted him. "Yessir, Mr. Bolt, sir!" I practically yelled before coughing.

He laughed, leaning down to kiss my temple. "You poor, poor, wittle ting!" He said in a baby voice.

I groaned, pushing him away. "Your. Fault." I reminded him, giving him a glare.

He chuckled, shrugging. "What's your favorite animal, Danny?" he asked, wrapping an arm around my shoulders to keep me warm.

I glanced up at him as I stepped over a branch. A slight shudder went through me as I thought about the last time I was in the forest. I brushed it off. "Why?"

He faked a hurt look. "What? I can't get to know my own girlfriend?"

I shook my head, but couldn't help but smile at the word. "Hm… I don't know. I've never really thought about it. A wolf, maybe." I said, blushing as I thought about J.

"Really? Why?" He asked, perking up.

I looked down, letting my hair fall around my face. "Because they have a family." I replied softly.

He sighed, bringing me closer to him as he kissed my head. "You can share my family, if you'd like?" he let out a low chuckle, but his words were strained.

I laughed humorlessly. "Ha! Sure, why not? I can't talk to them, but yea, they can be my adopted family." I said sarcastically, glaring at the ground.

"A family loves you either way, darlin'. It doesn't matter. A family's love is forever. Family is forever." He breathed out, his breath forming into clouds around him.

I closed my eyes tightly, forcing back tears. My foot caught on something. I cried out before his arms wrapped around my waist to keep me from falling. I sighed in relief. "Thanks. At least that wasn't my bad ankle." I frowned, looking at the make-shift cast I had made. "Josh?"

"Mhm?" he answered, looking away from me and studying the trees.

"If a family is supposed to love their children, then why don't mine?" I whispered, a part of me hoping he didn't hear me.

He sighed sadly. "Danny, I—" he cursed suddenly, glancing up as he stepped in front of me.

"What? What is it, J—" I began, gasping as I saw what he did. A huge brown bear stumbled in front of us, shaking his head as though dazed. I stepped back, catching a dead leaf underneath my heel, making the bear's head snap to up. A growl sounded through the forest, and I wasn't sure if it was the bear's, or Josh's.

A hand suddenly appeared at my stomach, pushing me back. "Go. Hide. Now." Josh said in-between his string of curse words.

"But Josh, what about—" I began, but he cut me off again.

"Go." He snarled.

"But Josh!" I protested.

"Danny. Don't argue with me. Not now. Go." He said, never taking his eyes off the bear. I did as I was told, slowly crouching behind a bush. The bear stood on its hind legs, sniffing the air. He locked eyes with Josh and roared, coming down on all fours and bounding towards him.

Josh cursed loudly, his hands curling by his sides.

Don't. Scream.

Hehe :3 Cliffhanger! Whoo! I love it! :D Haha. So this is defnitely NOT edited because I'm tired and lazy and mostly tired. School needs to END! Anyways, hope you enjoyed, and REVIEW! :D Chapter 15 should be up soon... I hope. If not, I'll post Iya's story up here, because it's so adorable :3

~Anni23