I would be lying if I said that I hated my best friend's older brother.
Sure, I disagree with him almost all the time but you would too if you hanged around him a lot, which isn't by choice by the way. It's just that my best friend, Brooke, has a really big and nice house that is always stocked up with snacks. And while my apartment is cozy for my mom and me, it got crowded very easily. But hey, in Manhattan, it was hard for a single mom to get a really nice home.
Anyway back to Brooke's brother, Josh. Honestly I don't get why he's so popular. I mean yes he is smart enough to pass yet not be a nerd, his family is rich, and he's in the top of all the sports in our school but honestly. Could our school really be so clichéd and stereotypical that they can't see past his so called perfect exterior into his jerk interior?
Of course not.
No one sees that he's really just an arrogant, womanizing, egotistical, diva that doesn't even have an ounce of kindness in his heart. Well Brooke can, but that's because she's his sister so she's blessed like that. Or cursed, it depends on how you look at it.
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"I absolutely love your kitchen!" I exclaim again as I look around, not daring to touch anything because I'm scared that I'll break the perfectness of it.
Brooke chuckled. "You know you can actually sit on a chair if you want to, Delilah," she said, gesturing to one of the bar stools. Yeah, my name is Delilah. I know it's kind of out of style but I like it. It feels vintage.
As I slowly made my way over to the bar stools around the counter, she handed me a drink. Without even asking what it was, I took a sip. I smiled as the sweet liquid washed over my taste buds.
"You are the absolute best partner I could ask for in English," I said contently.
She full on laughed this time. "Have you seen my grade in that class?" she asked, raising her eyebrows at me.
I shrugged. "Who cares?" I asked. "I'm acing English, so if you provide the space with refreshments and I bring my big brain of useless knowledge, then we will no doubt get an A!"
"I'll toast to that!" she said while laughing and raising her glass. I met her glass with my own and giggled.
That was how I meant the amazingly sweet and wonderful Brooke.
Soon after our glasses made a soft clinked, her front door swung opened and a loud thump rang throughout the entire house as the sound of someone dropping all their things on the floor.
I jumped from the noise and turned to see who was at the door. A pair of piercing blue eye that were the complete opposite of Brooke's warm brown ones met my own. Other than that, he looked a lot like the girl sitting next to me. Jet black hair fell just above his eyes and he had lightly tanned skin. The only other differences were the light freckles Brooke had and the smug look on his face.
After identifying who he was, I turned back to Brooke who was reaching into her bag, probably to get the rubric. I could have sworn I felt him staring at me and I was pretty sure why. I'm sure he got fan girl like shrieks when most people met him in person. I personally didn't get what was so special. There are millions of other guys like him in others schools who are just as popular and rich and athletic. Why get so hyped up about his one?
"Who's your little friend, Brooke," I heard him ask from behind me. I rolled my eyes. He was only one grade level above us. So what if he was a sophomore?
"Her name is Delilah," she answered.
"Like from the song?" he asked, confused. I bit my tongue to stop myself from making a sarcastic remark.
I felt Brooke's chair spin around and I looked out of the corner of my eye as she rolled her eyes.
"Yes, she is totally the girl that the Plain White T's wrote about," she said sarcastically as I turned around to face him with a smirk on my face.
His face twisted into even more confusion for a split second before noticing the look on my face and Brooke's raised eyebrows before realizing that she was messing with him. He scowled as he picked up his stuff and decided that the couch was a better place to dump them.
"What's she doing in our place anyways?" he asked her as he made his way to his fridge.
Before she had a chance to reply, however, I broke into the conversation. "You know, instead of acting as if I'm not here, you could ask me the questions." I said raising my eyebrows.
He turned to look at me. After quickly scanning over me, he smirked. "If you wanted my attention, you could have just asked," he said cockily.
I gave a disdainful look which he quickly took note of and was about to say something until Brooke broke in. "She's here because of an English Project."
He grinned. "Good for a second there I thought you had become friends with a ginger," he said as he passed and flicked one of my red curly locks.
And that was how I met the bane of my existence, Josh Letourneau.
I would be lying if I said that Josh was a complete and total monster.
Because he's not. Yeah, he acts like one a lot, but not all the time. It's like he puts up this front whenever he's with his jock friends. Which I totally don't get. Most of the other jocks are actually okay. Either they're nice and polite or generally ignore you, which is better than mocking you. Of course there are the few who do act like they are the big, bad, cool kids of the school, but Josh doesn't really hang out with them.
But I really shouldn't question it too much. I should just cherish the times he act genuinely kind to me, which is usually when he's nice to Brooke. But it just makes me wonder…
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I walked into the large house, opening the door with key Brooke had given me for my 16th birthday a few weeks ago, a day before the new school year started.
I had called her earlier to say I was coming, but right now the house was eerily quiet. While humming my remixed version of James Bond's theme music, I attempted I go up her stairs in a spy like way. When I had finally reached the top, I heard the soft sound of someone laughing.
As I tried to figure where it was coming from, I realized it was getting louder. Then I heard a door slam wide open, followed by a laughing figure running from around the corner and right past me. Before I could fully comprehend what was happening, I was on the floor, with a sore head and something really heavy on top of me.
I opened my eyes, only to be met by a pair of familiar blue eyes, only there was something different with them.
Instead of the cockiness they usually held, they were full of joy. In a distant place I heard a shocked voice call my name, but for some reason, I couldn't tear my eyes away from Josh's face.
Suddenly the voice was getting louder and clearer. Then out of nowhere it was screaming in my ear, causing my head to jerk my head upward, making my head collide with Josh's. I groaned as I let my head fall back onto the carpeted floor. I felt him roll off me and onto the floor right next to me, allowing me to move my hands to my head and massage my temple.
That didn't happen I told myself as I got up. Before I could utter a word, Brooke was fussing over me.
"Oh my goodness, are you okay? Oh of course you're not! My ginormous, clumsy brother—"
"Did you just call me fat?"
"fell on you and then I made you head-butt with his hard head—"
"Are you just going to keep insulting me?"
"And now you look all red in the face! I am so sorry!" she finished as she checked my head for a fever.
I laughed. "I'm fine!" I exclaimed as I swatted her hand away. "And there's no reason for you to be sorry!"
"Yeah, especially since it was Delilah's fault in the first place!" I heard a voice quip from the ground. I looked down, prepared to shoot a venomous response like normal. But then I noticed that instead of the hostile look in Josh is usually gives me, he's looking at me with a playful and mischievous expression that I can't help but smile at. He looked so carefree sitting on the floor, leaning back on his arms.
"Aren't you the one who ran into me?" I asked, lightly nudging his leg with my foot.
"I wouldn't have ran into you if you weren't standing in the middle of the hallway…wait when did you get here?" he said his face changing from humorous to confusion so fast I couldn't hold in a small giggle.
"Just about 10 minutes ago," I said glancing at the huge grandfather clock at the end of the hallway.
"Oh yeah you called saying that you were coming over!" Brooke exclaimed and then she looked at Josh with a hopeful look in her eyes. "Do you want to come with us? We're just going to the den to have a movie fest. Well, if it's okay with you Delilah…" she trailed off, looking at me with pleading eyes.
A let a small smile grace my face before turning to look at Josh. "Yeah I don't mind," I say nonchalantly. "You could even chose a movie or two." I added playfully. To be honest, Brooke was only half of the reason I said yes. The other half was because I kind of liked this version of Josh.
Before he had a chance to reply however, his cellphone rang. He glanced down at it before flashing a sheepish smile and saying, "Why don't you go down to the den and I'll meet you there in a sec."
I followed Brooke down the stairs, noticing her slightly dejected look. Once I was pretty sure we were out of an earshot, I began talking to her.
"So…I'm guessing that was how Josh used to act like before high school brainwashed him."
She gave me a sad smile before sighing and nodding. "But I can't say I didn't see it coming. I mean he was already beginning to drift away in middle school, I just never thought he would get so…"
"Hard-headed, stubborn, arrogant, diva like, conceded…" I listed of earning a laugh from Brooke.
"Who are you guys talking about," Josh's voice rang from the top of the stairs as he made his way to where we were.
"No one too important," I answered.
He rose his eyebrows but dropped the subject.
"So are you going to be able to hang out with us?" Brooke asked.
He rubbed the back of his neck and I knew this wasn't going to go well. "Um…well I have to go do something with some friends, so I won't be able to right now."
As I restrained myself to call him out on the vagueness of his sentence, I noticed Brooke's face fall.
"But we can still do it when I come back!" he added in a rush. Apparently I wasn't the only one who noticed how disappointed she looked.
"That'd be nice," she replied softly, her eyes downcast.
"Hey don't worry, you'll get to bask in my awesomeness soon enough!" he said, trying to cheer her up. "Why don't you guys start watching movies, okay?"
He came down and ruffled Brooke's hair and then giving her a hug. He turned to me and winked. "Take care of my sister," he said.
"Since when have I not?" I asked.
He laughed lightly before going back up the stairs.
I looked at Brooke, getting ready to comfort her, but she gave me a look to drop it. So I did. I let her pick the first movie and got usual blankets, pillows, and snacks for our movie fests. By the time I had brought all the necessary items, she had picked the movie and had it paused at the previews.
As we watched the beginning of the movie in a slightly uncomfortable silence, I felt her gaze shift from the screen to me. I turned to look at her and noticed she had a slightly playful look in her eyes. I rose one my eyebrows questioningly.
"I just realized something…" she said.
"What?" I asked suspiciously.
"Technically speaking, you and Josh had an intimate moment."
And with that I choked on my popcorn. While I cleared my throat and she patted my back, I thought of how utterly and totally insane she was. Me and Josh? Where on earth did she get that? I gave the most disbelieving look I have ever given anyone.
"What?" she said once she realized I could breathe again.
"When?" I asked exasperated.
"When he fell on you and then you two were like gazing into each other's eyes. I couldn't get yours or Josh's attention until I actually got on my knees and screamed in your ear!"
I literally laughed out loud. "I'm just going to call that a moment of mental relapse."
Brooke laughed along with me and the uncomfortable silence was lifted. We continued watching movies and eventually Brooke dozed off. Me, being more of a night owl, continued to watch movies.
About 1 hour after she went to sleep, Josh came home. I heard him come down the stairs and restrained myself from glaring at him.
"She's already asleep," I said as he reached the bottom of the stairs, unable to keep some of the anger out of my voice. I mean, she was really hoping he would come. I had seen her sneak glances at the stairs multiple times.
I heard him sigh and bang his head against the wall. "I messed up, huh," he mumbled. I could tell he was talking more to himself, but I never missed a moment to call him out on his mistakes.
"Way more than any other time I've seen," I replied.
I felt his eyes on me and braced myself for a glare as I turned to face him, but instead he was just looking at me, as if observing me. His gaze flickered to Brooke's sleeping form before going back to me. "You guys are growing up…" he said softly.
"You say that like you're an old man," I reply in the same tone. "You're only one year older than us."
"I know that," he said indignantly.
"Sometimes I think you forget," I reply in a somewhat softer manner. "There's no shame in hanging out with sophomores. Even if one of us may be your sister. That should actually make you want to hang out with her more…"
I yawned and stretched, grimacing as I regret not changing into my pajamas before the movie marathon. I heard him chuckle and I gave him a questioning look. "The look you just gave was priceless," he answered my silent question.
I made a face at him before getting up to go upstairs and get my bag I had accidently left in the living room. As I searched the living room, I heard him coming up the stairs. I made a frustrated whine at the fact I couldn't find my bag.
"You wanna check right next to the door?"
I mentally slapped myself in the face as I went to the most obvious place I had overlooked. I ignored his amused look as I made my way back to the den. Before I could take the first step, however, he cleared his throat. "Goodnight," he said quietly.
"Goodnight," I replied.
I would be lying if I said I wasn't the least bit curious of how Josh's room looked.
I mean I have been to their house who knows how many times, had basically turned their largest guest room into my own room, and have been in every room multiple times. Every room except for his.
I've talked to Brooke about it, and she told me not to worry about it. Well, that's easy for her to say. She's been in there before.
And it's not like I haven't tried to go in there, but it's not as easy as it sounds. I can't act like I accidently walked into it because it's well known knowledge to everyone in this household that I could navigate around this house if I was blind and not even bump into a corner. And it's not like I could just waltz up in there or ask him if I could see him. The first the former would cause him to probably get all sorts of angry at me, and while I usually don't care, I don't think Brooke would appreciate it too much. And I wouldn't even think about doing the latter because that would put me up for weeks of teasing.
I wouldn't be so hung up on this if he didn't make it so obvious that he didn't want me to be in there. I mean if I ever volunteer to get something from there, he always intervenes. And if Brooke would be in there and I got here, he would have politely kicked her out of his room so I can't use her as an excuse to get in.
I don't even know what to expect. I just feel like if I see his room I can understand him better. Not that I want to or anything…
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Hey There Delilah,
Sorry couldn't help it! Anyways just thought you should know that I'm not here. I know I told you to come over something important, but then my parents needed to take me to this thing for work that I couldn't get out of. But you can stay here; it would actually make things easier.
Sorry again, but at least you have the house to yourself. Josh is with his friends doing something stupid.
See you soon!
Brooke
P.S. I didn't text you cause my phone is being dumb. I'm going to get it fixed after my parent's work thing.
I reread the note before heading over to her room. I decided that I could just use her laptop or something until she got home. As I got to the hallway on the second floor, something caught my attention. The door to Josh's room.
Sorry again, but at least you have the house to yourself. Josh is with his friends doing something stupid.
After a short war in my head about personal items, privacy, and all that stuff, I made my way slowly to his room. I hesitated for a second before opening the door. I was still a little paranoid, so I remained at the door as I looked around his room, mostly because I was too scared to go inside.
The room was cleaner than I thought it would be, not necessarily neat, but you could see the floor. The walls were a dark blue-grey. I saw a bunch of things that you would see in most rooms, like a bed, dresser, desk, and some that you would see in this house, like a flat screen TV, a mini fridge, and who knows how many game consoles.
I saw some posters on the wall and while I was trying to read all of them, I heard someone from behind me clear their throat. I immediately froze and closed my eyes, praying to God that it was anyone, anyone in the entire world, but Josh. I slowly turned around and opened my eyes to see Josh's amused and slightly annoyed face.
Oh irony.
And to top it all of he was shirtless and wet, making him look like he was a shining tan god. Why was he wet? Where was his shirt? Who walks around wet without a shirt?
"Hello," I squeaked.
He chuckled at my obvious embarrassment, causing me to get slightly angry. Okay, sure I was one the one looking through his room, but he still could leave me with some sort of dignity.
With that last thought in mind, I straightened my back, cleared my throat, and looked made eye contact with him, something I had been avoiding prior. "Hey," I said more coolly than the first time.
He seemed even more amused by this. "So do you want to move or should we just keep standing here?" he asked me, causing me to slightly blush before moving out of his way.
He entered his room. "You know, you could come in if you want," he said.
I was about to say yes until I noticed a drop of water fall from a lock of his hair and onto his chest, falling across his stomach and continuing south…
"Um…why don't I wait for you to put a shirt on first?" I said, not as calmly as I intended.
I noticed the end of his mouth twitch up before he shrugged and close the door. As soon as that, I sprinted to the bathroom down the hall. I looked in the mirror and inwardly groaned.
My normally clear ivory skin was nearly as red as my hair. I stares at my green with random blue and hazel specks eyes and automatically thought of his piercing blue ones. This time I groaned out loud and lightly banged my head against the sink counter.
I took a deep breath and calmed myself down. This was insane. There was no possible way that I could—
I abruptly stood up straight. I refused to let myself finish that sentence. Once my face had lost all traces of red, I left the bathroom, remembering that technically, I was still welcomed into his room.
I walked up to his room, pausing for a second before knocking on the door. After exactly 9 seconds (so what if I counted…) he opened the door.
"Come on in," he said, gesturing to his room.
I walked in, slowly at first, before remembering it was just Josh, and sitting down on a comfortable looking chair. There was a slightly tense silence before I broke it.
"I thought you were supposed to be gone," I said, remembering Brooke's note.
He chuckled. "Only you could make someone feel unwelcome in their own room."
I waved off his comment. "You didn't answer me."
"You didn't really ask a question."
I rolled my eyes. "Fine. Why aren't you out being an idiot with your friends?"
"Why are you curious about my personal life?"
"I'm not. It's just not like Brooke to be wrong about these types of things."
Josh sighed as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Something happened and the plans were cancelled. Can we just leave it at that?"
I sighed but agreed, but decided that I would still bring up something else that bothered me. "Why do you always do that?" I asked.
"Do what?" he asked.
"You always answer things so vaguely when Brooke and I ask you things. Why?"
"Because sometimes you guys aren't mature enough to know about these things…"
"And there you go again! Acting like you are in some far away age when you are only one year older! You are 17 and we are 16! Stop acting like we are 6 year olds and you are keeping some big secret cause it's making us really worried!"
He looked at me in shock. "You were worried about me?"
I thought back on my sentence and realized I had said us instead of Brooke. I sighed. "To be honest it's mostly Brooke, but yeah I'm worried too."
He looked at me questioningly. "Why?"
"Well…because you're Brooke's brother. And because of that I do sort of, kind of, by association, care about you…" I paused for a second, contemplating whether or not I should add something while avoiding eye contact. "…And you're also kind of cool when you aren't being a jerk."
I looked up at him and our eyes locked. I don't know why, but it felt really intense. And I have never done well with intense moments. Right before I tried to break the silence, I heard the front door open and steps rush up the stairs. I faced the door just in time to see Brooke from down the hallway. Her wavy hair was down and she had on a red dress.
"Hey Delilah!" she said while smiling. "What are you doing in—"she stopped once she noticed that Josh was also there with me.
I got up from the chair casually, so she wouldn't think anything was happening. Not that anything was happening in the first place.
"Oh hey Brooke," I say, ignoring her piercing gaze. "I was just chilling with Josh."
Brooke glanced at her brother, who was avoiding her gaze like me, except not as discreetly.
"Oh," she said softly. "Well if you two want to continue the conversation…"
"No!" I nearly shouted, causing Brooke to give me a weird look and Josh to snicker. "Um…I mean…I've been waiting for you to come so we could hang out and…didn't you want to tell me something important…right?"
She nodded slowly, giving me and Josh one last look before slowly leaving. I started to follow her before suddenly thinking of something.
"Hey Josh."
He looked up at me. "Yeah?"
"How come I didn't hear the water running while you were taking a shower?"
He smirked. "Thinking about me in the shower now?"
I felt the blood rush to my face. "No—I—you—uh!" I groaned in embarrassment and frustration.
Josh laughed. "I was using the bathroom in the den because the one down the hall wasn't working."
Of course it wasn't. The universe hates me, remember.
"Hopefully that will make your fantasies about me more accurate," he added as he winked, causing me to get even more red in the face, sputter, and then rush away from him, hearing him full on laugh from his room.
In my rush I bumped into Brooke, who looked at me confused. "Where were you?" she asked.
"Oh—um—just talking to Josh real quick…" I say in a rush.
"And why is face your face all red…" she said, eyeing my cheeks.
I opened my mouth to speak a few times before closing it. "So…"I began, desperately trying to change the subject. "What was the important thing you had to tell me?"
Brooke looked at me, than down the hallway to Josh's room a few time before smiling. "Nothing…"
I would be lying if I said that I didn't like going to the same school as Josh.
It let me see how he would act around me in public. And before, he would usually ignore me or tease me. Which I didn't mind too much because he was pretty low on my list as well.
But nowadays, he was acting like I was one of his friends. Like acknowledging me or even chatting with me in the hallway. It was weird, to say the least. But I'm pretty sure it's because he still feels guilty from the whole missed movie fest thing. And I really can't say that I mind…
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I ran to my class, knowing I was late, but hoping that by some chance I would make it before my English teacher, Mrs. Tolorine, closed it, automatically locking it from the outside. I turned the corner, nearly tripping, to see the door closing. I watched dramatically as the door finally closed. I collapsed on the ground. Great. This was my third time being tardy, therefore I was going to get detention. Which means my mom will ground me. That then leads to not being able to hang with Brooke. Which sucked.
I sighed before checking my phone. I had 12 more minutes until my 15 minutes were up and I would be counted as absent or ditching.
I decided to clean myself up before going in there. I wouldn't want all eyes to be one me, only to look horrible from running here.
As I attempted to tame my fiery locks, I heard a hoarse voice say so close to my ear that I could feel their breath,
"Well look who's ditching class."
I jumped up, causing all my things to go flying and for me accidentally jerk my foot back, slamming it against the lockers. As I muttered some cruse words under my breath, I heard laughter behind me.
I turned to see Josh standing there, getting a huge kick out of my mini heart attack. I glared at him until he calmed down. When he noticed my accusing stare he rolled his eyes.
"Oh stop being so stuck up," he said nonchalantly. "I was just having some fun."
My glare increased before I let out a breath and crouched down to get my stuff.
"Good to know you find my emotional scarring entertainment!"
He rose his eyebrows before helping me to pick up my stuff. "Don't you think you're going a little over the top their?"
I shrugged, knowing he was right but too stubborn to admit it out loud. After I had gotten most of my stuff together and straightened he spoke again.
"Who's Cody?"
I automatically spinner around and blindly reached for whatever piece of paper he was holding, knowing he could probably use against. However he was faster and leaned away, causing me to fall on my face. Have I mentioned I'm a major klutz and have virtually no coordination? Yeah, that never has it's benefits.
"Give it back," I said, rubbing my sore cheek.
He looked down at me with his head to the side. "You look so young right now with rubbing you cheeks and your lips all pouty--" he abruptly stopped there before going back to the paper.
"So you never answered my question," he said, eyes boring into me. "Who's Cody."
"Just some guy..."
"Apparently not just some guy since he wants to take you somewhere as expensive as the Grapevine."
I huffed, getting up and attempting to snatch the note back. Once again I failed, and with all the flailing I was doing, I ended up tripping, again. Only this time one him.
Josh, being the quick reflex person he is, immediately grabbed my waist to catch me while I grabbed at his shoulders unceremoniously, trying to steady myself.
I looked up to apologize only to be met, yet again, with his intense gaze. But seriously, why am I always caught under it?
I swallowed deeply before slowly slipping my arms from his shoulders and leaning back. He hesitated for a second before letting go of me and throwing me the note, which of course, I dropped. I heard him chuckle as I bent to pick it up.
"So why are you skipping class?"
The question caught me by surprise. Frantically, I reached into my pocket to get my phone, hoping that it was before 9:25, the fifteen minute mark of my class duration. I groaned as my phone flashed the time, 9:28.
"I wasn't really planning on doing it," I mumbled, upset.
He raised his eyebrows. "No need to get all worked up. I mean this is, like, the first time you skipped a class."
Though this was true, I didn't voice it. I just crossed my arms and went over my possibilities. I could walk go to my class, automatically be accused of ditching unless I had a signed slip, and get something worse than a detention.
I could just skip this class and continue school. They would they notify my mother and tell her I was not there for the first bell, which they did if you missed an entire bell. My mom would figure out I had ditched class and punish me a way the school had nothing on.
Or I could skip the entire day, tell the teachers, who trusted me, I had a 24 hour virus that my mom had caught today, so she couldn't write me note. No punishment, no detention, no nothing. Of course I would be violating some self-morals and have to lie to my mom, which I hated.
I bit my lip and thought over what to do, when I noticed Josh staring at me. I gave him a questioning look.
"You've been quiet thinking for about…10 minutes,' he said.
My eyes got big, not realizing I had spent so much time on whether or not to skip or not. I made a haste decision to skip the entire day.
"Sorry about that," I said gathering my stuff, before sending a quick text to Brooke letting her not to wait up for me for any classes. I knew she would get it but be too afraid to text back, so I was safe from any questions till about lunch.
"Where are you going?" I heard him ask from behind. I froze. I hadn't thought about where I would go. I shrugged of the thought and decided I would walk around for a while. Maybe go the park or something.
With that final thought, I shrugged at him before continuing my way out of the school.
"Well, do you want a ride?"
A pause. "A ride?"
"Yeah, I mean I'm guessing you're leaving, but since you don't know how to drive, much less own a car, I thought I could give you a ride to where ever you're headed."
"And if I don't know where I'm headed?"
"I'll give you a ride to my house. My parents aren't there and you can wait for Brooke to come home. Maybe I'll hang with you for a while."
I bit my lip in consideration. It was better than walking till my feet ached. And I didn't really have money for food because though three dollars was enough for a school lunch, the most I could get out here was a drink and fries.
Straightening slightly, I turned around to face him.
"Why not?"
I would be lying if I said I wasn't attracted to Josh.
But I mean, who wouldn't? Thanks to the whole dark hair and piercing blue eyes, he has this air of mystery that I can't help but me allured to. And his body is amazing. I swear there isn't an ounce of fat on that body of his. He has a tan would kill for and a clear face. I swear, Josh is all lean muscle and sexy smirks.
But that doesn't make up for his horrible personality. Sure, maybe he might have toned down, but he is still as infuriated as before. I can't spend more than a couple minutes without glaring, yelling, scowling, or even simply thinking of something horrible about him.
It also doesn't mean that I feel any true emotion towards him. It was all physical. No feelings. None at all. Nada. Zip. Zilch. I don't have any feelings for him at all…
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Our lips were meeting frantically. His hands were grasping my hips and my hands tangled in his hair.
He led me to his bed before laying me down, him following suit. Our lips separated for a second, but they met again soon. He slowly pulled away from me, only to begin kissing my neck. I moaned at his ministrations while feeling a hand of his go up my shirt, leaving a hot trail everywhere it went.
"Josh," I breathed contently.
I woke up in a cold sweat.
I groaned, falling back on the couch Brooke and I had been sharing.
Great, I thought. Now I'm dreaming about him.
I had not seen this coming. I mean sure, I had imagined him kissing me or me running my hair through his silky locks, but I had never had a dream about it.
Nor had anything been ever been so intimate.
I groaned again while messaging my temples. Being attracted to someone was so draining.
I got up, desperately in need of a drink of ice cold water. And if that didn't work, a shower.
When I entered the kitchen, however, I basically wanted to kill myself. Because that had to be better than all the crap the universe was throwing me.
Because I was met with the sight of Josh in the living room (which the kitchen had an excellent view of). Granted, he was sleeping, but when you just had an ecstatic dream about someone, you really don't want to see them at all. Not even sleeping.
So I tip-toed into the kitchen and opened the fridge, wincing when a made a slight creek.
Hey, I was really thirsty and was not about to let some guy torture me like that.
While keeping my eyes trained on him so I could know as soon A's possible if we woke up, I expertly made my way around the kitchen, getting the water, ice, and cup.
While watching him, I began to notice little things I wouldn't have noticed from yelling at him. Like that he had shades of a lighter brown in his hair. And his nose was the exact same shape as Brooke's. And he actually looked innocent when he slept, which didn't occur to everyone (Brooke claims I look mischievous when I sleep).
While I was still looking at the little things, I dropped the jug of water I was holding by bumping into the side of the island in her kitchen.
I jumped from the loud noise it made hitting the falling, the yelped when the jug broke and water hit me. This then caused me to drop the glass I had in my hand.
I paused then growled in frustration at the mess I had made. I went the closet in the hallway to grab a towel. When I returned, I face-palmed.
There in the middle of the kitchen was a very sleepy, confused looking Josh.
He looked at me. "Did you do this?" he asked, still drowsy.
I smiled sheepishly. "Yeah...but I'm cleaning it up right now!" I say, showing him the towels.
He chuckled lightly before he looked over me. I shifted in my penguin slippers, feeling uncomfortable under his gaze.
"You're bleeding."
I looked down and, much to my surprise, I was bleeding. How the heck did I miss that? I mean, the cut didn't seem that deep but it was still causing quite an amount of blood to trickle down my leg. "Probably from the glass," I thought out loud.
I looked up and realized that he was reaching for something that was on a high shelf. I thanked God that he was wearing a shirt.
He pulled out a First Aid kit. I raised my eyebrows in surprise. I didn't know they had one of those.
Josh patted the island and I took a seat on it. I regretted it almost immediately the second he grabbed my leg. I flinched when he wiped the cut softly with a wipe and he looked up at me with raised eyebrows.
"You know this will work a lot better if you stopped acting like a baby," he commented, but he avoided the cut for a while, cleaning the area around it.
When he was done with that, he gingerly began to clean the cut. I tried to distract myself from the pain by thinking of something else but the only other thing on my mind was the feel of his hand against my leg.
He continued to clean my wound before taking out some lotion and applying it. This caused me to swing my foot due to the coldness of t, nearly kicking him in the face. He caught my foot, glaring at me.
"Honestly?" he asked.
"Hey, you could have at least warned me about it being cold!" I responded. Which honestly would've been a good idea on his part.
"Sorry for thinking you were mature enough to handle it," he replied, sliding his hand from my foot to the cut right above my knee.
I would have replied to his comment, if I wasn't so concentrated on the trail of heat his hand left which moving up my leg.
Similar to the way his hand did in my dream. Except this wasn't a dream.
I kept quiet while Josh continued to bandage me. And when he was done, I silently cleaned up the mess I made, muttered a quick thank you and practically sprinted down the stairs.
Yeah, I was gonna need a cold shower.
I would be lying if I said that I didn't think Brooke wasn't the least bit suspicious about my cr— I mean attraction to Josh.
Ever since she made that comment about the whole gazing into each other's eyes, I've been keeping an watchful eye on her. But ever since the day she called me over to her house for an emergency but dropped when she realized I was with Josh while waiting made me down right paranoid!
I mean, I could tell her, but she would get the wrong idea. No matter how hard I tried, she would be convinced that I had feelings for him. Even if I swore on the Bible, she wouldn't believe my physical attraction thing. Nope, not a bit. Which I totally don't get. Because me only being attracted to Josh made a whole lot more sense than me having feelings for him…
IWBLIWBLIWBLIWBL
I was in Brooke's room, painting my toe nails while listening to music at a volume higher than recommended. Now, I usually don't like nail polish because I find it kind of pointless, but sometimes putting it on relaxed me.
While I concentrated on not messing up, Brooke was messing with my hair. On a normal occasion, I would have resisted, but resisting meant accidental movement, which leads to a nail polish covered toe. Which is why she was using my determination to get my nails perfect to her advantage.
"You should let me straighten your hair one day," she commented.
I snorted. "Yeah that will take hours, something you and I both don't have the patience for. Plus, I don't get why people want to straighten curly hair people's hair so much. I mean, wouldn't it make since for you to want to avoid straightening it?"
She shrugged while I finished my last coat. I sighed content, admiring my finished work. Brooke looked over my shoulder to see it.
"You were right," she began. "The dark blue does look better than the light pink would have."
I smiled before stretching and yawning. Brooke gave a final brush through my hair before getting up from her bed and putting all things we had used away. I glanced at the clock before my eyes widened.
"Did I really just spend 45 minutes painting my toe nail?" I say, pointing my thumb back at the clock that read 4:35.
"Technically it was 53—" she began, but I swiftly cut her off by throwing one of Brooke's numerous pillows at her.
Brooke laughed while tossing the pillow back at me.
"Wait, I thought Hailey was supposed to be here by now," I thought out loud, glancing back at the clock again.
Brooke paused, furrowing her eyebrows. "I had completely forgotten about that."
"Some project member she is, not even showing up," I muttered.
"Hey, maybe she came but we couldn't hear her ringing the doorbell or something because of the insane volume you insist on playing your music to!"
I rolled my eyes, but turned off my music nonetheless. About five seconds later, we both heard high pitched laughter coming from downstairs. I, the more curious of our duo, immediately went to investigate. After a second thought, Brooke followed me.
She, the inexperienced spy she is, almost went down the stairs openly, almost blowing our cover. I grabbed her arm, before motioning that she crawling down the stairs. She gave me an incredulous before giving up and following my lead.
When we reached the end of the stairs, she decided to speak up.
"Um…why are sneaking down the stairs again?" she whispered.
"So they don't catch us spying on them," I whispered back.
"Who's they?"
"That's why we're spying! So we know who's laughing all loud and annoyingly!"
"Why don't we just go look?"
"Incase it's someone we don't like."
"Care to elaborate?"
"Well if it's someone we don't like, we can sneak back up the stairs instead of saying hi and being all awkward."
"That's ridiculous."
"That's logic."
"That's hilarious."
Brooke and I both look up to see Josh's smirking face.
I groaned. "You see, this is exactly what I meant!"
He made a face before gesturing to someone behind him. Brooke got up and I, the slightly slower one, followed her lead. We were both surprised to see Hailey standing next to Josh.
"My laugh is not loud or annoying," she commented, glaring at me. I smiled sheepishly.
"Wait how long have you been here?" Brooke asked. She's usually the one coming up with the logical questions.
"Yeah, you were supposed to come at 3:45," I quip.
"Well I did," Hailey began. "But then Josh opened the door and we started talking and oh my gosh why didn't you tell me your brother was Josh Letourneau and—"
I openly groaned. Hailey gave me a weird look.
"Sorry about that," Brooke apologized for me. "She and Josh don't exactly get along."
Hailey's jaw dropped. "How can you not get along with that," she said pointing next to her before realizing Josh had sneaked away. "Where'd he go?"
I shrugged. "Come on," I say. "We only got a little bit of time left to work on this thing."
Hailey glanced down at her watching before frowning. "Actually I got to get going now."
"What!" I exclaimed. "You said you could stay till 5!"
She showed me her watch. 4:57.
"Great," I muttered.
"Sorry," she said. "It was just Josh was intriguing and I couldn't believe he was spending time with me of all people!"
"Okay! We get it!" I said. "Goodbye!"
She huffed at me before turning to Brooke.
"I'll call you so we can come up with another time to meet."
"We should also probably change the venue," I couldn't help but add.
Hailey glared at me before stomping out of the house, being sure to slam the door on her way out.
"What'd you do to get her so upset?" Josh commented, coming from out of nowhere.
I immediately stormed up the stairs, unknowingly leaving an amused Brooke and confused Josh.
Later that night, while I was brushing my teeth, I heard Brooke yell from her room, "Hey Delilah! You know green doesn't look good on anyone!"
I looked down at my pajamas, slightly offended, before realizing I wasn't wearing any green. After a second of confusion I screamed. "I am not jealous…of anyone!"
I heard Brooke laugh and I quickly hurried with my dental hygiene.
"Why are you laughing?" I asked when I reached her room.
She smiled. "It's just with all the talk you do about how ridiculous it is how people get about Josh, I think it's ironic that you would end up crushing on him…"
My jaw dropped. "You're kidding," I asked astonished.
"You can stop with the whole 'I find him completely horrible and am unable to stand him for more than three seconds' act. I've seen you to hang out before."
"Um yeah I hang out with lots of guys. Doesn't mean I have feelings for them."
"Whatever," Brooke said, rolling her eyes. "You have to admit you at least find him attractive."
"Oh come on!"
"Oh have totally seen you checking out my brother! I can't forget it! It's emotionally scarring."
"You can go die in a hole now."
"Yep, you gaze into his eyes…"
"An extremely hot hole."
"Or ogle at his arms…"
"That's also deep."
"And observe his hair…"
"With pointy rocks."
"And last but not least, you'll be staring at his lips."
"Plus, you'll be barefoot."
Brooke paused. "That's a pretty gruesome way to die."
"I know right."
She laughed, followed by me, until we were both cracking up on the floor with tears in our eyes. We finally calmed down, lying on her carpeted floor.
"You know, I don't mind you crushing on Josh."
I groaned. "Are you still on this?"
"And I might even be okay with you two dating."
"Whatever…"
"Can you just promise me one thing?"
"But I don't—"
"Please."
I sighed. "Fine."
"Could you please maybe not make me feel like a third wheel or something? Because I wouldn't mind the cuddling or anything but it would really suck if I lost my best friend. I'm pretty sure I would die inside."
I turned to face Brooke. "Whatever happens," I start. "You're going to be there with me. Whether you like it or not."
Brooke chuckled. "Same here! You'll be with me when I become first women president!"
"Of course I will! Because you'll be awarding me the medal for best super spy or whatever at the time!"
"I wouldn't count on it," I heard Josh say as he passed by Brooke's room. Whose door happened to be wide open. For anyone to hear.
"How much did you hear?" Brooke asked, jumping up and going to the door frame.
Josh shrugged. "Only that last bit, why?"
"No reason!" I shouted before shutting the door quickly.
I would be lying if I said I didn't think Josh was a little bit attracted to me, too.
There were the little things. He would brush his hand against mine. His gaze would linger on me. He'd sit closer to me when we'd all sit together. He would sometimes play with the ends of my hair. He would off handily compliment me.
Then there were the not so subtle things. He would hate guys that would show interest in me for no reason. His teasing would turn into flirting fast. He would ask me questions such as favorite eye color or whatever.
Of course, I'm positive that it's all physical. He just wants what every other guy in the world wants and I'm fine with that…
IWBLIWBLIWBLIWBL
It was a few weeks before the new school year. We were going to be juniors and Josh was going to be a senior. And for some reason Brooke decided to throw some random party.
Contrary to belief, Brooke is not my only friend and visa-versa. To be honest, when I'm not hanging around Brooke, I'm not hanging out with her group of friends. Which are the rich, wholesome girls that you kind of want to hate but you just can't.
I tend to drift towards the clumsy, fun girls that linger between popular and halfway there. But to be honest I like migrating around the high school cliques. I mean, where's the fun in spending four years with the same group of people with the same personality? But of course that's just me.
And of course you can't leave out Josh, who, by now, has the entire school on their knees for him. Except for the few sane ones, like me.
As I maneuvered my way through the crowd, I couldn't help but curse Brooke for making this a pool party. And for having a swimming pool with her house in the first place. Okay so I can't get to upset about that but still.
And it's not like I'm insecure about my body. It's just I don't really like parading around in a skimpier outfit than really necessary around people who I barely talk to. Call me crazy. Luckily I hadn't had to strip down from my shorts and t-shirt I was wearing.
I made my way back into the house where only a few scattered people were, most of the, whispering. I rolled my eyes and made my way to a chips bowl, grabbing a handful, and making my way upstairs. I was stopped, however, by a hand on my elbow. I turned around to see a somewhat friend of mine, Cody.
The same Cody from the note incident.
I gave him a quick smile and wave. He smiled back, running a hand through his sandy hair. "You know, upstairs is restricted."
I shrugged. "I have special privileges."
He chuckled. "Well wouldn't you be missing the party?"
"Not much to miss."
"Ouch," he replied, putting his hand over his chest.
I rolled my eyes. "I'm sorry I hurt your oh so delicate man ego."
He sucked in a breath. "I'm not sure sorry is gonna cut it."
I raised my eyebrows. "Oh really now."
"Yep," he started. "I think you're going to have to do me a favor."
I leaned against the stair banister. "And what would that be?"
"Come hang out with me in this party," he said gesturing to the patio door. I bit my lip for a second before smiling softly.
"Why not?"
I followed him out to the pool deck, grimacing as some water splashed on me from someone jumping into the pool. When we finally found some seats, he pulled my back for me, causing me raise my eyebrows, impressed.
"So why haven't you gone swimming?" he asked, motioning to my dry clothes.
"Not much of a good swimmer," I answered honestly. I was afraid of water. That's why I hated pool parties so much. My eyes widened as I saw a few guys lift a girl and her chair and dump her in the water.
Cody followed my gaze before putting a reassuring hand on my shoulder.
"You know I'm not much of a swimmer either," he said trying to comfort me.
I snorted. "Says the guy who's one of the fastest swimmers on the swim team."
He gave me a lopsided grin. "Oh so you've heard of me."
I laughed before noticing his hand was still was on my shoulder. I was about to comment on that, but was to chocked to speak when Josh came out of nowhere and pulled up a chair with us.
Cody was obviously unfazed by the Josh's presence. "Hey," he said, taking the hand that was once on my shoulder and reaching out to shake his hand. "You're Josh Letourneau, right."
Josh nodded and shook his hand before shifting his gaze back to me.
"Hey Josh," I say, giving a half-wave.
"You know him?" Cody asked in shock.
"Um…yeah," I mumble.
"Uh sorry," Josh says, cutting into our conversation. "I didn't catch your name."
"Oh I'm Cody."
I could practically hear the wheels turning in his head. Connecting past events and the way Cody had slung his arm nonchalantly around my shoulders. And I hoped he didn't remember that I said Cody was just some guy. But the way his eyes gleamed with mischievousness, I knew he had remembered everything.
"Oh so your Cody," Josh said, flashing a fake smile I had come to recognize.
"Um…yeah…" Cody trailed off.
I bit my lip, expecting something, anything to happen. But it didn't. Josh just nodded before getting up and leaving. I let out a breath I had unknowingly been holding.
"Well that was weird," Cody commented, watching Josh go off into the sea of people.
"Tell me about it," I muttered.
Later, after the party was over and I was assigned pool deck clean up duty, Josh came around.
I glanced at him. "Here to help?" I inquired.
"Nope," he said, popping the 'p'.
I rolled my eyes. "Then why are you out here?"
Ignoring my question, he asked own. "So that was Cody?"
I groaned. "Please don't start."
"Of course you two seemed to be getting pretty cozy there," he continued, disregarding my request. "I mean he had his whole hand on your shoulder and—" I cut him off by hitting him with the end of my broom.
"You can shut up now."
"So were you serious?"
I gritted my teeth. This boy really didn't know how to listen. "About what," I practically seethed.
"About the whole swimming thing."
"Well—wait were you eavesdropping on our conversation?"
He brushed of my question. "So…can you swim or not?"
"Not really…" I trailed off.
He got up and took off his shirt, making his way over to the edge of the pool. When I didn't follow, he turned around. "Well come on then!"
I shook my head. "No thanks. Trust me, I'm impossible to teach."
"You mean you're scared."
"Of dying? Yes."
"No of water."
I snorted. "That's ridiculous."
"You're ridiculous," he commented, shrugging.
When I responded with a glare, he sighed.
"Just come one already."
I sighed, knowing there was no winning when had his mind set on something, and began to undress to my swimsuit. He was already in the water by the time I had finished putting my clothes in a safe, dry place. I eased my way into the slightly chilly water.
"Okay so how helpless are you?" he asked.
I frowned. "I know the basics. I'm just not, you know, good at applying it."
"Good cause if we had to start at the blowing bubbles stage, I was going to have to give up right then and there."
I made a face at him and crossed my arms. He rolled his eyes. "Oh stop being so defensive."
I narrowed my eyes at him, but uncrossed my arms.
"Okay so where to start…"
And we spent about an hour trying to teach me how to swim. And aside from the times when he would make an obnoxious comment (or the slightly awkward moments when he would have adjust me by grabbing my leg, waist, etc.), it went pretty smoothly.
"You're not as hopeless as you made yourself to be," he commented as we dried of with some spare towels.
I shrugged. "Doesn't mean I stopped disliking swimming." I say while drying my hair. When I took my towel from my hair, he chuckled.
"So that's how you're hair looks when you first wake up," he says waving at my hair.
I immediately begin trying to pat my hair down, muttering curse words under my breath.
He laughed before brushing my hands out of the way.
"Here let me…" he said. Josh attempted to tame my locks. He took one red curl and ran his finger against it until his hand brushed against my cheek. My breath hitched in my throat as I unconsciously looked up at him. His eyes seemed darker than usual and when they locked on my own, my knees nearly buckled. I swallowed as he lowered his face closer to mine. His lips barely brushed against mine when out of nowhere we heard someone scream. "Delilah!"
I jumped away from Josh, as he did the same thing, and nearly slipped on the wet pavement of the pool.
I turned to see Brooke opening the patio door. The doors that had closed blinds. Oh. So she didn't see anything.
"Why are you all wet?" she said, carefully walking over to us.
"I was attempting to teach her how to swim," Josh jibed.
"Really?" Brooke said, looking at me with a tilted head and smile on her face. "Is this true Delilah?"
I glowered at her before grabbing my clothes and storming away from them.
It would've been wonderfully dramatic if I hadn't slipped, yet again, except landing on my ass. And I laughed along with them because honestly, I was being ridiculous. I laid down and looked at them behind me and gave them a smile. Which could look like a frown but I really didn't care.
I would be lying if I said I wasn't going miss Josh when he left for college.
Because I was. A lot. And I had come to terms with the fact that I do care about him. Like a brother of course, but I still care about him. And it honestly ached when i thought about the fact that him and his arrogant, womanizing, egotistical, diva-like self wasn't going to be around.
I also couldn't pretend like it wasn't happening. Brooke told me how he's been staying after school, meeting with the guidance counselor about what career choices. I saw the multiple pamphlets littered around the house. I've noticed how he's been studying harder than ever, actually applying himself.
And I knew Josh wouldn't choose a college near here. As nice as Manhattan was, he would want to see the world. He wanted to travel and see the world and live life at the fullest. And that wasn't going to happen if he stayed here. It wouldn't happen if he stayed with Brooke…or me…
IWBLIWBLIWBLIWBL
"What do you want to be when you grow up?"
The question came out of the blue, surprising me. We, Brooke and I, were in my room (well Brooke's guest room, but same difference), laying on the floor, staring at the ceiling.
"Come again?" I asked, not to sure I heard correctly.
"What do you want to be when you grow up," she repeated, more strongly.
"A super spy," I mutter humorlessly.
"No seriously," she pressed.
"I don't know…" I trailed off.
"You've got to have some idea—"
"Well I don't!" I snap, sitting up. "Sorry not all of know they want to be a pediatrician since the age of 7!"
I instantly regretted what I said when I saw the look of hurt that flashed across her face. I rubbed my eyes. "I'm sorry"
"It's fine," she replied softly.
"No it's not," I reply. "It's not your fault I'm clueless about life." I gave a weak smile before getting up.
"But still…it's just with Josh going off and—"
"I get it," I cut her off. Saying it made it the more real.
She stared t me for a second. "He's leaving, Delilah," she said gently.
"I know," I said quietly. "I'm going to go downstairs and get a drink of water."
Brooke nodded slowly and silently. I left the room somewhat awkwardly, shuffling slightly through the door.
I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding as I went down the stairs. I made my way to the kitchen, before seeing one of the dreaded brochures. I glanced at it venomously before doing a double take. NYU? I picked up the pamphlet, noticing it was for Steinhardt School of culture, education, and human development. Eye raised my eyebrows, opening the booklet. As I skimmed the small booklet, I didn't notice walk into kitchen.
"Nosy much?"
I automatically dropped the brochure as if it was on fire. I felt myself get even more embarrassed when I realized it was Josh. But who else would it be? The universe hates me, remember?
"What's up Josh," I say innocently.
"You were prying in my stuff," he responded, picking up the pamphlet I had dropped and putting it in a kitchen drawer.
I scoffed. "I wouldn't say snooping," I began. "More like…investigating."
He rolled his eyes and continued to the fridge while I shuffled my feet uncomfortably.
"So…NYU, huh?" I said.
He lifted his head up, from the fridge.
"Maybe,"
"And you want to be…" I trail of, giving him a look to continue.
"A coach…or teacher…meh something along those lines," he replied.
]I couldn't help the surprised look on my face. I had never imagined him a teacher.
If he was, I could see him being the cool, laidback teacher that everyone like, I mused.
"You alright there?" he asked. I snapped back to reality with s startled look on my face. I shook my head, comprehending his question.
"Yeah it's just…I never really saw you as the teacher type," I say shrugging.
"And what type exactly did you see me doing?" he asked, amused.
I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. I furrowed my eyebrows. What did I think he was going to be? I went through a list of professions in my head, but none of them seemed to fit. I guess I had never really thought of Josh even having a job. He had always been this carefree soul, no rules or boundaries to hold him back, forever young. I leaned against the counter, stumped. I looked up to see Josh looking grinning.
"I guess…" I started. "I didn't connect with any job type…at all. But if I had to I think the whole teacher thing would be your area."
He chuckled before nodding at me. "What about you?"
I groaned dramatically. "What is up with everyone asking me this?"
"What's the harm in a little question," he inquired.
"Nothing unless you don't have an answer," I mumble.
"So you honestly have no idea—"
"Seriously!" I exclaim. "That's what Brooke said to!"
"What's what Brooke said?"
Speak of the devil.
I turned around facing her. "I was just saying that everyone seems so shocked that I have no clue about my future!"
The house rang with silence after my mini explosion. I closed my eyes and leaned against the counter again.
"Today is not my day," I said, mostly to myself. And if I was to be honest, I've been feeling like that a lot lately. It's just things are changing so fast and I don't know how to handle.
Probably why you haven't figured out what you want to be, yet, a voice said in my head.
I grimaced. Great, now there are voices in my head. And they have more common sense than me. Well isn't that just dandy?
"When is it ever your day?" I heard Josh comment.
"You'd be surprise on the amount of days that have been pretty good," I reply. "Of course the number has decreased since I met you…"
I heard Brooke giggle and let a small smile grace my face.
"That's been what, three years?" he asked. "Yeah, I'm pretty sure those three years have been the best of your life."
"Because of Brooke," I answered honestly.
"Yeah, so I had no affect?" he asked.
"None at all." I lied.
I would be lying I said I didn't hate my best friend's older brother.
If I were to put on paper all the things I hated about him, the list would go on and on and on. He was just so despicable and if most people could see through his golden boy façade, he wouldn't be nearly as popular. I hate how he thinks so highly of himself. I hate how he looks at me like he knows me inside and out. I hate how he openly flirts with multiple girls. I hate some of traits so much, it makes me sick.
But I also love some things about him. And if he would stop acting all fake and plastic, then there would be more things to add to things the list of things I loved about him. I loved his little quirks, like scrunching up his nose when he's thinking hard and poking his tongue out of the side of his mouth a little when he is frustrated. I love how sweet he can act with Brooke, and sometimes me. I love how when he talks to you, it seems like all his attention is on you and like you're the most important person in the world.
And my biggest problem right now is one thing.
The list of things I hate about him is shorter than the list of things I love about him.
So I guess it makes that statement up there kind of false, huh?
IWBLIWBLIWBLIWBL
I tucked a piece of hair behind my ear, and then untucked in. And then repeat. I continued that cycle until Brooke grabbed my hand.
"I swear I'm about to chop off all of your hair if you don't stop that," I she said, but her eyes were playful.
I possessively grabbed my hair. "You wouldn't dare to even think of it," I mocked.
"I wouldn't have had to even to if had just let me wrap it all fancy like and…" Brooke stopped at the way I furiously shook my hair, nearly hitting her in the face.
"Well sorry for the suggestion," she said scoffing. I lightly laughed before taking in the scene around me. It was a goodbye party for Josh thrown by his parents (which I didn't get too much since he was just going to NYU but whatever).
It was meant to be elegant and whatnot, but Josh convinced his parents to mellow it down. There was a makeshift dance floor in the living room, snacks put where ever they could fit, and teenagers talking all over the place. It was like an average high school party. You know, minus the sex, alcohol, and other not-so-innocent things that happened in most average high school parties.
I scanned the room, trying to be discreet. Brooke knew who I was looking for so I didn't care if she caught me.
"Who are you looking for?"
My breath hitched at the warm breath hitting the back of my neck, but other than that I remained calm. After years of Josh randomly appearing at the worst times, you get used to it. Heck, I even sort of expected it.
"No one important," I reply. Because we both knew who I was looking for.
"I heard him chuckle slightly and turned around. My eyes widened at how close we were. I swallowed deeply, my face slightly flushed. I looked next to me, but Brooke was long gone. I had a small feeling they may have planned this, but pushed it to the back of my mind.
"Wanna dance?" I nearly squeaked, taking a small step back. He smirked, but nodded nonetheless, sticking out his hand.
I was about to take it when I heard an all too familiar song play on the speakers. I narrowed my eyes as the simple chords of the guitar made a modest yet beautiful melody that I had come to recognize within 3 seconds of the songs beginning.
Hey there Delilah
What's it like in New York City?
I was 90% percent sure that this was not a coincidence. And although it would have been nice to have this song randomly play while slowly dancing with him, this was all too suspicious. And he knew that I knew, I what I thought I knew was right. Gah, now I have a headache!
"Where's Brooke," I questioned.
"I thought we were going to dance," he said, dodging my question.
I was about to protest, but then changed my mind. Hey, a song I like to pretend was written about me was playing while a guy I have some non-hate feelings about was asking me to dance. Don't question life's gifts to much. Or evil Letourneau siblings.
I smiled softly, putting my hand in his as he guided me to the dance-area-thing.
"You clean up nice," he commented as we swayed softly.
"I know," I replied indigently.
Oh it's what you do to me
Oh it's what you do to me
Oh it's what you do to me
Oh it's what you do to meA thousand miles seems pretty far
But they've got planes and trains and cars
I'd walk to you if I had no other way
"You're aware that NYU is nowhere near a thousand miles from here, right?" I couldn't resist saying.
Josh chuckled. "Yeah, I know."
"And we both are already in New York City."
"Delilah…"
"And, no offense or anything, you might not be making any history any time soon."
"Delilah!"
"And if you dare try shutting me up with a kiss, I will slap you."
Josh laughed this time. "Why don't you just try enjoying the song?"
I shrugged while smiling. "That would make it too easy, wouldn't it?"
He smirked before pulling me closer. "We wouldn't want that to happen."
"Of course not," I replied, matching his smirk with one of my own, despite the fact the my heart rate was speeding up.
"So if I did want to kiss you, how would I do it?"
"Again, that would make it too easy. You figure it—"
He cut me off by kissing me. And I didn't slap him.
Because if I was to be honest, I would be lying if I said I didn't like when someone interrupted someone else with a kiss.
I absolutely without a doubt hate the ending. But I had already invested waaaaaay too much time in this (honestly, it's unhealthy), and I was going kinda going brain dead. But honestly, it was just so cheesy and clichéd. Gah!!! I'm probably going to end up coming back to this anways.
Anyways, I'm probably going to put a epilogue about this story. I would also like to thank my sister for all her help. Please review!!!!