The Bad Boy Next Door- Josh Hutcherson

6.

*** ONE WEEK LATER ***

It's been a week since my moms accident. She's home now and isn't following the doctors orders of taking it easy. She is being stubborn and won't let me help her around the house. I think staying busy helps keep her mind off my father and the whole male population.

"Mom, you can't wash the dishes with one arm. Let me help you or at least use the dish washer." I sigh.

"Don't worry about me Bella, I am doing just fine." She says.

I roll my eyes whenever she says those words. I have heard those five words almost everyday since my father left and I know it means the complete opposite. She is not fine but will not admit it. She doesn't want my dad to know he destroyed her. She doesn't want me to know either but I'm not stupid.

"How's Josh." She asks to distract me from scolding her.

"Fine I guess." I shrug.

"You haven't been talking to him today?" She asks.

"Not yet." I reply. I lift my phone off the table to check if he texted me but nothing.

"He will text you soon, he might be busy with homework or something." She says and I chuckle. Homework is not in Josh's vocabulary. My mom doesn't realize who Josh really is, he is far from the innocent nice boy next door.

"Maybe." I reply. "I'm going upstairs, yell if you need me."

I jog up the stairs and grab my book from my bed. I sit on my window ledge and press my back against the wall. I throw my blanket over my legs and look across to Josh's window before starting my book. The curtains are closed and his motorcycle is still in the driveway. Why hasn't he texted me yet?

After realizing that I don't need Josh's constant attention, I begin reading my book. I get pulled in quickly and completely zone out of the real world. I jump when I hear a bang from outside. I look down and see Amanda walking out of Josh's house. She rips open her car door and soon enough she's out of sight.

My heart sinks as I think of Amanda and Josh alone in his house. I knew Josh was having a hard time with her but I thought he was close to getting rid of her, and now she's at his house?

I close my book and open my journal. I know it sounds childish to have a journal at eighteen but I use it to cope. I started writing in it after my dad left and it just stuck with me.

Why do I never listen to myself? The bad boy next door and the innocent outsider never works out. Popularity and looks over everything. I am nothing. I was stupid to think this confusing game was going to turn into a cheesy romantic movie plot. Josh does not want me and it's time to face it before I get my feelings hurt anymore than they already are. He can have the blonde skank from school.

I sigh and shut my journal. I feel like an angry twelve year old who's boyfriend just broke up with her at lunch to date the new girl who sat next to him in math class.

I decide to take a bath to try and relax. Bathing has always been my go-to coping method. I could lay in the tub for hours and forget what's going on in the world.

I run my water and add some vanilla scented bubbles. I grab my book and some clothes before heading back into the bathroom. I lay my phone on the counter away from the tub because my phone is what makes me stress and feel lonely.

I lower myself into the hot water and instantly feel refreshed. I smile and close my eyes for a few moments. I pick up my book and start reading. I feel frustrated after a few minutes of trying to focus on the book but my mind keeps racing back to Josh.