SONG: Something Just Like This by Coldplay and The Chainsmokers
Charli, Dixie, and Ben had all headed home but before they left they’d promised to come back next week. Charli wanted to give Josh a chance to get settled into your new apartment before having the talk about Josh getting to spend time with his son.
You knew you needed to have the talk about how this would change things, but you were too afraid of the answer. Josh talked you into going back and telling your parents together about the move. He didn’t want to waste any nights sleeping apart and honestly, that was exactly what you needed to hear most. Your parents surprised you by reacting almost unphased by the news: “That’s wonderful, honey. I think if you guys can afford a decent place there’s no reason not to... if it’s what you want.”
You were shocked to say the least but still didn’t have the nerve to mention the baby. You didn’t want to ruin how excited they seemed to be and Josh didn’t volunteer the information either. You changed the subject to your brother to hopefully shift how uncomfortable you were feeling: “Will he get to have any more visitors soon?”
Dad: “Not likely until he’s released. Even your mom and I are only allowed to come on designated family days.”
Mom: “But he seems to be doing so well. He’s really excited for your big break.”
You: “You don’t think it’s hard for him to hear about that considering how much he loves performing?”
Dad: “It’s never been a competition with you two. He even said to tell you dibs on front row seats at your first concert after you get a record deal.”
You: *laughing nervously* “Okay. Okay. It’s just a meeting, not like I’m actually getting signed by the first label that asks about me.”
Your dad sensed your unease and half-joked: “So do we get to see this apartment? I gotta make sure it’s up to standards for my baby girl.”
Mom: “Oh, stop. I’m sure it’s fine.”
Josh: “We can actually go now if you want. We already have the keys.”
Dad: *turning to you* “So have you gotten to see it or just Josh?”
You and Josh couldn’t help but both blush as you looked at each other trying to keep your inside joke between just the two of you.
Mom: “You boys go ahead. Us girls are gonna stop at Target on the way and get a few things.”
You: “Aw, mom. You don’t have-”
Mom: “It’s your first place together. I want it to be perfect.”
Josh gave you a quick kiss before climbing in your dad’s truck: “It will be absolutely perfect. I’ll see you there.”
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You and your mom had been wandering around the store for half an hour and you were starting to get anxious about leaving alone with your dad for so long. Your dad was probably the coolest person you knew, but he was also as protective of you as your mom had always been of Jaden. You didn’t want him to say anything to Josh that freaked him out.
Mom: “What about these towels? They match that shower curtain you picked out pretty well.”
You: “I really appreciate what you’re doing mom. Just helping and being supportive and just everything.”
Mom: “I have a feeling he’s the one. Someday we’ll be shopping with you for your wedding, and your first house, and your first baby-”
The emotions of the day and anxiety about leaving Josh and your dad reached a boiling point in your racing thoughts and you blurted out: “Josh has a baby.”
Mom: “What are you talking about?”
You took a deep breath and told her everything. That he had no idea. Your insecurity pushed you to seek out his ex and when you found her, you found out she’d had his baby after taking off and Josh just found out this weekend.
Mom: “Wow.”
You didn’t know what else to say but didn’t feel as relieved as you thought you would until she spoke again: “Sweetie. I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone fall as far into love as Josh has with you. It’s like it just consumed everything he was ever afraid of and all that was left was you.”
The fact that she seemed that sure of Josh made you feel a lot better but it was a quick-lived emotion replaced with panic when she asked: “Are you going to tell your dad soon?”
You: “I never planned to keep it a secret or anything it just all happened so fast. It means so much to Josh that you guys like him and I think he’s afraid of losing that.”
Mom: “Dad already calls him his son. Not future son-in-law, not my daughter’s boyfriend, not Josh. Just son. He will be so proud of him for stepping up.”
