Off Limits - Josh Dunkley

Fifty Nine

The next few days fly passed and before we know it, it's game day. And tonight it's the top of the table clash, Bulldogs vs Melbourne, on Melbourne's home deck of the G. Thankfully, there won't be too much of a home advantage because we have played on the G many times before, so know how that ground works. 

I wake up, with Josh in my bed as usual, he's already up, scrolling on his phone, probably on Instagram. 

"Morning." I say and he smiles, a smile that doesn't really meet his eyes. 

"Morning." He says in a croaky voice which grabs my attention. 

"Are you okay? What's with your voice?" 

"I don't know, I woke up and I can barely talk. My throat is killing me, and my nose is blocked." He says and I sigh. 

"Did you at least have a good sleep?" 

"Not really." He says, and that's when I notice the bags under his eyes. 

"How many hours did you get?" I ask, concerned. 

"Probably three to five hours." He says and my mouth drops. 

"You can't possibly play tonight." 

"I know, I was just about to ring the club before you got up to let them know I'm not feeling well." 

"Yeah good idea." I say and he sighs, as he puts his phone to his hear and waits patiently for someone to answer. 

I hold onto his hand, and give it a reassuring squeeze. It must be so hard for him to pull out of this game. Especially one we need him for. Last time we played Melbourne we didn't have Josh, so I'm getting a bit of deja vu, because for some reason we didn't show up in round 11, but I guess that doesn't mean we won't show up tonight. 

"Hey Bevo, sorry to catch you at this hour of the day, but I basically rang to let you know that I'm feeling pretty sick today, and will have to pull out of the game." Josh says into his phone, trying to hold back his emotions. Which makes me give him a reassuring squeeze. 

Not long later he hangs up and and sighs. 

"What did he say?" 

"He said that my health is more important than anything and reassured me that I'm doing the right thing." Josh says, having his head in his hands and my heart aches for him. 

I climb onto his lap and grab his face between my hands looking dead straight into his eyes, before smashing my lips to his which makes him smile and I can feel him relax instantly. I definitely love having this affect on him. 

Not long later we pull away, both of us out of breath and Josh shakes his head. 

"I shouldn't be kissing you because I'm going to pass my cold to you." 

"Josh, I don't give two shits. I will kiss you because I want too. Besides, it's just a cold." I say which makes him smile. 

"Tell me you're still going to go to the game though?" 

"Well no, I want to look after you, like how you look after me." I say and he smiles.