Lost And More Importantly, Loved

Chapter 6

Stella

What Joey had said about my personality type had really made me think. It did make sense and it's been on my mind from the moment Joey told Axel and I. It's a sunny Saturday morning, clear baby blue skies and birds chipping happily - the kind you would call a perfect morning and makes you think that sometimes, life isn't all that bad. It's around 10am and I'm sitting at the kitchen counter, biting into a peanut butter and jam sandwich which Elle claims is not a proper meal first meal of the day. But seriously? Who makes a big deal of breakfast anyway these days? A piece of toast and coffee is enough to survive the dread of existence.

Time is a funny variable. In the morning we tend to question our purpose for living because everything seems too painful to endure or too mundane but then at night, we have this type of motivation, this urge to get our lives together. But do we ever?

There's a knock at the door and both Elle and I shoot looks of 'Are you expecting someone?'. Elle is doing the dishes and gestures for me to go see who it might be. Elle has taken some innovative into trying to be here since the last time we spoke about it. This time she has decided to stay for a month and put off work for a while. To put it casually, she is the CEO of some law firm in the city. She defines hard work and dedication. But her greed to succeed has put our bond at a disadvantage. But she's trying to be here now, right? I don't know why I keep trying to convince myself that this time she won't leave without telling me beforehand and that she would stop making as if this apartment is some sort of pit-stop. It is supposed to be home. Our home.

Our parents have both died. Not painfully, but peacefully and it's quite rare for people to die that way. Although grieving them has taken a pretty long time and surely Elle and I will grieve their death our entire lives, I'm happy it happened the way it did. Without any pain, I mean. I miss them terribly, especially when Elle pulls her stunts.

I walk up to the front door and unlock it and I see Joey's smile before anything else. I instantly beam back at him. He has that effect. Like today's weather.

"Hi there!'' He says so formally, which seems odd.

I let out a laugh and decide to go with the flow of his sudden formal speech.

"Hi Sir, what do I owe this pleasure?'' I say, wanting to giggle but I maintain it for the sake of the conversation.

"Correction young lady, the pleasure will be all mine today.'' He smirks.

I am on the verge. I swear, I am on the verge of uncontrollable laughter.

"Oh? How so?''

Joey comes in and puts his arm over my shoulders.

"Well, I shall take you out. No fair lady should spend the weekend inside on such a beautiful day. I will simply not allow it. A day like this shall not go to waste.''

"How considerate of you Sir, however your sloppy actions aren't much of what a gentlemen would do.''

"Apologies, ma'am. Shall I then hold your hand?''

"And then what, are you going drag me to the place you're planning on taking me?''

"Certainly not ma'am! But that can be arranged if you're hesitant.''

With that being said, I can no longer withhold my laughter. I snort so hard and Joey lets out a loud burst of hearty laughter.

"How are you?'' He finally says normally and a smile never leaving his face.

"I'm good now.'' I punch him straight in the shoulder.

"Hey! This is no way to treat a gentlemen!''

As I chuckle, Elle calls from the kitchen.

"Stella! Who is it?''

I close the door and Joey and I make our way to the kitchen.

"Oh?! Joey, hi!''

"Hi Elle, sorry for intruding so early. I've just come to rescue Stella over here from staying indoors today.''

"In that case, I'm glad you have.'' Elle smiles at me and I roll my eyes.

-------------------------

"A park?'' I question Joey's destination.

"Yes. It's perfect - shade wise and nature helps the mind and body relax. And I've packed a picnic basket too.''

"How romantic.''

"I know, right?''

"And yet, you lack having an actual girlfriend.''

"Hey! I didn't invite you to be attacked.''

I chuckle once again. I didn't understand why Joey didn't have a love life. It was mind-boggling to come to an understanding as to why. I didn't want to pry.

We haven't even sat down yet and just strolling, letting the slight breeze pass us felt soft and welcoming. The trees were tall and towering, which let the rays of sun peek through the open spaces. Ducks, birds and squirrels roams around the people and the air seems fresh. Like I can breathe properly again.

I close my eyes, enjoying the silent sounds of nature. Joey is talking but his words are fading out. My mind and body calms down. All the turbulent thoughts are halted.

I open my eyes when Joey suggests we sit near the pond. As we approach our chosen spot, a couple is sitting at a bench nearby. The girl chuckles, as her significant other smiles at her, looking at her admirably. Her significant other turns his head and he's looking straight at me.

I freeze. My hand goes straight to Joeys. My grip is firm and Joey is taken completely off guard.

"Oh, so you did want to hold my hand?'' He says playfully.

I give no response. Joey watches me carefully and covers the view, rubbing my shoulders noticing how I'm tensing up.

"Hey, hey, are you okay? What's wrong?''

"C-Cal-" I stutter, fear starts to overwhelm me.

"What?'' Joey, turns around and sees what I had saw.

He then takes my hand and holds it properly.

"C'mon, let's go. It's going to be okay."

For some reason, it's difficult for me to make a move but Joey makes sure I don't get left behind. I'm frozen and yet my chest blows up in flames and burns. I thought I've gotten better at this but one glance at him and its back. The flooding desire of wanting him.