Searching for the truth

Chapter 2

Josh. 

He's one of the people that I hated-at-first-sight in our first week of college. Tall, has a slim-build and brown-black hair. When he introduced himself to the class, every girl paid attention... including Maya. 

I thought he was one of those typical guys you read in teen novels. The one who makes every girl swoon even though his personality sucks. But then I realize that I was wrong. He's not always that cocky. My first impression was just built based on our first encounter...

It was our 3rd day in freshmen year. 

Maya and I went to the nearby mall because of her insistence. "I just don't want to go home yet." She whined. "And besides, I've heard that some of the boys from our class went there. Don't you want to hang out with them?" I gladly answered, "Nope. See ya!". I turned to walk away but then Maya grabbed me in the arm and made the puppy dog eyes.

Ugh. My mind was screaming "No Nicky, don't succumb to it". 

But this was one of the situations wherein you can't refuse a friend's wish. Especially when it's from your best friend. And so off we go. 

Just as expected, the boys were at the Pizza Alley. One of them recognized us standing at the entrance and beckoned us to come over. I attempted an escape but Maya's grip on my arm was tight. We went straight to their table. 

"Hey guys! I'm Maya by the way and this is my friend Nicole." I fake smiled and said Hi. The first to stand up and offered his seat was Wren. He's a little bit taller than Josh, has a pale complexion, athletic build, black hair, and brown eyes. He shook hands with us and introduced his friends. "It's nice to meet you both. My name's Wren and these are my friends, Adrian and Josh." 

We joined the boys in eating lunch, Wren's treat. Maya sat between Adrian and Wren while I sat with Josh. It was really awkward for me to be with total strangers especially, with boys. We studied in an all-girls catholic school for 10 years so I'm not really used to it. 

Maya on the other hand, doesn't seem to flinch even a bit. She was confident in asking them questions and carrying the conversation. Me? I just sat there quietly. I nod and smile from time to time but that was it... until, "Has anyone got a date for the upcoming party this week yet? 'Cause I call dibs on this girl." Josh said while placing his arm around me. I frowned and raised an eyebrow at him. He just winked at me. Then he started babbling about himself, how well known he was in their town etc. I tried to act like I was interested in what he's saying and looked at Maya with an "I'm-so-gonna-kill-you-for-this" look. She just giggled.

By the time we were near my dorm, Maya was still laughing about it. 

The next day, I tried to avoid Josh and his talkative mouth. Unfortunately, we're in the same block section so it was impossible. So I had no choice but to tolerate his annoying presence during class, lunch and after-school hours.

Eventually, I got to know him a little better. 

It turns out that he was only putting up a "cool guy/bad ass" character to show the guys that he's not a nerd, which he really was. Josh is the intelligent and open-minded one in our group who always read books or online articles in his spare time. 

College changed him a little though. He started drinking which became his problem. He even attended some classes with a hangover. Maya and I tried our best to keep him awake so that our professors won't notice his state. I cannot count the times I have face-palmed myself whenever he doesn't listen to me. 

Drinking was his way to forget his problems. Josh can talk for hours about nonsense things that we don't give a shit about, but he seldom talk about his feelings. And when he does, he doesn't talk about it with me. He talks to Maya. I guess that's how their relationship started. 

And now my best friend's ex - boyfriend is standing at my doorway. 

"Nicky babes, missed me?."