Overkill // Joseph Quinn

31

I love decorating, especially when it's for some sort of party. This party being Maya's. I tape up the string attached to the 'happy birthday' banner across the living room wall, letting it hang over a few framed pictures I have up. Lastly placing the gifts I got her in the same corner my gifts once were just last week.

It's been a week since I've seen George. Chelsea tells me he's still doing well and still on a mission to get rid of some stuff. She explained to me that he's out on the street, at the very same spot I first met him, at least 4 times a week. Today being one of those days. I wish I had time to go see him for a bit, but I still have so much to do here. We aren't spending the entire time here for the party, we plan to go out for dinner and have a few drinks. The kids already left a few days ago, sadly. I'm still excited to be around everyone though. Even Joseph though we haven't spoken since last week.

He ended up going to Jo's where Jamie was staying too. He didn't even say anything to me or shoot me a text or call, absolutely nothing. The thing is, I wasn't the one who fucked up. Maybe he just regrets it but I'd think he'd at least apologize at this point. But again, nothing.

The oven timer goes off which tells me the cake is done. I take it out and set it on the counter to cool before putting the icing on top. I sent Natalia and Maya off to a few activities around the city so I can prep everything. Jo said he'd be over soon to help, thankfully. I still haven't told him or anyone what happened and I'm almost positive Joseph wouldn't tell him either. He's got to know somethings up considering he's not staying with me anymore. I honestly don't care at this point, my expectations have been shot down real low.

The balloons were now scattered across the entire living room and kitchen. I kicked a few out of the way as I frantically finished all the decorating. I went back to the cake, knowing it was ready to be decorated now. I kept it simple with writing happy birthday to Maya in her favorite colors, adding a few flowers as well. I have no talent in this specific area of art which is quite upsetting. I settle with what I have and place it in the fridge to salvage it for the end of the night.

"Just me." Jo warns as he opens the front door with a knock. I told him I'd leave it unlocked for him to enter, but it made me really nervous. I always keep the door locked.

"Everything is pretty much done. Just need to set up all the gifts." I explain, walking to the living room and grabbing the gifts that everyone got for Maya. I place them beside the gifts I wrapped and finally sit on the couch for the first time in hours. I sigh and lean my head back, eyes closing peacefully.

Jo clears his throat which makes my eyes open. He stands awkwardly in the kitchen with his arms crossed, somethings up. I furrow my brows but keep seated on the couch, giving him a look to tell me what he wants to say. He leans against the island and keeps his eyes at his feet.

"Did something happen?" He finally asks, not even having to say the name. I squeeze my eyes shut knowing I can't lie to him. Lying hasn't got me far in this whole situation.

"He just went too far." Is all I said before walking away to the hallway. I didn't want to go to my room because that would tell Jo to leave me alone entirely. I just needed to step away for a moment, so I go into my music room.

The mess has slowly been picked up over the time I've been back home. It's been a good distraction especially within the last week. There's still some cluttered sheets of music and scrap songs I've made throughout the time as well, but that's from recent use. I sit at the desk and grab my notebook in what feels like forever. I haven't had the time to sit and write without becoming frustrated with my thoughts. Writing has always helped me but as of recently, it's only made things worse. I hear footsteps slowly approaching the doorway as I thought would happen, but I keep my eyes on the empty page.