All Alone And Lonely

Communication

I stare at Josiah. I do not understand him. How can he hear me speak if I don't even know how?

"All right," Josiah whispers. "So, you're telepathic. That's cool."

He looks at me for a long time without speaking. I look at him, too. Once again I notice how beautiful his skin is. Josiah's skin is smooth. I reach my hand out, wanting to touch him again.

Josiah places his hand over mine on his face. His thumb rubs across my knuckles. I wonder where all of these words have come from. Since Josiah first spoke, I have known more words.

I open my mouth, wanting to speak out loud. For the first time I can remember, all I want is to say just one word. Just one word that will make Josiah smile.

"Jasline,"

It comes out almost inaudibly. The feeling is strange in my never used throat. I stare at Josiah, not completely sure I had spoken out loud. I am sure, though, when his lips stretch across his face.

"You spoke," he says softly. "You spoke!"

Josiah's body begins to shake. A strange, irregular pattern of breath erupts from Josiah's chest. I am alarmed and I suddenly feel myself trying to stand. My legs give out beneath me and I collapse on top of Josiah.

We both fall to the ground. My body lie as flat on Josiah's chest. Josiah lays his hands on my back and I feel warmth coming from his body. I look into his face and see a strange look in his eyes.

"Jasline," he whispers.

"Josiah," I whisper back.

And before I know what is happening, Josiah has his lips pressed against mine.