meet me at midnight.

26.

I finished college and decided to fully relax and enjoy Summer break. I had booked some vacation from work from the 15th August to the 22nd. I knew the 15th was Josh and I's one year anniversary and I was eager to try and plan something.

I'd convinced Josh to book the week commencing the 19th off so we could have extra time together. He'd gotten quite busy through his work and through the paramedic training. I didn't want to say he was overdoing it, but I was getting worried.

Lionel had made no more appearances and I deluded myself a little that he was gone for good, having given up this time. The backyard camera had been refitted with heavy duty screws and protection around the wires so he wouldn't be able to knock that one down again and that seemed to have deterred him.

On the Wednesday after Desiree and I finished work, we met up with Aubrey and attended a chocolate art class together. It would give me a chance to discuss everything with them.

"None of the molds are shaped like dicks." Aubrey complained, smirking when the teacher glared at her.

"Girl, c'mon." Desiree sighed.

She was filling a mold shaped like a star. Aubrey giggled and selected a rectangular one.

"I'll just draw a dick on it once it's set." She insisted.

"You do that." Desiree laughed.

I had selected a heart shaped one and was carefully pouring the chocolate. It smelled amazing and my stomach gurgled, but this chocolate heart wasn't for me. I wanted to give it to Josh tomorrow.

"You're being very quiet, Dais." Desiree observed.

"Concentrating," I said, finishing the pour and setting the jug down. "I'm a little worried about Josh."

"Why?" Aubrey asked.

"I feel like he's overworking himself." I said.

"Communicate." Desiree said, and I looked at her.

"Yeah, I'm with Desi on this one," Aubrey said. "Tell him that you're worried and I'm sure you'll both work it out."

"This paramedic course means a lot to him and I don't want to interfere." I said.

"Get him to take a break," Desiree said. "Can't study for too long otherwise you won't take it in after a while, gotta study in small doses."

"I could try." I said, softly.

We finished the chocolate molds and the teacher started instructing us on how to do calligraphy on the front of the chocolate. I used the icing and attempted a very squiggly 'happy 1 year anniversary' on mine. It looked a bit botched, but you could definitely read it.

***************

The next day, I knew I'd have to attempt to have a conversation over the amount of time Josh was spending on the course. I'd tried to engage him throughout the day, but he'd seemed really distant and slightly annoyed. Kenny had reminded me that he was stubborn and I decided to approach with caution.

After dinner, I sat on the couch, debating about whether I really needed to speak to him about this. I picked up the chocolate love heart and stood, hiding it behind my back and approaching the table in the kitchen.

"Did you wanna come watch tv with me?" I asked.

"Not at this point in time, little mouse." Josh said.

"Oh," I said, glancing at one of the textbooks. "I could help if you want."

"Didn't you flunk science?" Josh asked, cool gaze locking on me.