invisible string [ joshua bassett ]

three

the sunlight fell through the window like an annoying alarm clock, aiming straight for my eyes as if it's purpose was to wake me up. i let out a quiet sigh as i tried to let my eyes adjust to the light before glancing around the room i was in. i knew exactly where i was. joshua's bed. i smiled at the thought of the night before and made sure to remember to thank the girls for forcing me to go out.

i turned to the side, expecting to find joshua. instead i found an empty bed. i frowned, had he just left to go run his errands and forgotten about me. of course, he is a boy. their perfectness has got to stop at some point.

my eyes scanned his room. gray painted walls with a few pictures scattered around, a guitar and a piano in the corner. apart from that, it was all very simple and gave me no help into figuring the boys out. i looked down to see i was in a navy crewneck, the words 'make sure your friends are okay' written on it. my heart swelled and it instantly made me want to have a wedding ring on my left hand.

i got up and stretched, walking over to the pictures that were hung on his wall. the first one was of josh, matt, caster and vince at some sort of house party. another was one of himself with his parents and the rest were with people i assumed to be his friends. one picture caught my eye of joshua and a girl on their own, but before i had a chance to take it in the fire alarm interrupted me.

i ran downstairs as fast as i could. if there was a fire in the house whilst i was in it and joshua wasn't, my insurance would not be able to cover it. i ran into the kitchen to find the brunette waving a towel by the alarm, trying to get it to turn off. on the stove, there was a frying pan that was smoking after joshua had clearly put it out with water.

" i'm so sorry. did i wake up? " he asked once he saw me looking at him in amusement. i didn't miss the flicker of embarrassment on his face as the smoke alarm finally turned off.

" no, i was already awake. " i reassured him, walking over to the stove and staring at whatever he had been trying to cook.

" what did you do? " i let out a laugh, using my hand to get rid of the last bit of smoke. joshua walked over to the window, pushing it open to try and get the burn smell out.

" i was trying to make you eggs and bacon, " he started, walking over to where i was standing and making sure that the stove was off.

" as you can see, i'm not a cook. " i smiled up at him and watched as he picked up the pan, shaking the burnt food into the bin. he wore a pair of shorts and the black version of the jumper i was in and for some reason, i liked him even more then i did last night.

" thankyou, that's really kind. " i told him. no one had ever made me breakfast before, even if joshua's idea didn't come through, he still made the effort to try.

" how are you feeling? " he asked, motioning for me to sit down at the kitchen island. i did and joshua leaned against the side infront of me.

" you know, i feel really refreshed. " i admitted, leaning forwards on the counter top just like he was. joshua looked relieved at my words, a smile taking over his face.

" good! no regrets or anything? " his face turned serious and i just wanted him to give me his last name.

" no, of course not. do you? " i shook my head as i said it.

" not at all. "

we spent the rest of the morning getting to know eachother more. i learnt about his family, how he was a musician and an actor and that he had only recently moved to new york, which explains why the place was so bare. the way joshua spoke about things was as if they were the greatest things in the world. i loved it. and for once in my life, when i told him about myself i felt as though he was really listening.

" i hate to say this, but i have interviews in a few hours, so i'm going to have to drop you back. " he sighed, checking i was finished with my mug of coffee before placing them by the sink.

i frowned, not realising the time was already way past midday. speaking to him was so easy it felt as though i woke up twenty minutes ago.

" yeah that's fine, i'll go and get changed. " i stood up, putting the stool back in its original place.

" you can keep the jumper and shorts, just grab your clothes whilst i get my keys. " joshua insisted. in no time i ran up the stairs and grabbed my clothes, joshua waiting for me at the front door.

just like last night he opened the door for me, waiting until i was inside before closing it. i told him my address and we began the journey, his hand resting on my thigh as he drove. i tried to not make the effect that it had on me too obvious. his hand warmed me too the core and going back home was the last thing i wanted.

" just pull up wherever. " i told him as my apartment came into view. joshua stopped the car outside the main door, pulling the hand break on and turning to look at me. he wore a smile on his face which i tried to match as best as i could.

" see you around? " joshua asked, pulling me into a hug. i nodded my head, shutting my eyes and trying to savour the moment. i doubt i would see him again, that's what all one night stands say isn't it.

" of course, good luck with your interview. i'm sure you'll get the job. " i reassured him but i noticed the way he tried to stifle a laugh at my words.

" thankyou. " okay, try to be nice to the guy and he laughs. i climbed out of the car and walked as quickly as i could to my front door, hoping that none of my neighbour caught me doing the walk of shame.

i punched in the code to the building and the door opened. stepping into the doorway, i turned around and waved at joshua. he did the same before driving away. it was good whilst it lasted.