Josh and Jocelyn found themselves in their third session of counseling.
"Hey," Josh greeted.
"Hey," Alex replied. "How are you feeling?"
"Better," Josh responded.
"I'm glad," Alex said with a smile.
"Mind if we skip watching the game today? I've got a lot on my mind," Josh asked.
"Sure," Alex agreed.
"And, uh, no pizza. I'm trying to get back in shape," Josh added.
"Okay. Hey, Jenny, could you please mail this for me? And, uh, no pizza," Alex requested.
"Actually, do you mind if I do this?" Josh asked.
"Yeah, go right ahead," Alex permitted.
"Jocelyn," Josh called, catching her attention.
Jocelyn looked at Josh, curious.
"There's something I need to tell you. I've kept this to myself for a while now, but I feel like I have to share it with you," Josh confessed.
"What is it?" Alex asked, intrigued.
"You know how our mom was on drugs when she was pregnant with me," Josh began, and Jocelyn nodded in understanding.
"Well, there was a complication during her pregnancy that could have resulted in me getting pregnant with you," Josh revealed.
"Wow, I didn't see that coming," Alex admitted.
"Yeah, I don't talk about it much," Josh admitted, a tear escaping his eye.
"I'm really grateful that I got pregnant with you, because I don't want you to go down the same path of drugs and mistakes that I did, okay?" Josh expressed sincerely.
Jocelyn nodded, her eyes filled with understanding and love.
"I love you," Josh said softly.
"I love you too," Jocelyn replied, her voice filled with warmth.
"I had no idea that you were pregnant," Alex chimed in, surprised.
"Please, don't tell anyone, okay?" Josh pleaded.
"Your secret is safe with me," Alex assured.
"Thank you," Josh expressed his gratitude.
"Yep," Alex replied simply.
"By the way, what do you know about the people here?" Josh asked, changing the subject.
"What do you mean?" Alex inquired, curious about Josh's question.
Josh: I understand that everyone here has experienced loss in battle, but they choose to keep it buried deep within; remember the girl I mentioned, Mary? She's the one I went on a date with.
Alex: Well done!
Josh: she has a brother named Sammy, and that's the guy Jocelyn went on a date with.
Alex: Ah, so that explains the locket hanging around your neck.
Jocelyn nods.
Josh: She told both Jocelyn and me about this special place, a tree adorned with hanging medals and fallen soldiers. You know the place we're referring to.
Alex: Yes, I am familiar with it.
Jocelyn: They also have another brother named Robert, who they lost in battle. I've tried asking Sammy about it, but he shuts me out completely. I kept wondering why? Why would he treat me like that?
Alex: It's probably not your fault. He will open up when he's ready, just like your girlfriend.
Josh: Is that all you've got?
Alex: Why do you care?
Josh: Because I want to truly know this girl, but she refuses to share anything personal.
Jocelyn: Some things require patience, brother.
Alex: Absolutely.
Josh: Do you have any friends here?
Alex: I used to, but not anymore.
Josh notices a picture and inquires,
Josh: Is that one of them?
Alex: Yes, it is.
Josh: Lost in war?
Alex: Unfortunately, yes.
Josh: Do you miss him?
Alex: Every single day.
Josh: What's this?
Alex: Why don't you take a look?
Jocelyn grabs it and opens it.
Josh: You have a Medal of Honor.
Alex: It's not mine.
Josh: Then whose is it?
Alex: It belonged to a dear friend of mine.
Josh: Why do you have it, then?
Jocelyn: Well, sometimes people don't want to keep reminders of their loved ones who died in war. So, they pass it on to their closest friends, like us.
Alex: Have you ever really thought about it that way?
Josh: Honestly, I haven't.
Alex: Why don't you put it back on the table? We can discuss both of your stories. So, Josh, you mentioned that you were pregnant. How old were you when you had Jocelyn?
Josh: I was just 9 years old.
Alex: And when did music come into your life?
Josh: It started when I was 5.
Alex: And what about drugs?
Josh: I got involved with drugs when I was 12.
Alex: Are you still using them?
Josh: No, I stopped once I found out when I was pregnant with Jocelyn.
Alex: I understand.
Josh: Why doesn't the family want the medal?
Alex: I'll explain it to you next time we meet.
Josh and Jocelyn went back home to find solace in each other's arms, as Josh was battling a pounding headache.
YOU ARE READING
Challenges Bravetown
RomanceJocelyn and Josh Harvest were born with gastritis. They face new challenges when they go live with their dad and must help their town. Find out what happens to them in BraveTown Challenges.
