Good Girl Gone Bad ✔️

9

He was now sleeping on the chair beside me.

He looks so calm and peaceful. He doesn't look like the bastard I knew him as. 

Knock, knock.

I got up from my bed slowly to open the door. When I made contact with the ground, my wobbly feet decided to turn to jelly.

I quickly held the edge of the bed for support. A painful groan escaped my lips. Josh's eyes opened and he quickly ran to me.

His arm went around my waist and held it tightly. I gasped.

We turned and our eyes caught each other's. With his arms around my waist and both my arms around his neck, it seemed like a perfect moment.

Why am I feeling like this? Josh and I are two different people. His eyes went down to my lips. Mine did the same.

Knock, knock, knock. It was louder this time and it broke our trance.

He set me down gently. Josh cleared his throat. "What were you doing up?" he asked. I tore my eyes away. "The knock," I answered in barely a whisper.

Josh walked towards the door and a nurse came in with a tray of food. She came over to me. "Emily, are you feeling any better?" she asked.

I nodded, not answering. "Do you have any pain? Weakness?" I looked down. "Just a slight headache and I'm a bit tipsy."

The nurse chuckled. "Alright. Well, nothing bad. Just eat and the headache should go away. Your legs will get stronger and since you haven't walked on it for a while, I suggest your friend could help you practice on it."

She motioned to Josh. I looked at him and he smiled. I smiled back weakly. The nurse then left, leaving us alone.

I sat there, playing with my fingers. Josh walked over to me. He sat in the chair next to me. I didn't look at him.

"Are you hungry?" he asked. I still didn't look at him. He raised my chin up with his fingers to meet my tired eyes.

I hesitated to speak. "Why are you being nice to me?" Josh's eyebrows furrowed. "I can't help someone who I saw faint in school?"

I flinched at his tone. His face softened. "Sorry. Just....what happened back there?" I didn't answer. "You can tell me you know. I'm not gonna do anything. But if you don't want to say anything, you don't have to," he said while opening the lid on the bowl of soup.

He turned back to the food. I grabbed his wrist. He looked back at me in surprise and shock. "No, I do want to," I said quietly. "You are someone I can trust. Right?"

Josh nodded. "Of course." 

Josh

Of course she can trust me. 

She took in a deep breath. "It all started when I was just a little girl. My mom had died because I was so stupid. My soccer ball rolled away and into the street. My mom got hit. It was supposed to be me. I should've died."

Her voice was cracking and I could tell she was on the verge of tears. Her eyes were red and swollen from crying. It's weird because I've never seen her like this before.

"After her funeral, the police found out that the person who was in the car was after me, not my mom. They told me that my father had a criminal record and had a gambling addiction. He lost and I guess he had to trade me in just for money."

My fists clenched. Her father, her own biological father sold her in just for money?

"The man in the car was trying to kidnap me when I was outside while my mom was inside. But my mom came out and eventually got killed."

Emily couldn't hold back the tears anymore. Tears were pouring down her cheeks. She let out a sob.

I don't know why I did it, but my arms just reached out to hug her. It felt weird, but right at the same time. 

The people who tried to harm her are idiots. Especially her dad. He deserves to die.

Emily's arms were around my neck. She was shaking. For the first time in her life, she needed someone to protect her. And I'm going to do her that favor.

She was scared. She didn't want to show her fear so she changed. She didn't want to be scared in front of her bullies. I bullied her. I regret it. She only wanted help, but never got any.

So she changed into someone new. But behind that mask was a broken girl who needed someone to mend that empty piece in her heart.

She was a girl with no parents. With a past that will scar her forever. She just needed some love and support.

"Josh?" she whispered. "Yeah?" She breathed in and then exhaled. "Thanks for helping me. You're the only one I've told this secret to, besides Gigi. I give you my trust from now on."

I smiled. I kept quiet though. She's amazing. Gone through ups and downs, but can still stay strong. I shut my eyes and rested my head lightly on her head.

You're developing feelings for her.

My eyes shot open. No, I'm not. I can't be.

Yes you are. You've been talking sweetly to her, helping her, and soothing her. Look at it clearly. It's obvious.

I blinked hard. Am I?

 I felt her arms tighten around my neck, not wanting to let go.

Just as I was about to say something, the door shot open.