It's Obvious ◈ Josh Dun

five

The next day, Aspyn returns to her almost- everyday schedule; wake up, get ready, go to work, come home, sleep. The simple cycle seems to happen much too often, leaving Aspyn with the same product each day.

"See you soon," Aspyn  speaks to Tyler, who nods back at her. She shuts his door, heading to work. The brisk, Autumn air captures her, the multi-colored leaves which have fallen from the trees lay upon the ground, moving with the wind. She tugs at her lightweight, army-green coat, pulling it closer to her body to retain as much heat as possible. Her chapped lips are cracked, her skin is soft but dry in some areas. She has a bulky, burgundy knit scarf around her neck, with her hair tucked behind her ear. Her black and white striped shirt, which is mainly hidden under the coat, peeks out just a bit on her chest.

"What made me think walking to work was a good idea," she murmurs, regretfully. Her car was perfectly fine, but for some reason she thought it'd be 'refreshing' and 'fun' to walk the mile and a half distance between her home and her job. At least it wasn't winter yet; or she would be in even more regret. Though, after what seems like forever, Aspyn makes it to her work on time.

-

Aspyn steps inside her home, removing herself from the cold just outside. She runs her fingers through her hair, slides off her shoes and plops herself down on the couch.

"Well hello," Tyler says, chuckling.

"Yeah, hi," she mumbles, exhausted from her day of work.

"How was work?" Tyler asks, crossing right leg over his left.

"Tiring! So many people were out sick, I had to manage clothes, shoes, and a register," Aspyn vents, sighing after her speech.

"Would Taco Bell make up for it?" Tyler smiles.

Aspyn, who's eyes practically light up to the sound of that, nods her head.

The two leave for their journey to the fast food restaurant, taking Aspyn's car. After ordering, they sit at a booth and wait for their food.

"So, how was the movie?" Tyler asks, before taking a bite of his food.

Aspyn freezes at the thought of the movie; how it didn't go to plan, how she was practically beat up by Chloe. She knew she couldn't tell Tyler the truth. He'd think it was Josh's fault, that he didn't protect her. If not, he'd be worried for Aspyn. Seeing as he's the protective type, he'd probably accompany her everywhere she went.

"It was good," she speaks, tugging down her sleeves even further to mask the bruises on her wrists.

"Right," Tyler says, unsure, wondering why she took so long to answer.

Tyler looks at Aspyn, moving his eyes to meet hers. In her eyes, he sees something. Whether it be pain, worry or sorrow, it's not what it usually is. Aspyn would have light and happiness in her eyes. But today? Pain.

"Aspyn, what aren't you telling me," Tyler says in a low voice, still staring at her.

"What? Nothing. Josh and I had fun, the movie was good. Made a friend, too, actually," Aspyn covers up, pulling off a fake smile.

Tyler nods, hoping she is telling the truth.

A message tone rings through the air, as a phone buzzes on the table. The screen lights up, showing Tyler has a text.

One New Message
From: Josh
To: Tyler
hey, where are you? stopped by your house to hang out but you're not there obviously