asylum » minizerk

-15

Josh's POV

I stare at my tray, feeling every ounce of happiness and gratefulness drain. Tears form a glaze over my sad eyes, my breathing shaky with every breath.

"Josh.." Simon nudges my shoulder, and I exhale a sigh.

"C'mon Josh, don't shut down on me now." He mutters through clenched teeth, and I bite my lip to hold back the waterfalls.

"I-I'm sorry for being s-such a mess." I stammer quietly, and he rubs my thigh beneath the table.

"It's okay. I'm not leaving you Josh, Tobi is still here, along with JJ. People still care about you." He assures me, and I nod, blinking a heavy tear down my cheek.

"Thank you Simon." I whisper, and he smiles slightly.

More people begin to file in, but I don't bother looking. I just continue to stir the rice pudding around in its metal tin.

"Oh my god, Joshua?" Star squeaks, causing me to look up at the surprised boy.

"Hi Star." I murmur, and he slides into the bench, the surprised look only amplifying.

"W-what are you doing? Why are you wear-"

"I'm a patient here." I deadpan, and he shakes his head.

"No.. No you can't be." He denies, and I nod, pursing my lips together.

"I am." I confirm, and he swallows heavily.

"You've done nothing wrong." He mumbles in disbelief, and I sigh.

"Apparently I did.. Whatever, I can't leave now." I chuckle sadly.

"I'm really sorry Josh." He apologizes, and I reach across the table, taking his hand in mine.

"It's okay Star. I will be fine, as will you, and Harry and Bronwyn and Simon and Amethyst. We will work it out." I promise, and he smiles.

"I heard my name... Josh?" Harry slides next to Star, pressing a kiss to his cheek before he gasps.

"Hi Harry." I chuckle, before Star murmurs what we just went over to Harry.

"Oh my days.. I'm very sorry Josh." He apologizes, and I tell him it was okay.

Simon continued to rub my thigh, making small circles and shapes as lunch continued on. I listened as they boys began to chat amongst each other.

Seconds pass, before I hear the cafeteria doors open once again. I don't dare look.

I bite my lip to hold back tears, my hand clenching Simon's. He flicks his head towards mine, face falling.

"What-"

"Hey guys, who's th-" I hear Tobi approach us, before he freezes.

"J-Josh?" He chokes out, so I slowly turn around, a tear immediately falling at the sound of his voice.

"I-I'm sorry." I stutter, before he pulls my hand and stands me up, pulling me into a bone crushing hug.

"What happened in there?" He whispers, his voice full of utter confusion and sadness.

"I-I pinned her to a w-wall and made sure she knew th-this wasn't something you played around with. Sh-she knew about me liking Simon, and called me i-insane. So here I am." I cry into his shoulder, and he rubs my back.

"She didn't punish him?" He asks, and I shake my head.

"It'll be okay, I'll get you out of here, okay?" He promises, and I nod, sadness consuming my heart as he tries to hold me together.