It's About Time (GMW - Joshaya)

Chapter 25 Part 2

(Continued Josh's POV Flashback to 3 1/2 years ago--Josh's graduation Weekend)

"Alright guys! So can we all agree that the hiding boundaries are on this block and base is this big tree out front the house," Julian took charge and everyone nodded their heads in agreement. Manhunt was always really fun on our street because both Ryan and I lived on this street, the neighbors were all pretty chill (with the exception of Feeny but he secretly loved us), and there were plenty of hiding spots.

"Okay, I guess we will hide first," I suggested referring to my team. I knew exactly where I was going to hide first.

"We'll give you guys 4 minutes to hide. Starting...NOW!" McKenzie added. Her, Ryan, Noah, Riley, Lucas, and Farkle covered their eyes. Instantly, me, Julian, Shailene, Maya, Zay, and Smackle disperse to find hiding spots. I knew exactly where I was going, but everyone else was scrambling around to find a good spot. 

It was a little corner in between the side of Feeny's house and his greenhouse. Feeny's house wasn't technically on the block, but everyone understood that Feeny's house was fair game. As I'm running to my preplanned spot I tripped over something. It was Feeny's stupid gardening tools and bag. I tried steadying myself so I wouldn't fall but I ended up twisting my ankle pretty bad.

"Fuck," I swore under my breath. While in the process of trying to stand again, I saw a shadow rounding the corner of my house and approaching Feeny's backyard. There is no way the three minutes went by that fast. I began to crawl into the nearest hiding spot. Then I realize, it's not anybody on the other team, it's Maya. Just as I come to my realization, Maya realized something too, I was tightly gripping my ankle and wincing in pain. She quickly ran to me when she realized I was hurt. 

"Josh, what happened," she whispered and kneeled down next to me.

"I'll explain later, but come on, let's go hide."

"If you're hurt Josh--" 

"We will worry about that later," I interrupted her.

She helped me up as I let out I quiet groan of pain. I limped over to the hiding spot I had planned with Maya supporting me. I guided her to the spot between Feeny's house and his greenhouse. The two of us wedged in the tight spot. 

About a minute later, I saw Maya shiver. It was a cool, crisp night in May; there was a distinct chill in the air. I even had goosebumps. Maybe wearing a t-shirt was a bad idea, it was definitely a little too cold tonight. I wrapped my arm around Maya and rubbed her arm to warm her up. She looked up at me and decided to break the silence yet again. "We should probably get some ice on that, it's already swelling and bruising," her fingers grazed my ankle and I cringed. 

"You're probably right," I let out a sigh.

"Come on," she offered her hand to help me up and helped me limp over to the house. We went in the back door that led to the kitchen and she grabbed an icepack from the freezer. "Let's try to get you upstairs so that we can elevate that ankle." Everyone else was too busy either talking in the living room or outside playing manhunt to notice that Maya and I were gone.

It was a struggle to get upstairs, but once I made it, I was glad to be able to sit in my bed. My room was Eric and Cory's old room, revamped to suit my own style.

Before I sat down on my bed I spoke, "We should probably let them know that we aren't still hiding out there."

"Good point, I'll text Riley and let her know," she laughed. I couldn't help but smile when she laughed. "Okay done!" she said a moment later. "I told them to keep playing, but that we went to get you some ice because you twisted your ankle. She is typing back now and she said..." her voice trailed as we awaited the response. "She asked if we were sure. I'll just tell her yea and to take someone from their team and put them on our team. Is that okay?"