Keep Quiet // Josh Dun (completed)

chapter thirty øne :: psychø schizø

Nicole wasn't brought home until a month and a half later. It was about mid-April, and she was already informed that she wasn't graduating unless some miracle happened.

Josh had to pick her up from home and take her to school. It was requested that he do so by Mr. Wyatt. He knew that Josh was the one person that would be with her all day.

He greeted a quiet Nicole at the door, taking her book bag into his hands.

Mr. Wyatt stood in the doorway and handed Josh another smaller bag. "I put stuff in there for her to eat. She can only have certain things. No soda or anything like that. She has to stay calm and all that sugar doesn't help."

Josh nodded. "Anything else?"

"Just make sure she gets through the day."

During the time they Josh and Ben were speaking, Nicole had her arms wrapped around his torso. She was squeezing him as if she was never going to touch him again.

Josh hugged her back and leaned his head down, whispering to her. "You ready?"

She simple shook her head, but she knew she had to go.

As they walked down the driveway, Josh grabbed her hand and put his fingers in between hers. He brought her hand up to his lips and kissed it sweetly. "I'm gonna be with you all day."

Josh opened the passenger door for her and then put her stuff in the back with his.

"I got passes so that I can be in every class with you," he told her as he began driving. "So if you need anything, all you gotta do is say-" Josh stopped himself. He knew she was probably not going to talk. "Just poke me or elbow me. Whatever you can to get my attention." 

Nicole only nodded in response.

"People are probably gonna ask about your bandages," Josh referred to the ones that were taped to her neck. She also had multiple bruises on her arms and face from fighting with the hospital staff. "But just ignore them. You don't have to answer to anybody."

Nicole, yet again, only nodded.

"If you need to leave class," Josh grabbed her hand again. "Don't hesitate. Your mental health is more important than your grades."

Once they got to school, they waited in the hallway together. Nicole was hugging him again, her cheek resting on his chest. Josh slowly swayed back forth and quietly sang to her. Nicole was fumbling his tee shirt in between her fingers.

"If you want, I can come home with you to help you with your work." Josh offered.

Nicole nodded.

Tyler and Jenna arrived and stood with them against the lockers.

"How're you doing?" Jenna asked as she hugged Nicole. "I missed you."

Nicole shrugged her shoulders when Jenna pulled away. She crossed her arms together and shivered.

"Here," Josh pulled his jacket off of his arms. "Wear mine."

Nicole slipped his on, feeling at home with it on. She was rushing that morning and trying not to break down at the thought of going back to school.