Hot or Cold

<Chapter 11>

(Josh’s POV)

I brought her back to her room and set her down. “Alright, go ahead and get ready for bed and come get me when you are done.” I said still holding her close.

She nodded and I let go. “Thank you Josh.” She said sniffling.

“I’d do anything for you Isobel. I’m sorry I was such a jerk to you last year.” I said frowning.

“We’ll talk about it after I’m in my pajamas. Now leave.” She said pushing me out of the room with a smile.

I walked back to the front room. “Thank you for being here Josh. She really needs you right now.” Mrs. S said with a warm smile.

“I’ve missed her so much. I was so stupid letting her go like that.” I said mentally slapping myself for being such an idiot.

“It’s okay. Just make sure she knows you regret it. I trust you with her, Josh. Don’t make me regret that this time.” She said sternly.

“I promise you I won’t Mrs. S.” I said with sincerity.

“I know you won’t.” She smiled. “Well, I’m going to head back to bed. You know where everything is.” And with that she walked down the hallway.

A few minutes later Isobel walked out in a pair of gray sweatpants and a black tank top that revealed her very noticeable hip bones. Her hair was up in a high ponytail, but still managed to reach her waist and her face was free of makeup. She looked gorgeous. “Come on” She said and we both walked back to her room.

“I’ve missed you so much, Isobel.” I said sitting down on her bed. Her room hadn’t changed since last year. The walls were still light purple and one was a chalkboard wall. Against the far wall was a huge bookshelf with three rows of stuffed animals, one row of which I had given her, and the other two shelves were filled with books.

“I’ve missed you too.” She said sitting down facing towards me. “Why did you choose them over me?” She asked and I saw pain flash through her eyes.

“I was stupid, Isobel. I didn’t know what I wanted at the time. I regret it so much. I feel terrible about everything. I feel terrible about us fighting and about never calling. I want to make it all up to you, but I don’t know how I can make it up to you when I hurt you so much.” I said feeling tears brimming my eyes.

“Hey.” She said cupping my cheek with her small hands. “Just you being here when I need you the most is all I want from you. You’re an amazing guy, Josh. I just wish you would have been there for me through everything. I’ve missed being able to talk to you.” She said with a frown before moving her hand from my face and sniffing her hair. I swear that is one of her most adorable habits.

“Well, I’m not going anywhere now.” I said taking one her hands in mine making her smile. “So are we good?” I asked playing with her hand.

“We’re good.” She smiled leaning in slowly. I closed the space and pressed my lips gently against hers. She pulled away a bit after and yawned.

“Come on, it’s been a long day. Let’s go to sleep.” She nodded and got under the covers. “I’m gonna go sleep on the couch” I said standing up. I felt her hand grab mine and she tried to pull me back onto the bed.

“Please stay with me.” She said quietly looking down at her lap. I nodded and laid down beside her. She curled up into my side and shut her eyes. I pulled her closer and kissed her forehead. Soon we both fell asleep.

~*~

(Isobel’s POV)

The next morning I woke up by myself and frowned. Was that just a dream? I knew it couldn’t have been when my head began pounding, but had I only imagined Josh being here? I sat up and saw a note on the nightstand along with a glass of water and two advil. I took the advil and downed the water before reading the note. ‘Hey Izzy, I ran home to take a shower and change my clothes. Get ready, I’ll be back in thirty minutes. ~Josh. P.S. I left at 8:30.’ I looked over at the clock and saw that it was already 8:50. I groaned and ran to the bathroom, stripping down and jumping into the shower. I quickly washed my body and my hair twice ignoring the ice cold water. Once I was done, I turned the water off and dried myself off before wrapping myself in my towel. I walked into my closet and decided on a pair of black jeggings and a royal blue oversized sweater. I got dressed quickly and put on my favorite black boots with royal blue lace to match my shirt. Just as I finished there was a knock on the door to my backyard. Yes my bedroom let out to the backyard, no I never snuck out, I’m a good kid you know. I looked out the curtain and opened the door for Josh. He was wearing a black and white baseball style shirt and a pair of black jeans that fit him perfectly. He looked hot. He smiled and I let him in.