Another Wall to Climb

Chapter 11

I finally woke up. The digital clock flashed 3:32pm.

I rolled over wishing I could go back to my careless sleep where I had nothing to worry about. Nothing to do.

I got off the bed and looked in the mirror. Mascara streaked my cheeks and eyes. I grabbed my phone from the usual spot, under my pillow, and turned it on.

A video message awaited me. From Brad.

I clicked Play and sat on the edge of the bed with my legs crossed. The screen showed Brad standing near a pond with a bottle of pills in his hand, holding it up to show the camara.

"It's just you and me that matters this time, baby." He yelled through the phone. And with that said, he turned around and threw the bottle as far as he could into the pond. It hit the water and tiny rings of waves floated away from it.

He turned around and looked at the camera with a smile. "I love you, Hailey." Then the screen went blank.

I threw my phone to the other side of the bed and walked to the bathroom to clean my face.

I knew it took a lot from Brad to do what he did. But he did it for me and that made it all the more touching.

A knock came from my door and I ran to go unlock it.

Josh stood there looking amazing as usual in his blue jeans and tight, gray shirt. He smiled at me.

"You're awake."

"Oh. Sorry, I guess I didn't think about you needing in here for something." I said as he walked in the room.

"Don't appologize. It's all good." He laughed at my worried expression.

Josh walked over to his bed and sat down. He grabbed his football and started tossing it. I sat down next to him.

"So why do you put with him?" He asked.

Good question Why do I put with him? Oh, yeah. I do it for love.

I hesitated to answer him. Whether I should lie to him, ignore him, or be truthful. " Because I love him."

"Seems to me like his feelings for you aren't love-related."

"He has his moments." I shrugged.

"Why did he do it? You know-hurt you, I mean." He asked.

"I have a feeling it's going to stop now." I didn't meet his gaze.

"You didn't answer my question." I felt his eyes on me, though I was looking away.

"I know."

"You can trust me, Hailey." He said, turning me to face him and look him in the eye.

I looked down at my lap, embarrassed because I knew I was blushing from looking into his beautiful green eyes matched with his perfect smile.

He touched his finger to my chin and pulled my face back up to his. His face was closer this time. I kept silent, taking in every inch of his perfect features.

The next thing I knew, his lips were on mine. They were much softer than they looked, and warm, too. I'm not even sure which one of us leaned in first. This kiss was more amazing than anything I'd ever felt.

I pictured firecrackers in the background.

Our lips moved in sync together as his tongue grazed mine. He lightly bit my bottom lip, sending sweet chills down my spine, and then pulled away. The moment our mouths were no longer touching, I hungered for more.

Josh smiled and pressed his forehead to mine with his hand on my cheek.

I smiled at him. "Sorry." He whispered.

"You should never be sorry for making someone smile." I replied grinning ear to ear and giggling like a little girl.