Imperfect Perfection

Chapter 5

The following weeks were all the same; fighting, training, shooting with the occasional sit-down session where he taught me different languages and computer hacks. If I said I completely enjoyed it, I would be lying. I learnt to shoot moving targets and from a distance as well. And my German was almost fluent, I had already started learning Chinese. I was getting really good at the karate too. But my muscles ached after the workouts and sleeping got harder. I was difficult to calm my mind with all the new imformation that I was putting in.

My house was fully cleaned and redecorated and I had moved in. My mom was hesitant to let me go but eventually gave me an allowance for groceries and a promise for weekly check-ups.

Joshua and I grew closer and we would share warm embraces very often. We were still in the friendly stage, and I was reluctant for anything more. But I was drawn to him, in ways I couldn't control.

One evening as we were wrapping up a lesson of Dutch he asked me to wait a second before I picked up my bag. "I'm taking you to Florida next week."

My eyes shot up at him. I didn't know what to think of his announcement. As if sensing my confusion, Joshua spoke up quickly.

"It's a training exercise. Adaptability. What do you think your mom will say?"

"I live on my own now, I moved into my parents home last week."

"That's great. You can just tell her that you're taking a road trip with friends.

After I confirmed the Florida trip with Joshua, we agreed to have him pick me up at my house the next day. I was a bit frantic as I thought of all that I had to pack. I called over my friend Lily to help me.

We took a quick trip to the mall to pick up some beachwear as there wasn't much opportunity for going to the beach in New Jersey and I had nothing more that three swim suits which I bought for the pool in my new home. I definitely couldn't wear my swimming uniform. We got carried away and picked up some new outfits too. I stopped in the bank for some cash and we headed home.

Two suitcases later, I was all packed and took some hours to catch up with Lily on her holidays. Again I felt the strain in conversation as I kept away from my personal life. I wondered if I could ever make a genuine friend and open up.

With a start, I realised that I had.

In the morning, my suitcases we at the foot of the stairs and I was clearing out my fridge when the doorbell rang. I opened up and invited Joshua in.

"Hey Gen, let me help you."

I smiled gratefully as he took out the garbage, muscles bunching under his shirt.

I was ready to leave when the house phone rang. I grabbed the call quickly.

"Hey sweetie."

"Hi mom. I was just leaving."

"I'm glad I caught you. Wanted to wish you a safe trip."

"Thanks. I know you're already worrying so stop. I'll be fine."

"Who are you taking this road trip with again?"

Just then Joshua spoke up.

"I'll take these to the car for you."

I winced, sure that my mom had heard.

"Genevieve Sian Alexander! Is that a boy I hear?"

I groaned.

"Yes mom, it is. He's on the internship with me. We're going with others too."

"Don't you lie to me, young lady. I know this is some romantic rendevous."