Joshua Bliss

Chapter 6: Stressful Guilt

"You didn't pick up Amanda?" I asked Jason, getting into the front seat of his car on Friday morning. Jason got to my house pretty late today, I was ready and waiting for him for about 30 minutes, and he hadn't shown up. I was assuming I got ready too early this morning, but when I checked the time, I saw that he was late. And when I came into the car, there was nothing but a glum looking Jason in the driver seat. Amanda would normally sit in the passenger side, beside Jason, but since it was empty, I sat there. I don't know if he just didn't pick her up because of yesterday, or she was going to be absent; I doubt both, because he wouldn't be so mad not to pick her up - he's nothing like that, and I doubt she would miss school. Even though it was her birthday, she has to fulfill her parents' wishes and get high grades, so she wouldn't be able to skip school for her special day. Her parents basically want her to be super smart, that way she could get a good job and everything when she grows up.

He shrugged, sighed and then started the car, and without saying a word we drove off. I knew something was wrong, and I could kind of guess what it is - the Amanda and Dustin thing - but I didn't know for sure. But trying to ask, I actually didn't know how to. It went a lot better in my head when he stormed off yesterday, but now when I actually have to do it, I don't even know how this is going to work. So I just went with the first two words I could think of, "What's wrong?"

He looked over at me for a second, but then looked back on the road. "I'm pretty sure you already know what's wrong,"

"I might, but I'm not really sure of that." I informed him honestly.

He let out a sigh, seeming like it was the worst thing in the world to do - tell me what's wrong. But he did anyway, which I'm entirely grateful for. "It's really not a big deal; when I went to pick up Amanda, she had apparently already left. I waited outside for her for ten minutes, and then when I went inside to ask where she was, her mom told me she left with some guy. And it's obvious to know who it was," He explained to me, sounding pretty angry about what happened. I don't get why he'd be angry about it though, Amanda's his best friend, he should at least be happy for her getting a boyfriend, you know. I get that he's jealous of it though, but he shouldn't get mad about it.

"Dustin," I sighed, obviously knowing who he was talking about.

He nodded in confirmation, "Yup, I guess they're a thing now. But it's no bother you know, it's not like me and Amanda have basically grown up together or anything." He told me sarcastically.

"I know this wouldn't be the best thing to say, but you can't really blame her. You hadn't really done anything to show her that you liked her, and you haven't made it really obvious to her either. The only reason I knew was because I was teasing you, and your reaction kind of sold it." I told him, hoping that I wasn't rude or anything.

He sighed, and parked the car in the school parking lot. "The sad thing is, I know you're right." He said, and turned to look at me after taking the keys out. "But, it's hard to actually do something about it when all she talks about is Josh, and when not at school, all she talks about is Dustin. Think about it Kat, why should I tell her how I feel if I'm not even one of the guys she talks about?"

I gave him a small smile and leaned over to give him a hug, "You're her best friend Jason, when the time is right, you'll know it, okay?"

He let out another sigh, but hugged me back, "I guess you're right,"

We both got out of the car and headed toward the doors of the school building, since we were late, it wasn't really crowded. We were like, a full 30 minutes late, so we missed half of first period. Instead of going, we had to stay in a room with a bunch of other people that were also late. I guess they kept us in here until it was time for second period. I sat in the back with Jason, near a window, while he busied himself on his phone. I noticed Josh was at the other end of the room with a bunch of his friends, and I contemplated on apologizing to him for snapping yesterday, but I didn't want to leave Jason by himself, so I just didn't worry myself too much on it. Plus it's not a big deal; he really should get over it. I noticed he glanced over at me once, but then he looked away and didn't look back. I was starting to feel bad, because he totally didn't deserve that; but then again, I don't expect him to stay mad at me forever, I mean, he's Josh after all.