-Clear-

1.

I walked into the church behind my parents. The cold air hit my face, as I followed with my head down. We sat in the pews near the front. Mom went off and chatted with her friend Laura and Dad chatted with the pastor. I sat in our pew with my head down and my eyes fixed on the floor. The pew creaked to the right of me, but I stubbornly held my gaze with the floor.

"Salutations!" I heard from beside me, prompting me to look up and to the stranger beside me. There was a boy with a huge smile and crinkly eyes. "Hi I'm Josh!" He gave me a small wave.

"Tyler." I mumbled under my breath. "Hi, Tyler!" He enthusiastically said. I rolled my eyes, what was up with his enthusiasm? It was weird.

"What are smiling about?" I grumbled.

"Uh, I dunno, it's just a beautiful day and all! Everyday that you're alive is great." He noted happily.

I narrowed my eyes at him, it was a downcast, winter day and it was colder than heck outside. "Don't you think today is a great day to be alive?" He asked looking around with wide eyes.

"Totally." I remarked sarcastically, which he didn't pick up on. Josh gasped and his eyes widened revealing warm brown eyes, "Oh my gosh! This is my favorite song!"

It was then that I heard music, I don't know how I never heard it, it rang through the church auditorium. Josh stood up as the congregation began to sing. The song was a fast beat song that bumped my heart. He jumped and danced around. I watched Josh in my peripherals, he was so full of joy, I wanted so badly to have his joy and happiness.

After a few songs, a person prayed and we all sat down–Josh included. I was hoping he would go sit with his mom. But nooooo he had to stay by my side, with his annoying smile and crinkly eyes. His whole vibe shouted, 'I love unicorns, rainbows, and cotton candy!'

I sat quietly in the pew, with an old Bible on my lap, beside me Josh was buzzing with energy–literally.

I sighed in relief when the pastor bowed his head in prayer and dismissed us. I immediately got up and left the pew, never looking back when Josh called for me.

I stuffed my hands into my hoodies' pocket and weaved through the crowds of people talking. When I got outside, I took a breath of fresh air as I leaned against the wall of the church, the cold air whipped my hair back and forth. I heard the church door open, and sighed when I heard Josh say, "Man you left fast." He huffed out.

"Yeah." I snapped. Josh visibly flinched, I think I may have been to rough on him. He looked unsure of what to do, he looked from me to the door and back. He turned, "I- I'll just go.." He mumbled. His head hung and his shoulders sagged as he walked back to the door.

I began to feel bad, like I'd done such an awful thing, which I think I did. He was an innocent and happy boy, I just made him sad. It was awfully unnatural, even more so that his happiness.

I sighed in defeat and jogged over to Josh, "Stay."

He looked at me with his big, brown eyes, "Really?" His lips trembled.

"Yeah," I shrugged, "Really."

Josh gave me a tight hug, "Thanks Tyler, you're my best friend." He mumbled in my shirt.

"Best friend." I mumbled to myself. For some reason it didn't sound so bad.

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New fic. I'm unsure how it will turn out.

Vote!

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