Bubble Wrap Boy (Joe Sugg) *On Hold*

Chapter 7

*Joe*

I have no idea how long it's been since I walked out. An hour? Maybe two? I feel awful, I have no idea what's wrong with me. Why I treated her like that? I have no idea.

I was brought out of my thoughts when my phone rang. I checked the caller ID and it read 'Alfie'. Ah shit, this'll be good.

"What the fuck is wrong with you?"

"No clue what you're talking about mate," I replied nonchalantly.

"When I asked you to stop flirting and distance yourself from my cousin until you get yourself together I didn't mean go and make her cry for God's sakes." he wasn't yelling, instead his voice was sharp and straight to the point.

*Flashback*

"That's my cousin and a 17 year old you're talking to. Watch it," Alfie said warningly. He was right.

"Fuck Alfie, that hurt," I said rubbing the back of my head. "Besides, it was just a joke. You know I'd never even think about doing anything with Viola. Fuck."

Lie.

Lie. Lie. Lie.

All of it, a lie.

I do think about Viola, being with her, doing anything and everything with her but I can't think that. I can't think about holding her hand, or taking her on dates, or even just being alone with her.

There's so many reasons why I can't. She's 5 years younger than me; Alfie would kill me; she's going to go back home whether it be soon or later.

And she'd never like me.

I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned to see Alfie. "A word, Joe?"

I nodded silently, I knew where this conversation was headed.

"What's up?" I asked casually when we got to the back of the group.

"Do you like my cousin?" He said straight out.

I didn't say anything but I shook my head no. He didn't seem sure of my answer but nodded anyway.

"Good, I mean, ugh. Joe she's not good for you and at the moment you're not good for her. Don't get me wrong, I love you both but right now she's not someone who you should get close to. Plus, you're not stable right now," he said, he seemed genuine.

"She makes me happy," I mumbled, not sure if it was loud enough for him to hear.

"Joe I'm not saying there's no hope for you guys but right now just isn't the best time. She starts school in a couple of days, which she really needs to get through in order to graduate. She's done some things recently, bad things and I don't want either of you to get hurt."

"I understand Alf," I said and he nodded at me before walking back up to Zoe and Marcus. I walked over to where Viola was, careful to keep my distance though.

Alfie's words kept running through my mind.

She's not good for you.

You're not stable right now.

I was brought back to reality when someone touched my hand.

"Joe, you okay?" She asked, worry evident in her voice. "You haven't said a word to me or any of us."

She's done some things recently, bad things.

I pulled my hand away from hers. "Fine," I muttered. She clearly wasn't pleased with my one worded answer but I kept walking before she could manage a single word out.

I can't get attached, I can't let my small feelings for a 17 year old further on. It had to stop.

I don't want any of you to get hurt.