The Ocean Between Us

Chapter 15

Joanna

For the next two months, Joanna experienced what it was like to be in a real long distance relationship. It wasn't as difficult as she had thought it would be, but that was only when she was talking to Toshinori.

When she wasn't on the phone with him, she couldn't quite focus on her school work. He was always the first thing she thought about in the morning, and her last thought before she fell asleep. It was difficult for her, to not be able to hold him as she cuddled on the couch, or snuggle up to him in bed.

"It sucks." Joanna groaned to Becca. She looked up from doing her nails.

"How come you didn't invite me over when he came?" She complained. "I wanted to meet the guy that's been fucking your heart up."

"I didn't want anyone to interfere," Joanna sighed. "I wanted to spend as much time with him as possible." She looked down at her own nails and frowned. "Fuck, I smudged my nails again."

"Here, mine are done. I'll do yours." Becca wiped her hands on a towel and began to do Joanna's nails.

"I just.. I hate being without him. Is this what love is supposed to feel like? You told me it would be so good but.." Joanna began to tear up for the fifth time that day. "It doesn't feel good. There's this empty pit in my body that hurts when I think about him."

"That's because you're in an online relationship with a man that lives on the other side of the world." Becca sighed. "I warned you about that."

Joanna grumbled and wiped her eyes with her free hand. "I know."

"And I told you to get with someone younger and within Canada too."

"I know." Joanna glared at Becca. "Are you just gonna sit there and say I told you so? Because I don't want to sit here and listen to you make me feel worse about my decision."

"Well, do you regret getting with him?" Becca put down Joanna's hand and crossed her arms.

"Absolutely not." Joanna shook her head vehemently. "The thing I'm beginning to regret is ever telling you about Toshinori, because now all you ever say is 'you shoulda listened to me'. And it's pissing me off."

"What the hell am I supposed to say Joanna? All you ever think about is him, you always cry over him, and everything is basically always about him! This is the first time you and I have hung out in months." Becca stood up. "And honestly, I don't wanna hang out with you if all you're gonna do is bitch and whine about Toshi." Joanna flinched at the way Becca said her lover's name.

"Fine! Go then!" Joanna shouted. "I don't need you."

Becca shook her head, slipped on her boots and left the apartment. Joanna angrily took her nail polish remover and removed her half finished nails, then stomped into the bathroom and slammed the door shut.

She turned the water on in the tub and began to strip off her clothes when she heard her phone ring. She rolled her eyes and stomped back out of the bathroom. She picked up her phone from the table and looked at the caller ID.

It's Toshinori, Joanna sighed.

"Hey Toshi."

"Hi sweetheart! How are you?" He replied joyfully.

"Not great. I don't really need to ask how you're doing, huh Mr. Sunshine?" She smiled softly.

"What's the matter?" Toshinori asked, bringing his tone down.

"I'm just really grumpy at the moment." She sighed and walked into the bathroom to check on the water level. Not even close... She stepped back out and sat in her bedroom.