Change Of Heart

Chapter 9

Chapter 9

                I woke up to a horrific pounding at my temples. And like most recent mornings, the events of the night before flood my mind and the throbbing in my head grew more intense. So I sat up, way too quickly, and went to the shower. I hopped in and let the refreshing water cascade down, warming and waking me up.

                When I finished, I got out and proceeded to pick an outfit.  After many of ensembles, I decided on a knee length gold shirt underneath an oversized brown cardigan, a thin white belt the secure it under my ribs. For shoes, the same Jimmy Choos from a few days previous.

                Then I blow dried my hair, threw it up in a donut bun and made up my face. When I was satisfied, I grabbed my keys and purse and ran to check to see if Trent and mom were sleeping. And just as I suspected, they were. Writing a quick note telling them I went to pick up breakfast for us, I ran out the door and sat in my car.

                As I started up the engine to my cute little red G6 I sat there, waiting for the air conditioning to kick in and my music to play. Then I ripped out of the drive way – cautiously of course – making my way to the nearest breakfast place possible.

                I pulled into the parking lot right beside an awfully familiar truck. No, I thought, lots of people drive trucks. I walked in and took in the delicious smell of coffee, making my way up to the counter. Unfortunately, I impatiently waited behind this young guy who seemed to take ages ordering, yelling his order over and over again to young girl who looked really nervous. I felt sorry for the poor girl, here it’s probably her first day and she has to deal with this jerk is yelling at her. She probably forgot how to work the register, judging by the flustered look on her face.

                 The guy finally finished and walked over to wait for his order. I looked at him, purely out of impulse and curiosity but averted my gaze but to the young girl behind the counter. You’ve got to be kidding! I knew that truck was familiar! Oh my god! Why is he all the way in this part of town?!  So I quickly turned my head, trying to hide my face and went up to the cash register quietly making my order so he couldn’t recognise my voice.

                But of course, I planned it out all wrong! I had to go stand with him since I went so fast. Maybe if I just stand with my back to him he wouldn’t notice. But once again I assumed incorrectly because he just had to talk to me!

                “Holly?” his voice hid a hint of hurt, probably because he knew I was avoiding him.

                But, I sucked it up and turned around, not without rolling my eyes though. It was a good thing I was in drama because it was sure going to pay off during the trip.

                “Josh?” my voice went up a knotch, hoping he would mistake it for surprise but the look in his eyes showed he clearly knew better. They looked sad and angry, which is understandable.

                “Did you not get my text?” his voice was hard and void of expression now, and his eyes now showed the same. I winced within and shrug-nodded.

                He sucked in a long breath through his nose, pursing his lips and nodding his head slow and firmly. So I continued to try and possibly do some damage control, “Listen Josh, I just didn’t know how to respond. I guess I didn’t know what you meant, ya know?” Instead of replying he shoved his hand in his pockets and nodded slower, processing something so I just continued

                “It’s just,” I prepared for my next words, “I was scared that this might all be joke.” I sighed quietly.

                A long silence past as we grabbed our stuff from the barista and sat down at a nearby table. Josh just kept looking down and thinking. When he finally looked up his expression had remained the same, if not more troubled than before.