Joshua Bliss

Chapter 15: Don't Cry Over Spilled Ice Cream

"Hey, are you okay?" Josh asked me when we were in Chemistry. I came in before him, so I just sat in my seat and buried my face in my arms. I was crying a little too, and I'm sure he could hear the occasional sniffling that I was trying to hide. I really didn't want him to see me crying, I didn't want anyone to see me cry right now.

"Mhm," I mumbled, not wanting to say anything at all. The teacher, Ms. Joseph's always comes in late, so I guess I could get myself together before then at least. I wiped my eyes on my sleeves before raising my head up, just to bury it in my small school bag that I bring now, but I need a new one. I normally keep my stuff in my locker, but it started getting annoying to open, so I just brought it to keep my books in it. Plus I've needed it to take books home for homework too, because we've been getting a lot. I got my notebook out and a pen, and put it on my desk, waiting for Ms. Joseph to come. I was hoping she would walk in right now, so Josh can't question me or anything.

"You found out, huh?" He said, with a small I-told-you-so laugh.

"I'm sorry I didn't believe you," I told him, ignoring the fact that he just laughed at me even though he can clearly see I was crying.

"Yeah, whatever," He scoffed.

We didn't talk for the rest of the period, and after this we had a free period and I didn't really know what to do or anything in that free period, considering I'd normally hang out with Jason. I wanted to just go home then, but then I realized I didn't have ride to get my house. I always go with Jason, and after what he did, I really, really don't ever want to talk to him again. It was Monday today, meaning Kendrick had classes today, so I couldn't call him to get me either. I had absolutely no idea how I'd get home, because I didn't have enough money for a cab, and Jason couldn't take me. I saw Josh outside with Carter, Sophie, Dustin and some other people, and I decided on asking him. But he seemed mad at me though, so I didn't really know if I should.

I tried to ignore the little fact inside me about him being mad, and walked over to where he was with his friends. As soon as I got there, Sophie noticed me. "Hey Kathryn!" She greeted, in her normally perky voice.

I smiled at her, but then turned to Josh, because he was the reason I came here. "Can you give me a ride home?" I asked him quietly, really hoping that he wouldn't say no.

"Can't Jason take you?" He snapped, clearly still mad at me.

"Whoa, what happened with you two?" Sophie asked, probably hearing the anger in Josh's tone. I really didn't want something like this to happen, I just wanted to get a ride home, because I had no other choice.

"She finally figured it out," Josh clarified, folding his arms across his chest.

"The Jason thing?" Dustin asked.

"Duh the Jason thing you idiot," Sophie said to him with a small laugh. "What did you want?"

"I just need a ride home," I told her. "I normally go with Jason,"

"Oh, I'd take you with me, but I have practice after school, sorry." She frowned.

"It's okay, thanks though." I said, turning to walk away, but before I did, someone tugged on my hand and pulled me back. It was Carter; I really wasn't in the mood to deal with him at all.

"I can drive you," He offered, and I could tell he wanted to smile, but he hid it with a sympathetic look. "If Josh wants to be a little dick about it, I'll take you."

"Um... I - I'll find some other way." I denied, not wanting to be alone with him at all.

"I'm not going to do anything," He laughed, realizing why I didn't want to go with him.