Secrets Of His Heart

Chapter 3: Holding On

Josh wasn't at school the next day. Concerned, I asked his friends if they knew where he was, but they were clueless. I wasn't the only one who noticed his absence though. At lunch Nate and the others were there again and he asked me about it.

"I don't know where he is," I replied, trying my best to control my emotions.

"Who's Josh?" Chris asked curiously.

"Sierra's boyfriend. They have been together for like two years or something." Lily replied bored.

"Wow, doesn't sound like you like this guy very much," Chris said with a frown.

"I don't. He is so childish and doesn't appreciate all that Sierra does for him. He is a spoiled brat and is the reason why Sierra has so many break-downs. He is so jealous and can't stand it when Sierra gets attention from other guys, which is absurd because she is one of the most beautiful girls in this school. I've tried convincing her that she deserves better, but she won't listen to reason!" Lily fumed. Chris raised his eyebrows and glanced at me.

"Gee, thanks Lily. Now everyone knows the story of my whole life!" I snapped. On the brink of tears, I stood and stormed to the bathroom.

"That was unnecessary! They are actually in the middle of a big fight ... and you just had to say that!?" I heard Cate hiss before she sprinted after me.

***

I was busy doing my homework, struggling a bit with one of my algebra questions, when my phone rang. Irritated I glanced at the caller ID and saw Josh's name flashing on the screen. Nervousness filled me and my heartbeat picked up.

"Hello?" I answered uncertainly.

"Hey Babe" I heard him. He sounded tired and drained, but I felt relieved to hear him call me babe.

"Josh... where were you at school today? I was so worried and yesterday you didn't call me back-" I started to rant, but he cut me off.

"Sierra, let's forget about yesterday okay? I'm at my dad's right now, he had an accident, but he's fine now. We'll talk about everything when I come back tomorrow, okay? Let's make it a date." Josh's parents were divorced and he lived with his mother. If he is currently at his father's then something really bad must've happen. I wanted to ask him about it, but I knew he hated to speak about his parents.

"Okay? You sure you are fine? I'm really sorry about what I said Josh. I didn't mean to hurt you. I was just so angry and hurt because it feels like you don't trust me." Tears were forming in my eyes.

"We'll talk tomorrow Babe. I gotta go now, but see you later." He ended the call. I felt relieved, but also a bit worried. Josh didn't sound so good. With my heart filled with fear and a bit hurt, I finished my homework before I went down to help my mother prepare dinner.

Next day:

It's half past three. I've been waiting for Josh at Starbucks for about half an hour. He wasn't at school today. Again. But when I texted him after school he said he'll meet me here at 3. Nervousness was eating me up. Where is he? I glanced towards the entrance of the coffee-shop and relieved flooded through me when I spotted his blonde hair. He walked over to me and sat down. I felt a bit disappointed that he didn't kiss me.

"Hey" he said after he ordered something to drink. I only smiled, not trusting my voice. He stared at me before he frowned.

"Everything okay Babe?" he asked.

"You tell me." He sighed.

"Okay. Hear me out. I've thought about this for a long time, and I think we should see other people." He didn't look me quite in the eyes. My heart lurched. It fell to my feet. My stomach turned and I felt dizzy. He was breaking up with me? I gasped loudly. His head whipped up.