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joan | chapter 6

Penelope didn't scold me for crying. She sighed, patting my back while I let it all out. I knew that she was sympathetic with me. After all, she had witnessed something like this at some point too. But I knew I had to move on.

I looked up, wiping the tears from my eyes.

"I know it's hard. You did well," Penny said, smiling stiffly. I nodded, waiting for the next instruction.

"The next one is sweet Joan, a boy from a rural town. You'll be giving his pieces to his love," Penelope explained. She handed me yet another tiny white pouch. This time, the name "Joan Ester Allister" labelled the bag. Old-fashioned. I liked the name, it distracted me from Shawn and Olive.

I closed my eyes, knowing that I had to. 

The pain was barely anything now. Was I doing it myself now?

I opened my eyes to see a large movie screen. It was easy enough to find Joan, since he and the girl beside him were the only people here. They were rather close, like they were on a date. This would be an easy one, he was already with his love.

Something told me that wasn't it though. Love was never that easy. 

I watched him shakily take the girl's hand, forcing the most awkward smile I'd ever seen. He was well-built, and pretty hot from what I could see. The girl he was with almost matched him perfectly, aside from the fact she was barely paying him any mind.

"So, you like the movie?" he whispered, voice shaking. The girl nodded. They seemed to be watching some kind of romantic film. Cute, I guess. It ended not long after I arrived. The boy escorted the girl out, inviting her to ride home with him.

"It's a little late to call a taxi, I can get you home," he suggested, smiling. The girl shrugged, not super excited but not completely nonchalant either.

She agreed, "Sure. You have my address," she said. Joan took her hand, guiding her out of the theater and to his car. It was a black Jeep. Not extremely flattering, but fine for getting his date around. He opened the door for her, to which she timidly thanked him. Gosh, he was trying so hard.

They rode to the girl's house in silence. Joan tried to kiss her at some point, but she had pulled away. "Maybe next time?" she said, unsure. I don't think there was going to be a next time. 

He dropped her off and drove back to his house. It was a big place, and it was obvious that this kid's family had money. He parked the Jeep in the garage and continued into the house, saying goodnight to his parents before heading up to his room.

It was really clean, cleaner than my room had ever been. He plopped onto his queen-sized bed, plugging his phone in beside him. Modern art hung on the walls, accompanied by an assortment of academic items. So he was a little nerd. That was adorable, considering his build.

He sighed, rolling onto his stomach.

Someone knocked on the door, causing Joan to sit up once more. "Come in."

A tall, skinny boy with tan skin and brown hair stood in the doorway. "Veronica told me the date didn't go so great, so I decided to stop by," the boy said, scratching the back of his neck. Joan looked startled, but made space on his bed for the new boy.

"You didn't have to come by Will, I was fine," Joan mumbled, "but thanks anyways."

Will smiled, taking out a bag of dark chocolates from his pocket. "Your favorite?" he offered. Joan took them, handing a few to Will in thanks. They sat like that for a while, munching on chocolate and making small talk.

"You know, I know a couple of guys I could hook you up with Will," Joan laughed, shoving another chocolate in his mouth.

"You're so embarrassing," Will laughed. 

"No, seriously dude," Joan retorted. Will tilted his head, confused. He scratched his neck again, flitting his eyes back and forth across the room. An awkward silence blanketed the boys.

"I think I'm gay," Joan sputtered, practically under his breath. Will's hand flew to his mouth, his eyes showing that he was holding back laughter. Joan furrowed his brows. Obviously, he didn't think that was very funny. 

"It's not funny!"

"That's why you can't talk to girls!" Will giggled, falling back onto the bed. Joan ran his hand through his hair, grinning. He moved to hover over Will, one hand on either side of his friend. Will stiffened, eyes wide. That was random.

Joan pulled Will into his lips, gently kissing him. I let out an "awe", watching Joan silently make out-- I imagined he had liked Will a long time. When they sat up, I saw that Will wasn't mad. He looked happy that Joan had kissed him.

So he liked Joan. This was so cute.

"I guess now's a good time to tell you I love you?" Joan chuckled, shrugging.

"Pro homo?" Will joked, lightly shoving Joan's shoulder.

"Uh, no shit?" Joan replied jokingly. He pulled Will into another kiss, this time taking his time. I knew that now was a good time to give the pouch to Will. I set it in his hand, smiling from ear to ear. It was always sweet to see some big gay jock finally realize his feelings. I'm glad Penelope had given me this task, it was a nice touch after Shawn's story.

I closed my eyes, satisfied this time that all was well.

•••

This is hopefully a cute little intermission between Shawn and the next one. Hehe.~