With Love From Josh

Paying for silence

We got closer to my street. All through the drive I had crossed my arms and looked straight ahead with my lips pressed into a thin line. The idiot beside me did not act like he noticed or even cared and it suited me fine. I thought of telling him to drop me  somewhere near my home so that I could walk the rest of the way but I figured he probably knew where I lived so why bother?😒 
The car slowed to a stop and I focused to see the familar building. Relief washed over me and I reached out to open the door.
Josh : "No manners"
I opened the door before turning to glare at him.
Sidney : " Oh I'm sorry. Thank you for making me sign a contract at gun point, bless you for being such a gentleman and glory be to you for giving me another dress after ripping apart the one I arrived in." His eyes glazed over. This can't be good.
I had wanted to wait for his reply, throw some more words at him and then bang the door harder than before if humanly possible.

But now... well, there's been a change of plans.
I jumped out of the car and slammed the door. Not intentionally but because I was in a hurry to get far from the car and it's driver. It wasn't until I stood directly in front of my home's entrance that I turned to look. I felt safe from here. A bit silly since he could just get down and walk to me but I felt secure being in my own territory. I could see him, he was looking at me without so much as a blink.

Still looking at me with that cold deadly look he reversed and sped of. Oh I've done it now! I could have just hopped out and pretend I didn't hear him but no the queen must not be insulted. I know for sure he won't let that slide. I hadn't known him for long but if there's anything I've managed to pick up, it's he doesn't want me talking back at him. Hopefully I won't cross his path soon. I opened the door. I could smell pizza.

I hoped only Melody was home. I couldn't deal with mom's questions about my change of dress and absent footwear as well as face Melody's.
Looking round the light blue and white room I saw Melody sitting crossed legged on the couch devouring her pizza while watching TV.
I think I can make it upstairs without being noticed. One step...

Melody :" I hoped you were kidnapped or something.
At the very least I didn't expect you to show up just when I'm beginning to enjoy my peace of mind."
  
Sidney : " Whatever "

I took long strides towards the stairs. Not very long considering how the scarlet dress clung to me like a plague. Melody hadn't taken her eyes of the tv to address me and I hoped she kept them there. No such luck.
   
Melody : " What are wearing?"

She asked with shock as her lazy glance at me had been shot at by the red dress.
Act annoyed I decided. Make her shut up.
    
Sidney: " I'm older than you. You can't tell me what to wear and what not to wear!"

She just continued.

       Melody: " I don't care about what you wear, but what happened to the first dress?"
  That's it. Just walk away.

       Melody: " I'm not concerned about how you worked your magic or anything. It's just that I was planning to steal that dress. It will fit me perfectly. The colour and length would have been just right..."

She paused waiting for a response. I climbed the stairs without a word.
     Melody : " Oh my God! Where are your shoes?! What happened to you? Were you robbed?"
I kept going and she started climbing the stairs after me.

       Melody : " I will tell mom"
I stopped and turned to look at her and made a decision.
         Sidney : " I don't want her to be worried. I love her. You also do so don't tell her. It will only worry her."
She looked at me with a face that said 'like seriously?'
Oh this girl! I really don't have time for this.
        Sidney : " How much for silence?"
She seemed to consider.
         Melody :" Another pizza. No 2. This is big. Heaven knows how u lost that dress."
          Sidney : " You can't eat 3 pizzas!"
She stuck out her chin.
            Melody: "That will be my problem."
I eyed her up and down. Was I also once like this?
I unlocked my door, took some money from my purse and gave it to her.  "There! Keep the change" I said and closed the door.
I looked at myself in the mirror. A beautiful bitter young lady stared back. Such a transformation within hours. That's not me, I thought.
I ripped the dress apart while standing in front of the mirror.
It made me smile a little destroying his "gift" like that.

I need a shower. After showering for a good hour I stepped out and dried my hair with a hand dryer.
"Josh" I  said softly. " You don't know what's coming at you."

I locked my door to prevent anyone especially Melody from entering my room while I was asleep.
I jumped into bed and squealed like a child. At last I was in my own bed. At home. Safe and sound.