East Bridge High

ii. england bound

•••

A FLURRY of emotions spun through Cleo. Was she happy? Mad? Confused? The last person she expected to open the door would be the infamous Joshua Lauder, although she hated to admit, England did him good.

Making sure that Joshua wouldn't catch her off guard, she readjusted her composure and put on a daunting smile. Her crimson painted lips in contrast with her sparkling white teeth.

"Joshie-Pooh! You're back." Cleo said gushingly, she knew how much Joshua hated that nickname and she loved getting under his skin more than a new Chanel purse.

"Still being irritating I see."

"Still throwing punches, I see." Cleo shot back, causing for a laugh from everyone in the room. Even Joshua had a smirk from her smart comment.

"I knew I missed you for a reason." Joshua opened the black door farther allowing for everyone to come in. Tasha couldn't help but eye him down as he was only wearing a white tank top which complimented his new biceps that she assumed he gained over his absence.

"Take a picture, Tash, it'll last longer." Joshua noticed Tasha checking him out, although she didn't make an effort for it to be discreet. Joshua took pride in it though, he knew he looked good and he's happy others around him noticed it too.

Tasha laughed in response, "What can I say, you look good. Throwing punches actually worked out in your favor." Joshua winked back at her as he embraced her in a hug, she joined Cleo and the others on Eric's plush sectional sofa, she quickly found her way next to Nathaniel.

"Now my favorite girl, Naomi." Joshua smiled as he saw Naomi's tall figure in the doorway, her Louboutin's making a sound with every step she took towards Joshua. She took a minute to observe him, noticing things that have changed since she last saw him. A year ago, he was barley Naomi's height and scrawny, now he's towering over her and has muscles that are protruding out of his tank top. What the hell did England do to him?

Naomi placed a hand on his chest, "Wow, Lauder. Did you come with a British accent too?"

Joshua looked down taking notice of the hand Naomi placed on his chest, pieces of hair that he didn't gel down fell into his eyes.

"No, love. I couldn't let them convert me too much." Joshua said in a fake British accent. He continued, with a pout, "Why don't you look happy to see me?" His eyes became big and soft as he gazed into Naomi's chocolate ones.

"Because, life was simpler without you Lauder." Naomi whispered as she gave him a kiss on the cheek, taunting him. Joshua followed close behind her as she walked over to the rest of the group.

Nathaniel exclaimed, "I guess the gang's all here!" Tasha hit him with one of the couch cushions, "Shut up, idiot."

Nathaniel opened his mouth wide to show he was offended as well as placing his hand on his chest, "Wow, I'm hurt." Tasha rolled her eyes in response.