Cerulean Found

Chapter 31 - Back to Reality

"You're awfully quiet," Josh says, breaking the silence that has engulfed the vehicle. "Was it something I said?"

It is everything that Josh has said. None of it makes any sense from a logical perspective. But I can't say that to him. I can't let him think that I am bothered. I can't let him know that I don't believe a single thing he has said about tribes and merpeople. I can't let on that I am flooded with feelings of sympathy for Josh and the people of Jalukka... all of whom live in such a fantastical world that it has started to corrupt their minds and affect the way that they look at everyday life.

I suddenly fear for Gram and Gramp. I hope that they won't be so gullible. That they won't believe all of the tales that the people of Jalukka tell.

"I knew I shouldn't have said anything," he mutters as he turns the volume up on the stereo.

I turn to gaze at him, he looks so worn out and tired. I hope that he isn't upset over my reaction to everything that he has shared. I don't like to see him so conflicted. I extend my hand out and place it on top of his as he grips the steering wheel. He slowly turns his head and gazes at me for a moment before returning his attention to the road.

"I'm not bothered by what you said," I finally state. I'm not. He can tell me whatever he wants. It's the idea that he actually believes the fantasy tales he speaks of.

"You think I'm crazy, don't you?" he asks.

"Well...," I begin. I have to be honest. Josh likes honesty. "I'd be lying if I said no."

"I suppose I can't blame you. If I were you, I'd be thinking the same thing too. But, you watch out, I'm going to make a believer out of you. Sooner or later you'll come around and see that I'm not half as insane as you think," he says as he winks at me.

He lifts my hand up to his mouth and kisses it gently. The action sends a bolt of electricity throughout my body. He lets his moist lips linger on my skin for a moment before, quickly drawing my hand away from his mouth and interlocking our fingers.

"You know I want to believe, right? I just can't," I state.

"Not yet," he says. I look over at him again and he is now smiling. He still looks tired but he appears less bothered and more at ease, which makes me glad.

We pull into the carport at 3:15 pm. We only have a short period of time before my family returns from their sailing trip. I unlock the wooden door that leads down to the villa and start down the stairs, however, I only hear one set of footsteps descending... my own. I pivot around and find Josh hesitating at the doorway.

"Aren't you coming?" I ask.

"Isn't it bad manners for a guy to go inside while a girl's family isn't home?" he asks sarcastically.

"That didn't stop you this morning," I state as I climb back up the stairs and grab his hand.

"This morning was different, I had to apologize, now I have no reason to be here," he teases.

"No reason? What am I?" I huff.

"Chill out, I'm only kidding," he chuckles as we walk hand in hand down the steps and into the main building that housed the kitchen.

"What do you want to do?" I ask.

"Whatever, doesn't matter to me."

"We did what I wanted all day! Now it's your turn to pick an activity."

"Today is your day, we do whatever you want."

"Okay, fine. But next time we hang out, it will be all about you," I state.