The Pastor's Son

Blushing and Home Early

Isaiah's day goes by slow, but it's not too bad with Jayden by his side. Even if some of his peers' words hurt, he holds it in. Jayden is the only highlight of this day. 

As he goes outside to wait for his younger sister he dreams of jumping into his bed as soon as he gets home. He's not aware of what awaits him. Jayden notices Isaiah sitting alone and jogs over to sit by him while he waits for his sister.

"Hey Isaiah," Jayden grins. Isaiah flushes, trying not to show it.

"Hey," Isaiah smiles softly, back. 

Jayden drops down and takes a seat on the green grass. "How are you doing?"

Isaiah shrugs, "As good as you can be when you've had a day like me."

"Yeah. I'm sorry," Jayden replies.

Isaiah looks surprised, "Why? You didn't do anything. You've actually helped."

"Well, I'm just sorry that you had a day like this."

Isaiah laughs. His laughter is like music to Jayden's ears. "That's sweet."

Jayden's eyes light up, "Really?"

"Yeah. Most guys don't say stuff like that. Especially to a guy who's put them through a lot," Isaiah mumbles. Jayden grabs his hand to comfort him.

Isaiah looks at Jayden at the sudden warmth of Jayden's hand intertwined with his. "I don't mind," Jayden says. 

They sit there, holding hands, both feeling nervous and excited. Both of them like being this close to one another. Even though many people are frowning at them. 

Joanna accidentally interrupts the moment, "Isaiah. I'm so sorry about this morning! I-" She notices them holding hands. They both let go, suddenly. Her drawing attention to it makes both of their faces heat up. She smirks.

"Well, sorry Jayden. But I've got to take my brother home," Joanna and Jayden make eye contact and Jayden looks away, knowing what she's hinting at. Isaiah looks like a tomato at this point. "Come on, Isaiah. We'll find another way to keep your hand warm. Jayden, hopefully, you've got a glove."

On the way to the car, Joanna tells her brother, "I'm sorry about today. I really didn't mean-"

He chuckles, "I'm not mad. It's okay," He forgives her and for a moment, they're both silent. 

However, she starts teasing Isaiah as they get near his car. When they get inside she asks the big question. "So...are you and Jayden official?" 

Isaiah scoffs, "No! He's just been comforting me today."

He starts driving as she continues talking. "So you didn't enjoy holding his hand?"

Isaiah's face is bright red. "If you keep mentioning it, I'll be red by the time mom and dad get home."

Joanna laughs, "Okay, okay. I'll stop. All I'm saying is that this is progress. I'm pretty dang sure that he likes you, too."

Isaiah starts to respond, "No, no. I'm telling you. There is absolutely no way that a guy like Jayden likes me."

Joanna rolls her eyes, "Say no all you want. But he was bright red when I called you two out. No guy comforts and protects another guy, especially in a situation like this, as much as Jayden protects you. I'm telling you, he likes you." 

Isaiah sighs, "I wish."

"Stop wishing for something that's already happened! It's a waste of time. Give him time. In a couple of days, he'll be telling you that he loves you. I'm sure of it."

"Joanna, I love you. But, there have been several times, and I mean several, where you are sure of something and it doesn't happen. Like that time when you had a crush on that guy, Austin in 6th grade? You said that you were sure that he'd ask you out. Did he?" Isaiah teases her.

Joanna sticks her tongue out at her older brother. "Oh, whatever! That was one time! One time! And Austin and I weren't meant for each other anyway. I think he had a crush on Amy or something," She pauses, mumbling, "That hoe," She then continues without explaining. "But nonetheless, you and Jayden are meant for each other!" 

Isaiah laughs, "I'm a hopeless romantic. You know that."

"And that'll change! I have never seen any two people so in love. It's so adorable how you two look at each other. You may not see the way that Jayden looks at you, but everyone else does!" Joanna points out. She isn't wrong. Leah, Noah, Sam, and so many students at the school have noticed it. It's pretty obvious, even if Isaiah doesn't realize. 

"I-" Isaiah stops as they pull up to the house and he opens the driveway using the remote in his car. Two cars are in there. "Mom and dad are home. How come?" Isaiah looks at Joanna, curious. She shrugs having no idea. He parks the car in the driveway and they climb out.

The siblings walk toward the front door and look at each other. Isaiah nervously turns the doorknob. 

When he opens the door and walks inside, two faces greet him. His mom looks nervous and his dad looks furious. 

Matthew stands up, gritting his teeth together into a forced smile. He looks at Isaiah, with malicious eyes. "Welcome home, Isaiah and Joanna. Why don't you both take a seat?"