Fight With Me

Chapter 5

⸻

Josie POV

All of a sudden, this new kid shows up, and Hope is all about him? It was getting annoying watching them together, laughing like I didn't exist. I couldn't take it anymore.

"Can you guys be quiet back there? I can't even think straight," I snapped.

"We're so sorry! We just haven't seen each other in a while, and, to be honest, I did miss him," Hope said, a teasing smile on her face, clearly hoping to get a reaction out of me.

"Can y'all miss each other in silence, please?" I shot back.

"Shut up, both of you," Dad said, his annoyance palpable. I rolled my eyes. Who did Hope think she was, bringing this new guy around and acting all... playful with him?

⸻

Hope POV

Watching Josie's reactions was honestly hilarious. I could tell she was getting frustrated, but that just made me want to tease her more.

"Shut up, both of you," Dr. Saltzman said, secretly fist-bumping Landon behind our backs.

"Okay, what are we gonna do in the meantime?" he asked.

"We could go to the fair that's here. I've never been to one personally. Maybe I'll see a girl and that'll be our dream date," Josie said, adding a little too much extra information.

"Correction: we've never been to one," I muttered under my breath.

"Uhhh, well, that sounds like a great idea! Let's go!" Dr. Saltzman exclaimed.

I glanced at Josie during the ride. She seemed down, and a twinge of guilt washed over me. What could be going through her mind right now?

⸻

At the Fair

The fairgrounds were bustling when we arrived around five. The sun was still shining brightly, painting everything in warm spring light. Josie ran off alone while Dad checked out a rock band nearby. Landon and I started playing some games.

⸻

Josie POV

As I wandered around, looking for something interesting, a guy bumped into me.

"Sorry, m'lady! Forgive me; I did not see you there. My mistake," he said with a charming grin.

"No, no! It's okay, don't worry about it. My fault," I replied, smiling awkwardly.

"No, come on! Let me accompany you on one of these rides as a gesture of apology. Please?"

"Well, why not?" I said, unsure but intrigued.

He led me to a spinning ride, and we sat next to each other. Apparently, personal space didn't exist at fairs.

"If you're scared, just hold onto me. I got you," he said, trying to comfort me.

"Okay, thank you," I replied, wrapping my hand around his arm.

Soon, the ride began spinning. My head felt like it was in a whirlwind, and I thought I might hurl.

"Are you alright?!" he shouted over the noise.

I nodded, but my stomach was churning, and he went back to enjoying himself. Me? Not so much.

⸻

Hope POV

I was at a game with Landon, but my thoughts kept drifting to Josie.