candyapple {book 1}

CHAPTER TEN

September 29th, 2016

Dear Diary,

My alarm just went off. I don't even know if anyone is awake yet. I need to shower. I don't want to disturb anyone... Should I just go and see? Or do I wait until I know for sure that Josh is awake? But then I might not have time to shower... Maybe I'll just text him? That's weird, though. He's literally across the hall. God, it's too early to be panicking.

I groaned as I shut my diary. I had no clue what to do. My gut didn't even know. Of all things that should know, it's the gut, right? What happens when your own gut is running around in circles screaming with everything else? Nothing, I guess, because eventually your brain just says "eff it" and makes you do the thing regardless. That's what happened here. My brain finally said, 'hey let's calm down and quietly open our door to see if anyone is awake!'

That was when I noticed the light coming in from under the closed door. I mentally face-palmed. How did I not notice that?

I opened the door to see Josh's door also open. I quietly crossed the hallway and peeked into the room across from mine. Josh was sitting on his bed, staring at the wall.

"Earth to Josh," I giggled from the doorway.

Josh jumped a bit as his head turned to me.

"Oh, hi. Good morning," he stuttered, clearly startled by my presence.

"I need to shower. How do I go about doing that?" I laughed, pointing my thumb toward the bathroom where I assumed I'd be showering.

Josh shook his head with a slight chuckle before standing up. I followed his lead as he walked to the linen closet. He pulled out a towel and wash-cloth and took me to the bathroom.

The boy then taught me how to use the shower and what to do after I was done. I nodded, thanking him before allowing him to leave.

Once I had finished showering, I wrapped myself in the towel and went back to my room to choose my clothes for the day.

I quickly picked out a pair of light-washed jeans and a comfortable black t-shirt with a little planet embroidered into the chest.

A knock at the door caught my attention. I opened the door to find Josh with his bright smile.

"Shower worked okay?" he asked, leaning against the doorframe.

"Oh, yes, it was wonderful," I giggled, which earned me a laugh in return.

I stepped out of the way to let Josh into my room. His eyebrows furrowed slightly as he scanned the area.

"Where's Peanut?" he questioned.

I, too, scanned my room in search of the small tabby cat. When I couldn't find her, I looked at Josh with confusion on my face.

"I have no clue..." I nervously laughed, hoping Josh would miraculously have an answer.

Before either of us could do or say anything else, Jacob's voice came from the doorway. Both Josh and I turned around to see Jacob, holding Peanut in his arms.

"I like this cat," he said before continuing along toward the dining room.

"Did... did Jacob just steal my cat?"

Josh burst out in laughter, as did I.

"I guess Peanut is a family cat now," Josh sputtered through laughter. I nodded, words unable to form through my vigorous laughter.

We calmed down quickly, and I then began applying makeup.

Josh sat down on my bed, watching me, absolutely mesmerized. Every so often he'd ask a question, like, "Wait, what is that?" or "How did you do that?"