Truth Water: Chapter 2 (Part One- re-edited)

Chapter 2

I naturally walked into the school library and slid my overdue books into the book-return shoot. I searched the big library to see if Josh was there, but I could not find him anywhere. I sulked and trudged to the back of the room to look for a new book series that I would be interested in enough to read.

“Psst!” I spun around, trying to find the source of disturbance in the otherwise quiet library. When I couldn’t find it, I assumed I was going crazy, shrugged it off, and went back to book searching. When I heard it again, I made a mental note to ask my parents to take me to a psychologist after school. After I heard it a third time, I thought what the heck and walked towards where it was coming from.

Out of nowhere, I saw Josh peek out around the corner of one of the bookcases. I screamed and threw my arms in mid air, dropping a few books that I picked out and my hall pass that I had to write and sign myself. Why I bothered to write one in the first place, I had no idea. But it kind of proved that I had at least some dignity left.

He grabbed my arm lightly and pulled me until we reached the door of the janitor’s closet. Josh single-handedly picked the lock and pushed the door open. He then pulled both of us inside and locked it again. I blinked, trying to get my eyes to adjust to the sudden darkness. I felt around the air, trying to find the string that turns the only light on. When I finally found it, I grabbed the string. I felt someone else’s hand on top of mine as soon as I pulled it. I looked away from the light and at the hand on top of mine. I followed it until I reached the face.

Josh’s hand.

I blinked. He blinked. After a minute, he finally pulled his hand away and so did I. Out of nowhere, I started laughing for no apparent reason, but Josh joined in, anyways. After the laugh fest was over, we went back to our usually calm selves.

“So anyways, I have to tell you something.” He finally said.

“Ok. Go on.” I leaned against the stone wall.

Josh sat on the floor, so I slid down the wall until my butt hit the cold ground.

“Well, I’m really not supposed to tell you.”

My hopes were brought that he wanted to tell me that he liked me for some odd reason in which I don’t know, so I ended up blurting, “I like you too, Josh, you don’t have to hide it anymore!” I gasped and put my hand over my mouth, blushing.

“That wasn’t what I was going to say, but that’s cool. At least someone has a crush on me. And we just met, too…” He muttered the last sentence playfully.

I gasped again, “No, no, no, no, no! That’s not what I meant!” I jumped up from my sitting position and made a squatting formation, putting my hands in front of me, palms facing Josh.

“Then, what did you mean, Alicia?” He was standing now, leaning against the hard rock wall, hands in his pockets. There was an amused smile plastered on his face as he questioned this.

“Well, uh, I like you as a, uh, friend, you know?” I hesitated a little, trying to find the right things to say.

“Oh, ok.” He sulked a bit, “No body likes me.”

“No, wait, uh-“

Josh started laughing, “Just kidding. I don’t really care.”

I fake laughed.

“So continuing,” Josh started again, “Since I already spilled a couple of beans about not being able to tell you, I should tell you now-“

All of a sudden, we heard the bell ring. I reached over, unlocked the door, and was about to open it when Josh grabbed my arm and pulled me over towards him. He forced me to sit back down, by dragging me down with him.

“Hey, what gives?” I shot a thought-to-be-fierce glance at him. He winced, but I’m pretty sure he was just trying to go along with it.

“We don’t have to leave yet.”

“Yeah, we do, I don’t want to be late for class.”

“Not like they notice.” Josh quickly threw his hand on his mouth, as if regretting that he ever said that. I was confused. Especially if he knew that the other kids ignore me.

“How did you know that they ignore me?” I tilted my head, yanking my arm out of his grip.

It took him a second to come up with something, “I did my research. I’m always in class before you in last period. I see how they stare at you when you walk in.”

“But they don’t stare at me…” At least not in seventh period.

“Exactly my point. The same goes for me.”

“So you don’t have friends either?” I didn’t know how people couldn’t see him in class when the girls hit on him all the time in the hallway.

“Well, it’s complicated. I don’t have friends, but people talk to me.”

“Then how come you don’t have friends?” I asked, even more confused.

“Because for some reason, I can’t trust anyone.”

“And why is that?”

“Do you not see their eyes?!” He exclaimed, throwing his arms out to the side of him,
“They’re all black and beady, and unfriendly.
And untrusting. Plus you’re my friend. I explained last night.”

“True beans.”

“What the heck?”

“I don’t know.”

After I heard the late bell ring, I got up and opened the door before Josh could do anything. I casually walked out, picked up my stuff that I had before, and started towards the exit. Before I could leave, Josh grabbed my right shoulder and turned me around. After that, he pulled me into a meaningful hug. He felt like a big brother that I never had. Well of course, seeing that I’m an only child. But it really did feel like he was my brother. I felt safe around him. A connection. Like he was my best friend. And I’m thankful that he told me he felt the same way last night. Actually, recalling that night, he’s the one who brought it up.

But I do feel oddly close to him. Maybe more than a friend? Crazy, right? I think I should still go see a psychologist. After the hug was over, he looked at me once and smiled. He was like a gentle giant. Well, he looked like he weighed about 130 pounds of muscle with little flab, and was about 5’11” to 6’1”. He was wiry, for sure though. I only weigh 100 ½ pounds and am 5’7”.

Anyways, he quickly said bye as a class of sixth graders came single file into the library behind Mr. Doder. They stared at us with large, questioning eyes, as if I wasn’t supposed to be there at that moment. I watched Josh wave to me and leave. I stayed back until he disappeared out the glass double-doors and round the corner to his next class. I know to others his walk may be any ordinary walk. But to me, it’s magical. Almost life changing.

For some odd reason that only God knows.

*****************************

In last period the teacher gives us permission to sit wherever we want to on Fridays, and I happened to have Josh this period, so we sat together. Usually, Josh just stands in the corner, arms crossed in front of his chest, looking extra hot. Anyways, the teacher even gave us “Fun Friday” because it was the day before Spring Break started. We could text, talk, read, play games, go on the computers, and more. Miss Veutella even turned on her iPod. Since she was only twenty three (odd because she looks fifty three) she had all the newest songs on it, so it was fun. She played “Last Friday Night” by Katy Perry, through request of the class. I wanted to hear “Blow” by Ke$ha, but she didn’t hear me.

At the end of class, everyone hooted and hollered at the start of “SpringCation”. This is what Josh and I are calling it. We walked out into the parking lot that we cut across to get to the woods, laughing all the way. Once we were away from everybody in the woods, I stopped. Josh noticed that I did and stopped walking, too.

He turned around and looked at me, “Why are you stopping?”

“Why do we have to walk? I’m tired right now,” I said, going up to a tree with a low limb that I could sit on. I went ahead and took a seat, thanking Mother Nature.

“Well, I kind of want to get home,” Josh said, walking over to me, “I don’t want to see what happens out here after dark.”

“So? Relax, what are you so afraid of?”

“Nothing, I just-“

“Ok, since you’re not scared of anything, then why don’t you sit next to me?”

“I don’t mean it in that way-“

“Bok, bok!” I made chicken noises at him, pretending to flap my “wings”. “Josh is scared! Bok, bok!”

“Hey, stop it!” He frowned, crossing his arms and stomping his foot like a five-year-old. It made me stop the pretend chicken, so he relaxed a little. Then I started laughing so hard, I snorted, which made me laugh even harder and Josh start laughing really loud, too.

After the fifth billionth laugh fest of the day, I finally begged Josh to come over to the tree and sit next to me. He reluctantly walked over and hopped up onto it. He sighed and said,
“Well, this is awful boring.”

“Then go home.” I suggested, not meaning it.

“Ok, I will,” Josh started to stand up, but not on the ground- the tree, “Sometime after I climb this tree.”

“Hey,” I tried to get him to sit back down, but that didn’t work, “All I wanted was for you to sit next to me on the tree, not to climb it!”

“Well, I’m bored. You don’t expect me to just sit here, do you?”

I waited a second before I said it, but during that time, Josh was looking down at me, blinking as if I were stumped, “Yes!”

“Well that’s too bad,” Josh hoisted him self up onto the next branch that was above my head and back some. He walked it like it was a tightrope in a circus, just barely making it to the trunk. I held my breath the whole way. There was no stopping him now, so I just hoped to God that he didn’t fall to his own death.

Next, he grabbed two sturdy branches above him and wrapped his legs around the trunk of the tree and pushed himself up with his arms and legs. Then Josh let go of the trunk of the tree with his legs and swung them far enough back and sideways onto the next branch. The branches after that were lined up like a ladder, so he had no problem getting to the top of the oak. I had to get off the nature-made chair and walk back 10 feet before being able to see him swinging on the branches.

“Stop it, you’ll get yourself killed!” I yelled up.

“I’ll kill myself if you act like you’re my mother one more time!” He shouted back playfully.

“I’ll kill myself if you drop from those branches!”

“I’ll kill myself if-“ Josh was caught mid sentence when the branches he was swinging on started cracking. I screamed as if it would do anything to help, but obviously I was clueless. I ran under the tree with a plan to catch him, but I knew I would get crushed if I tried. When I heard the branches snap, I saw the branches come plummeting down towards me at record speed, but no Josh. I started to scream and heard Josh say to get out of the way, but it was too late. They both dropped on my head, and that was all I could remember before all I saw was black.

******************************

When I finally woke up, my head was throbbing in pain. I was in my room with Josh hovering above my head. I was startled at first, but was calmed down when I noticed it was just him. He looked relieved to see me alive, so he smiled. When I tried to smile back, it just made my head pain worse. All I could do was blink and stare.

“You doing ok?” Josh asked with a soft voice.

“Y-Yes,” I managed to say, “But my head hurts a lot.”

“I can tell. It’s all black and blue.” He managed to dodge my head when it came flying up. I started hyperventilating and Josh started laughing.

“It’s not funny; my head is black…” I started seeing stars.

“Yeah, it is funny, mostly because I was kidding.” He looked at me straight in the eyes, “I didn’t know that you would freak out like that.”

He slowly pulled me back down until I was lying down again. I looked around and took deep breaths. Soon enough, the stars were gone, “Where’s my mom?”

“That was random.”

“Where’s my mom?” I repeated.

“She is at a late night business meeting and won’t be back home until ten.” Josh explained.

It took me a moment to realize he did, so I replied saying, “Wait… How do you know this?”

He picked up a small piece of paper off of my desk and handed it to me, “She left a note.”

Duh. “OK.” I sighed and closed my eyes tightly while rubbing my temples with my forefingers.

“I have something to show you when you are fully healed.” Josh said after a few more minutes passed.

“What is it?” I asked, sitting up again, but slower.

“It’s a surprise. You’ll have to wait and see.”

“Aww, I hate surprises.” Total lie.

“Yeah what ever.” He rolled his eyes.

“Well, I’m going down stairs to make myself dinner.” I said as I started sliding off of my bed.

“No!” He yelled, “I mean, wait. I already made you some.” Josh smiled.

“Oh ok. Where is it?”

“Down stairs. I’ll go get it.” Josh raced down the stairs with light-footed steps. I heard nothing in the kitchen, though I usually hear my parents in it when they get their dinner. After a few minutes more, Josh returned with a plate full of sushi. He was also holding a second plate; I’m guessing for him. On each plate was an 8 roll spicy tuna order with plastic chop sticks that I never even knew my parents had.

I realized that I was still sitting on the edge of the bed when he came over and sat down next to me. He slowly handed me my plate and put the chop sticks in my hand. It was my favorite food… But how did he know?

“This is my favorite food,” I whispered.

“I know.”

“How?”

He tilted his neck back and let out a small laugh. Then I thought it would be best not to know. At least for now.

We ate in silence until both of our plates were empty.

“Ok. Thanks.” I said to him.

“No problem.”

“Wow. I’m really bored.”

“Me too.”

There was an awkward silence between us, so I suggested, “Why don’t we play a game?”

“Nah, I’m going to go home and sleep. I’m tired. Lots of tree climbing. A bit of scratches to heal.” Josh put his plate to the side and lifted up his palms and examined them. I saw a few minor scratches, but nothing serious. Lucky duck.

“Ok. Well, yeah I’m tired too.” I said as he picked up both of our plates and took them downstairs. When he came back, I was laying down underneath my covers. He came over to me and sat next to me on my bed. After a few more seconds of silence passed, we heard a car roll up the driveway, the headlights flooding my semi-dark room.

I cursed under my breath and said, “Ok, um… wait for her to get inside, then you can-“

Josh cut me off by laying a clean finger
lightly on my mouth. I was a little surprised.

“I know what to do.” He smiled and got up. Josh walked over to the window, looked back at me once more, and jumped out.

Weird.

****************************

The next day I woke up in a daze. I slowly got up and got ready for the day. I waltzed down the stairs and started for the kitchen. I noticed another note on the fridge, so I tore it off and read it:

Alicia,
Your father and I are going on a business trip
Across the state for the whole spring break.
Try not to do anything dangerous,
And don’t hang out with strangers. I mean it.
Love, Mom
P.S. Dad says not to kiss anyone, either.

To be honest, it wasn’t anything new. They are never home. Always on business trips. I used to sit home alone, sulking, watching reruns on television. But now I don’t care because I have Josh. Josh was the best thing that ever happened to me. He was not only my crush, but for some odd reason, my best friend. I crumpled up the note into a ball and tossed it into the trash can. I opened up the fridge and searched through stuff to eat. I don’t know where Josh got the ingredients for the sushi, but I wanted more.

When I couldn’t find anything but yogurt, I tore off the lid and started sucking the yogurt from the container. I shut the door and was about to turn around when Josh Vernone filled my view. I screamed and dropped the tub onto the floor and watched it leave a big glob of pink every where. I looked up at him and gave him the “stink eye”.

“Thanks, Josh.” I smirked, “You made me lose my breakfast.”

“Good, because I have to show you something.”

“Can I replace my breakfast there?”

“Yeah, sure.”

Good enough for me.

“Where are we going?”

“Well, after you get that mess all cleaned up,” Josh said as I got on my hands and knees. I wiped up the spoiled yogurt off of the floor with a few paper towels, “I’m going to show you your surprise.”

I stopped scrubbing and leaned back on my knees, “Really?”

He got on his knees with me and leaned forward to continue wiping up the mess, “Truly.”

After the mess was all gone, we washed our hands and exited my house through the back door, which led to the woods. Josh lightly grabbed my right arm and pulled me past all of the hanging moss and chipped trees to a clear opening on top of a hill. At first all I saw was land, but as we climbed our way to the top I noticed the reflection of water bouncing off of nearby trees. Then I realized that there was a pond. There was a whole bunch of old willow trees surrounding the body of water, but there was one that really stood out.

This one contained red and purple flowers weaved into the stems. They looked really delicate so I’m not positive how that was possible. No other willow tree I ever saw had flowers on it, so this was odd- at least to me. Josh continued leading me around the pond until we reached that tree. He examined my face for a few quick seconds before plucking a purple flower off of a willow branch. He then brushed the hair back off of my face and tucked the flower in between my hair and my ear.

“Purple’s my favorite color,” I mentioned.

“I know.”

“Huh?” This is getting to be very weird; he knows both my favorite food and color. I didn’t even tell him much about me yet, “How?”

“You’ll find out soon,” He promised, “I swear.”

And with that said, he pulled a white, silk piece of cloth out of his pocket. He went behind me and tied it in front of my eyes. I was a bit wary, but I let him do it anyways with out any interruptions. I heard a few branches rustle and felt Josh gently push me forward. Then I heard footsteps on hard floor. Josh took his hand off of me and untied the blindfold. I opened my eyes and blinked a little bit because it was very bright in here.

When my eyes adjusted, I soaked in my surroundings. There was a wooden desk that held a small, brown desk lamp with blue circles on the lamp shade. Under the desk was a wooden stool with a burnt orange pillow attached. A few feet to the left of it was a cot-like bed with forest green pillows and sheets. I looked across the room to see a few mahogany bookcases lined up like they would be in a library. In between the home library and bed there was a little room that held a kitchenette with oak counters and cabinets. By the doorway, there was a stereo, plasma T.V., and a leather couch. Finally, across the room, I saw a doorway to which I’m guessing is the bathroom.

Josh obviously kept his house clean because there were no stray clothes or dishes on the counter or anything like that. But when I looked around, I didn’t see a dresser or a closet. Maybe he kept a suitcase underneath his bed in case it floods? Also, outside I didn’t see a building behind the tree; just dirt.

“Is this the surprise?” I finally asked.

“Part of it.” He responded.

“Where do you get all of this stuff?” I marveled, partly ignoring him.

“I’ll tell you so. I swear.” Josh walked over to his high-tech stereo and popped in a CD. Seconds later after pushing a few buttons, Katy Perry blared through the speakers. My favorite artist- but of course Josh knew that.

“Surprised?” He asked.

“At this point, no.”

He walked over to the couch and sat down on it, so I did too.

“If you’re wondering how I know so much about you, it’s because of something important I inherited from my parents.” Josh explained.

“What was it that you inherited?” I tilted my head slightly to the right, contemplating about what it could be.

“That’s actually part of the other surprise.” He smiled softly.

“So, what’s the other surprise then?”

“I’m not quite ready to show you just yet,” He explained, “So how are you feeling?”

I totally forgot about what happened yesterday, “I feel fine now.”

“Surprise.” Josh smirked.

“Is that all?”

“No; that’s just a part of the other part of the surprise.”

“Oh.” I said after a few seconds of analyzing what he said, “When are you planning on showing me the rest of the surprise?”

“Probably sometime tomorrow.”

“Why don’t you show me today?”

“Because… I already showed you half of the surprise.”

“So?”

“Well, ok, this is only one-third of the surprise.”

“So what you’re telling me is that it’s going to take you three days to show me the whole package-deal?”

“Yeah, something like that.”

“Ok, then.” I sighed. When I heard my favorite song, “Firework” by Katy Perry came on, I jumped up and started dancing.

“Well that was random enough.”

“It’s my favorite song- but I bet you knew that.” I did my best to try to mimic him.

“Yup. You’re catching on.”

“It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure it out, Josh,” I momentarily stopped dancing and continued, “Would you like to dance with me?”

“Um, no thanks?” Josh said slowly. It was more of a question than a statement.

“Chicken.”

“We all know what happened the last time you said that.”

“Are there any trees? If there are, then I don’t see any.” I laid my hands on my hips.

“Yes. Outside.”

Oh yeah.

“But I’m not telling you to sit on a tree with me,” I begged, “Pleeeeeeease?”

“Nope.”

“Bok bok!”

“Hey, stop it.”

“Bok bok bok!”

“Ugh. You’re so annoying.”

“Yeah, and I have to live with it.” That got him laughing.

“Fine.” He finally gave in.

Josh slowly got off the couch with a sigh and started dancing with me. We danced for a good half hour before I got tired and fell onto the couch. Josh Vernone plopped down on the couch next to me and looked at me. I looked at him. He smiled and closed his eyes. I could tell he was tired, too. Before I knew it, I was in a deep sleep, once again dreaming about my day. And it had the same ending as the last dream:

I’m still not where I should be.