Torn

15.

     "I'll be fine Josh, really.  I'm a big girl now.  I can walk home by myself."  I smiled in spite of myself.  I found Josh's over protectiveness cute.

     Josh rolled his eyes at my sarcasm.

     It had been seven months since my last encounter with Darry.  It was as if he just fell off the face of the earth.  Which was fine by me.  I had not seen or heard from him since.  When I got back to my apartment, all of his things were gone.  There was not one trace of him left behind.  Well, nothing except the stain left on the floor from the lava lamp.  That, I never was able to get rid of.

     Things with Josh had moved forward quickly.  We were seeing each other exclusively.  We though about giving it time, but so much time had already been wasted.

     Josh stepped closer to me.  His blue eyes were filled with concern.  "You know I don't like the idea of you walking home at night all by yourself."  He put his forehead against mine.  "I will just get my keys..."

     I cut him off.  "No.  You have the guys coming over to practice."  

     Bennie forced her way out the door and onto the porch.  Her nose butted up against my leg, a sign that she was rather unhappy with her lack of attention.  I giggled and crouched down.  "That's right, you tell him Bennie.  You tell Daddy that he needs to stay home and get some work done."  She licked my face happily, clearly pleased with the attention.

     Josh sighed.  He knew that there was no use in arguing with me, because I always won.  I was stubborn, and that was putting it mildly.  "Fine.  But text me when you get home okay?"  He pulled me to my feet and kissed me deeply.  His arms wrapped around my waist and held me tight.  "I love you."  He breathed into my hair.

     I could feel myself smiling.  "I promise.  I love you too."

     He kissed me again, fiercer than before.

     "God, get a room!"  Matt's voice broke the quiet.

     I pulled back and laughed.  "Nice to see you too, Matt."

     Matt Webb was the lead guitarist and backing vocalist for Marianas Trench.  He had been one of the first band members.  He knew Josh from before the band was even formed.  The met in high school.  

     "Hey Mila, just getting here or heading out?"

     "Heading out.  You guy have a good practice.  And don't go too easy on this one."  I gestured to Josh and winked.  

     "I never do."  Matt said with a laugh.

     Josh pretended to look offended.  "Yeah, yeah.  You just learn how to play your fucking part."

     Matt laughed once again.  "Please!  I have raw talent baby."

     I giggled.  "Well, on that note, I am outta here."

     Josh grabbed me by the wrist and pulled me back.  "As soon as you get home."  He kissed my hair.

     "As soon as I get home."  

     "GET A ROOM!"  Matt yelled as he went through the door into the house.  Bennie happily trailing behind him.

     I stepped off the porch and waved goodbye.  I watched as Josh retreated back inside the house.  I started my brisk walk home.  It took me about half an hour.  It wasn't too long.  I enjoyed the walk.  There was still a chill to the May air.  It was dark out.  Like really, really dark out.  There was no moon and the stars seemed to have all but disappeared behind the clouds.  A few of the street lights appeared to be blown out, adding to the impenetrable darkness.  But, I had done this walk so many times that I could probably do it in my sleep.