Josh's POV
-Later That Night-
My ears rang as the group and I exited the venue. It was nearly impossible for me to hear anything they were babbling about. Jenna and Tyler were walking hand-in-hand and I lowkey wished that was Aria and I.
I gazed up at the bright city lights that surrounded this place. We parked in a public car garage nearby so we didn't have to walk very far. The sights, sounds, and smells made my thoughts drift away into slight daydream. I cherished moments like these when I didn't have to worry about my problems and everyday struggles. I wanted more of this. I wanted more freedom and happiness like this. I needed it.
"Josh! Ohhh Joshuaa!" Aria sang from behind me. I hadn't realized how fast I was walking before I turned around and saw the group was at least 3 feet away. She skipped her way over and linked her elbow with mine. My stomach twisted in ways that only Aria's able to cause.
"Did you have fun?" She asked excitedly - probably still on a rush from the concert.
"Yeah, of course!" I croaked. My throat burned from all the lyrics I had screamed. I awkwardly cleared my throat to prevent the toad-sounding noise that just exited my lips.
"It sounds like it! It's always a good sign when you can barely speak after a concert." Aria said with a bright, genuine smile. That's what I loved - err... liked about her the most. She's always honest and genuine.
++
After reaching the car and beginning our route to Keara's house (to drop her off), Jenna came up with the idea of a sleepover at her place. From what Jenna told us in the car, her parents seem nice and chill - basically the opposite of my own parents.
I didn't even bother texting my parents because I knew their automatic answer would be 'no'. It's been their answer to everything since I was about 8. My parents were the kind of parents who would buy me a bunch of materialistic things but wouldn't show any affection whatsoever. They think they can buy my happiness but they're terribly wrong. I would give anything to just be shown love for once...
Aria's POV
Everyone had asked for their parents' approval to stay at Jenna's for the night and Josh seemed uncomfortable about it. I really wanted him to stay but I didn't want him getting in trouble with his parents. Sometimes, I wish I could pack him up and take him home and keep him away from all this shit the world throws at him but unfortunately, hiding him in my house is probably considered kidnap and I'd rather not go to jail.
"Are you sure you can't come along? I can have my parents call your parents and-" Jenna continued.
"Please!" Josh said suddenly. "Please stop. I'll be fine.." Josh's tone was quieter as we pulled up to the driveway of his house. His face was saddened and pale as he exited the car and slowly dragged himself to the front doorstep.
"I'll be right back," I hopped out of the car and ran over to the boy before he opened the door. Without thinking twice, I snatched him into a tight hug in an attempt to make him feel just a little bit better. The longer we hugged, the more he began to relax. I felt him crack a small smile as his head rested on my shoulder.
I reluctantly began to let go and a sigh slipped past his lips.
An idea struck me. "Let me see your phone," He looked at me quizzically but ended up handing his phone over anyway.
I quickly put in my number and gave his phone back.
"Call or text me if you need anything. Anything. I'm always here for you, Josh."
"I will," He agreed with a faint smile. I didn't want to keep the rest of the group waiting so I kissed Josh's cheek and we said our goodnights.
Josh's POV
I stuffed my phone into my jean pocket and prepared myself before walking into the lion's den. With a deep breath and a couple encouraging words to myself, I strode inside and made a mad dash toward my room.
"Joshua William Dun!"
Shit.
I dropped my phone on the bed and trudged down the steps. My dad stood there, ready to cuss me out. All I could do was wonder why.
"Why is this kitchen a mess?" He asked with a stern voice.
There were a couple dishes in the sink. A whole two dishes in the sink and somehow, the kitchen was now qualified as "messy".
"I-I don't know. I was at the concert."
"Well you shoulda checked the kitchen before you brought your punk ass upstairs to go cry in your room!"
Here we go.
"Alright, I'll remember that next time," I tried slipping past him to go wash the dishes but his giant hand grabbed hold of my arm.
"There won't be a next time, Joshua. You're under punishment and you can't go out until I say so. Letting you go to that stupid concert was a mistake... just like you are." He spat before letting go and pushing past me.
I've heard that statement so many times but it manages to hurts worse and worse every single time.
I'm a mistake.
Okay! I got the hint, I know I'm a mistake but do I really need to be reminded of it every day?
I thought about texting Aria but it was late at night and my problems weren't worth her time. I'm not worth her time.
I'm not worth anything...
