use me - a study in submission

chapter 2, spark

I lay in bed, tears running down my face, and I'm just thinking to myself about how fucked up this family is because of him.

I feel my phone vibrate next to me and I pick up, not even bothering to see who's calling.

"Hello?" I say.

"Hey, are you okay?" He says.

I realize it's Josh and  I sit up and quickly wipe away my tears. "Um, yeah. Just some family issues."

"Yeah. I saw you talking to your dad outside the restaurant. That's so horrible, I'm sorry."

"It's okay. I'm not gonna let it ruin my night." I say with a small laugh to reassure him.

"That's good, don't let him get to you."

"I won't. And I definitely won't let it ruin tonight for me. I'll still be there."

"Awesome, can you meet me by the bus in 30?" He asks.

"Of course! I'll get ready and be right over."

"Okay. See you soon Valerie."

"You too Josh."

I hang up the phone and my mood has skyrocketed up. I'm excited.

I browse through my closet for an outfit before I decide on black jeans, a red and white striped t-shirt, and white converse.

I grab my things and leave my house, my emotions definitely not as bitter as I was a few minutes ago.

As I'm driving, I'm thinking about how meeting him could be the start of a new life.

I know, we've literally known each other for less than a day but, who knows?

I soon arrive at the college and being walking over to the bus.

I see him and his friends from earlier standing up against the bus.

I walk over to Josh and lean up against the bus.  He's going on in conversation and doesn't even notice I'm there.

"Yeah, that's so interesting Josh, tell me more." I say sarcastically.

He turns around and flashes his beautiful smile at me. I can't help but blush and smile back.

"Ha ha, very funny." He says back.

"I'm hilarious Josh." I say before he pulls me in for a hug.

"How are you feeling?" He asks as he pulls away.

"A lot better."

"That's good, I'm glad."

He smiles at me again. God, he's so good looking.

I zone out while looking at him. I study his facial features, his hair, his mannerisms.

He's quite possibly the most perfect man I have seen.

I shake myself out of my daze when I realize they're all looking at me.

"You coming Valerie?" Josh says.

"Oh, ye-yeah. Sorry." I say as I walk behind him.

______________

The show was amazing. The lights, the effects, the music. Everything.

He's an amazing drummer and his friend, Tyler, has an amazing voice.

They really are an amazing group and I see them going far.

As we're walking back to the bus, I look at my phone and realize it's 1:30am. I'm not too far from home so I'm not that worried.

"Hey Josh, can I talk to you alone for a second?"

"Yeah. What's up?" He says followed by that amazing smile.

"I had a really great time tonight, you guys were amazing. I'm really glad I cam
here tonight."

"I'm really glad you came too."

"How much longer are you gonna be in town for?" I ask.

"We have another show tomorrow night at a different venue and then we'll be in town for 3 more days."

I get sad at the thought of him only being here for 4 more days. I know I've only known him for a day but... He's already given me so much happiness.

"Well, we'll have to do something while you're still here."

"Of course we will. You have my number, I have yours. We'll plan something in the morning."

"Okay. Thank you for everything. I appreciate it so much."

"No need to thank me." He says, smiling.

I smile. "Well, I should probably get home. It's getting pretty late."

"Alright. Drive safe. Please let me know when you make it home." He says.

"I will."

As he begins to walk away, my brain tells me to call him back.

"Wait Josh! One more thing." I say.

He turns back and I stand up on my toes to plant a kiss on his cheek.

"Goodnight." I say.

He blushes and smiles as I walk away, feeling confident.

I can't believe I just did that. I took a chance for once and I feel good about it.

I felt a small spark between us. I feel like this is the beginning of something. Or at least I hope so.