Finding Paramore

Chapter Eight: Substances

Hayley

I don't show up to the first period, I just take the time off instead to regroup. I don't know what triggered me to say that, but obviously it made Taylor uncomfortable to a high extent. Something is going on with him that I don't know about, and it's not good at all. I can feel it in me at this point, but I can't get into his business, that isn't right. I can't say I don't want to know what the problem is, though.

As soon as the bell rings, I head to my locker, just to see Josh waiting for me there. "What happened? Are you okay?" he asks me in a panicked voice and wide eyes, holding the books I left in class.

"I'm fine," I respond quietly, opening the locker when Josh steps aside, handing me the books. "Thanks,"

"No, you're not. I'm your best friend, you can't fool me," he responds carefully. I look up at him with hurting eyes, and he pulls me into a short hug as people look at us funny. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"A little," I respond shutting the locker without gathering the materials I need for the next class of the day. He nods and takes my hand in his, leading me down the hall into a classroom no one ever uses, shutting the door quietly. "He's just too nice. It's impossible to say anything, but I feel this...this vibe from him. I think something is wrong in his life, like something bad happened. You can see it in his eyes, Josh..." I explain while sitting on an old desk.

"He was nice about what happened the other day, right?" he asks me concerned, sitting an another old desk next to mine.

"Yeah, really nice," I reply slowly, eyes low.

"You're right though, that is odd. Something could be really wrong, but I don't want to get in his business," Josh tells me calmly, legs swinging back and forth. I nod a yes and stay silent for a moment. "By the way, I think Mrs. Johnson found out about...you. During class she didn't even care you weren't there, instead she extended the project until right after Winter break,"

"At least I've have a bit more time to sort things out with Taylor. I'll need every second, because I've made a pretty big mess," I respond with a tired voice. I'm bored of talking, I just want to hear for a while. If I do listen though, I'm scared of what I may hear.

"You may think you did, but you didn't. Trust me, I've seen worse," he says, wearing a sympathetic look for me as I sigh and look to the boring tiles. I look up at Josh and give him a small smile, but that's it. I don't have the energy for anything else.

"I hope your telling me the truth," I say with a small smile and a hint of sarcasm in my voice.

"I am! Oh, and Jeremy wanted to throw a huge party tomorrow night, so it's at his house since his parents are away. He made me promise to go and take you with me," Josh mentions awkwardly.

"Another party? It's not even October and I swear that guy has been to at least five," I reply, not looking forward to large crowds and drunk kids.

"I know, but I promised," he tells me with a pouty lip and begging eyes. I have to say yes to those eyes, it's an unspoken law of emotions.

"Okay, I'll go. What else does a girl like me have to do on a Friday night?" I ask sarcastically jumping off of the desk, as does Josh.

"Watch movies while overeating," Josh responds as we head to the door. I giggle as his soft lips press against my cheek, and I blush a bit at his actions. Sure I'm being forced into my second party of the year, but I'll be with Josh. Surely I'm safe with Josh.

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I'm wearing tight, white skinny jeans tonight, with a black, see through lace blouse ; and a white camousle under it. My hair is doing it's own thing tonight, expresses my half fancy, half causal image. My make up is black like it usually is, but it isn't overdone like most girls I know. I think the most colorful thing I'm wearing are my red Doc Martens; apart from my dirty orange hair.