Introverted Hearts // Josh Dun

chapter twenty four :: blame

"It doesn't matter," Josh argued. "She still did."

"It does matter," CJ told him. "I just want to put this all behind me."

"I'm sorry, baby," Josh shook his head. "I don't wanna argue with you on it because I couldn't never even begin to understand how this feels."

"Thank you for acknowledging that." CJ said quietly.

"But CJ," Josh sighed. "I think she's making you worse."

"Josh." CJ scolded him.

"Not on purpose. Just hear me out," Josh started. "Whenever I visit, you're so on edge. You never wanna leave your room. You're just a little more quiet, and it's enough for me to tell that something is wrong."

CJ was silent.

"You're always thinking or even talking about what happened," Josh pointed out. "I feel like it's taking over your life, and Jenna is a major component in that."

"Because it happened." CJ replied, annoyance rising in her voice.

"I'm not saying it didn't," Josh shot back, being careful with his words. "Because it definitely did. You said you wanna move on with it, and living with her isn't helping you move on."

"What am I supposed to do?" CJ replied quietly, realization setting.

"I was thinking that maybe you could come back here." Josh suggested.

"I don't like going back and forth for my stuff." CJ shook her head.

"CJ," Josh said. "I mean, move in with me."

"No," CJ shook her head at the request, unsure if it was out of pity or if he just really wanted her around. "I-I can't do that. I would have to leave Jenna alone."

"Just think about it, baby," Josh told her. "I just want you to be okay."

***

"Hey, babe," Josh answered his phone. "What's up?"

"It's your day off, right?" CJ asked.

"Yeah," Josh replied. "I'm just leaving my mom's house."

"Oh," CJ said. "So you're busy?"

"Not really," Josh shook his head. "Why?"

"I wanted to know if you wanted to spend the rest of the day together," CJ hinted. "Maybe bring some boxes over?"

"Boxes?" Josh asked.

"Yeah," CJ nodded. "We can start packing my stuff up."

"CJ!" Josh exclaimed at her decision to move in with him. "Of course. I'll be there soon. I'll pick the boxes up."

"Great." CJ smiled.

"Jenna?" CJ knocked on her door, then opened it up just enough to see her. "Can we talk?"

"Yeah." Jenna nodded, her face almost lighting up at the thought of CJ wanting to talk to her.

"Um.." CJ looked down at her bed, but decided not to sit down. "I'm moving out."

Jenna looked up at her and laughed. "No you're not."

"Yes I am," CJ nodded. "I'm moving out. As soon as possible."

"So you, CJ, are moving out and living alone?"

"No," CJ shook her head. "I'm moving in with Josh."

"What?" Jenna stared in disbelief. "You can't."

"Yes I can."

"How are you gonna.. survive?" Jenna asked. "I need to be there to help you when you-"