Joshua Greyson and Hailey Vaughn had always been infatuated with each other for as long as they can remember.
Joshie Pooh is Hailey's Prince Charming.
Hay Bug is Joshua's Cinderella.
The story should be as simple as a Happily Ever After, but realit...
"Joshie Pooh," Hailey's stream into my ear. I miss it. "I shouldn't have done that. I shouldn't have ignored you, so please, pick up." She inhales a deep breath. "I was...jealous."
My eyes widened at her proposal of jealousy, and I sat upward. Did she seriously say she was jealous?
"Because...I-" she inhales a deep breath. "No, I need to tell you something, Josh."
"Fuck!" I scream amid silence.
"I want to tell you this in person and not over the phone."
"No!" I continue to scream. "Say it over the phone. It's okay, Hailey! Just say it!"
"Please, come back soon." The voicemail ends.
I scream from the top of my lungs before my body drops back onto the lawn chair. "Why?" I whisper. "Why do people need to say it face to face? I'm okay with you telling me whatever it is you need to tell me over the phone."
I spent the next day accompanying mom and Juliette shopping.
I called Hailey, but it went straight to voicemail.
So, I called Crystal, who hung up on me. She was angry that I refused to tell her what happened. I want to tell her, but I don't want to say anything until everything is confirmed.
I called Ahmend, who was in the middle of having sex. Who the fuck picks up their phone while they are doing that? He said he missed me. Well, I certainly didn't miss him.
Tyson told me he hadn't seen Hailey for the last few days. Predictable since they aren't that close.
Mason told me he's been busy with Madison with school stuff.
I didn't know who else to call. Hailey's circle of friendship is very tiny.
I stared at that single name - Ricardo.
"Nope." I turn off the screen.
"Nope, for what?" Mom asks.
I smile, "Nothing important."
"Mrs.Greyson." The door opens to reveal Juliette in a new outfit. "This is too much." She scratches her arm while her body fidgets back and forth.
I read about Juliette last night. Yes, their background investigation is still going on.
She went to a regular elementary, middle, and high school. For most of her life, she was taken care of by her neighbors - whoever it was at the time - while Melanie toured the world with wealthy old men. She started working at twelve through various gigs such as babysitting, dog watching, tutoring, etc.
She got a full scholarship to NYU. Usually, she would be at school or work. Juliette works as a waitress and part-time tutor. Right now, she is on winter break.
But, she has a two-bedroom apartment in the city with five other girls. Yikes.
Overall, she doesn't seem like a bad person.
Mom smiles, and I help her stand up. That's my main job of the day. She made her way towards Juliette and fixed her collar. Her hand went towards Juliette's bruised cheek. "You're beautiful," mom said.
"You can repay your debt by helping Josh carry the baby bags."
Juliette's smile widens, and she nods. "Of course, Mrs.Greyson."
Several decades later, we finished shopping. I think my life span was cut by ten years. It was that brutal. I don't know how people can shop so often.
The maids came out to help us carry the bags. I gave it to them and cracked my back. I need to see a chiropractor.
"Joshua?" Juliette calls for me.
"Yeah?"
"Thank you."
"For what?"
"For not treating me badly," she said. "I'm really grateful."
I exhale, "Juliette." I scratch my head. I didn't know what to say to her. After all, she is someone I met a week ago.
"You don't have to worry," Juliette said. "I'm not here to demand any of Greyson's fortune. I just wanted to meet my biological father. That's all."
I exhale again. "Sorry for how dad has been treating you."
Dad isn't hot or cold towards Juliette. Most of the time, he just sat there and allowed mom to make all the decisions. I'm sure if mom wants to adopt, he won't even say a single word of protest. Unfortunately, I'm also certain that if mom wants to kick Juliette out. He also won't protest.
Juliette tucked a single strand of hair behind her ear. "It's okay. I didn't expect him to spread his arms and invite me into his life." She clasps her hands together. "But, most of all, I'm grateful to have met your mom."
"What?"
"You're really blessed to have her, Josh."
"Josh! Juliette! Come in soon. It's cold outside!" Mom screams.
"Okay!" I shouted in return.
Juliette smiles, "Because I would give anything for her to be my mom."
I know this unsettling feeling. Guilt.
I was a bit taller than Juliette even though she was much older than me. Even when she had years over me, it felt as if I was looking at a child. Someone who needs love. Not just any love. But, the love of a parent.
I pat her head, just like I did with Hailey whenever she gets sad. "Cheer up," I said. "It's almost Christmas. No one should be sad around this time of the year."
Juliette bit her lower lip until the wound opened up. The blood trickles into her mouth. "Thank you," she whispers. She hugs me. "Thank you so much, Joshua."
Steadily, I pat her back.
It was weird.
Definitely.
But, nonetheless, heartwarming.
"Josh?"
Oh, shit all over again.
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