As Yvette approached, the strong smell of alcohol hit her nose. She frowned immediately, "How much has he had?"
"Eh..." Yosef hadn't expected to see her here and chuckled awkwardly, "Yvette, you're here."
She nodded, "When I arrived, the cleaning lady was just leaving. Can you help him to the sofa?"
Yosef hesitated for a moment. "Shouldn't I take him upstairs?"
Yvette pointed to her legs and then at Josiah. "He's this drunk. If he needs help later, I can't get up. Just put him on the sofa."
"You plan to stay here with him?" Yosef was surprised.
"Yeah." Yvette nodded. "If he throws up or needs water, someone needs to be here."
"Alright then..." Yosef agreed after a small pause.
With a mix of dragging and lifting, they got Josiah settled on the sofa. Luckily, it was big enough for him to stretch out comfortably for the night. Looking at Josiah who was completely passed out and then back at Yvette, he said, "I'll head out then."
"Thanks for running over. I really appreciate it."
"You're welcome," Yosef replied, his mind buzzing with thoughts as he left. It felt a bit strange to leave a guy and a girl alone together like this.
But considering Josiah was out cold and Yvette was unable to move freely... nothing could happen.
Back inside, Yvette went to grab a blanket to cover Josiah, but just as she was about to lay it on him, he suddenly shot up, wide awake.
"Josiah?"
Ignoring her, he stumbled straight into the bathroom. Yvette frowned as she heard him start to retch, followed by the sound of the toilet flushing.
After a moment, he reemerged, unsteady on his feet. He flopped back onto the sofa, completely oblivious to her presence.
With a sigh of resignation, Yvette wheeled herself over and gently draped the blanket over him.
Afterward, she pushed the wheelchair to the bathroom, soaked a warm towel, and leaned in to gently wipe his face. Once she finished his face, she moved on to his hands,
Holding his arm softly, she murmured, "I know you're in pain. I'll be right here with you."
Suddenly, Josiah tightened his grip and held her hand.
"Josiah?" Yvette was taken aback, her cheeks flushing. "Are you awake?"
Clearly, he wasn't. Josiah was still half-conscious, mumbling, "Sienna, Sienna..."
Yvette yanked her hand back as if shocked, her expression turning icy.
"Sienna, Sienna... Is she really that special to you? Can't you let her go?"
*****
After a hangover, Josiah finally woke up, still feeling a bit woozy. Outside, the sun had fully risen, and a delicious aroma filled the air.
As he sat up, Yvette wheeled over to him. "You're awake?"
"Yvette?" Josiah rubbed his temples. "What are you doing here?"
"I'm not just here; I made you some food."
She smiled but didn't elaborate, pushing him gently, "You smell like booze. Go wash up and come eat."
"Okay." Josiah replied, feeling the discomfort of his hangover, and he got up to head to the bathroom.
Once he finished taking a shower and headed to the dining room, the table was already set.
"Have a try." Yvette ladled some soup into a bowl for him. "You just woke up, and after a hangover, you should start with some soup to ease your stomach."
"Ok," Josiah replied, taking a seat as he pulled out the chair.
Yvette explained, "I came by last night. The maid let me in. I saw you stumbling home from your drinks, so I just stayed to make sure you were okay. I cooked all this early this morning."
Josiah accepted the bowl, feeling a vague recollection of the night before.
"Oh, and by the way." Yvette continued, "I forgot to tell you, I moved in next door. Now we're neighbors."
What? Josiah froze mid-sip. She was the new neighbor?
He frowned, "Why?"
"Why? Well..." Yvette laughed lightly, "It's obviously to keep you company."
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