The Ember In The Dark novel Chapter 33

1st-3rd period flew by and Toni was now walking me hand in hand to 4th period. I remembered Ash's warning from last night. Can't be alone with Josh today. I don't want whatever is going to ruin our friendship to happen if I can avoid it. Now I just have to avoid Dex and Josh. My joy for art is being stolen by these two today.

"I'll meet you outside for lunch. You got this. Don't stress. I'll be here no matter what happens." He squeezed my hand before letting me go. He was telling me that even if Dex managed to do something to me he would still be here with me. He wouldn't leave me for it.

I reluctantly went inside the room. Josh and Dex were already at their stations. Both their eyes flew to me the moment I entered. They both took in the jacket I was wearing.

"I told you she had a guy." Dex smiled at Josh.

"Whatever." Josh muttered.

'I thought she was different. Such a cliche.' Josh's thoughts shot me like an arrow. What's his problem?

"Hey." I greeted him as I grabbed my art supplies.

"Seems you're all better." Josh said, not taking his eyes off the canvas.

"Yup doctor for a mom, remember?" I was being friendly, but I was still kind of annoyed at his thoughts.

"That's cool." He sounded annoyed. What the fuck is up his ass?

"What are you wearing today, Ember?" Dex's voice popped into the conversation. I made sure not to meet his eyes.

"My boyfriend's jacket. You know the one that punched you for trying to kiss me." I sassed as my paint brush touched the canvas.

"Toni punched you?" Josh laughed. I could see Dex shrug his shoulders from the corner of my eye. "You're an idiot." Josh shook his head.

"I agree with that." I added.

"I thought you were going to make Toni work for it. I didn't realize a week was long enough." Josh is really annoying me today.

"Okay." I snapped, slamming my brush down and turning to face. "What the fuck has crawled up your ass and died?" Josh seemed taken aback by my forwardness.

"Nothing, just thought you were different." He looked back at his canvas.

"Different than what?" I was getting irritated fast.

"Than most of the girls here, falling over the guys with the lettermen jackets." He rolled his eyes.

"You're joking right? You're not that fucking dense." I grabbed his arm, turning him to me. "I'm not with Toni because he plays sports. Here I thought you were different too. You're just like all the other guys here."

Seems I didn't have to be alone with Josh for him to ruin our friendship, just needed to be near him.

"The fuck I am." Oh it seems my comment made him mad.

"Tell me that you're not just after sex. That you're not just mad that I'm with someone who isn't you. I honestly thought you wanted to be my friend, but you've had ulterior motives the whole time. You're just like all the boys I've met." I huffed turning back to my canvas.

Josh stayed quiet for a moment. Registering my words.

"Yeah, okay. I'm mad you're with Toni instead of me. That doesn't make me like all the other guys." He pouted.