I Am Not Uptight!

The House part 8

Josh didn't know what Daniel meant when he said “they would start tomorrow” and “house trip.” He had been too embarrassed to ask on their way back to the house—as one would be after simultaneously breaking down while laughing like a madman and insulting the people he lived with. Daniel tried to put a positive spin at what happened—saying that it was an opportunity for reflection and improvement, and “now we really are beginning to feel more like family, right?” with a hearty laugh. Josh failed to see how his outburst could have made them closer. He had always been averse to conflict—so much so that his biggest fight with Perry was the last one they had—and yet Daniel and the others seemed to be glad whenever he would uncontrollably let out emotions—even if they were of anger and frustration.

It was all new and puzzling to Josh. Their views on family and relationships in general were simply on different ends. This was made clearer when they arrived at the house. Gary was already there, unpacking groceries onto the kitchen island while Dustin—who looked like he had just gotten home as well—was washing vegetables in the sink.

“Do it properly, you big i***t! That’s not how Joshy does it!” was what met Daniel and Josh when they entered. Gary then let out a frustrated grunt and took the reins. “This is how you wash them. Don’t just sprinkle water.”

“Well, then you do it if you’re so good at washing vegetables!” Dustin snapped back.

“Fine, then you unpack the stuff!”

“Fine!”

“Now do you want some beer while we’re at it?” Dustin asked in the same angry tone.

“Of course, I do,” Gary rolled his eyes, and Dustin handed him one before they returned to work. “

Witnessing moments like this was what further confused Josh. The entire exchange seemed hostile, and yet there the two of them were in one space when they could have easily left. Family— as it appeared to be in their definition—included a lot of bickering.

“What is happening here?” Daniel cut in with an amused smile on his face despite all the shouting.

“I bought stuff for cooking on the way home,” Gary proudly said.

“You should be the one fixing it, then,” Dustin grumbled, and yet he continued to do as told. Gary sprinkled some water at him, which only made him do a rude gesture.

“We’ve all got roles to play, bonehead.”

“And who’s going to play the chef?” Daniel asked. “No way I’m going to let any of you cook after that calzone experiment.”

“Well,” Gary trailed off. Simultaneously, he and Dustin turned to look at Josh. Daniel followed their gaze and immediately knew what they were thinking.