Living the Future

Chapter 31 - I want to talk.

I woke up with Daisy still in my arms, lightly sleeping. I watched her face so peaceful and angelic. I started to think what a problem this is. Our growing attachment is a problem. It didn’t matter if we liked each other. It would be hard when we found out we aren’t mates. I moved her hair as the sadness started to consume me. She stirred and looked at me. Her eyes got wide and she pushed herself up.

“Oh my goddess what time is it!?” She fumbled around and pulled out her phone turning it back on.

“It’s…” I grabbed my phone. “Almost six thirty.” I said putting it back down.

“How long have you been up?! Why didn’t you wake me up!” She jumped out of bed frantically dressing and I chuckled.

“I’ve been up for maybe ten minutes.” I said and her phone started buzzing like crazy. I looked over as message after message popped up. She snatched the phone and looked at it.

“My mom is going to kill me!” She said before hurrying out the door. I slowly got up and took a morning shower. After I came out to Jensen riffling in my drawers.

“Good morning, just getting out your attire for the day.” He said cheerfully.

“I can dress myself.” I said watching him.

“Yes, but you still can’t go to the store yourself it seems either. Which by the way.” Jensen patted my arm and pointed to my nightstand. “I left them in there for you.” He said.

“Well this is embarrassing.” I said and Jensen started laughing.

“There you are, a fine outfit for today.” Jensen said and I started at it.

“Thanks.” I said taking it and starting to change.

“Your parents have requested your presence as well. They’re waiting in the dining room.” Jensen said bowing and then walking out. I paused for a moment. It had to be about eclipse. I was leaving tomorrow, so it had to be about that. I slowly made my way to the dining room and once in, I noticed no one else was there but my parents.

“Joshua.” My mom said sternly. I stood there contemplating running away and how far I could get before mom stopped me.

“Well son, have a seat.” My dad said motioning to the general direction my chair. I walked over and sat down.

“Daisy’s mom called looking for her about a hour or two ago.” My mom said.

“Is that so?” I said keeping the straightest face I could. There was silence.

“He doesn’t seem to be in some kind of panic, maybe she was with Izzy?” My dad said as I watched them go back and forth.

“Maybe he’s gotten better at lying.” My mom said as they both stared at me.

“Where’s Liddie and Andy?” I asked and they exchanged a look.

“They’re supposed to be here any moment.” My dad said.

“He’s changing the subject.” My mom looked at my dad and I sighed.

“Is this supposed to be a interrogation? It’s a really poor one.” I said and my dad laughed. My mom stared at me.

“Josh, is there something you want to tell us?” My mom said and I stopped and started thinking.

“Not really.” I said and smiled. Before my mom could continue the doors opened and my sister came in and did a tada sporting a fresh mark on her neck.

“Congratulations! Finally!” My mom said getting you and hugging her.

“Congratulations man.” I said standing up and shaking Andy’s hand.

“Best birthday present I could’ve asked for.” He said smiling and kissing her.

“Ok, I’m about to eat though, so do that somewhere else.” I said.

“Josh! Be nice! This is a big day for them.” My mom said.

“I said congratulations! Didn’t you hear me?” I said and my mom shot me a look.

“Oh Josh! You guys missed it!” Liddie said pulling Andy to their seats.

“Oh yes, it was insane.” Andy added.

“What?” I asked.

“Well after you and Daisy left, Henry was going bananas texting her like crazy.” Lydia said.

“Oh then the calling her and it going straight to voicemail.” Andy said.

“Your dad had to drain him and Izzy was videotaping it.” Lydia said.

“Why was he going crazy?” I asked.

“Because he said you weren’t interested in her and are just playing with her feelings.” Andy said.

“Oh, ok.” I nodded feeling my anger rise.

“Where did you guys go anyways?” Lydia asked.

“Yes Josh, where did you go?” My mom sat back and smiled.

“Why do you guys care where we went?” I asked.

“Because Henry was going to put his fist through a wall over it!” Andy said seemingly angry. I looked around the table as everyone watched. I started to feel the panic taking over.

“W-we didn’t go anywhere.” I said.

“See darling, now he’s panicking.” My dad said looking at my mom.

“I think your brother needs to talk to his son about this.” My mom said.

“About what?” My dad reached for his paper and started flipping the pages.

“Lee.” My mom said sternly.

“I’ll call him and we’ll meet.” My dad said.

“Good, because the last thing I want is our sons to challenge each other.” My mom said to him. I covered my face feeling eyes start to land on me. We heard the door open and I dropped my hands. I slowly looked at Henry standing next to me.

“Josh I need to talk to you.” Henry said. His face almost as red as his hair.

“Can we talk later? Breakfast is about to be served.” I said and the room was horribly quiet.

“Now, please. I want to talk now.” Henry said clenching his fists.

“Call your brother now.” My mom said as I stood up and followed him into the hall. Once out in the hall Henry motioned towards one of the offices.

“Ok.” I walked into the office and sat down. Henry walked in behind me and crossed his arms.

“I thought you said you weren’t interested in Daisy.” Henry said.

“I never said that.” I said watching him.

“That’s bullsh*t Josh!” He yelled and I slowly started to stand up.

“Henry, she’s not interested. I told you that in the car. Why don’t you remember THAT.” I said and he grabbed onto my shirt.

“I’m not going to watch you sit around and play with her feelings. You don’t like her Josh! I LOVE her!” He yelled and I touched his chest. His body stiffened and I pulled my shirt from his hand.

“You wrinkled my shirt.” I said straightening it.

“Take your little holding spell off me!” Henry yelled.

“Sure, let your dad know when you’ve calmed down and I will.” I said and I walked to the door opening it. My mom jumped back and I walked past her.

“Josh!” My mom said with a hand on her hip. I sighed and walked back.

“Fine.” I said walking up and touching him. The holding spell released and he fell to the ground. He was quickly up and in my face again.

“You’re a *sshole Josh! You’re not good to her! She deserves someone who will treat her with the respect and kindness she deserves!” Henry poked my chest.

“How do you know I’m not good to her!?” I was starting to get angry.

“You’ve made her cry multiple times! Those days you ignored her and I finally thought you were backing off! Then you take her away from the party and shut her phone off.” Henry started to list out things.

“That’s enough boys!” My dad has finally tried to intervene.

“So now you think I’m controlling and manipulating her into liking me?” I scoffed. “She shut off her own phone last night after you wouldn’t stop bugging her!” I yelled and Henry grabbed me again. I started to growl loudly and was fighting back transforming.

“Drop him. DROP HIM!” I heard my Uncle James. We both stared at each other. “We talked about this.” My uncle said putting his hand on Henry’s outstretched arm. “You are making a fool of yourself over a girl that doesn’t return your affections.” I heard Uncle James whisper.

“But he! He!” I could see sadness in Henry’s eyes and he let go. My mom grabbed my hand pulling me out. She pulled me through a forming crowd of people. We got into her office and my dad shut the door.