Chapter 6 Assignments, Cupcakes And Tears (Part 2)

He is getting angry. I should have just kept my mouth shut. No. He deserved it. I am so sick and tired of him now. He was about to say something, when loud crying was heard in the next room. Josh got up and dash out of his room.

I remained on the couch. I wanted to know what was the matter. I knew it was his sister, but I didn't want to pry in matters that does not concern me. I was there for five minutes now and the little girl was still crying, so I decided to start on question two until Josh came back.

A minute later, Josh came back. His hair was spiked up like he ran his fingers in it countless of times. His eyes were filled with an emotion that I could not read.

"Is everything okay?" I asked cautiously.

"Does anything look like it's okay to you?" He asked in a irritated and hard tone. "This doesn't have anything to do with you. Just leave."

I have heard him angry before, but I've never seen him so frustrated. "I'm sorry I asked." I said "I was just concerned." I stood up from the couch, gathering my books. "We will finish this on Monday."

He ran a hand through his hair and took a deep breath. "Yeah, whatever."

I looked at him and I couldn't help but feel bad for him. I ached to go to him and give him a hug but I refrained from doing so.

As I got downstairs, Mrs. Taylor stopped me. "Alexandra, would you like to stay for dinner? It will be ready in five minutes."

I look at Joshua and he was giving me an irritated look. I knew he wanted me to leave, he made that perfectly clear. However, I didn't want to disappoint Mrs. Taylor. She made enough considering me in mind and I didn't want to seem rude by declining. She is such a nice lady.

"Yes. Thank you so much." I replied. She smiled at me before turning and going back to the kitchen. I texted my mom to let her know that I won't be home for dinner. I was getting uncomfortable standing in the living room with Josh glaring at me, so I decided to go to the kitchen to ask Mrs. Taylor if she wanted any help. I saw Josh heading back upstairs through the corner of my eyes.

Josh's mom was in the kitchen when I walked in. "Do you need help with anything, Mrs. Taylor?" I asked. She looked around at me and smiled.

"Thanks. Will you bring this bowl of salad to the table?" She asked. I nodded and took the bowl to the dining room. Mrs. Taylor came behind me with a plate of Steak. It smells so good. She went back into the kitchen for another plate.

I took a seat at the table. Joshua and his sister came downstairs at that moment. His sister's face was red and puffy from crying. Her eyes were sad and my heart went out to her. She sat beside me while Josh sat across from me. Mrs. Taylor came back out with a bowl of crushed potatoes. She put it in the center of the table and sat down. After Mrs. Taylor said a short prayer, we began to eat.

When I was finish eating, I looked at Mrs. Taylor and said, "Dinner was wonderful."

She smiled at me. "Thanks, Alexandra. Glad you liked it." I looked beside me to notice that Josh's sister, who I found out named Jillian, barely ate anything. She just picked at her food. I looked up to catch Mrs. Taylor's eyes. They were filled with sadness.

She got up and said that she was going for dessert. Throughout dinner, I avoided eye contact with Josh because I didn't know what to say to him. I looked at him through the corner of my eyes. His eyes were down cast and his full lip was set in a firm line. It was obvious he was worried about his sister.

Mrs. Taylor came back holding a flat plate with cupcakes on it. My eyes lit up. I love cupcakes so much. They were my weakness. She placed it on the table and I reach for one instantly. I bit into it and moan. This was so good. I looked up to see Mrs. Taylor and Josh looking at me with amusement.

I blushed in embarrassment, "I'm sorry. I just love cupcakes." I explained. I probably looked like a tomato right now.

Mrs. Taylor laughed "That's okay sweetie."

"Can I have another one, please?" I asked.

"Sure. Take as much as you like." She said smiling. I reached over and took another one. I bit into it and closed my eyes savouring the taste. I opened my eyes to see Josh looking at me. I looked away as my heart starts to race.

Why does he have this effect on me?

I avoid his eyes and look at Mrs. Taylor "Thanks for dinner, Mrs. Taylor, but I have to go now." I said to her.

"You're welcome dear." She said.

I turned to Jillian "Bye Jillian. Nice to meet you." I said smiling at her. She continue to hold her head down.

"I'm sorry about her. It's just that she has been through a lot since her dad died." Mrs. Taylor explains.

"That's okay, I understand." I smiled, "She is nice." I replied honestly. I stood up and turned towards Josh. "Monday after school, okay?" I asked. He just gave a short nod.

I had been wondering where Josh's father was and now I find out that he was dead.

After leaving the house, all I could think about was; how I was going to survive being partner with an obnoxious, rude boy?