Part 23

Josh's POV

Justen and I sat there for a while until my phone vibrated telling me that my parents wanted me back home.

"I don't want to go," I said.

"I don't want you to go," Justen said.

"But I can't stay either," I said.

"Can we stay here for a little longer?" Justen asked.

"No, I have to go because if I don't my parents will beat me again," I said.

"Why don't you tell them you're at a friend's house?" Justen asked.

I gave Justen a look that said "you already know".

"Oh, right," Justen said.

"Yeah," I said. "My parents have been watching me more closely too."

"I feel terrible," Justen said.

"Why?" I asked.

"Because I feel like I caused this," Justen said.

"You didn't cause this," I said. "It was Ryan's fault. He was the person who told my parents about you and I were hanging out."

"Then why do your parents want you and him to hang out?" Justen asked.

"Because they trust Ryan and his group," I said. "They're basically on his side."

"Man, that sucks," Justen said.

"Tell me about it," I said, standing up. "Alright, I have to go."

"Okay," Justen said, standing up with me. "I'll see you tomorrow at school. I won't talk to you because that's not "cool" but I'll see you."

"Okay, I'll see you at school," I said, beginning to walk away.

"Can you do something for me though?" Justen asked.

"Yeah?" I asked, stopping where I was.

"Can you try to get the guys to leave me alone? I know it's Ryan's group and your parents don't want you to hang out with me. But can you at least tell them I'm not worth beating up?" Justen said.

"I'll try," I said.

"Thanks," Justen said, giving me a hug before walking over to his bike.

"Hey, do you want me to take you home?" I asked.

"Nah, I'll be fine," Justen said, getting on his bike.

"Alright, see you tomorrow," I said, getting into my truck.

"See you tomorrow," Justen said before pedaling away.

I watched him until he and his bike were out of view before I started my truck and drove home.

When I got home, I saw my parents waiting for me.

"Where were you?" my dad asked, obviously drunk.

"I was hanging out at my special spot," I said.

"Why?" my dad asked.

"To clear my mind after a busy day at school," I said.

"Yeah right," my dad said.

"Whatever," I said. "I'm going to my room."

"Yeah, go to your room," my dad said. "Go hide."

I made sure I was far enough away before I rolled my eyes. I headed to my room.

Once I was in my room, I shut the door and flopped onto my bed. I then grabbed my bag and took my homework out. I started working on my homework but as I did so, my mind kept wandering to Justen. Is this what having a crush feels like? Or is it more than a simple crush?