Evangeline watched him leave with a small shake of her head. As he left, she locked the door behind him and began to dress, making sure everything fit the way it needed to. She heated up her iron once again and sat on the bed as she waited, comtemplating on what she should do for her make up. She needed to make her eyes pop.....that was for sure. As the iron heated up, she curled her hair in soft waves, loving the feel of it against her face. Her hair had always been easy to manage. So had her father's hair actually. She had her mothers eyes and father's hair...and everything else was the spitting image of her mother. She looked at the picture once again and smiled. Well...her figure was one that her mother used to tease her about. She would always want a figure like Evangeline's but she said that she was too old to fit it.
She applied make up next, making sure to do a smokey eye to make her sapphire eyes pop. When she was done, her eyes looked like deep refereshing pools of water that you would want to dive into. She looked at herself and smiled, knowing she would turn a few heads once again...or...at least make them not notice her for a bit longer. Seeing as she had some extra time, she unlocked her door and then sat down at her keyboard. Closing her eyes, she remembered a song she had heard recently that had really touched her. She wasn't much of a religious person, but she needed strength right now. Anytime she thought about her parents, her heart seemed to ache. She took a breath and began to play and sing to pass the time.
As she sang, her voice was gentle and soft, her fingers gliding across the piano as if it was water. As the chorus, her voice seemed to gain strength. The strength only seemed to build through the song. She let her voice as free as bird, not really caring who heard or what they thought of her. She would have to start from scratch to rebuild her life. She had buried herself in the music, and even as she finished, the last note seemed to hang in the air for a moment before she opened her eyes and took the picture frame from the nearby bed stand and held it. She closed her eyes as she stood and placed it face down in the drawer a sad smile adorning her features as she sat down by the piano again and played another played another song that she had sang at her work before, singing the english version of it. Memories flowed through her head but she wouldn't let them get to her...not this time. As she finished that she sat on her bed and laid down, just looking at the ceiling, closing her eyes and clearing them from all thoughts of her parents.
Everyone in the house heard her at the point, Josh turning down his computer to listen, his mother putting her knitting down to listen, and even his father turned down the television to listen. It was a beautiful song! Tears came to Mrs. Robins' eyes, and she coughed to clear her throat, also to deter her husband from asking any questions. She had been hard on the girl, that was for sure, but it was all in faith that the child would learn and grow from it.
Josh had dressed already, and time passed by quickly, he listening to Evangeline as she played. Before he knew it, it was time to go. He straightened his shirt, smoothed back his hair, and walked to her door, knocking. He had a devious plan in his head. He would ask her out of the room, as if he were at her house, escort her down the stairs to his car (yes, they were taking the Mustang), and open the door for her. All the gentlemanly stuff that girls went crazy for. He knew how they liked it.
Evangeline laid in the bed with a small sigh hugging a pillow close to her. She hoped the party wouldn't be too hard to handle. She was sure with Josh by her side that things would be okay. She just had to try her best and not let anyone or anything get to her. Hearing a knock at her door, the female rose and straightened herself, doing one last look. She looked ready to turn several heads. She opened the door seeing Josh standing in the doorway. Her sapphire eyes studied him for a moment and smiled. "Ready?"
She let him be a gentleman and escourt her downstairs. She wasn't much for being treated like this, but everyone once in a while was okay. She let him guide her to his car and smiled to herself. She really did love Mustangs....well...the sound of them at least. Even as they drove off, she gazed out the window. She was a little nervous but who wouldn't be? She had been pushed around at school so much and now she was going where there were no teachers or anyone to help her if she was in trouble except Josh. She sighed mentally and let her eyes search the passing scenery. "Going into the wolf's den..." she muttered to herself as she shot Josh a nervous smile.
Josh was quite proud of myself that he had gotten Evangeline into the Mustang with all his gentlemanly manners. She muttered something about a wolf's den, then gave him a nervous smile once they were in the car; obviously she was scared! She was going to a place where all her enemies were...what a trooper! He reached over with one hand and held her hand, giving her a comforting squeeze. "I'll be right with you the whole time," he said. "And I won't be drinking, because I'm driving. I'm assuming you won't want to drink?"
They pulled into the driveway of a rather large house, the party already started. Music blared from the inside, modern pop, and there was heavy shouting here and there. Many cars were parked in the surrounding area. Josh gave one last comforting squeeze of Evangeline's hand and got out, opening her door for her from the outside, and escorting her to the door.
As Josh reached over to her hand she smiled and let him take it, feeling a comforting squeeze. It would be hard but she would try her best to get through this. She would hold her own but she was sure he didn't need to be with her the whole time. Sure they were 'in a relationship' but there was probably some girl he wanted to be with. Maybe she could leave him alone for a bit and go off on her own. Yeah....as long as she could hide. Evangeline squeezed his hand back gently and nodded. "I know....which..if you need to go off on your own....I can hold my own for a while...I think..." She would have been more sure of herself if it wasn't for the fact that Josh was the only one that had her back at the party...no teachers or Drake to bail her out....
Drinking at the party? Evangeline saw that one coming. Well at least he wasn't drinking. She never wanted to really. She saw what it did to people. "No...never planned on it. I've seen what it can do to people......" It wasn't a pretty sight at all. As the car stopped and Josh got out, she felt the comfort he had given her slip away just as his hand was removed from her. She let her own hand slide into her lap, closing her eyes for a moment to collect herself. She could do this...this was just like school. All she had to do was keep a brave face on and she would be fine. She couldn't cry or cause a scene. Whenever she wore make up, she was determined to not cry. Make up was like her war paint. If she cried, the armor would disappear and she would be exposed to be hurt.
Josh opened her door and she stepped out, following beside him as he escourted her to the door. She watched the door open and Josh being welcomed inside. She was given a mixed look of confusion and disdain. She followed inside after Josh and sighed. Why had she agreed to come again. She watched as many different people came up to Josh and talk to him. Her job was just to stand near him and look pretty. That wasn't hard to do. All she could do was hope for the best and pray that nothing bad would go on tonight. She had a sneaking suspicion as she caught the stares of the three guys that had gone after her this morning that her wish and prayer would not be answered.
He was greeted with open arms by everyone and a large smile spread across his face at the amount of people that welcomed with vigor. He introduced Evangeline to some people, who seemed to give her looks that Josh didn't like at all, so he pulled her aside and led her to the kitchen, where some more people were talking, and immediately stopped when they saw their friend, switching the conversation to something about the football team (which Josh was a star on). He didn't even think of how awkward or alone Evangeline must've felt then, and he didn't notice the three big guys from the football team, also his 'friends', (the ones who picked on her that very morning) approach her from behind, sweet smiles on their faces. Josh was in the middle of talking when one of them spoke to her quietly: "Hi. Sorry about this morning," he said to her.
Evangeline played her part the best she could. She followed when Josh moved and stood silent and near when he talked to other. She shouldn't have come. This was too awkward for her and she didn't really fit in. So lost in her thoughts she nearly missed the three from the morning come up behind her and speak. She jumped, not expecting anyone to really talk to her. As she reconized them, her features hardened. Why were they sorry anyway? They did this to her all the time. "For which time? Just the morning when you were caught or are you doing this to just save face?" She crossed her arms the three looking at each other. "Is there a place we could talk that quieter? I can barely hear you..." The taller of the three said. The female rolled her eyes and nodded. At the moment she just wanted an excuse to leave.
The three seemed relieved, the female raising her eyebrows as the the one who held her against the lockers took her hand and led her outside. What was going on here? Did they really want to apologize or was there something else on their agenda? All four of them went outside, feeling bad that she had not told Josh where she had gone. He seemed busy talking to everyone...and happy. So distracting him was not the best idea. As all of them started walking into the woods out back, Evangeline jerked her hand away. "I think I should go back inside.....I don't feel comfortable-" She didn't get to finish her sentence. She was picked up and hauled over the 'leaders' shoulder, the female letting out a yelp of surprise. "Let me go!"
The three walked deeper into the woods, Evangeline struggling and kicking. With one strong kick, she contacted with his stomach, the female being thrown to the ground. Quickly she got up and tried to make a run for it but didn't get far. Two of the boys grabbed her arms and held her in place, the female struggling. "That was too easy getting you out here. I must say for the daughter of a pair of serial killers...you certainly know how to dress." He licked his lips as she approached her, the other two laughing. "Let's have a little fun with her...shall we?"
Evangeline knew it was coming, struggling as much as she could. She felt a scream bubble into her throat, being silenced as a hand was placed over her mouth. She heard part of her shirt rip as she tried to keep it on. Her eyes filled with tears as she fought. This was not want any girl would want. Why were they treating her this way. She kicked and struggled as best she could, trying to fight them off. She felt hands on her, feeling violated more and more each moment. She was overpowered three to one. With those odds, they certainly did not seem in her favor. No one knew where she was either right? What was going to happen to her now?
Josh looked behind him for Evangeline, having mentioned her in the conversation only moments before and, not hearing any reply, grew concerned if she was enjoying herself. Only to find her completely gone. He turned a complete circle until he was facing his friend again, a quizzical expression across his normally impassive face. "Did you see where she went?" he asked. His friend pointed behind Josh in the direction of the front door, where Evangeline had walked out with the trio of football jock-bullies. What the hell were they doing? He excused himself from his friends and followed after them, not being able to keep up quite so well considering it was dark, but was rather sad because the three boys were drunk.
He heard her scream, silence through halfway, and ran, following them into the woods. Evangeline's outfit was ripped, her bra hanging out quite a bit, and so was the leaders' manhood. "What the hell do you think you're doing?!" Josh shouted at them, still running. He picked up a rather large stick as he ran towards them, not stopping as he hit the one square in the back, and another one in his face. This was the last thing anybody needed!
Evangeline didn't know what to do. She tried to fight, kick, do something. She thrashed, feeling hands starting to hold down her legs. "This will teach you to keep standing up for yourself and dragging Josh into all of this," the middle teen said, his friends cheering for him to keep going. How could any one do this to someone else? She tried to scream through the hand pressed over her mouth. It didn't do her much good. There wasn't much she could do except to hope and pray that either she was let go or this was over as soon as possible.
Deciding to try one last thing, she opened her mouth as wide as she could and bit the hand over her mouth. As the hand retracted, she took a gulp of hair, hearing a familar voice enter the area. She felt the weight leave her legs and another leave her arms. The owner of the hand slapped her the female, Evangeline kicking out and crawling away from the teen. She used one hand to cover her upper body as she stood shakily, using a tree for support. Josh had come after all. How did he find her? How ever he had found her, she was glad he had. Things could have gotten much much worse.
One of the teens that Josh had missed advanced on her, pinning her to the tree she had been using as support. Her one arm free she aimed a punch right under the jaw. She heard him grunt in pain as she kicked out, feeling it collide with his stomach. She fell once more to the ground, covered in leaves as the teen ran for it. Once the other two gained their bearings, they too ran quickly from the scene, like dogs with their tail between their legs. Silence hung in the air as Evangeline stood once more, her shoulders shaking, tears streaming down her face silently. She looked down at herself and tried her best to fix what was left of her shirt. Seeing the damage done, she ripped off the lace shirt and kept on the tank top, glad it had at least survived. Her tights were torn as well. At least her skirt had made it through though covered with leaves.
She began to reach out to Josh but brought her hand back, holding it close to her instead. "All I seem to do...is cause you trouble lately.." she whispered as she felt her knees sink beneath her. "If you wouldn't have come.....I...I don't know what would have happened." She covered her face with her hands, not afraid to cry in front of Josh. She had already done so before. When were things ever going to get better?
He ran over to her when she reached out for him, listening to her apology or complaint or whatever it was. Josh held her close as her knees gave out, following Evangeline to the forest floor. "Stop it," he whispered to her. "If it wasn't you, it would've been somebody else." His body began to rock her back and forth as she cried, most out of instinct than any actual thought. He hated it when girls cried, but she had every reason to. The same thought had crossed his mind just the other day, with her parents, her having to live somewhere else, getting picked on, being forced to do things she didn't want to, then to almost be raped...it was an awful thing.
After a moment, his rocking came to a slow then a halt. Josh reached over and kissed her on the cheek. "You're welcome. C'mon. I'll take you home," he whispered, a small smile on his face. He stood, taking Evangeline with him as they walked back to the Mustang and drove home. He helped her into the house, his parents already having gone to bed, and into her room. "I'm sorry. I thought it would've been better. I'm not very good at protecting you am I?"
Would it really have been someone else? It just seemed that it was her luck that all of this was happening...Her luck had been on the awful side that she was almost not surprised that this had happened. She shouldn't have gone with the three but she really thought they wanted to apologize. Being naive and hopeful really did get her no where. As he rocked her back in forth, she let him hold her, glad he was there. This meant more to her than anything else. As long as he could be there for her after the world threw curve balls at her, she would be just fine.
She felt his lips press against her cheek, her face heating up for just a hint of a moment. She let him guide her, not saying a word, tears still fresh. Home...it wasn't home to her yet but it sounded better than anything else right now. She crawled into the Mustang and stayed silent during the ride home. Her sapphire eyes stayed glued to her lap, tears hitting the top of her hands every once in a while. When she got home she would make sure she changed and wiped her mind clean of this...if she could.
Josh helped her into the house and up to her room, the female glad his parents were not awake. She really didn't want them to know about this event. As Josh spoke she shook her head, her tears already stopped. "You don't need to apologize at all! You have done more for me than anyone. All you have done is try to help me....and you have protected me...more than you know.." She paused as she stood and walked to her closet, grabbing some clothes to change into and her phone. "Sometimes...there are things just out of our control and all you can do is just be there when everything is falling apart..that means more to anyone..well...to me at least that you are always there to pick me up after I feel like there is no possible way things could get better. I will be back...I just need to wash up..." She let a small smile appear on her face before she turned around and went straight for the bathroom, need to wash away the events of tonight.
Evangeline didn't take long in the shower, changing into a pair of black yoga pants and a matching sports bra. Her hair hung in wet strands down her back, the female sighing as the female looked into the mirror. Her bruises were healing nicely and soon she would look normal again. Her phone rang, the female answering it."Hello?" She jaw dropped and her eyes widened, hearing her mother and father on the other line. "Evangeline...dearest...it is good to hear your voice...but we don't have long..." her mother said, panic in her voice. Her father spoke next. "Listen well baby girl....we are accepting are sentence and will be put to death tomorrow...but...you have to be careful from here on out. There are people....that....your mother and I were involved with...bad people.." Evangeline heard her mother begin to speak next, her mind confused and dumbfounded. "These people...they will come after you eventually....and finish what we started....so please...stay safe...and stay protected. We don't want you to get hurt." Evangeline sank to the floor for a moment. "But mom...dad...why? I don't understand..." Her father interjected. "We can't explain it....I wish we could but just...don't go poking around into it either. Just...try your best to stay away from the media or give anyone a location to where you may be...stay with the cop and his family for as long as they will allow...its for your own safety!" And put Josh in danger? She didn't think so.
"I can't....I can't put Josh in danger..." There was silence, her mother speaking the last words she would ever hear from them. "Please....trust us...We love you dearly Evangeline...never forget that.." The phone line went dead, the female clicking her phone shut. Her parents...they would die tomorrow...and she could do nothing to stop it. She stood and nodded to herself. This made her even more determined to move out. The quicker she moved out, the more likely she could keep Josh safe. She exited the bathroom and entered her room with a small sigh, her hair still quite yet. She erased the conversation from her mind and sat down on the bed with a small smile. Focus on the here and now....Focus on Josh....Focus on everything he has done to help... Those thoughts brought another smile to her face. "Much better..." she said with a small sigh, her sapphire eyes calm and collected.
Josh had waited patiently for Evangeline to emerge from the bathroom, looking over her room. It wasn't cluttered; there was barely anything here anyways. He heard her phone ring in the bathroom, and could only hear her muffled replies. Probably just someone from her work. When she came back, she did appear much better, much more at ease than she had in awhile and a small smile spread across his face. "I'm glad that you feel better, Evangeline," he said, resting a hand on her knee. His face flushed and he pulled away. What was he doing? She had almost gotten raped and he was thinking of making a move on her?! What an a*****e thing to do! "I guess I should leave you to go to bed now, huh?"
Evangeline was glad that he thought she felt better. She did in a sense but mentally she was still a mess. Any girl would in that type of situation. She sat down on the bed next to Josh with a small smile, her head still playing over her parents' words. If they were right about...what they told her then staying here was not safe. She would have to wait until she was older before she could move but when that time came she would be ready. Josh and his family may be sick of her by then which could make goodbyes a lot easier.
Feeling a hand rest on her knee, she snapped herself out of her thoughts, feeling the hand removed, Josh looking quite embarrassed. As he mentioned leaving her to go to bed, the female shook her head. She didn't want to be alone tonight. After today...the information she had received..and just...everything she really needed someone tonight. "Please...don't...leave me by myself tonight....." she whispered, hair hiding her face as she felt everything come back to her. Her emotions hit her like tidal waves with no breaks in between. "You don't have to stay...but..." She let her words fall into silence her face a bright pink. She didn't want to give him ideas or anything but she just...wanted someone to hold her and help her get to sleep...that was all.
He blinked rapidly and shook his head in disbelief. She was asking him to stay! How could he turn down someone who was crying and needed comfort? Josh smiled to her and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "Of course I'll stay," he said and hugged her tight for a moment, then stood up and began to undress. "Just so you know, I sleep in my boxers." He stood in front of her for a moment, stripping his clothes away until all that was left was his boxers (as said), and his nice looking body. He jumped onto the bed and nestled under the covers, opening his arms to her in a hug-like gesture.
Evangeline blinked in shock for a moment. Did she hear him right? So he was going to stay? She smiled feeling his arm around her. "Thank you," she said. It was really all she could say at that point in time. He hugged her and stood up the female tilting her head to the side. He slept in his boxers? Well...why didn't that surprise her? As he stripped down she could feel heat radiating off of her face. Normally she wasn't one to acknowledge how attractive one was but Josh....he was pretty handsome...okay really handsome. As he hoped into bed she stood up and flicked off the light crawling right back into bed.
The female got beneath the covers, letting herself wander into Josh's open arms. His bare chest felt warm to her. She rested her ear against it, hearing his heartbeat. This was soothing to her in more ways than one. She didn't know how or why..but...she felt really comfortable around Josh. She trusted him and she actually wanted to be near him like this. It almost scared her. She closed her eyes and smiled to herself. She didn't need to think so much...at least not right now. "Thank you...for all that you have done today..." she whispered. With that said she leaned up and kissed Josh's cheek. She smiled to herself, still wide awake. "Just a sign of my appreciation," she said with a small wink.
Despite the feelings of happiness that raged within him, he was shocked that Evangeline kissed him. He could feel his body start to burn, and he shifted his body to a more comfortable position. "You are very welcome, Evangeline," he said and kissed her on the forehead. He wouldn't be able to sleep, Josh knew that immediately. He'd probably stay awake all night and listen to her breathing, brush her hair behind her ear, something romantic and sappy that couldn't be traced back to him. What would his parents think? Bah! Screw his parents! He liked Evangeline, and they weren't going to ruin this. He stopped in mid thought as he realized that he genuinely did like Evangeline. The beautiful half-Asian whatever she was. "If there is ever, anything I can do for you...and I mean anything...you just let me know. You need a back rub, a shoulder to cry on..." He kissed her again, this time on the nose. How far could he go? Not sex, God no! But, a kiss on the lips? What would happen now? What would happen in the morning?
Feeling his lips contact with her forehead she smiled to herself. Why did this feel so comfortable and safe? This was anything but safe! Her parents had warned her to not get close with anyone and that if she did to be prepared for a world of hurt for the two of them. If she let herself get any closer to him then.....She let her thoughts trail off. She was going to move when she turned eighteen and that was final. No more second guessing that decision. On her eighteenth birthday, that would be her gift to herself. Her mind was made up....and it would give her something to look forward to in the future.
She felt Josh kiss her nose next her smile remaining on her face. Where else was he going to go with his lips? If needed something? She didn't need anything right now. There was something she may have wanted but she wasn't going to risk it just yet. For the short time they had been together, it all made sense. Why she let herself say yes and even to why she wanted to be like this. Maybe she did actually feel something for Josh besides friendship. She couldn't be sure...but it could have been a good possibility. "Anything hm?" she said with a wink and a smirk as she lifted her forehead and rested it against Josh's own forehead. "You will be the first to know..." Oh she would make sure he was. She stayed there, eyes gazing into his in the darkness almost daring him to close the gap between them.
He raised one eyebrow and smirked back at her. "Well, while we're on the subject, is there anything you need right now?" Josh could tell from her eyes, not because he could see them, he could sense it, that she was playing him. Seeing if he'd do it! He wouldn't give in quite so easily; he'd eventually cave though. He was a guy after all. But, what was she playing at? Was she doing it to tease him, or did she like him? Did Evangeline know he liked her? Where was it all going to lead. Stop being so philosophical and focus on the girl, nut head! he screamed at himself. Testing more limits, he ran his hand down her arm, resting just below her hip where her bum began. God, it was so nice! He wanted to touch it, maybe even give it a little squeeze, but he dared not. What would she do now?
Anything right now? Evangeline felt him run his hand down her arm and to hip. He was getting brave...real brave. Something of this nature would get any guy ready to jump in. She wasn't that easy nor did she want to be. She let silence hang in the air for a moment thinking of how to reply to her. He was catching on to her little game. That wasn't much fun! Slowly she closed her eyes and smiled as she shook her head, pulling away from the male. Now she was just being mean and teasing. She lifted her head and torso, using her elbow to keep her up. "There is nothing I need right now." Only wants.. she finished in her head.
What was she doing? She didn't even know. Something about Josh drew her in and made her want to stay close to him. Right now...more than ever she wanted him to hold her. She wanted him to test his limits and be a challenge. She liked him even if she didn't want to admit it. After all he had done for her and just the way he made her feel...normal...It would affect any girl like that. She closed her eyes and smiled as a small chuckle escaped her lips. He always did the unexpected which kept her eager to see what else he would do.
She had propped herself up, her breasts poking out more than usual, only drawing Josh in more and more. He wanted to do awful, terribly sexy/sexual things to her, but he knew if they both caved it would only end in regret. So there were two options at that moment: flip over and attempt sleep, or push her down and climb on top of her to see what he'd get. The way her body was positioned, with her back arched slightly, her elbows holding her up, her hair sorta everywhere, made Josh extremely hot, despite the minimal amount of clothing he was wearing. He decided to be a guy. He reached over and gently pulled one side of her head to his lips, running his teeth gently across her neck and kissing it with a gentle lusty passion.
He had no idea what had consumed him at this point. Maybe it was because she was unbelievable beautiful and didn't know it. Maybe it was the fact he had protected her several times and felt the need to show her that he deserved her. Maybe it was just his testosterone kicking in, but whatever it was, he felt the need to escalate things just a wee bit. His hand trailed down her neck to her shoulder, stopping just above her breast, almost as if waiting for permission. He wouldn't take advantage of her, but he wasn't going to be submissive either.
As Josh closed the gap between them, feeling his lips and teeth on her neck, let out a small gasp of surprise. She felt heat flood her face as his hand trailed down to just above her breast, waiting patiently. The female didn't know what to think or do. Was this being done in the heat of the moment or did he really care about her. Did he expect something because of what happened earlier? Did he expect some kind of reward after saving her? Evangeline couldn't be sure of anything. Her mind and heart were racing at top speeds.
"Josh..." she whispered through her lips as she scooted away even more, balancing the best she could at the edge of the bed. Was this really going to continue? She barely knew him and she normally would never want anything like this. She wasn't that type of girl. She didn't want things to continue with just anyone. Her mind came up with all these reasons that she should get up or ask him to leave but yet she dismissed every single one as she smirk as rested her hand on the side of his face. "You just love to keep me guessing don't you..." she whispered before she leaned in and brushed her lips lightly against his for a brief moment before pulling away once more. She gave him just a sample...not the question was what he would do with it.
He blinked rapidly, following her lips for a moment before he realized that she had pulled away purposefully. Keep her guessing? Oh! He'd have to tell her. Josh let out a sigh and sat up, keeping his eyes locked on hers the whole time. "It shouldn't be that hard to guess, Evangeline," he said and snorted. "I am a guy after all. We're the simplest creatures on earth! Well, next to rabbits. I really like you. More than I've liked someone...ever! And I've been with quite a number of girls." He hung his head, almost in embarrassment. There! Basically everything was out on the table. The explanation for why he kept saving her, why he asked her out (although that should've been a clue!), why he kissed her the way he did, and why he agreed to stay with her that night, in his boxers no less! The only thing left was for her answer. If Evangeline said she didn't like him that way, then fine, he could handle that, and he'd still spend the night with her if it wasn't too awkward. If she said she liked him back...he wouldn't think about that, guessing she didn't anyways.
As he spoke the female smiled softly. Sure it shouldn't have been that hard to guess but her mind was all over the place. She had made herself believe that he did things just to really help her and not because he wanted something from her. Any girl would have thought that right? Well...maybe not. She just liked to over think things as always. His eyes kept her gaze, the female not wanting to look away. He laid his feelings and reasoning out all on the table and as he stopped speaking, her face seemed to blush a deep crimson. Thankfully it was dark so hopefully he wouldn't notice. Everything started to make sense now and for some strange reason she was okay with it.
Evangeline seemed stunned for several moments on end, trying to find the words to answer him. She did like him...she really did! He was nice...considerate...good looking. He accepted things about her that many people had been cruel to her for. It was strange but she did feel something for him more than friendship. She did feel kind of stupid for not noticing it before but she had convinced herself otherwise. "Josh...." she began as she sat up fully. "The feeling is mutual.....It is strange that in this small time together...I do feel something for you...more than a friend...more than I have felt for anyone...." she paused with a small sigh. "I had come up with so many theories and reasons why you did the things you did and made myself believe that...well...you were nice but hearing this....I know that was naive of me...I guess." Now they were even. She laid back down and face Josh. Now that both of their feelings were out on the table...would their relationship continue or would someone put on the brakes?
The same question came up in his mind: what happened now? They liked each other, good! So, obviously, they're relationship should continue, but what happened tonight? Josh laid back down and rested his hand across Evangeline's abdomen, his face nestled in her neck. "I am so glad to hear that," he said, kissing her neck softly. "So, now it's really official and not just pretend, or confusing for either of us. And because of that, we won't rush. I expect this relationship to last longer than any others I've had." He furrowed his brow and repeated what he said to her. He was basically saying that he was going to commit himself fully to the relationship, build a foundation, grow to love her, make love, maybe move in together in the future...wow...
It really was official now. Feeling lips against her neck she smiled and relaxed. Knowing how she felt and knowing how he felt...it made things less tense. For now, she knew he didn't know everything about her and maybe it was better that way. There were so many secrets that she kept and things about her that would make a grown man run for the hills. She would introduce these secrets to him over time if he really did become invested but for now she would let things be...well...the way they were between them. Hearing him say that he planned on the relationship lasting a long time made her nod. "Thats what I had planned on....to be honest.." she said softly as she ran her hand through his soft hair. She would make this work...as best she could.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Things had progressed nicely since that night. They had gone out on dates and even told his parents. After that the two always had to keep their doors open. It was rather embarrassing but Evangeline got over it. School got easier too. People started to notice her talent and she ended up making a couple of friends. The bullying stopped and things really did get easier. During that time her parents had been executed, the female going to the funeral and even watching as they gave them the injection. Josh kept her close to keep her from reaching out for them and he became her support during the whole time.
Work was about the same as ever. When she told everyone about dating Josh most of the employees made fun of her for it (in a loving way of course). Drake didn't take it too well but he still stayed persistant. Through Leo she even managed to get a recording contract. She had signed the papers and now all was left was to make her debut. She graduated early in order to start recording. The night she had gotten the offer she had jumped into Josh's arms with so much excitement that she had almost knocked him over. Things really did turn around.
Evangeline was now eighteen and old enough to move out from the house that she had learned to call home. She had plenty of money saved and now all that was left was to tell Josh. It was her last day of work, the female having to quit because of her record deal. She stood on the stage, knowing she had only two more performances before she left. The first was a group number that was extremely catchy and got the audience up dancing. She was glad she had invited Josh out since this was her last day. After she performed she would leave with her final pay check in hand which would be just enough to move into a new place. She planned on telling Josh tonight and was a bit nervous about it. As the song ended she smiled and bowed, her face beaming. "Thanks. The next song is my last one. I have been asked to sign a record deal and I accepted it. Today I turn eighteen and the start of a lot of new things. This single will be released in a few weeks so be sure to pick it up if you like what you hear!" She smiled as the music began the female singing with all the passion she could. After she was done she bowed and walked off stage, the place erupting in applause. She walked to Leo as he handed her an envelope and gave her a tight hug. She smiled as she handed in her apron and sighed. Now she just needed to find Josh and go celebrate her birthday and find some way to tell him that she was moving out.
They'd been going out for awhile, Josh falling for Evangeline, and falling hard. He loved her. So much in fact, he was going to do something rather rash, but it needed to be done. They hadn't said the 'I-love-you' yet, but he was raised to say it when he means it, and God dammit, he meant it! Josh was waiting outside, leaning against the door to his Mustang, thinking how he would tell his girlfriend when she came outside, a check in her hand and a huge smile on her face. A smile spread across his face, loving when she was happy. He opened his arms for her in a hug. "That was incredible!" he said, hugging her tight. "Let's go for dinner. Anywhere you want! Your choice." His face grew hot and his stomach tightened. It was a lot to say to someone, and they'd only been going out for...a year.
Evangeline exited the building smiling as she saw Josh leaning against his Mustang. Being able to see him like this after work just made her feel more relaxed and even more happy. Her mind was thrown about with thoughts but for right now she calmed them, wanting nothing more than to be in his arms. Through the time they had dated, she had really fallen harder for him than anyone else around her. It was hard to be away from him and when she had been away in the recording studio in the next city over or doing some promoting, her phone was bombarded with texts that she returned every single time with just as many.
Seeing his arms wide open she went directly to them and laughed as he hugged her tight. The performance was incredible but it was heartbreaking too. It was the last time she would set foot in the place she had learned to call home. As he suggested dinner she nodded and pursed her lips in thought. Where did she want to go for dinner? To be honest she wasn't too sure. "I am not too sure to be honest. Anywhere is fine I suppose. Hm...how about the place we went for our first date?" she suggested with a soft smile.
The first place they had gone out for a date was a small family owned diner with a little bit of everything. Josh had brought her there one time and she had always loved to go there for special occasions. The prices were reasonable and the food tasted way more expensive than it actually was. Swinging her keys around her finger, she tugged at the end of her shorts, her white corset and black blouse moving with her. "Race you?" she teased as she leaned up on her tip toes and placed her lips against his for a moment. She pulled away and winked as she walked over to her car with a small wave. Knowing how Josh drove...he would beat her there. She had a couple things to take care of after he pulled out of the lot.
She started the car and watched as Josh pulled out of the lot first, seeing Leo come out and hand her a rather large bag. "This is everything you asked for. Your parents left it with me but I feel now is the time for you to have it." Evangeline nodded and smiled. "Thank you Leo...for all that you have done for me and my family....for protecting me and helping me protect myself." He smiled and shrugged. "Don't be a stranger." The female nodded and waved as she pulled out of the lot and tossed the bag in the back seat, hearing the clinking for the many weapons that the bag secretly held. Speeding off, she went to the little diner and pulled in, already seeing Josh waiting for her. She parked the car and got out with a smirk on her features. She had let him win...at least...that was what she kept telling herself. Right now...she had to figure out a way to tell him about her moving...but when was the right time?
It was common for them to race places, especially since Evangeline could drive pretty well, but Josh drove a standard and therefore, gave him the advantage. He was standing outside his car, tapping his foot impatiently, albeit playfully, as she pulled up and climbed out the car. "What took you so long? Sheesh, I thought I'd be here all night," he said, looking at an imaginary watch on his wrist. He laughed and held his arm out for her to take, escorting her into the restaurant, holding the chair out for her and just being the perfect gentleman. The moment was coming... But first, they'd have their meal. After dinner, with talk about her recordings and his schooling, and her performance tonight, the dinner taken away and dessert offered, yet declined, as usual, Josh's stomach grew tight and his face flushed red. In front of all these people...
"Evangeline, we've been together for almost a year. A year tomorrow actually, and I feel that we have a real connection. Something that can last for a very long time. I mean...I love you. You're the only one for me." Josh got up out of his chair and knelt on the floor before her on one knee, producing a box from his pocket. "And I would be honored if you would be wife. Evangeline, will you marry me?" His eyes looked up into hers, his heart pounding wildly in his chest, his palms growing sweaty. He opened the box to show the ring, a beautiful heart-shaped diamond on a silver band.
Evangeline let Josh escourt her into the establishment, acting like a gentleman as usual. As she ordered, ate her fill, and declined dessert she smile to herself before it was wiped clean. She had to tell him...she had to tell him that she was moving out....His mother and father already knew and had helped move her stuff over to the luxary loft that the studio had helped pay for. Her eyes met Josh's own gaze. She loved him so much and it hurt that she was going to be moving...but...she didn't want to be in that house and now with her career taking off...her debut just weeks away...she had to move. Her manager had told her she needed to move some where...where...well...the press couldn't track her. At least for now...Josh could maybe come with her after some time had passed...but tonight...she wouldn't be going home with him.
As Josh began to speak, her eyes widened. Wait....what was he doing? Her heart seemed to stop as he said those three little words that she had been holding back for so long. He loved her....that was the best gift anyone could give her. "Josh I..." she started before he knelt to the ground. Her face flushed a deep crimson as he pulled out a small box, opening it to reveal a heart shaped diamond. It was goregous...As he waited for her answer her mind went silent as her face seemed to glow with a smile. This was unexpected...but a good surprise. "I love you too Josh...Of course I will.." she said as she reached down and wrapped her arms around him. This little bit of happiness she wanted to keep....even for just a moment.
She pulled away and let him slide the ring on her finger, kissing him deeply. This really was the best birthday ever....but would it stay that way after she told him everything about her moving? As they paid for the bill and exited the diner, their hands laced together, she walked to her car, leading him to it. The female leaned against her door and looked into his eyes. "Josh....There is something...I need to tell you..." she said, biting her lip. She had been trying to tell him for months about her intentions of moving but...she was too scared to do so. She was scared of his reaction...now more than ever. "Your parents...and I....when I first signed my recording contract...sat down and had a talk." She left out the fact that it was his mother's idea that she move out. "My manager...and them came to the agreement...that when I turned eighteen...they wanted me..to..." The female paused as she took Josh's hands into her own.
Her heart raced as she bit her lip once more. "They wanted me to move out...and today...they moved my stuff into a luxury loft...that the studio bought for me to live in...." She was scared and her eyes showed it. "Many of my fans...know that I live with you...and...your mother and father...thought it would be better...if I lived some where...where I wasn't harrassed every day with reporters about my parents or about my career." She sighed, those entrancing orbs of hers not looking away for a moment. "That doesn't mean that you can't come spend nights and see me....everyone thought that...this...would be the best decision...since..my parents only wanted me to stay until I was eighteen...." she finished, letting the words fade into the silence of the night. What would he do now? She was afraid of his reaction. Would he be angry with her and call off the engagement or would he be okay with this or do something she completely didn't expect? She held her breath as she waited for his reaction.
The whole restaurant erupted in applause from the guests and the employees as she said yes, having listened in on the whole conversation, as it usually happened in small places like these. A huge smile found its way onto Josh's face as he slipped the ring on her finger and hugged her, kissing her deeply and passionately. They walked out to the car, him feeling like nothing could make the night bad in any way, not knowing that she had bad news for him. He listened quietly, hearing everything she had to say before letting go of her hands and turning away from her for a moment. His chest hurt, his stomach knotted, and he felt horrible. Did this mean the engagement was off? Then why did she say yes? She did say he could come spend nights. What about tonight then? He turned back to her, the smile gone from his face and the happiness taken from his eyes. "Why didn't you say anything to me before?" Josh asked, towering over her slightly, attempting to maintain his calm visage, his face impassive. He had thought the boxes were things from the attic that his parents were taking to the dump or the thrift store, he didn't know it was his, now fiancee's, stuff.
Evangeline's heart fell as Josh reacted as she expected him to. He wasn't happy. He towered over her, the female feeling tears fill her eyes. She had wanted to tell him...really she did! Her manager...his mother..even his own father told her that if she had said anything that it wasn't a good idea. His mother had come to her room one night and begged her to not tell Josh until the day of. She said if she treasured this relationship then telling him before hand would ruin it completely. Now she wondered if that was just a big mistake.
Her arms wrapped around her small frame....wishing she had not spoiled this happy moment. "Your mother...begged me to not say anything...your father and my manager thought it best too....I didn't want to hide it...I really didn't...but me moving out wasn't set in stone until this morning." This morning her manager had woke her up telling her that the place was ready and she needed to move in tonight. "Its only temporary...until just after...my debut....then I can choose where I want to go...Its only for a year...my manager promised I could have people stay a week at a time because...I'm going to be there most of the time when I am not in the studio..." She paused again her hands lacing themselves together as she hung her head.
A dark Cobra pulled in beside the two, her manager stepping out of the car. His Blackberry was in his hand as he walked around to the two of them, his voice scolding as he spoke. "Evangeline...you were supposed to be at the loft an hour ago. I thought I told-" The female looked over toward the brunette man, her bangs hiding her eyes and her tears. "I am busy Max....Please....I will be there...just....let me enjoy today...for a little longer...." The middle aged man sighed and walked over to his car and shook his head. "Your stuff is moved in...here is the key and the address...." he said as he threw the key towards her. She caught it as he climbed into his car and drove off...looking at the address.
The address led to about half an hour away from where Josh and his family lived. That wasn't too bad...but still...she didn't know what he would do now. She wasn't going to say sorry for accepting his proposal or anything of the sort. She did love him and she did want to marry him and moving away from him killed her. Couldn't he see that? She had lost her family....she had lost most of her friends...and now she had lost the one place she could call home. The female didn't want to lose Josh too. She wanted to be with him tonight like she had planned and every night after that but....it would all depend on if he still wanted this relationship to continue after the news she had just given him.
Phoebe Majere Community Member 
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