I Could Follow You to the Beginning Just to Relive the Start...

I've decided to upload the first chapter!! For the record... I'm only going to update the story twice a week because it's rather short. You need to give me feedback and tell me what you think! Thanks for reading!

Chapter One

Joshua's POV

**********

It was the summer of 1942. At the time, I was eighteen years old from a small town in eastern Pennsylvania. But since it was summer, I was visiting my father down in Franklin, Tennessee. He had moved there to work and get more money to send to my mother back home. So every summer since I was old enough to fend for myself on a train, I would head down to that old dusty town and work.

I worked in a general store; loading and unloading orders, selling stuff at the front counter, making deliveries. My brother Zachary and two boys from right in Franklin that we had become great friends with over the years, Jeremy and Taylor, never left my side.

I'm sure you think that doesn't sound like much fun for a boy my age.  You would think that I would rather be off with my friends chasing girls or something of that nature. But where I worked, the girls would chase after my friends and me.  

"Oh Joshua, will you please be a gentleman and lift this heavy sack of flour for me?" A sweet voice asked. I straightened my hat and strolled over to the pretty girl in a sundress,

"Of course Miss Olivia." I said with a wink, making sure to make her go weak in the knees.  I knew I was good looking, and the girls sure as hell knew.

I picked up the sack with ease and smiled at the brunette,

"Where would you like me to put this?" I asked.

"In my daddy's car. And just put the cost of it on his tab." She smiled sweetly, batting her long eye lashes.

"Anything for you." I nodded.

I strolled out of the store with the sack on my shoulder and Olivia following close behind me. I opened the cab of the car and gently slid the flour in.

"There you are Miss Olivia. Anything else?" I asked.

"How about you take me on a date Mister Farro." Olivia said.

"I'm afraid I can't do that." I sighed.

"Why's that. Got your heart set for another girl?" She asked.

"Now that's a little personal." I chuckled, dusting off my hands.

"I understand." She giggled and leaned forward, kissing my cheek softly, "Have a good day Joshua."

"You too." I nodded, tipping my hat.

I walked back into the store and found my brother smirking at me, shaking his head.

"Shut up Zachary." I grumbled.

The rest of my afternoon was slow, at best. I thought the day couldn't get more boring. Zachary had been teasing me about my run in with Miss Olivia and how her daddy was going to kill me if he found out about her kissing me. But it wasn't like I kissed her. Well, recently that is...

My day finally picked up with a ding of a bell. The door of the store opened and she walked in. Her blonde hair curled all the way down to where it hung below her pale shoulders, her green eyes sparkling, and that light blue dress fitting perfectly on her thin frame.

"Her name is Hayley." Jeremy whispered.

"Huh, what makes you think I want to know her name?" I asked.

"You watch her walk in here three times a week and all you can do is stare. You're in love with her." He said smugly.

"What makes you think that?" I questioned.

"Since you saw her you haven't kissed a girl, been on a date, or anything beyond just talking or a little charming." He pointed out. I sighed and looked over at her. Jeremy was right.

"Oh look here, it's your girl Josh." Zachary said as he joined Jeremy and me behind the counter.

"Shut up Zachary! Does everyone know!?" I whispered and hit him with my hat.

"I bet you can't even talk to her." He smirked.

"I bet I can." I nodded.

I was a competitive kid. I couldn't be beat. I always had to one up someone. And that is exactly what got me in trouble.

"I bet I can talk to her... and ask her to marry me." I grinned.

"No way in hell." Zachary laughed.

"I'll do it. You wait and see." I smiled and sat on the wooden counter.

A few minutes later, Miss Hayley finally finished shopping and walked to the counter with all of the things she was going to purchase in hand.

"Good afternoon boys." She smiled. I thought I was going to die. I felt so lightheaded and weak. How could a girl be doing this to me?

"Hi-ya." I stammered, scratching my head. Hayley looked at me and giggled,

"Are you ok?" She asked.

"Yeh, um I like... those candies." I mumbled, pointing to the bag of sweets she held.

"Me too, they're my favorite." She laughed, "So how much do I owe you..."

"Joshua, my name is Joshua." I said, "You owe two dollars."

"Nice to finally meet you Joshua. I'm Hayley Williams." She said, handing me the money.

"I know." I laughed nervously, putting everything in a bag for her. She raised her eyebrow and shook her head,

"You're very different from the Joshua Farro I heard about from all the girls." Hayley pointed out, "But, I better go."

"Would you like me to carry this to your car?" I asked.

"No thank you, I walked." She smiled.

"I'll carry them to your house for you." I offered.

"That's very kind of you but I can handle it." She said, tucking her hair behind her ear.

"Ok, have a good day." I nodded.

Hayley picked up her bag and left the store, looking back once to wave to the three of us through the window.

"Well you talked to her." Jeremy chuckled.

"But you seem to be lacking in something..." Zachary smirked.

"Aw shoot!" I shouted and jumped over the counter, racing out the door.

I didn't have to run very far to find Hayley strolling down the road.

"Hayley!" I called.

"Joshua? What are you doing?" She asked as she turned to face me.

I smiled at her and took off my hat. I got down on one knee and took her free hand,

"Hayley Williams, you are the most beautiful girl I have ever seen in my whole life. Would you be so kind and marry me?" I asked, my heart beating rapidly in my chest.

Hayley smiled softly and put a finger to her chin, like she was thinking very hard.

"How about, you take me on a date. After that, I'll think about it." She suggested.

"Really?" I asked in astonishment. In all honesty I was expecting a slap in the face or just a great big 'no'. But I wasn't sure what this was; a yes? A maybe?

Hayley nodded,

"Pick me up tomorrow night at my house at six o'clock. I live at the very end of Oak Street in the white house with green shutters." She told me.

"I'll be there." I smiled.

With another wave, Hayley started to walk down the street again, leaving me still on one knee. To my surprise, she turned around and looked at me,

"You know what, I'll take you up on carrying my bag home." She called. I hopped to my feet and jogged to catch up with her.

I took the bag in my left arm and started to walk along the road next to her.

"If you want me to marry you someday, shouldn't you be holding my hand?" She asked, a smirk hiding on her pink lips.

"Well only if you insist." I blushed, and gently took her small hand in mine.

People watched us walk together hand in hand all the way to her house on Oak Street. I kept my smile discreet as boys my age glared jealously and girls shook their heads, giving my Hayley dirty looks. I didn't care. I had the girl of my dreams.

I'm starting to think that the last chapter I updated, might be the last one I do for this story. I have a lot planned for it but i'm having such a hard time writing it out. So what I'm going to do is leave the story as is for now, and then make a part two later when I can get myself to focus on that story.

But within the next week or two, I'll probably be putting up a totally new story. It's called "Marry Me Today" (Yes, taken from an old Avril song...), and its based in the early 1940's. Paramoreparafan's story inspired me to make it in the past, but the story line is very different.

I'm going to have some of my very good friends here on buzznet read the story over and let me know what they think about it, but I have good feelings about this story.

I don't know how many of my current readers remember or have even read my very first story that I put here on Buzznet.com called Fallen. If you know the story behind it, you'll know I came up with the idea and wrote it within about 4 days. That is pretty much how this story is to me. I'm very passionate about it and excited to continue with it. This is why I'm going to take off from It'll All Make Sense for a while. So I can work on this new story and do it well and not have it turn into one of the stories I've had in a half baked state for months and months.

Sooo that's it. Let me know your thoughts on this! I really want to hear them. Even if its a small suggestion or an idea for my stories, let me know.

You guys are the best for reading what I write. Ok, I feel like a dork now. K bye.

Here is a little preview of the banner. Not sure if I'm going to stick with it... like/dislike?

 13. Josh's POV

Hayley sat down on her bed and looked up at me.

"Nothing his broken Josh. I don't need to see a doctor." She said softly.

"Will you just let me see? My siblings have gotten hurt enough for me to know what's broken and what's not." I told her. She bit her lip and nodded.

I sat down next to her and I gently lifted up her shirt to her ribs. I sighed, seeing the bruising. I lightly ran my fingers over them and she winced,

"I'm sorry." I whispered, letting her shirt slide back down her stomach.

"No, it's ok." She shook her head, "Your fingers were cold."

"I think one might be broken, but we can't do anything about that really." I said, "What else hurts?"

"My shoulder, but it's just stiff from hitting the wall." She explained.

I nodded and leaned forward, pressing my lips to the corner of her mouth.

"I love you Hayles." I mumbled against her skin.

"I love you too." She said, stroking my hair.

"You need sleep." I smiled and stood up.

"You don't need to leave. Well... I don't want you to." She giggled.

"Ok, I'll stay." I agreed, like I needed to be persuaded to do so. She smiled and walked out of the room, making sure her sisters got to bed.

I went into her dresser and got the clothes I had always kept there and walked into the bathroom to change. When I came back Hayley had just gotten changed as well.

She laid down on her side and I slid into bed next to her, my chest pressing against her back. I carefully wrapped my arm around her waist, not wanting to hurt her ribs. She let out a long sigh as she finally relaxed against me. I smiled and gently kissed her shoulder.

"Night Hayley." I whispered.

"Good night." She yawned.

Hayley's POV

I blinked a few times as the warm sunlight hit my eyelids. I stretched a little and closed my eyes again,

"Josh..." I mumbled quietly. No response.

Only then did I realize how quiet it was in the apartment. No Erin and Rachel yelling, just totally quiet with the slight smell of toast in the air.

I slowly sat up and got out of bed, making my way out of the bedroom. I walked into the kitchen and found Josh sitting at the table in his white v-neck, tight skinny jeans, and dirty old vans, simply eating a slice of toast with peanut butter on it. He looked up and smiled,

"Morning Hayles." He said and stood up.

"Where are my sisters?" I asked.

"School." He said, walking over to me.

"What time is it?" I groaned and leaned forward, resting my head on his chest.

"Twelve-ish." He shrugged.

"Twelve!? I had to be at work at eight thirty!" I yelled and pulled away from him. He caught my wrists and smiled,

"No you don't. I called you off. You needed sleep." He explained.

"Josh, I can't miss a day. I need to have enough to make the rent." I whined.

Josh just smiled and pulled me into the living room,

"Josh what's going on?" I asked.

"Well, first of all. I'm moving in with you." He said.

"Babe... there is hardly enough room here for three people. Not that I wouldn't love you to move in but..." I started to explain but he gave me a look, shutting me up instantly.

"I know that. Just let me get to it." He chuckled, taking my hand.

"Ok." I nodded.

"You're going to quit your job. And you are going to go back to college." He said.

"What about money?" I asked.

"Don't worry about money, Hayley. I love you and I want to help you. I know that showing someone you love them shouldn't be by huge gifts and stuff like that but this is different. I want you to be able to keep your sisters around and get to do what you want to do." He explained.

"Josh... this is so much." I said softly.

"I don't care. I want you to be happy and make life easy for you. You mean the world to me and when I met you, you could always see how sad you were. And even with me you were always worrying and freaking out." He smiled slightly and ran his thumb along the back of my hand, "Please let me help."

"Alright."  I nodded.

"Good!" He grinned and kissed my head, "Then I guess we should look for a house then."

"I guess so." I said, so softly he could be barely hear me.

"Hayles... smile. It's going to work out." He said. I looked up at him and glared. He stuck out his bottom lip,

"Please, smile." He pouted. I finally smiled and laughed softly,

"You're so mean." I giggled. He grinned triumphantly and wrapped his arms around me before softly pressing his lips to mine.

The kiss was slow and soft and sweet. It was so comforting and warm. This kiss wasn't just a normal kiss, it was a promise. A promise that Josh was going to take care of me.

Hello all =)

I know I haven't updated my stories in while... I'm very sorry about that. I'm going to be honest with you, I have the story written up to about chapter 18. I have for a while. But lately, I've hardly had any time to write and when I do have the time, I'm just not inspired to do it. I don't want to just keep on updating without working on the story, because I don't want to run out of pre-written chapters.

BUT, I have a one shot I'm working on and I promise I'll update IAMS before December 1st.

Sooooooo I'm still working on writing and everything. I did not fall off the face of the earth.

By the way, there are some really good stories by other writers right now. Not gonna lie, I was kind of dissapointed that there wasnt a lot of good stuff to read for a while, but people are really getting creative and catching my eye with new stories. Let me know if you have good story you'd reccomend to read.

You guys rule.

Katie (:

12. Josh's POV

I stood up and smiled softly as Hayley, still standing in shock in the doorway.

"Erin asked me to come over." I explained and stepped closer to her. She sent a look over at Erin before locking her eyes back with mine. I looked her over and I bit my lip. She had a small bruise under her eye and a cut on her lip.

"Erin and Rachel, will you put these groceries away. I want to talk to your sister." I asked, looking over at the two kids sitting on the couch. The quickly nodded and took the bags Hayley had set on the floor before disappearing into the kitchen.

"Come on." I said, softly taking her hand and leading her out of the apartment.

I shut the door and rested my hand on the side of her face, lightly tracing that horrible bruise by her eye.

"Are you ok?" I whispered.

"Yes." She nodded slowly, pushing my hand away.

I stared at her for a moment before she started crying and shaking her head. I pulled her against me and kissed the top of her head.

"Don't cry." I mumbled against her hair, "I'm not going anywhere. No one is going to hurt you."

"Why are you still here Josh, I'm stupid and I'm a liar and..." She stopped, sucking in a deep breath.

"I don't care what you are. I'm stupid. I'm a liar." I laughed softly, "I just know I love you. I need you back and you need me."

"Erin is ok with this?" She asked.

"She wanted me to come here and talk to you." I smiled, kissing her forehead, "Please, just take me back. It'll all make sense, Hayles."

Hayley nodded slowly and a smile crept upon her lips.

"Kiss him!" A tiny voice called from behind the door.

"Shut up Rachel, get away from the peephole!" Erin yelled.

Hayley giggled and got up on her toes, planting a sweet kiss on my lips. I smiled and leaned down to her level, wrapping my arms around her.

We pulled away and I closed my eyes, leaning my forehead against hers.

"Are you staying for dinner?" She asked.

"If you want me here." I laughed.

"Come on." She said and pulled me into the apartment.

When we were finished with dinner, Erin and Rachel went to watch TV and Hayley and I cleaned up in the kitchen.

I heard a fork fall to the floor and I looked over at Hayley as she winced, leaning down to pick it up.

"Hayles, what else hurts?" I asked and walked over to her.

"Nothing. I'm ok." She insisted.

"You're not. What hurts?" I asked again.

"My ribs are just a little bruised... it's no big deal." She said.

"Let me look at them." I told her.

"You don't need to." She shook her head.

"Yes, I do." I fought.

"You know I'm going to give into you anyways so why do you keep on arguing?" She asked and turned away from me.

I frowned and walked up from behind her, softly wrapping my arms around her waist.

"Because I'm worried about you." I whispered.

"I know you are." She sighed, leaning against me.

"Then let me see what's wrong." I said, kissing her neck.

Hayley turned around and nodded,

"Ok."

Hayley's POV

I rested my head on Josh's chest and smiled softly. He held me tight and ran his fingers through my hair. He kissed my head and I bit my lip, feeling the butterflies in my stomach.

I closed my eyes, I was so tired from what I had gone through over the past days, but now... I was safe.

I really love this picture. Enjoy!!

*****

I don't know exactly where to start; the beginning or the end. I know exactly how it began, but the end, I'm not so sure of. So may it should start at the beginning, like most stories do.

 We were childhood sweethearts. I knew I loved her the moments I saw her walk into my school. Her name with Hayley Williams, she was five feet tall with bright green eyes from Meridian, Mississippi and moved here after her parents had split. Music is what brought and kept us together as kids. One thing led to another and by the time we were 15 we were attached at the hip. We kept each other happy and we were never without the other.

 One day, with all my courage I finally kissed her. That didn't go too well. We just smacked heads and I felt like an idiot. But before I could come up with an excuse as to why I was about to kiss her, her lips were on mine.

 From then on, everything was different. The closeness we had became even closer. And as for the music that brought us together, we were getting noticed.

 In the next few years, the band we had formed lifted off. We released several albums, toured, and recived numerous awards. Hayley and I hit some bumps. We fought but we would never let it get to us. We would always kiss and make up.

 But one day changed everything. Hayley was sick. She woke up in a hotel in Canada while we were on tour and puked in the bathroom. She insisted it was nothing, just touring catching up with her. We believed her until it began to happen every day.

 It turned out that Hayley was pregnant... with my baby. We couldn't have been happier. We were 22 and 23 at the time; we could handle having a baby. We called off tours for a while and went back home. We got married in a small church in our hometown and bought ourselves a house.

 Joshua Zachary Farro junior, or JJ (Josh Junior) as we liked to call him, was born on September 23^rd at 4 in the morning. He was almost 8 pounds and 18 inches long.

 Our son meant everything to us. So we decided we were going to stop touring for our band indefinitely to take care of him and let him grow up like a normal kid. I got a job with my dad and Hayley stayed home with JJ. We were happy and doing well.

But soon the space between us at night went from hardly any space at all, and inched further and further away. Our long kisses turning into quick pecks to say hello and goodbye. Then the arguments started. Stupid arguments that ranged from coming home a few minutes late to not flushing the toilet. Eventually I ended up sleeping on the couch. We couldn't bear to be in the same room for more than a few minutes.

 Our son Josh was only a little over a year old but he knew that something was up. He cried more for both of us and cried even more when both of us didn't come to his side or read him his story before bed.

 A week after I thought things couldn't get any worse, Hayley threw a packet of papers at me; divorce papers.

 Those papers brought me to where I am now, sitting in a room at some law firm, waiting for my divorce to be finalized.

I loosened my tie a little as we went over the details. We had made everything easy. We were splitting everything 50/50. All we had to do now was go over the custody of JJ.

 "Josh do you have any preferences about when you have your son?" My lawyer asked.

"No, I just want him to be happy. We could just switch off every week. It would be easy for all of us." I sighed, running a hand through my hair.

"That seems agreeable. Hayley, do you agree to this?" Her lawyer asked.

"Sure." She nodded and fiddled with bottom of her dress.

 Both of our lawyers talked quietly and went over the terms again.

 "Well everything is settled we just need a few signatures from you and we'll be done." My lawyer explained and handed me a sheet of paper, "You can go first."

I sighed and picked up the pen, signing everywhere I had to.

 Finally I stood up and looked at Hayley,

"I hope you're happy. You got what you wanted. You're alone now because you wouldn't just work things out like normal person. You are putting our son through the one thing you swore you would never want anyone to go through. I know you might not care anymore, but I never wanted this. If it were up to me we could have just talked it out, but you know, you just were too stubborn to do this and now you've torn everything apart. So thanks Hayley." I spat and left the room.

I drove home and slammed the car door shut. I ran up to my room where all my stuff was and started to put my things into a few bags. I heard Hayley's car pull into the driveway. I sighed and continued to pack.

 The front door of the house opened and closed and I heard Hayley's heels hitting the hardwood floor as she took them off. The bedroom door slowly opened and I turned around, seeing Hayley stand there. Her green eyes were puffy and her blonde hair was in a messy ponytail.

 "Where is JJ?" I asked.

"With my mom." She said.

"Why?" I questioned.

"I wanted to talk to you." She said softly.

"Oh there is more you want from me?" I said bitterly.

"No, I just want you to listen to me please." She sighed.

"You're listening now? Wow, that's a new one." I laughed.

"I just wanted to tell you that you were right Josh." She said, her voice thick.

"What?" I raised my eye brow and turned around.

"You're right Josh. Everything you said before was right. And I'm sorry I did this to you and JJ." She sniffled.

"Well it's kind of late for that." I mumbled.

"No it's not." She shook her head.

"Yeah Hayley, it kind of is. Seeing that we aren't married anymore and everything we have is getting split in half." I pointed out.

"I didn't sign the papers Josh. I couldn't do it." She told me.

"Why? This divorce is all you wanted." I asked in shock.

"I know, I know. But what you said made me think about everything. About our son and the life we've build together. About you and me." She sighed, "I don't want to give it up. I don't know why I did. All I want right now, and I all I ever will want, is you. I want to get old together and have our son know that we really truly loved each other."

I smiled slightly,

"So you still love me, huh." I said thoughtfully. She nodded and walked a little closer to me.

"I don't want this to be over. I thought about my life without you and JJ around all the time and it just doesn't seem right." She said and softly held onto my hand.

 I nodded and rested my hand on her cheek, before pressing my lips to hers. She smiled into the kiss and placed her hands on my chest.

"I love you." I told her softly, hardly taking my lips off hers.

"I love you too, even if I tell you I don't. I do. I don't think I could ever be more in love with someone." She said, a tear rolling down her cheek.

 I wiped it away and continued kissing her. Our kisses were soft and sweet. Our lips brushing together rhythmically, our tongues sliding together. I thought I was going to die right then.

 I slid my hand from around her waist to her back and slowly unzipped her dress. It fell to the floor. I ran my hands up and down her smooth skin and smiled into the kiss. I pulled the band out of her hair and it felt to her shoulders.

 She started pushing me back slightly until my knees hit the bed. I sat down and she sat on my lap, our faces just inches away. She smiled at me, in a way she hadn't smiled in such a long time. It was so honest and comforting. Hayley pressed her lips back to mine and undid my tie before slowly unbuttoning my shirt.

 There we were; me rememorizing every curve, every freckle, and every detail of her perfect skin with my lips and fingertips. And she did the same, rememorizing every muscle, indentation, and mark on my body.

 We were together. We were skin on skin, heart to heart. Together until the very end.

*****

So? Thoughts? Comments?

11. Erin's POV

I paced the apartment franticly. Where the hell was he? Rachel sat on the couch, watching me walk back and forth.

Finally, there was a knock at the door and I practically ran over to it. I unlocked it before opening it up to reveal a man. He had dark hair, brown eyes, and a lip ring. Josh Farro.

"You're Josh, right?" I asked.

"Yes. You're Erin?" He questioned. I nodded and stepped aside, allowing him into the apartment. He walked over to my sister and smiled,

"You must be Rachel." He said. She nodded and looked him over,

"You're Josh?" She asked, her eye brow raised slightly.

"Yeah, I am." He nodded.

Rachel paused for a moment before looking over at me,

"He seems nice. Why did you say all that mean stuff about him?" She asked. Josh chuckled softly and sat down,

"So why do you need me here?" He asked with a sigh.

"I need you to get back together with Hayley." I explained.

"Erin, you made that huge deal about her dating me and now you're asking me to take her back?" He furrowed his eye brows.

"I guess I just didn't get how much she really loves you." I said in almost a whisper.

"Is she ok?" He asked. I simply shook my head and fought back tears.

"I'm sorry Josh. I was just so mad. She lied to us and made me feel like she didn't care what happened to us." I told him.

"Hey, it was nothing like that." He smiled warmly and put a hand on my shoulder, "Hayley always would be talking about your school work or what you were doing. She was constantly worrying about you guys."

"Why wouldn't she tell us about you?" Rachel asked.

"She wanted to. But she was scared about what would happen when we met. She told me that she always had to share things with you two. And she said it was like I was only hers." He shrugged.

I didn't say anything and leaned back on the couch, taking a deep breath. I finally looked back at Josh,

"Hayley got hurt." I said.

"What? How?" He questioned, concern in his eyes.

"She was mugged. The car broke down and no one could drive her home so she had to walk late at night." I explained, "If I hadn't have made her end it with you, you could have given her a ride home or something."

"Is she ok?" He asked, not even caring about everything else I said.

"No, she's pretty hurt and won't see a doctor. She is a mess Josh." I shook my head and looked down.

Josh sighed loudly and ran a hand through his hair.

"Will you please talk to her or see her?" I asked.

"Like I wasn't going to." He chuckled, "I can't believe that happened. This is partially my fault."

"How?" I raised an eyebrow.

"I just got really angry with her when she broke up with me." I told me.

"It's understandable." I said.

We heard keys jingling outside of the apartment, trying to go into the lock. It finally opened and Hayley walked in, holding some groceries. She looked up at the three of us sitting in the living room. Her eyes finally settled on Josh. She smiled, her eyes lighting up. I had never seen her as happy as she was when she saw Josh sitting there. But that look quickly vanished. She blinked a few times,

"Josh, what are you doing here?"

_________________

It may seem like this story is going by quickly, but there is a lot more to come =) comments and buzzes make me smile.

10. Erin's POV

I stuffed my hands in my pockets as I ran home. I was going to be late again. I had gotten one of my friends to watch Rachel while I was visiting my boyfriend Cory. Hayley was going to be even more pissed off at me. To be honest, I didn't care.

As I ran past an alley I heard a soft cry. I stopped and peered into the darkness. Only a single line of light cast into the alley, showing a foot. That foot happened to be wearing a pair of dirty Converses. Hayley's dirty Converses. I gasped and ran over to her.

Her lip was bleeding, she was bruised right under her eye, and she was clutching her ribs.

"Hayley." I whispered softly, touching her shoulder. She jumped slightly and opened her eyes.

"Erin... where is Rachel?" She mumbled, trying to get up.

"She's at home. What happened?" I asked, letting her lean on me.

"Some ass hole tried to mug me. I didn't even have anything." She grumbled bitterly.

"Come on. The apartment isn't far. Are you ok?" I questioned.

"No, but I'll live." She whispered.

*****

It had been two days since I found Hayley like that. She didn't stop going to work. Nothing changed. She didn't go to a hospital, call the police, or do anything. She seemed like she just gave up and didn't care anymore.

Hayley walked into the apartment holding a McDonalds bag.

"Hayley!" Rachel squealed and ran over to her, wrapping her arms around her waist.

"Hey." She smiled weakly, "I brought you guys dinner. I'm going to bed. If you need me just come in." She said and set the bag on our coffee table before walking into her bed room.

I felt sick to my stomach. I caused this. If I hadn't had made such a big deal about what she did, she wouldn't be hurting. She wouldn't have gotten mugged, and would still be with her boyfriend. She would be happy.

"Erin why won't Hayley talk?" Rachel asked softly. I opened my mouth to speak but I froze and stopped myself.

"I don't want to talk about it Rach." I mumbled and pulled the McDonalds bag over to me.

After I had eaten and cleaned up I slowly walked over to Hayley's room to see if she wanted anything. I pushed the door open and immediately a knot formed in my stomach.

Hayley was lying on her bed, a hand over hear eyes and tears staining her face. Her body shook slightly and she sniffled.

"Hayley?" I called. She jumped slightly and wiped her eyes.

"Erin! What do you need?" She asked, sitting up.

"Nothing. Are you ok?" I inquired.

"Yeah," She nodded slowly, "I'm fine. Just tired."

"Hayley... I'm sorry I caused all this." I sighed.

"No, it's not your fault, its better now. I can focus on you guys and..." She took a deep, shaking breath as she looked for the words to say.

"You need Josh. Thing aren't better. You are hurting in every way right now. You won't go to the doctor to check on your cuts and bruises from the other day and you won't call Josh. It's all my fault!" I argued.

"Erin, it's my decision. Go do your homework." She mumbled before laying back down on her bed, pulling the covers over her.

I scowled at her and closed the door. If she wasn't going to do anything about this, I was.

_______________

Comments?

I've been inspired. Time for an update. I love you guys =D

10. Erin’s POV

I stuffed my hands in my pockets as I ran home. I was going to be late again. I had gotten one of my friends to watch Rachel while I was visiting my boyfriend Cory. Hayley was going to be even more pissed off at me. To be honest, I didn’t care.

As I ran past an alley I heard a soft cry. I stopped and peered into the darkness. Only a single line of light cast into the alley, showing a foot. That foot happened to be wearing a pair of dirty Converses. Hayley’s dirty Converses. I gasped and ran over to her.

Her lip was bleeding, she was bruised right under her eye, and she was clutching her ribs.

“Hayley.” I whispered softly, touching her shoulder. She jumped slightly and opened her eyes.

“Erin… where is Rachel?” She mumbled, trying to get up.

“She’s at home. What happened?” I asked, letting her lean on me.

“Some ass hole tried to mug me. I didn’t even have anything.” She grumbled bitterly.

“Come on. The apartment isn’t far. Are you ok?” I questioned.

“No, but I’ll live.” She whispered.

*****

It had been two days since I found Hayley like that. She didn’t stop going to work. Nothing changed. She didn’t go to a hospital, call the police, or do anything. She seemed like she just gave up and didn’t care anymore.

Hayley walked into the apartment holding a McDonalds bag.

“Hayley!” Rachel squealed and ran over to her, wrapping her arms around her waist.

“Hey.” She smiled weakly, “I brought you guys dinner. I’m going to bed. If you need me just come in.” She said and set the bag on our coffee table before walking into her bed room.

I felt sick to my stomach. I caused this. If I hadn’t had made such a big deal about what she did, she wouldn’t be hurting. She wouldn’t have gotten mugged, and would still be with her boyfriend. She would be happy.

“Erin why won’t Hayley talk?” Rachel asked softly. I opened my mouth to speak but I froze and stopped myself.

“I don’t want to talk about it Rach.” I mumbled and pulled the McDonalds bag over to me.

After I had eaten and cleaned up I slowly walked over to Hayley’s room to see if she wanted anything. I pushed the door open and immediately a knot formed in my stomach.

Hayley was lying on her bed, a hand over hear eyes and tears staining her face. Her body shook slightly and she sniffled.

“Hayley?” I called. She jumped slightly and wiped her eyes.

“Erin! What do you need?” She asked, sitting up.

“Nothing. Are you ok?” I inquired.

“Yeah,” She nodded slowly, “I’m fine. Just tired.”

“Hayley… I’m sorry I caused all this.” I sighed.

“No, it’s not your fault, its better now. I can focus on you guys and…” She took a deep, shaking breath as she looked for the words to say.

“You need Josh. Thing aren’t better. You are hurting in every way right now. You won’t go to the doctor to check on your cuts and bruises from the other day and you won’t call Josh. It’s all my fault!” I argued.

“Erin, it’s my decision. Go do your homework.” She mumbled before laying back down on her bed, pulling the covers over her.

I scowled at her and closed the door. If she wasn’t going to do anything about this, I was.

_______________

Thoughts, comments, ideas??

Kind of an extra long chapter today. There are lots of important things that happen but were not long enough to be their own chapter.

9. Hayley's POV

I sighed to myself as I wiped down the counter at work. The past two days had been crazy with Erin not wanting to talk to me. I really hated it and it made taking care of her hard.

The bell on the door rung and I looked up to see Josh’s smiling face. I grinned, forgetting everything and practically ran over to him, wrapping my arms around his waist.

“Hey.” He laughed, kissing my head.

“Hi.” I sighed.

“Where have you been all weekend. I tried to call you a million times.” He said.

“Sorry, I just had a problem with my sister and things got crazy.” I explained. Just then I remembered what my sister wanted me to do. I just couldn’t do that to him or myself, but I had to. He nodded understandingly and held me tighter,

“I missed you a lot.” He told me.

“I missed you too.” I smiled, “Can we go outside and talk?” I asked.

“Yeah sure.” He nodded and took my hand.

We stood outside of the diner and I took a deep breath,

“I think we need to break up.” I said quietly.

“What?” He asked, his eyes changing from their normal happy glow to a sad and concerned look.

“Erin knows about you. And she isn’t happy.” I explained.

“I can just meet her or something. I’ll try and talk with her.” He told me.

“No, she’s not going to budge. She is going to tell my grandma…” I was about to explain what she was going to tell my grandma, but I didn’t want Josh to know. I didn’t want him to worry.

“Tell her what?” He asked.

“Nothing.” I mumbled.

“Tell me Hayley!” He begged.

“That I have no money!” I yelled, making a few people look over. Tears started to roll down my cheeks.

“Hayles… why didn’t you tell me?” He asked, wiping away my tears.

“I didn’t want you to worry.” I told him.

“Didn’t your mom and dad leave you any money behind?” He asked.

“They were going through money problems at the time, there was hardly any left. We got money from the insurance company and for other things but I won’t spend it. It’s for my sisters so they can go to college and so though won’t have such a rough time when they’re older.” I said.

“Hayley, just let me help you. We can work everything out.” He smiled softly.

I shook my head and looked down,

“Just give this time.” I insisted. Josh took a deep breath and nodded, pulling me close to him before pressing his lips firmly against mine. I kissed back urgently, wanting to make this last.

Finally Josh pulled away and rested his forehead on mine,

“Is it ok if I call you? Just to see if you’re ok?” He asked.

“Ok.” I nodded.

“I’m not going to just let you go.” He smiled.

“I don’t want you to.” I laughed softly. He finally stepped back and removed his arms from around me, making me feel cold without him,

“Well, I need to get to work.” He said sadly.

“I need to get back to work.” I nodded to Jeremy who was sitting alone with a deck of cards.

“I’ll see you around then.” Josh said.

“Yeah.” I bit my lip.

I walked into the diner, not wanting to look back. Jeremy frowned and stood up. He gave me a tight hug,

“It’s going to work out bud, give Erin time.” He assured.

“I know.” I nodded and buried my face in his shirt.

Later that night after I made dinner for my sisters and cleaned up I crawled into my bed. I laid there for a second before my phone rang. I picked it up without looking at the caller ID,

“Hello.” I said.

“Are you ok?” I heard a voice ask on the other line. I smiled and pulled the blankets over my head,

“I’m better now.” I said, “You know Josh, when most couples break up the one who was broken up with usually doesn’t call the other person later on to see if they’re ok.” I pointed out.

“Well we’re not like most couples are we.” Josh chuckled.

“Erin is going to be mad at me.” I sighed.

“I know.” He agreed.

“Let’s give this not being together thing a week.” I said, “Just to let her chill.”

“But I don’t wanna.” He groaned.

“I know. But I need to make it work with my sisters. Other than my grandma and my aunt and uncle that live in Colorado… they’re the only family I have left.” I told him.

“I understand. Family comes first.” He agreed.

“I’ll call you when this crap is over with. I just don’t want her to find out we’re secretly dating or talking behind her back and get her even more upset.” I suggested.

“Fine.” He said shortly, getting angry.

“Josh, don’t get mad!” I groaned.

“I can’t help but get mad that because my girlfriend’s sister is being stubborn we have to not see or talk to each other.” He said.

“She has every right to be angry with me.” I fought back.

“Well if you would have just told her she wouldn’t be mad.” He grumbled.

“I know Josh! Don’t make me feel worse about what happened!” I yelled, immediately hushing my voice when I remembered my sisters were sleeping in the next room. I heard a long sigh,

“Right, I’m sorry. Call me… or don’t… I don’t care right now.” Josh snapped. I heard the call end and I gently set my phone on my side table before burrying my face into the pillow next to mine; the one josh always used. This wasn’t going to be easy.

*****

Two weeks later, I was walking home from working the last shift because the car had broken down… again. I was not 50 feet from my apartement what I heard someone cough,

“You have a dollar on you?” A man asked. I turned around as he stepped out of the doorway of a store.

“No, I don’t have anything. Sorry.” I said and started to walk away. I heard his footsteps behind me,

“Now I know you’re lying to me sweetie.” He mumbled and grabbed my arm. I tried to pull away but he had to firm of a grip on me.

“Let go!” I yelled and kicked him hard in the leg.

“Bad move.” He grumbled and threw me to the ground. I groaned as my shoulder hit the pavement just next to an alley. I scrambled to get away and he cornered me against a wall. He slapped me hard across my face, right below my eye. I punched him in the chest and he simply threw me back to the ground, my mouth coming in contact with something hard, leaving me with the taste of blood. The next thing I felt was three hard kicks to the ribs. I groaned and just laid there praying it would be over soon. He grabbed my bag and rummaged through it. He threw it back at me.

“Good for nothing.” He spat and ran off.

I finally let a sob escape my throat and clutched my side. I had enough. I was just so tired. My sister wouldn’t talk to me still. I hadn’t talked to or seen Josh. I just gave up.

___________

='( I feel bad about not updating like i used to. Soooo busy. But I'm working on a pretty awesome Tayfic! That might be showing up in the next month or so =)

Ok, so I'm thinking the reason that people can't see my posts is the fact I now have a banner. I never had the issue until I got one. So if you still can't see this, let me know!

8. Hayley's POV

Not a moment after Josh left I heard the door of the apartment open and Erin and Rachel walked in.

“Hayley!” Rachel giggled and ran over to me.

“Hey Rach.” I smiled and hugged her, “How was hanging out with Jeremy and Sarah?” I asked.

“It was great! We went to a movie and went mini golfing and then to dinner and ice cream!” She said excitedly.

“Wow, they really treated you didn’t they.” I said, “Erin, did you have fun?” I asked and looked over to her.

“Why do you care?” She asked and went into her room, slamming the door.

“Erin! That’s my room too!” Rachel whined.

“Will you watch TV for a little? I need to talk to her.” I explained.

“Ok.” She nodded and went to look for the remote.

I walked into Erin and Rachel’s room and shut the door behind me. Erin looked up from her pillow,

“Get out.” She groaned.

“What is your problem?” I asked.

“You! You are my problem!” She yelled.

“What?” I asked softly.

“You have been lying to us for the past six months about why you have us stay with family members and friends so often.” She said angrily, “I saw that guy leave the apartment. I saw you kiss him.”

“Erin… I’m sorry.” I whispered.

I should have known this was going to blow up in my face at one point.

“No! You’re not! You kick us out of the house on weekends so you can go and screw him and you didn’t even have the guts to tell us that you have a boyfriend or whatever the hell he is!” She shouted.

“He is my boyfriend, his name is Josh… but it’s not like that at all.” I started to explain.

“I told you I had a boyfriend and even brought him over to this shithole apartment because you wanted to meet him. But you can’t have this guy meet us? Are you ashamed of us?” She asked.

“No.” I sighed, “I just… I love him. I didn’t want to have to share I guess. I gave up so much for you guys and I felt like I had nothing. But then Josh came into the picture…” She stopped me.

“You love him?! You love him but you won’t let us meet him.” Erin groaned.

“I will let you meet him. You and Rachel come first.” I told her.

“If we come first and we’re so important to you than prove it!” She said.

“How?” I asked.

“Dump him. We can go back to not pretending.” She said bluntly.

“Erin… please don’t make me do that.” I begged.

“No! I’m going to. You lied to us and you say you love this guy but you won’t let us meet him. Just break up with him.” Her eyes narrowed, “Or I’m going to tell grandma about the fact you have almost no money left.”

“Fine! Erin, you win.” I shouted, tears forming in my eyes. She stayed silent, like she wasn’t sure what to do or say. I just shook my head and left her room.

I wiped my eyes and sat down with Rachel on the couch,

“What’s wrong?” She asked.

“Nothing.” I smiled slightly, “Just fighting with Erin, that’s all.”

“Why are you crying then? I don’t remember ever seeing you cry.” She said softly.

“Big fight, Rach.” I explained.

“Oh.” She nodded.

I took a deep breath and leaned my head back on the couch. I couldn’t go back to what I was doing before. I loved Josh, he was everything to me. But I loved my sisters, and I had promised our parents that if anything happened to them I was going to take care of them. I couldn’t lose them, but it didn’t want to lose Josh.

Sorry about the crazy wait guys! I've been ridiculously busy!

8. Hayley's POV

Not a moment after Josh left I heard the door of the apartment open and Erin and Rachel walked in.

“Hayley!” Rachel giggled and ran over to me.

“Hey Rach.” I smiled and hugged her, “How was hanging out with Jeremy and Sarah?” I asked.

“It was great! We went to a movie and went mini golfing and then to dinner and ice cream!” She said excitedly.

“Wow, they really treated you didn’t they.” I said, “Erin, did you have fun?” I asked and looked over to her.

“Why do you care?” She asked and went into her room, slamming the door.

“Erin! That’s my room too!” Rachel whined.

“Will you watch TV for a little? I need to talk to her.” I explained.

“Ok.” She nodded and went to look for the remote.

I walked into Erin and Rachel’s room and shut the door behind me. Erin looked up from her pillow,

“Get out.” She groaned.

“What is your problem?” I asked.

“You! You are my problem!” She yelled.

“What?” I asked softly.

“You have been lying to us for the past six months about why you have us stay with family members and friends so often.” She said angrily, “I saw that guy leave the apartment. I saw you kiss him.”

“Erin… I’m sorry.” I whispered.

I should have known this was going to blow up in my face at one point.

“No! You’re not! You kick us out of the house on weekends so you can go and screw him and you didn’t even have the guts to tell us that you have a boyfriend or whatever the hell he is!” She shouted.

“He is my boyfriend, his name is Josh… but it’s not like that at all.” I started to explain.

“I told you I had a boyfriend and even brought him over to this shithole apartment because you wanted to meet him. But you can’t have this guy meet us? Are you ashamed of us?” She asked.

“No.” I sighed, “I just… I love him. I didn’t want to have to share I guess. I gave up so much for you guys and I felt like I had nothing. But then Josh came into the picture…” She stopped me.

“You love him?! You love him but you won’t let us meet him.” Erin groaned.

“I will let you meet him. You and Rachel come first.” I told her.

“If we come first and we’re so important to you than prove it!” She said.

“How?” I asked.

“Dump him. We can go back to not pretending.” She said bluntly.

“Erin… please don’t make me do that.” I begged.

“No! I’m going to. You lied to us and you say you love this guy but you won’t let us meet him. Just break up with him.” Her eyes narrowed, “Or I’m going to tell grandma about the fact you have almost no money left.”

“Fine! Erin, you win.” I shouted, tears forming in my eyes. She stayed silent, like she wasn’t sure what to do or say. I just shook my head and left her room.

I wiped my eyes and sat down with Rachel on the couch,

“What’s wrong?” She asked.

“Nothing.” I smiled slightly, “Just fighting with Erin, that’s all.”

“Why are you crying then? I never see you cry.” She said softly.

“Big fight, Rach.” I explained.

“Oh.” She nodded.

I took a deep breath and leaned my head back on the couch. I couldn’t go back to what I was doing before. I loved Josh, he was everything to me. But I loved my sisters, and I had promised our parents that if anything happened to them I was going to take care of them. I couldn’t lose them, but it didn’t want to lose Josh.

For those of you who have been waiting.... it's here! BY THE WAY, I HAVE NO IDEA WHY I'VE BEEN HAVING TO POST MY JOURNALS TWO TIMES. THEY WORK FOR SOME PEOPLE, BUT NOT OTHERS. SORRY!!

Part One:

I didn’t plan to move to Franklin, Tennessee. I didn’t plan to become best friends with a group of insane boys. I didn’t plan to be in a Grammy nominated band with those boys. I didn’t plan to go on a road trip with my best friend. I didn’t plan to fall in love with him. But for things I didn’t plan on doing, they all worked out pretty damn well.

I smiled at the thought. I was laying in Josh’s bed, nothing but a mattress set on the floor of his room in his apartment with a few blankets and pillows tossed onto it. I had my body tucked tightly against Josh’s. We were wrapped up in the blue and black checkered comforter he had had since he was a kid, hiding from wet, windy weather outside.

I sat up slightly and left a small kiss on Josh’s cheek,

“We have practice in an hour and a half. I’m going to go make coffee.” I whispered, kissing him again. He grumbled in response and slightly cracked his eyes open. I laughed quietly and scooted out of bed, shivering as I felt the air conditioning hit my skin. I needed to rethink wearing tank tops and shorts to bed.

It had been a year since my road trip with Josh and I’d never been happier. I wasn’t living with Josh; I just slept at his apartment, ate at his apartment, and kept a lot of my clothes on his apartment. Well, yeah, I was living with him. But legally I was still living at my apartment and I would go every other day to get the mail.

Every time I stepped out of Josh’s room I was surprised. I forgot the small piece of information that Josh lived in a loft. Being in a successful band had its perks. Though if you only looked at his bedroom you would think it was just any old apartment. He insisted on keeping it that way.

I made my way to the kitchen and turned on the coffee machine, pulling two mugs out of one of the tall wooden cabinets. A small smile crept onto my face, feeling a pair of warm arms sneak around me,

“I hate early morning band practices.” He grumbled, kissing my neck.

“If we didn’t have band practice at this time you would be waking up now anyways.” I informed him, turning around. I planted a tender kiss on his lips and he smiled, resting his forehead on mine.

“Yes, but the fact I have to do something makes it annoying.” He chuckled.

**********

I got out of Josh’s car just as Taylor pulled in the parking lot and walked into the practice space where Jeremy and Zac were starting to set up. Jeremy looked over at me and waved,

“Hey I forgot my hoodie in your car the other day can I go grab it?” He asked as Josh and Taylor walked in behind me.

“Um, I don’t have my car with me.” I mumbled, hoping he would let it go.

“Then how did you get here?” He asked.

“Josh.” I said quietly. Zac and Jeremy shot Josh and me a look.

“Why did Josh drive you here, you’re apartment is on the other side of town.” Zac said.

“Because I was with him already.” I said bluntly.

I left out a tiny detail before, and that detail would be that the band, our best friends, didn’t want Josh and I dating. They swore it was going to end the band. But I thought that them fighting with us about it would be the end.

“Guys… you know how we feel about that.” Zac mumbled, “We’re only looking out for you.”

“I know Zac but we’re not going to break up just because of what you think.” Josh told him.

“So what we think means nothing?” Jeremy asked with spite in his voice, setting his bass down.

“No, we don’t mean that, but we’re not going to be unhappy just so you feel better.” He said.

“Well we’re a band and three out of the five members don’t agree with what’s going on.” Jeremy said gruffly.

“It’s our personal lives. We’re going to do what we want. We’ve been together for a year guys, it’s going really well.” I cut in, putting my hand on Josh’s back.

“Yeah Hayley? Well weren’t you saying the same thing about Chad when you were dating him for a year?” Zac asked, “Didn’t he go and break up with you not a few months later? What if the same thing happens?”

“Zac! What the hell?! You really think I would do that?” Josh yelled.

“Zac…” Taylor scolded quietly, he was never one to really pick sides in this argument.

“You could Josh! We all know how many girls you dated before Hayley.” He yelled back.

“You two are being irresponsible about this.” Jeremy shook his head.

“No! We’re not. You guys are being selfish!” I spat.

“Yeah we’re being selfish Hayley. We want our band that we’ve worked so hard to get it to where it is to stay the way it was.” He rolled his eyes.

Finally Josh stepped forward and shook his head before pulling his guitar out of the amp,

“Fine guys.” He sighed, “Hayley, we can’t do this anymore. I’m ending it. We need to break up.” I stared at him wide eyed. He didn’t mean it did he?

“And guys.” He turned to Zac, Jeremy, and Taylor, “I quit. I need to get out of here.”

They all stood in shock as he packed up his guitar and walked over to me. He wrapped his free arm around my waist and kissed my cheek,

“I have to leave. You know where I’ll be. I love you.” He whispered and slipped out of my grasp before I could get in a word.

We heard the door slam and a car drive away. I wiped away a tear that had rolled down my cheek and hid my smile. I knew exactly where he would be.

**********

So? What do you guys think?

For those of you who have been waiting.... it's here!

Part One:

I didn’t plan to move to Franklin, Tennessee. I didn’t plan to become best friends with a group of insane boys. I didn’t plan to be in a Grammy nominated band with those boys. I didn’t plan to go on a road trip with my best friend. I didn’t plan to fall in love with him. But for things I didn’t plan on doing, they all worked out pretty damn well.

I smiled at the thought. I was laying in Josh’s bed, nothing but a mattress set on the floor of his room in his apartment with a few blankets and pillows tossed onto it. I had my body tucked tightly against Josh’s. We were wrapped up in the blue and black checkered comforter he had had since he was a kid, hiding from wet, windy weather outside.

I sat up slightly and left a small kiss on Josh’s cheek,

“We have practice in an hour and a half. I’m going to go make coffee.” I whispered, kissing him again. He grumbled in response and slightly cracked his eyes open. I laughed quietly and scooted out of bed, shivering as I felt the air conditioning hit my skin. I needed to rethink wearing tank tops and shorts to bed.

It had been a year since my road trip with Josh and I’d never been happier. I wasn’t living with Josh; I just slept at his apartment, ate at his apartment, and kept a lot of my clothes on his apartment. Well, yeah, I was living with him. But legally I was still living at my apartment and I would go every other day to get the mail.

Every time I stepped out of Josh’s room I was surprised. I forgot the small piece of information that Josh lived in a loft. Being in a successful band had its perks. Though if you only looked at his bedroom you would think it was just any old apartment. He insisted on keeping it that way.

I made my way to the kitchen and turned on the coffee machine, pulling two mugs out of one of the tall wooden cabinets. A small smile crept onto my face, feeling a pair of warm arms sneak around me,

“I hate early morning band practices.” He grumbled, kissing my neck.

“If we didn’t have band practice at this time you would be waking up now anyways.” I informed him, turning around. I planted a tender kiss on his lips and he smiled, resting his forehead on mine.

“Yes, but the fact I have to do something makes it annoying.” He chuckled.

**********

I got out of Josh’s car just as Taylor pulled in the parking lot and walked into the practice space where Jeremy and Zac were starting to set up. Jeremy looked over at me and waved,

“Hey I forgot my hoodie in your car the other day can I go grab it?” He asked as Josh and Taylor walked in behind me.

“Um, I don’t have my car with me.” I mumbled, hoping he would let it go.

“Then how did you get here?” He asked.

“Josh.” I said quietly. Zac and Jeremy shot Josh and me a look.

“Why did Josh drive you here, you’re apartment is on the other side of town.” Zac said.

“Because I was with him already.” I said bluntly.

I left out a tiny detail before, and that detail would be that the band, our best friends, didn’t want Josh and I dating. They swore it was going to end the band. But I thought that them fighting with us about it would be the end.

“Guys… you know how we feel about that.” Zac mumbled, “We’re only looking out for you.”

“I know Zac but we’re not going to break up just because of what you think.” Josh told him.

“So what we think means nothing?” Jeremy asked with spite in his voice, setting his bass down.

“No, we don’t mean that, but we’re not going to be unhappy just so you feel better.” He said.

“Well we’re a band and three out of the five members don’t agree with what’s going on.” Jeremy said gruffly.

“It’s our personal lives. We’re going to do what we want. We’ve been together for a year guys, it’s going really well.” I cut in, putting my hand on Josh’s back.

“Yeah Hayley? Well weren’t you saying the same thing about Chad when you were dating him for a year?” Zac asked, “Didn’t he go and break up with you not a few months later? What if the same thing happens?”

“Zac! What the hell?! You really think I would do that?” Josh yelled.

“Zac…” Taylor scolded quietly, he was never one to really pick sides in this argument.

“You could Josh! We all know how many girls you dated before Hayley.” He yelled back.

“You two are being irresponsible about this.” Jeremy shook his head.

“No! We’re not. You guys are being selfish!” I spat.

“Yeah we’re being selfish Hayley. We want our band that we’ve worked so hard to get it to where it is to stay the way it was.” He rolled his eyes.

Finally Josh stepped forward and shook his head before pulling his guitar out of the amp,

“Fine guys.” He sighed, “Hayley, we can’t do this anymore. I’m ending it. We need to break up.” I stared at him wide eyed. He didn’t mean it did he?

“And guys.” He turned to Zac, Jeremy, and Taylor, “I quit. I need to get out of here.”

They all stood in shock as he packed up his guitar and walked over to me. He wrapped his free arm around my waist and kissed my cheek,

“I have to leave. You know where I’ll be. I love you.” He whispered and slipped out of my grasp before I could get in a word.

We heard the door slam and a car drive away. I wiped away a tear that had rolled down my cheek and hid my smile. I knew exactly where he would be.

**********

So? What do you guys think?

7. Hayley's POV

I took a deep breath as my eyes opened to my bedroom. It hadn’t changed much over the past six months. Same pictures were on the wall, same comforter on the bed.

I tilted my head slightly to look at the face that I had gotten very familiar with. I giggled at Josh’s peaceful yet goofy face as he slept. Josh made me happier than I had been in a long time.

Though in a way I felt guilty about being with him. I hadn’t exactly told my sisters I had a boyfriend. I guess I just wanted him to focus on me and not my sisters. It was kind of selfish but I had given up so much for them. When Josh and I would go on our dates I would simply tell my sisters I had to work late and sent them to Jeremy’s house or our grandma’s for the night. Though last week Rachel found a pair of his boxers mixed in with the laundry. She seemed to buy that I wear them to sleep when it’s hot out but Erin didn’t seem so convinced.

“You’re cute when you’re thinking.” I heard Josh laugh.

“Why thank you.” I smiled and turned over in bed so I was facing him. He gently kissed my neck and I sighed, closing my eyes.

“You ok?” He asked, brushing some of my hair off of my face.

“Yeah, I’m fine.” I assured him, playing with his hair between my fingers. He gave me a look,

“Did I do something? And even if I didn’t what can I do to help?” He asked kissing my hand.

“You did nothing. I promise.” I told him softly.

Before he could say anything I placed my hand on his neck and kissed him hard on the lips earning a satisfied groan from him. I slowly made my way on top of him in a heated kiss making moans and groans come from each of us. He slid his hands from my thighs to my waist and started pulling up the baggy shirt (most likely was his) that I was wearing. I smiled into the kiss and moved my lips down to his neck. Just as the shirt was almost over my head my phone rang loudly.

I opened my eyes and found Josh chuckling at me. I hit him jokingly before I pulled my shirt back down over my stomach and reached for my phone.

“Hello?” I answered, still sitting on him and teasing him by tracing my fingers across his bare torso.

“Hayley? Where are you?” Erin asked.

“At home.” I said quickly as I got off of Josh.

“Ok, Jeremy made me call you to make sure you were home before he dropped us off for some odd reason.” She sighed.

“Ok see you when you get here.” I closed my phone.

I got out of bed and pulled on my jeans that were in the corner of the room. I looked down at the shirt I was wearing and discovered it was in fact Josh’s. I found a shirt and looked around everywhere for my bra.

“Josh hand it over.” I giggled.

“Hand what over?” He asked innocently, but his smile totally contrasted it.

“Josh just give it to me. You have to leave soon.” I said putting my hands on my hips.

“Ok.” He said and picked up my bra from the floor next to him and threw it at me.

“You’re such a loser.” I groaned jokingly and walked into the bathroom.

**********

Erin’s POV

“Hurry up.” I groaned to Rachel as we stepped out of the elevator of the apartment.

“I’m trying!” She said back.

I looked up the hallway and saw a guy walk out of our apartment. Just as he was about the shut the door I heard Hayley’s voice,

“Josh, you forgot your belt.” She called and stepped out of the apartment slightly, not even noticing us.

“Thank you.” He smiled. Hayley grabbed him by the belt loops and pulled him against her, kissing him.

“I’ll call you.” She said and let him go.

It all came together now. I knew why she was making us leave the house so often. I knew why she was on the phone so much. I knew why there was a pair of men’s underwear in the apartment.

The way he smiled as he left the apartment said it all. That smile, the tiny bit of panic in his eyes as he walked past us, the way he nearly ran to the elevator.

Hayley had a boyfriend… or something. She had been lying to us the past few months. She was going to regret it.

I made a banner! Woo It looks like crap but thats ok its still a banner. Anyways... enjoy the chapter.

7. Hayley's POV

I took a deep breath as my eyes opened to my bedroom. It hadn’t changed much over the past six months. Same pictures were on the wall, same comforter on the bed.

I tilted my head slightly to look at the face that I had gotten very familiar with. I giggled at Josh’s peaceful yet goofy face as he slept. Josh made me happier than I had been in a long time.

Though in a way I felt guilty about being with him. I hadn’t exactly told my sisters I had a boyfriend. I guess I just wanted him to focus on me and not my sisters. It was kind of selfish but I had given up so much for them. When Josh and I would go on our dates I would simply tell my sisters I had to work late and sent them to Jeremy’s house or our grandma’s for the night. Though last week Rachel found a pair of his boxers mixed in with the laundry. She seemed to buy that I wear them to sleep when it’s hot out but Erin didn’t seem so convinced.

“You’re cute when you’re thinking.” I heard Josh laugh.

“Why thank you.” I smiled and turned over in bed so I was facing him. He gently kissed my neck and I sighed, closing my eyes.

“You ok?” He asked, brushing some of my hair off of my face.

“Yeah, I’m fine.” I assured him, playing with his hair between my fingers. He gave me a look,

“Did I do something? And even if I didn’t what can I do to help?” He asked kissing my hand.

“You did nothing. I promise.” I told him softly.

Before he could say anything I placed my hand on his neck and kissed him hard on the lips earning a satisfied groan from him. I slowly made my way on top of him in a heated kiss making moans and groans come from each of us. He slid his hands from my thighs to my waist and started pulling up the baggy shirt (most likely was his) that I was wearing. I smiled into the kiss and moved my lips down to his neck. Just as the shirt was almost over my head my phone rang loudly.

I opened my eyes and found Josh chuckling at me. I hit him jokingly before I pulled my shirt back down over my stomach and reached for my phone.

“Hello?” I answered, still sitting on him and teasing him by tracing my fingers across his bare torso.

“Hayley? Where are you?” Erin asked.

“At home.” I said quickly as I got off of Josh.

“Ok, Jeremy made me call you to make sure you were home before he dropped us off for some odd reason.” She sighed.

“Ok see you when you get here.” I closed my phone.

I got out of bed and pulled on my jeans that were in the corner of the room. I looked down at the shirt I was wearing and discovered it was in fact Josh’s. I found a shirt and looked around everywhere for my bra.

“Josh hand it over.” I giggled.

“Hand what over?” He asked innocently, but his smile totally contrasted it.

“Josh just give it to me. You have to leave soon.” I said putting my hands on my hips.

“Ok.” He said and picked up my bra from the floor next to him and threw it at me.

“You’re such a loser.” I groaned jokingly and walked into the bathroom.

**********

Erin’s POV

“Hurry up.” I groaned to Rachel as we stepped out of the elevator of the apartment.

“I’m trying!” She said back.

I looked up the hallway and saw a guy walk out of our apartment. Just as he was about the shut the door I heard Hayley’s voice,

“Josh, you forgot your belt.” She called and stepped out of the apartment slightly, not even noticing us.

“Thank you.” He smiled. Hayley grabbed him by the belt loops and pulled him against her, kissing him.

“I’ll call you.” She said and let him go.

It all came together now. I knew why she was making us leave the house so often. I knew why she was on the phone so much. I knew why there was a pair of men’s underwear in the apartment.

The way he smiled as he left the apartment said it all. That smile, the tiny bit of panic in his eyes as he walked past us, the way he nearly ran to the elevator.

Hayley had a boyfriend… or something. She had been lying to us the past few months. She was going to regret it.

Sorry for the wait guys! Kind of a cute filler. Thinks are going to pick of pretty quickly from now on so get ready for the madnessss. I <3 Emma and Lauraaaa!

6. Hayley's POV

Josh and I soon discovered we were really different people. He was quiet and shy, I was loud and outgoing. He would rather stay at home and order food in than go out to dinner. We argued about nothing, simply pointless things.

But after only two months of dating, we knew that what we had was more than just “testing the water”, we really had something amazing.

I also discovered, a few weeks after we started dating, that Josh could be more than just his cute, awkward, goofy self. He could be serious, smart, protective, and dare I say sexy?

I giggled as I felt a pair of arms suddenly lift me into the air. I squirmed out of his grip and turned around to face Josh.

“You’re going to get it now.” I smirked and jumped up on him, wrapping my legs around his waist. He chuckled and held me up easily as I kissed him anywhere on his face I could reach.

“Hayles I don’t think I can hold you up anymore.” He said.

“What are you talking about?” I laughed.

“You’re just so heavy…” I grunted jokingly as he slowly collapsed on the floor, me under him.

“Oh that’s real nice, just tell your girlfriend she’s too heavy and drop her. What kind of boyfriend are you?” I teased.

“Shut up.” He mumbled and pressed his lips against mine.

I smiled into the kiss and tangled my fingers in his hair.

“Come to dinner with me tonight. Meet my family.” He said, pulling away slightly.

“Really?” I asked.

I didn’t know much about his family. I knew he had four other siblings. His parents were divorced and his dad owned a restaurant not far out of Franklin. That’s how Josh had become so successful with his businesses. His dad had paid his way through art and business and then set him on his own after that. Josh sold his artwork and started his advertising and design company on his own.

“Yeah. You’ll love them and they want to meet you.” He assured, “You need to let me meet your sisters soon. I don’t know why you don’t want me to.”

“It’s just every guy I meet finds out I have to take care of them and they freak out or my sisters end up driving them crazy. I just feel better putting it off.”

“You know I wouldn’t, but fine.” He sighed and sat up slightly.

“Josh, don’t be all ‘Alright fine.’ because I know when you say that it’s not fine.” I groaned.

“Ok, I understand.” He corrected himself.

“Thank you.” I smiled and kissed him lightly.

He smiled back and rolled onto his side so he was laying next to me on the floor. He propped his head up on his elbow and ran his fingers along my face. I sighed contently and closed my eyes. I felt him plant a warm kiss on my jaw, making me involuntarily smile.

“I love you.” He whispered. I opened my eyes to find his brown ones meeting mine.

“I know.” I teased and played with his hair.

“Oh really? Way to ruin the moment.” He smirked.

I nodded and rolled over, pressing my lips to his, “And I love you.”

“I know.” He responded.

“Way to ruin the moment.” I mumbled in my best Josh impression.

*****

Josh and I walked up to a large house and he knocked the door. I could hear kids inside and Josh chuckled seeing my bit my lip.

“They’re going to love you.” He whispered just as the door opened, revealing someone who must have been Josh’s brother.

He looked me over and his face suddenly became serious,

“How much are you playing her to be here?” He asked.

“Shut up Zac.” Josh laughed, leading me into the house, “That’s Zac, Zac this is Hayley.” He said gesturing to me.

Zac held out his hand and I shook it,

“Really how much is he paying you?” He joked.

“Oh the usual for events like this, one hundred dollars an hour. I do weddings, family gatherings, and most other social events.” I played along.

“I like her!” Zac shouted, looking over at Josh. He smiled and took my hand again,

“Come meet everyone else. Zac isn’t all that great.” He said, leading me into the kitchen.

“Hey guys.” Josh called and everyone greeted him, “This is Hayley, my girlfriend.”

“You sly dog Josh!” Another one of Josh’s brothers said.

“That’s Jon and next to him is his friend Dom. That’s my older brother Nate who is helping my mom cook, and this,” He said, pointing to a little girl I had already met before, “Is Isabelle. My sister.”

“Nice to meet you.” I smiled.

 After dinner we were all sitting together in the living room. Josh was leaning against the side of the couch with me between his legs, laying my back against his chest. He had his arms around my waist, linking them at my stomach with my hands over his.

“Ok, I would rather be Italian than Irish any day.” Nate argued. We had been fighting over if being very Irish or very Italian is better for the past half hour.

“But we get a holiday for being Irish! What do you get? Nothing?” I giggled.

“She’s right you know.” Zac nodded, “I want to be Irish just so I can wear a little leprechaun outfit.”

“That’s kind of weird Zac.” Jon mumbled.

“Well I bet you didn’t know that Irish and Italians make beautiful babies.” Their mother called from the kitchen.

I felt Josh laughed nervously, “Mom… don’t scare her away with your visions of having all these grandkids.”

“I’m just saying!” She insisted.

I just smiled and patted him on the leg, “It’s ok Josh.” He smiled back and leaned down, lightly kissing me.

“Oh, mom brings up babies and they start kissing. Eww, save that for your own place Josh.” Zac teased.

“Shut up Zac.” He grumbled.

5. Hayley's POV

The next few weeks had gone by smoothly. Josh and I, oddly enough, had been spending a lot of time together and Erin and I seemed to have made peace after that talk we had.

My phone buzzed on my dresser and I groaned, reaching for it. It was a calendar reminder.

“Chaperone Rachel’s school trip to farm.” I read aloud, “Shit.” I mumbled and jumped out of bed.

“Guys get up we’re gonna be late!” I yelled as I pulled on a tank top and a button up shirt. I heard them yell back in response but I didn’t pay any attention to it.

I quickly dialed Jeremy’s cell number and waited for him to pick up.

“Jeremy! I can’t come in today.” I explained as he picked up.

“I know you told me last week.” He said.

“Oh right… well I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” I said quickly and snapped my phone shut.

After I had dropped Erin off at her school I drove Rachel and I to the Elementary school where the bus would be to take us all to the farm for a trip to the pumpkin patch, a hayride, and then a bond fire later that night.

I shivered as a breeze blew by and wrapped my arms around myself. I watched Rachel run around with her friends while we waited for everyone to show. I felt someone come up from behind me and cover my eyes. Immediately I knew who it was.

“Are you following me everywhere?” I asked as I turned around to face Josh.

“Maybe.” He smiled and gave me a hug.

“What are you doing here anyways?” I laughed.

“My sister is in 5^th grade, remember? My mom and dad had to work and I got stuck here, but I’m glad I did.” He said.

“Oh that’s right.” I nodded.

“Now Hayley I have an important question to ask you.” Josh started and put his hands on my shoulders.

“What?” I asked.

“Will you… sit next to me on the bus?” He asked with a laugh.

“Hmm, I dunno…” I teased and poked him in the ribs, “I guess, if you insist.”

“So how did you get stuck with going on this trip and not your mom or dad?” Josh questioned as we sat in the very back of the bus, driving along the highway. I bit my lip,

“Um, my parents died in an accident two years ago. Drunk driver.” I mumbled and stared at my hands.

“Oh, I’m sorry. You never said anything that would make me assume that.” He apologized.

“No, I should have told you before. It’s an easy mistake, what’s a 22 year old doing raising a 15 year old and an 6 year old on their own?” I smiled slightly at him. He smiled comfortingly and squeezed my hand. I tried my best to hide the grin that was spread across my face when he did this, but he saw it.

“Oh you like me holding your hand miss Hayley?” He asked confidently.

“You’re the one that reached for mine first.” I shot back.

“Very true.” He chuckled.

At lunch we were allowed to go and do what we wanted for an hour while the kids ate. Josh and I walked through an old horse stable, our fingers still loosely interlaced. I really loved how comfortable I felt around Josh. It was new to me.

We came across a large pile of hay above a loft

“I dare you to jump into that from up there.” Josh smirked.

“No way!” I yelled and shoved him.

“Come on, I’ll jump with you.” He coaxed me. I took another look at the drop, it didn’t look far at all, plus I would land in a huge pile of hay.

“Fine.” I scowled and pulled him to the ladder.

We stood on the loft, and from here the drop looked much further.

“Ready. 1…2…3…” Josh counted off and we jumped, me clutching onto his hand for dear life.

We landed in the hay and Josh laughed as he saw my face.

“Are you ok?” He asked putting a hand on my cheek.

“Yeah.” I breathed out and bit my lip as I realized how close we were.

I licked my lips as his mouth moved closer to mine and his eyes shut. I closed mine as well and I could taste his breath on my tongue.

Finally, our lips were together in a gentle kiss. My stomach did a flip at the way he made me feel through this simple kiss. I smiled as he wrapped his arms around my waist. I locked mine around his neck and stroked the back of his head. We slowly and reluctantly pulled apart. He smiled and gave me another quick kiss. I smiled back and I wished he would have let his lips stay on mine a little longer.

“Maybe we should go back to everyone else.” He suggested.

“Yeah.” I sighed.

He helped me out of the hay and we brushed off all the access pieces off our clothes. I giggled and stood on my toes to pull out a piece that was stuck in Josh’s hair. In that split second I felt Josh’s lips on mine again. I gasped and pulled away at the unexpected action.

“Sorry. I thought you wanted me to kiss you again because you seemed like you liked it before as much as I did. I guess it was just too soon to do it again. I’m re…” I stopped his rambling by crushing my lips into his and wrapping my arms around his neck. He smiled into the kiss and wrapped his arms around me, bringing my body closer to his. After a few minutes of kissing we pulled away.

“I did want you to kiss me again, you just surprised me.” I giggled and stroking his cheek.

“Sorry about that…” He chuckled and removed his arms from around me. I immediately felt cold without them there.

“Eh, its fine.” I shrugged and smiled.

*****

That night after the fire, all the kids were loaded onto the buses once again and fell asleep against the windows after that long day. I sat next to Josh again in the back of the bus. I had my head resting against my shoulder and he was tracing patterns across my fingers, palm, and down to my wrist.

“Hayley?” Josh whispered into my hair.

“Yeah Josh?” I looked up at him.

“Would it be too soon or too high school to ask you to be my girlfriend?” He asked.

“No it wouldn’t.” I smiled and pressed my lips gently against his. I pulled away and rested my head on his shoulder again, smiling the biggest I’d smiled in a long time.

When we finally got back to the school I  got a sleeping Rachel from her seat on the bus and led  her to the car. I grunted quietly when I finally got her in her seat, working with a half asleep child was harder than you’d think.

I turned around and saw Josh walking over to me.

“I’ll call you tomorrow. We can hang out then maybe.” He said.

“Sounds good to me.” I told him. He gave me a hug and waved before walking away. I bit my lip and smirked as I watched him leave.

*****

The next morning I sat down at the computer in the living room of the apartment before I had to go to work. I glared at the computer screen as I checked my banking account online.

I sat back and let out a deep sigh. I only had a little over one hundred and seventy-five dollars. I was going to have to pull some major overtime to pay the rent. Things just had to get better…

4. Hayley's POV

“Night Jer!” I called, taking off my apron. I was finished with my shift at the diner for the night. It was just a little after eight.

“See ya, Hayley. You sure you don’t want a lift? It’s a little chilly.” He offered. I shook my head and slid on my coat before putting my bag over my shoulder,

“The car will be out of the shop tomorrow morning. I’ll be fine walking home one night.” I smiled and fixed my hat on the top of my head.

“Alright, but you’re going to regret it.” He chuckled and walked into the kitchen. I smiled and left the diner, starting down the cold street.

It was late November and the days were usually just a little nippy, but at night it was freezing, for a kid from Tennessee at least.

I started to shiver and I bit my lip. Jeremy was right, I regretted it not taking the ride. I suddenly heard a horn honk three times and I spun around, seeing a red car pull up next to me.

The door opened and Josh stuck his head out,

“Hayley, what the hell are you doing?” He chuckled.

“My car decided to die again, so I’m walking home.” I giggled.

“You’re an idiot.” He snorted. I pouted and made a face of mock hurt. He smiled, “A very cute idiot, fine. Just get in the car, just looking at you is making me cold.”

I quickly nodded and got into the passenger seat, my body instantly beginning to warm as the heat from the vents hit me.

“Ok, so I’ll drive you home right after I drop something off at a client's ok?” He said, putting the car in drive.

“Sure.” I agreed and rested my head on the headrest.

We drove only a few blocks away to a restaurant off of the main street. Josh got out of the car and started pulling a few boxes out of the back seat. From what I could see by peering through the window, it was defiantly a high class restaurant; people dressed nicely, dim lighting, expensivly decorated.

“Hayles, will you grab the last box from the trunk?” Josh asked, already hold three boxes in his arms.

“Yeah.” I said and got out of the car.

I got the box and followed Josh to the back of the building. We entered the kitchen and we were greeted by a man in an expensive looking suit,

“Ah! Josh, great to see you. You have my order?” He asked.

“Right here.” He nodded and set the boxes down on a table. He opened one up and pulled out a menu.

It was detailed with black and green ivy leaves around each page and every word was written in a way it looked more like a work of art than a word.

“These are excellent” He man grinned, gently flipping through the menu, “You will have a check in the mail tomorrow morning.”

“That’s fantastic. Thank you.” Josh blushed slightly, glancing at me. I laughed a little and looked down at the floor.

“I think I owe you a little more than what I am paying you…” The man said, eyeing me slightly, “I owe you and this beautiful lady here a dinner, free of charge.”

“We would love that. What do you think Hayley?” He asked, facing me.

“I don’t know. I kind of need to get home to my sisters…” I mumbled reluctantly.

“Oh, well that’s ok.” He nodded understandingly.

“So you are passing this up?” The man questioned.

I couldn’t pass up a chance to be alone with Josh at an amazing restaurant. My sisters could manage.

“You know what Josh, I’ll just tell my sister to order pizza.” I managed to say.

“Really?” Josh grinned. I bit my lip and nodded. That smile of his was too adorable.

“Fantastic.” The man clapped his hands together.

A waiter showed Josh and I over to our table in a quiet corner of the restaurant. I took off my coat and smiled softly as Josh pulled out my chair for me.

“Thanks. Such a gentleman.” I joked and took a deep breath.

“Hey, we have a free date at a fancy restaurant, we may as well make at as good as it can get.” He smiled.

“I guess so.” I agreed.

“So for the record this wasn’t just some ploy to get you on a date with me.” He informed me as he opened his menu.

“I don’t mind.” I said, almost hoping he didn’t hear me.

“Well that’s good, makes me feel better about making you get home late.” He chuckled.

We pulled up to my apartment after dinner and Josh got out of the car. He walked to my side and opened the door for me.

“Thanks.” I said and faced him, “Thanks for dinner. It was really fun.”

“Yeah, not bad for a first date.” He laughed.

“Oh so this was a first date.” I raised my eye brows in a teasing manor. The faces he made when I took him off guard with random comments were way too adorable.

“I mean… I uh…” He stumbled over his words.

“Are you always this awkward with girls?” I asked. He finally composed himself,

“Not really.” He scratched the back of his head.

“It’s cute.” I giggled and reached out, loosely taking his hand. He squeezed mine slightly and smiled.

“Well I better go inside before my sisters freak out.” I sighed.

“Oh yeah, sorry.” He nodded.

“See you tomorrow?” I asked.

“As always.” He laughed.

His eyes darted down to my lips for a second before going back to my eyes. I swallowed and bit my lip. Holy crap he was going to kiss me!

Josh leaned forward, his lips slightly pursed and I closed my eyes, waiting for the kiss. But instead of feeling his lips on mine, I felt his warm lips pressed against my cheek. I quickly opened my eyes as butterflies bounced off the insides of my stomach at the feeling. He pulled away and smiled softly.

“Goodnight.” He said and walked to the driver’s side of the car.

“Night.” I whispered, my lips curving into a smile.

Only as he drove away did I realize how freezing it was. I shivered, still smiling like and idiot, and ran to the apartment complex. This wasn't just some crush and I new it. I wanted it to happen. I was willing to be with someone that was going to take care of me for once. But in all the happiness I felt; there was still fear. Fear of what could happen, fear of what he is really feeling, and maybe even a fear of love? No, definitly not that... right?

__________________

Comments? =D BNE is all I've had playing since friday! ahhhhh! soo good.

3. Hayley's POV

For the next week I saw that guy everyday at the diner. We never really talked, but I would always watch him as he sat in that same place at the end of the counter writing in that notebook. I always wanted to say more to him, but I never could.

"Go fish." I mumbled to Jeremy. Tic-Tac-Toe had gotten boring, so we moved on to this. The diner was empty today, Wednesday mornings were always like this.

"How are you so good at this game!" He asked and grabbed a card, adding it to his pile that was starting to fall out of his hands.

"It's not all that hard." I laughed. The familiar bell on the door rung and in came the guy.

"I'll let you two have your staring contest." Jeremy whispered and picked up all the cards. I kicked him in the butt as he disappeared into the kitchen.

"Hey." I smiled and stood in front of him.

"Hey." He held out his hand, "I'm Josh." He said as I shook it.

"Took you long enough." I giggled. He looked at me expectantly.

"And your name is..." He started.

"Oh! I'm Hayley, sorry." I blushed, "Do you always come here for breakfast?" I asked.

"I used to come every once in a while but now I come every day as you know." He said.

"So do you want anything to eat or drink?" I asked.

"I'll have two coffees." He said.

"Two? I can just get you a refill when you want." I raised my eyebrow at him.

"Yes two cups of coffee please." He repeated with a smile.

"Okaay." I smiled softly and got them for him, setting them down in front of him, "Anything else?" I asked.

"Will you bring that stool over here?" He reached for the cream and sugar.

"Um, sure." I mumbled, giving him another odd look.

I scooted the stool over and put it across from him.

"Sit down." He said.

"What?" I laughed a little.

"Sit down." He said simply.

"I'm working. I can't!" I was flustered by what was happening. He glanced around the empty diner and back to me, "Fine." I mumbled.

So we sat there for two hours just talking. When a customer would come in, I would take care of them and then go back to Josh.

"So you want to see something? Promise not to get freaked out?" He asked.

"Sure." I said. He opened up his notebook and flipped several pages in. Finally he chewed at his silver lip ring and showed me a picture. It was a perfect sketch of me, leaning against the counter smiling at something.

"Wow." I whispered and noted the little details he put in. If he wasn't so sweet I would have thought he was a total creep.

"Is that how you woo women?" I joked.

"Uh, no actually. I went to art school, usually women just buy what I draw." He smiled and looked at the paper again, "Did I woo you?" He asked slowly.

"Pretty much, yeah." I giggled. Before we could say anything else, large groups of people began filing into the diner.

"I better pay." He said quietly and put down the money for the coffee and his usual very large tip.

"You know you don't have to tip me like that all the time." I scolded him.

"Good service deserves good tips." He stated and left with a small wave. I smiled and went to wait on several tables.

Later that night I made a quick run to the store to buy food for dinner. I hummed to myself as I walked through the bread aisle and put a loaf into the small basket I was carrying with me.  As I reached the end of the aisle I tripped over my dirty shoelaces and started to fall. I braced myself for the cold floor but instead I felt a pair of warm arms wrap around me. I opened my eyes and found a pair of chocolate brown ones looking down at me, it was Josh.

"Are you ok?" He asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks." I sighed and bit my lip. Suddenly I realized our eyes were still locked and his arms were wrapped around me. I coughed slightly and loosened the death grip I had on his shirt. He smiled sheepishly and let me go.

"So do you always trip over and run into things or is this by chance?" He laughed.

"I bit of both I would say." I giggled.

He leaned over and helped me pick up the food I had dropped. We continued talking through the store and at the checkout line, all the way to the parking lot.

"Well I guess I'll see you around Hayley." Josh smiled.

"I guess so." I nodded. He helped me put the last of my bags in the car and he held out his arms giving me a hug. I was shocked slightly but didn't delay in hugging back. I didn't notice earlier how good he smelled.

"See you." He said and let me go, ruffling my hair.

"Bye." I grinned and watched him walk to his car.

I laid quietly in bed staring at my ceiling. I just couldn't get to sleep tonight, there was too much on my mind. I heard my door open a little,

"Hayley?" Erin called quietly.

"Yeah?" I called back, slightly confused to why she was coming in my room. She never really wanted to talk to me anymore.

"Can I come in?" She asked.

"Yeah sure." I said and sat up in bed. Erin sat cross-legged next to me.

"Umm, I don't know how to really say this, so I'll just come out with it. I have a boyfriend." She sighed.

"Really?" I asked, smiling at her.

"Yeah." She giggled a little.

"What's his name? Is he cute?" I asked.

"His name is Cory and yes he is very cute." She said.

"So you just wanted to tell me this? You know you can tell me anything." I told her.

"I know, it's just I feel so cramped here in the apartment all the time and you are always focusing on Rachel." She explained.

"I'm sorry; it's hard with both of you needing different things and me with this job, plus grandma always trying to get me to have you two move out of here and in with her." I groaned.

"I'm sorry." She whispered.

"It's ok." I pulled her into a hug, "And if that guy ever hurts you, I'll get Jeremy to beat him up for you." I laughed.

"Thanks Hayley." Erin smiled.

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Things are going to pick up a lot from now on. I feel like this chapter is too great.... but enjoy?