The Truth Is a Terrible Thing

The pub was quiet when the three had arrived in the late hours. There were a few Arsenal fans watching the highlights from today's game on the tv above the bar, while some sat at tables eating. Amelia, Matt, and Max sat at a booth near the bar waiting for Dan and Chris, possibly Josh, to arrive and occupy the empty seats. Max and Matt sat next to each other across from Amelia, laughing and joking.

Amelia had decided not to drink tonight but the lads had other plans. They were already buzzed by the time Chris and Dan had shown up. Cheering loudly as they watched the tv. Dan slid in next to Amelia, Chris next to him; they too chose to drink light, taking small sips of the beers in their hands.

Dan took a sip from his green bottle, throwing an arm around Amelia. "Where's Joshy?" he asked. Amelia looked at him, eyebrows raised, making the answer obvious. He took his arm off her. "Oh, right well, when aren't they fighting?" he asked rolling his eyes.

Amelia didn't answer figuring it was a rhetorical question, just took a sip of her soda, the sleeves of her shirt pulled over her hands keeping the glass from chilling her fingers. She listened in on Matt and Max's slurred conversation as they stumbled out words like 'FIFA' and something about 'kicking your ass,' Amelia smiled at her two drunk friends as they argued. She'd be lucky to get them home in one piece if they kept up their drinking.

Amelia felt her phone vibrate in her pocket as she took another sip. She looked down at the screen, the little blue rectangle on the screen flashing Josh's name.

Where are you?

The text read. Amelia slid her thumb over the screen and quickly text him back before putting her phone on the table. She stuck her hands in between her legs, trying not to think about Josh or how he was going to show up. Whatever attitude he would be in wouldn't matter, he could walk in like nothing ever happened but everyone at the table would know. They would know that just under that layer of fake happiness he was either angry or upset.

"Was that Josh?" Chris asked, leaning in front of Dan.

Amelia nodded. "Yeah, I think he may come down."

"Joshy's comin'? Max asked before turning to look at Matt, a happy look on his face. "Joshy's coming!"

"Joshy's coming?" Matt asked.

"Joshy's coming."

"Joshy’s coming!" They both yelled repeatedly, excitement in their voices.

Chris laughed as Dan shook his head, leaning down to Amelia's ear. "Next round, they're getting water," he said with a smile.

Amelia mocked his expression. Matt and Max had stopped yelling Josh's name and were now chugging down the last of their stiff drinks. Amelia was about to tell them to slow down but the sound of the door next to them opening made her close her mouth and look up.

In walked Josh, a grey hat covering his messy hair. He looked worn out and tired, like he hadn't slept in days. He had only been awake for ten or so hours, so Amelia figured that wasn't possible. She wondered how long he and Hanna had been fighting and if it ended well or not. More than likely not.

He dropped his head as he slid in next to Max. They all watched him carefully, watching his facial expressions and movements for any sort of idea as to what went down with Hanna. Josh looked up, his eyes connecting with Amelia. He smiled softly at her, trying to reassure her he was fine, and to reverse the look of worry on her face.

"Joshy!" Max yelled. "How's my best mate doing on this fine evening?"

Josh smiled at his friend. "Seems you didn't waste any time getting pissed."

"No time to waste!" Max yelled. "I need another one-"

"No, you don't," Amelia chimed in. "You're getting a water, you too Matt. I'm gonna get another soda, anybody want anything?"

The lads shook their heads while Chris and Dan let her out. She crossed the room heading towards the bar. The bar was just a long thin bar, like most of them were in England. There were stools lined up on the outside, and a single bar maid working. She leaned on the bar, the bar maid walking over to her.

"What can I get ya, love?" she asked. The bartender had long blonde hair that hung down her back in a curly ponytail. She wore too much makeup, her foundation a few skin colours darker than it should have been. She had black eye shadow that winged out in the corners. Amelia always wondered how girls could do that, she never could. She just did her simple makeup routine when she felt like wearing makeup.

"A coke and uh..." she looked back at the lads; Max and Matt still being loud. "Two waters and some chips please."

The girl nodded, walking over to the kitchen door and opening it, yelling to the cook to make a batch of chips. Amelia sat down on one of the stools, taking in a deep breath.

"Your mates are pretty pissed, yeah?" she heard someone ask.

She turned her head to the young, handsome man next to her. She laughed. "Sorry 'bout them, they get like that a lot," she said.

The man laughed taking a sip of his beer. "No need to apologize love, I've got myself some mates like that. Hard to handle at times but they mean well," he smiled. He turned more towards Amelia, extending a hand towards her. "Nate. Nate Moore."

Amelia smiled sweetly, shaking his hand. "Amelia, Amelia Howell."

Something about her name made Nate light up a little. His eyes seemed to glow and his smile grew twice in size. "Howell? As in Dave Howell?" he asked.

Amelia nodded, not surprised that he knew who her dad was. Her dad was a pretty well known man, if you were a reader, writer, or editor. Dave Howell was the CEO of a very well known business. He owned four Howell & Mason publishing; two in England and America. If you were a writer or editor then you knew of Howell & Mason publishing. They edited magazines, books, newspapers; everything with words was edited and published by Howell & Mason. "He's my father," she said.

"You're Dave Howells daughter? I've been trying to get a job with him for years."

"I am," Amelia said not really caring about the last part.

"You're really pretty, you know that?" Amelia blushed, dropping her face as she pushed a piece of hair behind her ear. She bit her lip, smiling. "Your boyfriend is looking at us," he said.

Amelia followed his gaze towards the table. Josh was staring at the two of them, his face hard. He dropped his gaze once Amelia looked at him. With a laugh she turned back towards Nate. "Josh? Oh no, Josh isn't my boyfriend. He's a really close mate of mine, that's all."

"Maybe I can have your number, go out for drinks sometime," he suggested. Amelia saw this coming. This man was dressed far too nicely, and had too much interest in her father. This had happened before to Amelia, her last boyfriend dated her so he could get a job with her father. Amelia's view of this boy was lost as far as she was concerned.

"How about no?"

"Come on, love. Don't be like that," said Nate, reaching out to touch Amelia.

She grabbed his hand before he could place his dirty little fingers on her. "Try and touch me and I promise you'll wish you were born a girl." Amelia was amazed at how poor mannered this guy was being. He generally seemed nice when he had first approached her but now Amelia just wanted her drinks and food so she could leave.

"I just wanted your number, no need to be a proper bitch about it," he said.

"I don't think placing your fingers on a girl is the best way to show your interest in her either."

He took a sip of his beer, clearly getting annoyed. "Oh get lost." the bartender placed the three drinks and large basket of chips in front of her before walking away.

Amelia jumped off the stool, grabbing her things. "Get laid, you uptight arse," she said and made her way back to the table.

She placed the chips on the table before giving Max and Matt their waters. Chris and Dan moved in so she should sit down in the booth.

Max and Matt let out a moan of displeasure. "Water?" Matt whined. "Come on, love."

"Hey," Dan warned. "She told you what you were getting so deal with it."

"Thank you Dan," she said with a small smile. "Now drink up lads."

She pulled the wrapper off the top of her straw and took a sip. Max and Matt had continued complaining while Dan and Chris quieted them down. They were worried they'd get kicked out of the pub if they kept it up.

Josh looked up at her, his blue eyes drained. He watched her movements, how delicately she pulled the wrapper off. Everything she did seemed like she put so much effort to look effortless but that was just her. "Who was that?"

"Some guy," she shrugs, picking up a chip and tossing it into her mouth. "Real douche lord too."

Josh dropped his gaze to the chips, not finding any interest in them at all. Amelia put a hand on the table, hoping it would get Josh's attention. It did. "You wanna go?"

Josh nods once before sliding out of the booth. He stuck his hands in the pocket of his coat. Amelia grabbed her phone and stood up after him. "Sorry lads but we're gonna go."

Max and Matt whined. "But Amelia, who's gonna take us home?" Max asked.

"Who's gonna take you home-" They both sang, drinking from their waters.

Amelia laughed and looked at Chris. "Make sure they get home alright yeah? I don't want to read in the paper that these two were arrested for public indecency."

"They'll get home," said Chris. "Can't promise if they'll be in one piece or not."

"Thank you. Bye lads." She waved and followed Josh out of the pub. She pulled her sweatshirt closer to her as the cold night air hit her. She sped up to keep up with Josh's long strides. "Stop walking so fast."

"Keep up," Josh snapped.

Amelia noticed his sudden attitude but pushed it away. She knew he was probably in a bad mood after the fight; she had to just ignore it before she made it worse. The last thing she wanted was for Josh to be mad at her.

She went to pick up her pace but Josh had slowed his down just a little. "Are you going back to your place or?" she let the question hang in the air, waiting for Josh to answer.

"My stuffs already at your place," he says looking ahead. "That is if it's alright, I mean I can always stay with Dan."

"Of course it's alright," she reassured. Josh nodded but didn't answer. The rest of the walk to Amelia's flat was quiet. Amelia felt uncomfortable, like anything she said would set Josh off. She figured Josh didn't want to talk about what had happened but then maybe he did. She wouldn't know unless she asked.

After ten minutes of uneasy silence they made it to her flat. It made her feel more comfortable, now she could busy herself. She could find a million things to do that would shake away the question that was burning in her head.

What happened between you and Hanna?

That's the only thing running through her mind. She was dying to know even though she knew it was none of her business. Josh would tell her when he was ready and if he wanted to. He would normally just shrug and say, "It was a normal fight. She yelled, I yelled, she kicked me out of my own place and now I'm here." He would tell the lads more because he knew that they wouldn't worry or cause something. He never shared these things with Amelia because she was either the cause or the solution.

Amelia closed the door behind her as she walked in, locking it for the first time in a while. She shrugged off her coat putting it on the hanger next to Josh's. Josh was in the front room when Amelia walked in, a small bag on the floor next to the sofa.

Amelia crossed her arms and leaned against the doorframe, watching Josh as he stood awkwardly in the middle of the room. Josh never looked awkward in her flat. He seemed uncomfortable, annoyed, and bothered by something. What, Amelia would never know. "If you want to, you can take a shower," she suggested.

Josh nodded and grabbed his bag before walking quickly to the bathroom. Amelia scurried into the kitchen and opened up the fridge, looking for something to eat. She pulled out a few things, making a small plate before sliding it into the microwave. She heard the faint sound of the shower turning on as she pulled the plate out. Though she didn't want to, or at least she didn't mean to she couldn't help but imagine Josh taking off his shirt, completely undressing before sliding into the shower.

She wondered what he thought about while he was showering. Was he thinking about Hanna, was he thinking about his shower routine, or was he not thinking at all? Amelia had never seen Josh naked, never wanted to but these images of him kept flashing into her mind as she ate her snack. She made note of how his blue eyes changed with his mood. They were always darker when he was angry, grey when he was sad and bright when he was happy. She couldn't remember the last time they were bright. His lips were always a soft pink, never chapped unless he had a cold. They were soft looking, very kissable. She imagined what it was like kissing him. What habits he might have, if he ever got nervous and didn't know where to put his hands. Maybe he always went left; maybe he always went right. Either way she was sure that kissing him would be pleasant.

She didn't realize she was smiling but when she did she perked right up and stopped. Amelia Howell, you stop that. she thought to herself. He's a friend, nothing more and you're not kissing him.

She closed her eyes in attempt to compose herself before she washed her dish off. She walked out of the kitchen and down the hall, walking past the bathroom. Steam poured out from underneath it.

How hot is that water? she asked herself. She continued walking down the hall, reaching Gabby's room. She opened the door thinking her flat mate might be home but that was rare. She closed the door after noticing the room was empty and pulled out her cell phone.

Josh is staying her for the night; please don't be loud when you get home. He's already in a bad mood. She typed out quickly to Gabby as she walked to her room. She tossed the phone onto her bed before quickly throwing on a pair of shorts and a tank top. She sat on her bed, throwing on some lotion. She sighed, tired but not tired enough to go to bed. She didn't want to deal with the silence that was waiting for her outside her room. By now Josh was out of the shower and probably waiting for Amelia on the sofa. She knew it was rude to keep people waiting so she bucked up like the little camper she was and left her bedroom.

Josh was sitting on the sofa when Amelia entered the room. He heard her enter but didn't turn around; he just continued shoving his dirty clothes into his bag.

"Give me your clothes, I'll wash them for you." she said holding a hand out.

Josh looked up and nodded once before giving her his clothes. She quickly put them in the hamper before sitting on the sofa next to Josh. She pulled her feet up and rested her head on her knees. "So what happened with you and Hanna?" She blurted.

Josh's teeth clenched, his jaw set hard. "Nothing," he says through clenched teeth.

"Well obviously something happened. Is everything alright?" she immediately regretted asking. Josh obviously didn't want to talk about it so for her to push the question wasn't the smartest idea.

"Obviously everything isn't fucking alright, Amelia," he yelled.

Amelia lowered her voice, pulling her knees closer to her chest. "I just thought maybe you wanted to get it off your chest. Talk to someone about it."

"That's your problem, Amelia. You think everyone needs to share their feelings with you when they don't," he snapped.

Amelia figured he was only yelling and saying these things because he was upset but she couldn't help but feel hurt by his yelling and his words. "I was just trying to help," she said sheepishly.

"Well stop trying to help, you've done enough already."

Amelia closed her eyes tightly and stood up. Josh looked up at his friend, seeing the sadness in her eyes. He hadn't meant to make her so upset. He didn't mean anything; he was just frustrated. He regretted ever opening his mouth. "Shit, Amelia I'm sor-"

"I think it's best if you sleep on the couch," she says, her arms crossed. She tried not to look at the boy in front of her. Not wanting to show him the hurt in her eyes.

"Amelia-" he began.

"We'll talk in the morning when you're not as upset. Goodnight." She turned quickly and walked off into her bedroom

&&

Josh lay on the sofa for hours, unable to sleep for three reasons; he has practically ruined his relationship with his girlfriend, took out his frustration on his best friend, and the sofa was too uncomfortable for him to sleep on.

He hadn't meant to hurt Amelia; he didn't mean any of the things he said. Truth is he was glad that he had Amelia in his life because she could fix everything. She could turn the worst situation into something amazing. She never put herself in other peoples business, only his because she loved him. They were best friends.

He knew Amelia didn't think everyone should share their feelings with her, they just chose to. If anyone needed advice on anything Amelia was the one to go to. It was what she gave off, this feeling that just made you instantly melt into her. A complete stranger could tell her all about his life, his struggles and she would sit there and listen. Never lose interest or look for a way out. Josh loved that about her, loved how everyone felt welcome around her. Everyone.

Josh tossed the blanket off of him and sat up, rubbing his face with the palm of his hands. He knew he had to apologize to Amelia. He just had to. He got off the sofa and walked towards her room, the hallway was dark but light enough for him to find her room. He had this entire flat memorized; it was burnt into his brain like a road map.

He opened the door and looked it. The moonlight from her window poured in, illuminating everything. Amelia lay on her side, facing him. She was fast asleep, her chest rising and falling at every steady breath. He closed the door, trying not to disrupt her sleep.

She opened her eyes tiredly as the door shut. She sat up after her eyes a readjust to the light. "Josh? What are you doing her?" she asked half asleep.

"I wanted to apologize." Josh slowly crossed the room, stepping more into the moonlight. "Plus your sofa hurts to sleep on."

Amelia lay back down, wrapping herself up in the comforter. "Get in, we'll talk about everything tomorrow."

Josh quickly slipped into bed with her, wrapping an arm around her waist. Planting a small kiss behind her ear he whispered, "I love you Amelia."

"I love you too Josh." With a small smile, Josh pulled her closer and drifted off the sleep.