The sounds from the nearby creek can be heard, the frogs croaking mixing with the chirping of the crickets makes for a soothing sound for a good night sleep. Near the creek is a nearby campground, a quiet one at that as all the campers have gone to sleep in their assigned cabins, a full day of camp activities can really get a teenager tired. However there is one group of campers who are still up even after being told they should be in bed by now, the group of teens were having their own version of fun as they each passed a bong one of the teens carried in their sacks. Sure camp rules state 'if a camper is caught/assumed to have any kind of drug (including cannabis), they will be punished by the camp instructor as narcotics are a zero tolerance offense', yeah well if that were the case these teens would have had their heads on a stake but that's neither here nor there. As the three teens, one boy, two girls share what was left their pot, passing it around one by one as they chat about some of the nerds and losers in this dumb camp they were forced to attend in the summer. Chatting about one girl who looks like she could populate a whole colony of fleas in her mustache, one guy whose nose looked like on a bad day during a girl's shark week and this one chick whose camel toe could be seen across the creek. While they are chatting one of the girls was hogging the bong as the guy looked over, taking notice of the chick taking forever to pass the bong since it was his turn as he slapped her on the knee.
"Aye, quit hogging the good good."
Brisk said as he looked up at Aquamarina as she held onto the bong continues to huff up the stress relieving smoke in her system. Finally pulling away from the mouthpiece, Marina would lean her head up to the male before blowing the smoke she had in her mouth to his face, in a way giving him second high as she passes it to her friend beside her. Solar takes the bong in her hands as she grabs her lighter, flicking the sparkwheel while also pressing down in the fork to create a flame before placing said flame near the bowl where their cannabis is stored. While Solar is hitting the bong, Marina sits up on her knees giving Brisk the attention he didn't ask for but wasn't going to push her away from the offer as Solar gently places herself on his lap leaning her head down she starts to attack Brisk's neck with her lips, kissing his neck a bit sloppily judging by the sounds her lips made against his neck. The tension between both teens started to annoy Solar a bit as she pulled her mouth off the mouthpiece so she could cock block them before it could go any further, but that only leads to her coughing while trying to keep the smoke in her system for the cannabis to work its magic. When she heard her coughing Marina quickly went into action as she got off Brisk's lap so she could tend to her friend placing her hand on Solar's back gently patting it so she could let it all out. This not only helped Solar out as the patting on the back allows her to breath in actual air, but that also left Brisk with blue balls as he groans in annoyance, laying back against his bed as he was now sexually frustrated. This action made both Solar and Marina giggle, finding his sexual frustration kind of amusing but after beating around the bush for too long both girls decided he had enough teasing as they looked at Brisk before speaking simultaneously.
"Oh Brisky."
When he heard both girls calling for him, he was met with both girls making out in front of him. This made his eyes widen when he saw this happening, watching both girl's lips locked together as he sat up staring at both girls going at it. The smacking of their lips, mixed with the scent of their weed in the air made it get even more heated as he watched them slowly strip their shirts off now only in their breast prisons, or at least that's what Brisk called them while they continued to peel their clothes off. But before they could even get their bras off, nature called for Brisk as he held onto his crotch before getting out of the bed saying.
"Sorry ladies, nature calls and I have to take a wazz. Don't continue without me!"
"Hurry back."
Solar and Marina said as they watched Brisk waddling his way out of the cabin; pushing the door open Brisk made his way out of the cabin and to a nearby. Sure the bathrooms weren't that far from the cabin, but on the state he's in the trees were closer as he unzips his pants aiming his wang towards the tree as he lets loose. The stream hitting the dirty followed by Brisk's sigh of relief finally being able to empty his bowel after holding it in all day, yeah maybe having one too many cans of Corderola wasn't the best idea especially when he knows what's on the line right now. While taking a leak the sounds of the wind can be heard as Brisk starts to finish up his disposal, suddenly the sound of the floor creaking can be heard behind him causing Brisk to turn his head to check out who it was. Only to be met with nothing at, he shrugs it off thinking it must have been the wind as he wiggles a bit to get any rouge drips out and onto the dirt below. Putting it away, he zips and buttons his pants back up before he makes his way back into the cabin, walking up the stairs he pushes the door open as he smiles seeing both girls haven't left yet which gave Brisk the perfect opportunity to set the mood as he said.
"Now that all is taken care of, who's breast prison will be taken off first?"
Brisk said looking up as he saw the back of Solar's head, along with her back completely exposed with no bra strap across her back. Which meant they have already let the quadruples out without the presents of Brisk to witness it, however when he was about to complain he noticed in front of Solar is Marina with a slit across her neck which caused Brisk to jump from the shock factor. That then caused him to fall on the floor as his foot kicked Solar's, watching as her body fell to the floor witnessing her head rolling across the floor. Brisk was now in full panic mode rushing his way back up on his feet, stubbing his way towards the door as he pushes it open however as he takes his shirt step down his calcaneus gets slashed, blood starts to spew out and made him fall onto the dirty yelling in pain as he tries to crawl away from whoever is trying to go after him next. Brisk then feels himself being turned around and on his back as he looks up, seeing a black coated figure who is standing over him. Its face was covered by a white mask as it tilted its head to the side looking down at Brisk panicking his breath picking up the pace while he was trying to reason with the killer.
"Come on man, look I still got some cannabis stashed in my backpack. If you let me go I'll—"
Before he could finish, he was both cut off mid sentence and across his whole chest as the sounds of his screams can be heard across the creek. After grabbing enough attention, he gets a knife to the forehead as he stabbed him in the head, finally shutting up the male who was just about to get the threeway of a lifetime. The white masked killer stood over his dead body, looking deep into his wide open eyes as it tilted its head once again.
"Audrey Moore murdered thirteen campers and six camp counselors throughout the duration of six weeks at Camp Everfree, police arrested Audrey and originally sentenced her to a lifetime in prison. However after denying the claims of murdering several campers she was instead registered into a mental ward for the foreseeable future…"
"...And now here you two are, asking for a loan to reopen and renovate the camp where these murders took place?"
Filthy Rich questions after reading the criminal file from thirty years ago a portfolio, placing the file read out loud on his desk as its title 'Camp Everfree Massacre' and the year in a red block like font can be seen on the front. The businessman leans back against his chair gently pinching the bridge of his nose with his thumb and index while in front of his desk sat two siblings who came here for one sole purpose. To convince Filthy Rich into loaning them some money so they could reopen and revitalize the camp grounds their parents worked to the bone only to be taken away by one selfish killer; as Gloriosa Daisy and Timber Spruce sat with the businessman discussing on whether or not they're capable of getting a loan for their cause Filthy looks up at them with his hands touching each other, his fingers locked together and both his thumbs and index fingers form a triangle as the tips of his indexes touch his chin looking at both siblings saying.
"Have you both lost your damn minds?"
"Filthy we understand you have your doubts, but-"
"But what Mr. Spruce? What is your excuse huh? What could you possibly get out of reopening a campsite where someone decided to brutally murdered so many teenagers? You know your parents were lucky none of those fatalities were children or else you two would have been sued under their names."
Rich said seeming pretty upset over the idiocy of the sibling's cause, Rich remembered the many sadden faces who came to withdraw money in order to afford a burial grave for their kids who stayed at that campsite for the summer. So hearing them ask for money to reopen said campsite is out of the question, Timber sitting back down on his chair as he crosses his arms over each other after being scolded by the businessman. Gloriosa turns to her brother, placing a hand on his arm as she gently rubs his forearm in comfort after hearing Filthy Rich mention their parents and how that has affected the siblings throughout the years as they hear the businessman sigh once again before he said.
"Look… I can understand why you two want to do this, wanting to follow in your parents footsteps and continuing the legacy of being proud camp councillors. I know, because I remembered when both your parents came in and asked for a loan in order to make their dream a reality and for ten years they have done that. Now I'm not sure what they could have done to make Audrey break…"
He said before opening the file as he pulls out several pictures of the slaughtered victims, Gloriosa looking away as her stomach can not handle the graphic images in front of her. While his sister looks away, hiding her face against his arm as Timber on the other hand stares at the pictures while Filthy flips through the many pictures of the murdered campers before he sees a picture of his parents. Seeing them hung up and gutted before looking back up at the businessman before hearing him continue his statement.
"...Mr. Spruce and Mrs. Daisy, found strung up and hanged on a branch gutted open from the chest all the way down the stomach. No one knew who it was at the time, all that was seen was a black cloaked figure with a white ghost like mask."
He said before pulling out another picture, this time it was solely a picture of said white ghost faced mask that was taken in as evidence along with the murder weapon they found later throughout the investigation in order to use against Audrey during her trial.
Timber takes another quick look and each and every picture in said file before having them taken away by Filthy Rich, who then compiles them all together into one neat packet before paper clipping and placing them back into the file. Handing it to his secretary so she can give it back to the proper authorities who will come by and pick it up as the businessman looks at both siblings before seeing Gloriosa poke her face back out of hiding as she fixes up her hair before hearing her brother speak.
"Mr. Rich, you need to understand that this loan isn't just so we can continue our parents legacy. But it's also to bring back the joys of being one with nature and away from all the technology the modern child now and days can't live without. I mean whatever happened to going outside for a nice picnic with the wife and kids, having them run around the grass playing present with each other or evening going for a simple run?"
Timber stated, attempting to motivate Filthy Rich enough to agree with the leading them the loan they need. At first both Timber and Gloriosa really thought they were getting Filthy on their side, however all they manage to get out of the businessmen is a loud and uncontrollable laughter. Both sibling's expressions go from confidence to disappointment as Timber sat back down on his chair waiting for him to finish his laughing session. What felt like two hours of non stop laughter, he finally calmed himself down before taking his vision towards Timber as he said with a slight chuckle.
"Now why would I allow myself or even my family to go outside just to do things they can do inside. I mean my wife has a treadmill to get her miles in. My daughter can play pretend while also looking really cute on her social media platforms, and lunch at our house can be considered a picnic. If you were to replace the grass, bugs and the burning hot sun for my beautifully renovated living room, a chandelier and a television playing reruns of 'Spinning Wheels To Riches'. Could that mean we technically are doing outside activities?"
Filthy Rich said as he leaned back against his chair, seeing both sibling's faces of realization that everything he just said is all true. This day in age everyone can now use technology to do things they'd normally do outside in nature, which really says a lot about the day and age both siblings are living in today. Turning their attention back to the businessman, going from leaning back on his chair to leaning forward and leaning against his desk. Elbows supporting his arms up as he looks at both Timber and Gloriosa saying.
"So you see kiddies, there really is no need for a summer camp anymore. Which also means I deny your request for a loan, that also means that this discussion is over."
Filthy Rich says, ending their meeting with him picking up the phone and placing it on his ear, using his shoulder to support the phone as he dials a number. Thinking this meeting is over, he doesn't bother to show the siblings out of his office, however attention quickly changes from being on the phone to seeing both of his clients standing up off their chairs. Not leaving but starting to remove pieces of clothing as Timber removes his jacket while Gloriosa removes the hair band off her hair letting her locks loose into the air. Timber unties his neck tie as he looks at the businessman smiling at him watching him putting down the phone focusing his attention on both of them hearing Timber say.
"Maybe… we can use another form of persuasion."
"Can anyone tell me, What sorts of signals does the brain use to communicate sensations, thoughts and actions?"
The science professor asks the question he asked written on the chalkboard in yellow chalk as he turns around towards his students. Looking through their hardcover science book in order to find the answer, some using a finger to keep track of where they're reading, while others use a piece of paper to make sure they aren't re-reading the same line they have already read. Here at Crystal Prep Academy, the students are encouraged to use their heads to their full capacity, even if it means being better than the ones around them. The professor starts to walk through each aisle as he makes sure to create a six by six square with the desks, making sure each desk is perfectly lined with both the one in front and behind each other and each aisle is perfectly symmetrical with the others. After walking through each aisle, the professor is now back in front of the class as he says.
"Alright, who has the answer?"
As soon as he said that, every student in his class raised their hand up in the air trying to get the attention from their professor. Said science professor looked through every student before pointing at one sitting way in the back of the class, every student turned their head towards the back as they saw Josh sitting there with his hand going down. Josh is one of those students who knows the answer to almost everything, and has been known to have the most rivals in the education department. It wasn't always that way however, someone else used to be the number one student in the whole academy but after some sort of altercation caused them to transfer to another school. Which meant that the second person underneath them has now moved up and that was and currently still is Josh as the professor calls on him.
"Joshua, your answer is…?"
"The single cells in the brain communicate through electrical and chemical signals."
Josh answers with confidence in his tone of voice and on his face. The professor walks towards the chalkboard, writing down the answer as each and every student is waiting. Suspense starts to build up, staying quiet in order to find out if his answer was right. After writing down each and every word in Josh's answer, the professor draws a huge check mark next to it as he turns back to Josh saying.
"That's correct."
Once he had that, every student in the class groaned in annoyance as they knew he would get it right. Josh on the other hand smiles after hearing he got the question correct as he looks down writing a check mark next to it. After doing so the bell rang, and since this is their last class of the day that means it's time to head out, everyone in class began to pack their bags. But before they can make their ways out of class, they're stopped by their professor as he said.
"Hold it…"
Once he said that everyone sighs as they stand by their desk waiting to hear him say that class was dismissed. They watch as their professor wipes all the chalk off the board he had on the board before placing the eraser down. Turning around he looks out at all of his students, giving his students a bright smile as he said.
"Now I know all of you are very excited, this being the final week of attendance before summer vacation. But I also want to remind you all about your book reports…"
He reminds everyone as they all groan in annoyance, some even rubbing their eyes without the need of saying any words. A few weeks ago they were all tasked to type down a four page essay on the book of their choice. Now usually this would have been reserved for their English professor, but she had been calling out for several weeks due to health reasons. And since he's also an English teacher himself, he is gracious enough to collect their essays for their actual English professor. Judging by their reactions, he could tell that some of them have either not finished their reports or have even started, which means they have a lot of work to do in order to catch up as he reminds them of the format in which they were asked to do for their paper.
"...a reminder that the paper needs to be at least four pages long and it needs to be double spaced. And please for the love of everything don't use any of the fancy fonts, no they don't make your paper look any better than the others… now you may be dismissed."
He said almost being trampled by the students making their way out of the room. Leaving the room each student starts to chat about what they will be doing this summer and if the others have any plans for themselves. Once every student is out of his class room, the science professor begins to pack his own stuff, but before he could even head out he's met with Josh standing Infront of his desk. This doesn't bother the professor, since Josh is known to stay after class to turn in his homework earlier than most students do. This is one of the many reasons why Josh is such a threat towards the students, his grades and attitude is what will get Josh into the top notch universities. Smiling at the teenage boy seeing him also having a bright expression on his face and his paper in hand, the science professor gets up and walks around his desk Josh taking a step back so he can lean back against it before saying.
"Josh, why am I not surprised in seeing you having your essay already done?"
"Because there's no excuse not to have it done?"
Josh asked as he knew the right answer to his rhetorical question, giving the packet to his professor. Looking at it he takes his paper in his hand before looking at the title, Josh was known for writing some really interesting reports so to most of his professors it was exciting to see what Josh came up with for his report. When he reads the title he looks back up at Josh before placing it on his desk, turning back to the teen. The science professor has seen how much of a hard worker the boy is and sometimes he wonders if he even has a life outside of the library and away from the books. Usually at Crystal Prep, the professors are 'encouraged' to 'motivate' their students in the act of hard work and being the best. And by encouraging, they mean they will threaten them from their job if they don't and by motivation, they mean to remind their students what happens if their grades come up too low. Looking at Josh he crosses his arm as he asks the boy if he has anything planned to do over the summer? Because unlike most professors, he actually wants his students to have balance between their studies and their social life. When he asks him said question, naturally Josh answers in the way he usually does to most questions like the ones the professor asked, fixing his glasses he looks at him as Josh answers.
"Mostly stay home, study for next year or head over to someone else's house and continue our DND campaign, you know the usual."
He said with a bright smile on his face as Josh looks down at his phone for a moment. Usually he checks his phone in class to make sure any messages didn't go unseen. But today happens to be a slow one as his notifications are completely empty. While he was checking on his phone, Josh didn't hear the second question his science professor asked looking back up at him asking.
"Hmm? Sorry I was checking on my phone for messages, could you please repeat that?"
"What I was saying is, maybe do something out of your comfort zone. Maybe go out, try out something new and exciting, you know there's more to life than just staring at your computer screen right?"
His science professor said looking at Josh feeling worried that he hasn't seen him with any students out of class. He continues to offer a unique perspective, like how Josh should start looking into some extra curricular activities over the summer so he could be more social among his peers. While listening to his professor talking about how he should be more outgoing and to create connections with other students, Josh is looking down at his phone once again checking to see if anyone texted him yet. Josh is currently waiting for a message from his sister who is picking him up so they can both walk home. Well actually she's not technically his sister, it's kind of hard to explain his living situation since he doesn't like to talk about it a lot to most people around the academy. After checking his phone he looks out of the huge window to see if he can spot her walking down the sidewalk, only to be met with other Crystal Prep students walking down the sidewalk and some even jaywalking without a care in the world. Sighing, he keeps looking around making sure he covers his bases by checking even the street across from the academy. However, by not spotting his sister walking along the sidewalk he does spot someone standing behind a tree looking up at the window where both he and his professor are in. Feeling like they're staring at him, Josh looks back as he sees them tilting their head to the side having no color in their clothing as they are wearing black pants, a black poncho like cloak with the hood on as they're wearing what looked to be a white face mask. As he is staring back at them, he couldn't hear the professor calling for his attention as Josh comes back into reality hearing.
"...Josh...Josh…Joshua did you hear what I said?"
The science professor asks him again since he couldn't hear the first time around as Josh turns his head back to him. Now realizing he asked him another question, the teen boy takes his glasses off as he uses the soft inside of his purple blazer, being slightly blind for a moment seeing nothing but a blur. Josh cleans his lenses with his vest before putting them back on, seeing everything clearly now as he looks back at the professor before asking.
"Sorry, I got distracted. What was the question again?"
"Ugh, I said maybe you should consider being more social. Going out some more, maybe out down the books and the controller and going to the mall with some buddies. I mean, doesn't your sister have a ton of friends herself?"
He asks as he mentions Josh's 'sister' which makes the conversation a bit more awkward then it was a few minutes ago. Josh scratches the back of his neck as he looks away from his science professor, he doesn't know what he did wrong until he remembers what Josh's living status is. Eyes widening before covering his mouth feeling like a total douche as he apologizes.
"I'm sorry, I completely forgot about-"
"I-its fine, look I understand your concern but I'm fine… I have to head out now. Thank you for the… somewhat nice conversation."
Josh said while gripping onto the strap of his backpack, raising his hand up slightly only by the elbow before heading out of the class. The science professor watches as the teenage boy makes his way out of the classroom taking a turn to the right before looking out the window. Wondering what Josh was looking at, trying to figure it out he stares out the window some more checking out the street from campus as he sees nothing at all. Meanwhile Josh now is walking down the hallways as he pulls out his MP3 player and earphones, placing each bud in his ear he then turns it on as he scrolls through his music. Having over a thousand songs he couldn't choose just one to listen to, so scrolling back up he just pushes shuffle. Which then proves ineffective as he just keeps pushing the shuffle button over and over again, groaning in annoyance with not being able to pick a song he just keeps going as Josh stops when he hears a familiar melody closing his eyes for a moment the teenage boy sinks himself into the song as he walks down the hall. Occasionally spitting out some of the lyrics to himself as he's walking down the halls to his locker. For some weird reason, ever since he was forced into the house he is currently living in Josh has grown an obsession with music. He wasn't sure why, maybe it was the people he was living with that got him into it which then led him to ask his parents for the MP3 player he has in hand now.
Speaking of his so-called 'parents', they aren't really his parents. Well technically they are but they aren't his biological parents as both Mr. Hothoof and Mrs. Whistles have been one of the best foster parents a foster child could ask for. You'd think living in a household with adults that aren't your birth parents would be miserable, but it's quite the opposite actually. Both Mr. Hothoof and Mrs. Whistles have been nothing but kind and caring toward Josh, even if their daughter can be a bit rude at times. Now standing in front of his locker, music playing in his ear Josh inputs his combination as he turns the dial to the right, then to the left and finally all the way towards the right before pushing the lever up. Opening his locker he sees how empty it is; now that the year is almost over his locker is almost completely empty other than some of the essentials. Before he can pull his books out he overhears the door to the janitor's closet being opened, turning his head he sees a student walking out as he fixes his best hair a bit frizzed. Josh knew who the boy was as he also knew what he was doing in the janitor's closet at this time of day. Soon seeing the dean walking out of the office as well, both the dean and the teen male have been meeting up after school for 'private discussions' over his anxiety. But we all know what they're both up to, I mean come on a private discussion about his anxiety in the janitor's closet? And it doesn't help make it look any less suspicious as the dean's pantie strap can be spotted poking out of her shirt, stuffing the strap back in her shirt once she notices.
Looking away as if he doesn't notice, both Dean Cadence and Shining Armor wall in separate directions. Cadence locks the closet behind her by using the key she has in case the janitor needs it, Josh makes sure to look back as he hears the dean's heels click clacking against the floor. Slowly fading away, indicating the dean has left the area, Josh sighs as he finishes putting away his books that he's planning to drop off at the school's library some time this week before the school year ends. After putting away each book, he closes his locker before turning to the right so he can make his way out of campus. Only to be met caught off guard by the group of students standing in front of Josh as some look like a bit inpatient over something. Josh looks up seeing them staring at him, some with their arms crossed while others with their hands on their waist as they look at the teenage boy before one of them walks up to him asking.
"You got the stuff?"
She asks, her tone of voice sounding a bit blunt and cynical as she asked Josh for the 'stuff'. The teenage boy pushes his glasses up to his face as he looks around the group of students before looking behind him, making sure no one else is going to catch him in the act. Not seeing anyone coming from any direction he looks back at the group of students, pointing in the direction he wants them to follow him with his head they nod before following the teen boy. Turning around Josh leads the group of students towards a nearby exit as he pushes the door open, leaning the group he walks towards the basketball court. Josh standing in the middle of the court he turns back towards the others as he gets on one knee, swinging his bag off his shoulder he places it on the floor. Before opening his bag, Josh looks up as he sees them standing in front of him waiting patiently for what they're looking for as he asks.
"You got the cash?"
Josh asked, obviously not willing to give up what he has if they can't afford it. However they know what they're getting themselves into as each of the students show Josh their wads of green and he isn't talking about devil's lettuce. Josh grins a bit before unbuckling his bag, pulling out a stack of stapled papers before standing back up. Looking up for a quick second to make sure he has the correct stack of papers for the right group of students as he starts calling the names for each of the ones who paid for their homework to be done. Indigo needed a brain chart finished for AP Psychology and a packet about the human body done for Human Anatomy, handing her homework to her and she threw the cash into his bag before taking it in her hands. Now moving on to Sugar Coat, he hands her about two weeks worth of homework for her Algebra class as well as an essay she needs for World History, doing the same Josh continues to call each and every student he did homework or class assignments for. That includes Lemon Zest, Fleur De Lis, Rising Star, Sunny Flare, Royal Pin, and other students he forgot the names of, onces they drop the cash into Josh's bag he hands them their papers before closing his bag tight.
Swinging it over his shoulder he sees each student going through their papers making sure they aren't getting scammed by the teenage boy. However Josh is a man of his word and with the right amount of cash he makes sure everyone gets what they paid for, after placing their papers in their own bags they look towards Josh as they see him putting his earphones onto each of his ears. Making sure to not have his music on bull blast, just enough to hear Indigo asking a very interesting question.
"Will you be offering your services next year?"
When she asks this question the others stand there looking at Josh as they too want to know if he is offering the same service he has done for the last year. Josh wonders for a moment as he never really thought about continuing this so called 'service' because at first it was just a one time thing with one of his classmates. He was having trouble with his homework and he wanted to catch up on overdue assignments, Josh wanting to be a good person wanted to help him out and it slowly started to wheel out of control to the point where others started offering to pay him to do their homework or class assignments. Of course he couldn't pass on being paid just to do others work load and slowly he started up an underground business. However there have been one or two cases where he was almost caught and who knows what would have happened if any of the teachers or faculty caught him red handed doing someone else's homework. So naturally he answers pretty vaguely as he looks at Indigo saying.
"I'm not sure… I'll think about it."
When Josh said that some of the Crystal Prep students look worried as their only source of doing good in school could be potentially gone. Even though they could just start doing the work themselves and not just throw their money at him like a dirty stripper but hey who is he to say anything right? As they're discussing among themselves about whatever, Josh gets a text on his phone judging by the sound coming from his pocket, pulling his phone out he turns it on as the notification bar showing the name 'Rainbow Dash' above the text that she sent him. Pressing his thumb against the screen he pulls up the message as it finally tells him about his transportation issue, the message reading.
"Hey Josh, listen I know I was going to swing by so we can walk home. But the girls wanted to do some last minute band practice, and they really need me on the guitar. Would you be cool walking home? I promise I'll make it up to you when I get home, thanks text you later dude."
Reading this Josh looks visibly irked by the text seeing this will be the second time she has left him to walk on his own. It's not like he doesn't live far from his foster home, it's actually only a few blocks away from campus and if one was to go far enough they can come across the campus to Canterlot High. Which can also explain whenever there's some kind of big event happening between the rival schools, why it seems like they can get away with doing some kind of practical joke to make sure the other school knows that they're not one to be messed with. Josh will always let out a chuckle or two when he randomly recalls the time when Principal Cinch got her car defaced when someone spray painted it with the Wondercolts logo along with the Shadowbolts logo underneath a red no symbol. After thinking about it for a moment, Josh ends up sighing as he really didn't have any other choice, pressing his thumb against the white text box typing down his reply to his step sister.
"Yeah, alright I'll see you at home…"
Josh types before hitting send, once he said farewell towards the group he makes his way out of the basketball court. As soon as he is standing on the sidewalk Josh switches out his phone for his MP3 player as he turns up the volume of his music before making his way home. His backpack hangs behind him as he walks home, the sun hitting him which makes it harder considering he has so many layers on. Along with the purple blazer, he is also wearing a light blue dress, dark blue relaxed fit pants and a pair solid black dress shoes, all these clothes coupled with the blazing hot sun make it difficult for Josh to continue walking. But he presses forward as it's only a few more blocks and a few traffic lights he needs to pass in order to get him, while on his way home Josh takes a good look around town seeing the cars pass by, the locals taking a nice afternoon walk while others are jogging their afternoon away. The teen boy pushes his glass up as he is kind of enjoying the walk home by himself, not having to deal with his step sister mad dogging him or having to hear one of her friends talking faster than one of those car salesmen on TV. However one thing does catch Josh attention as he looks forward noticing a figure standing behind a bush staring at him while he walks. Not just any figure too, it's that same figure he saw back at school as he notices the black poncho like coat and white face mask. Which now seeing it at ground level, looks like something out of a hospital as the teenage boy tried to walk fast to catch the person stalking him. The figure turns and walks behind the bush they were hiding behind, but as soon as Josh caught up where the bush they were hiding in he is met with no one being there. Joshua feeling a bit creeped out he continues his journey on home as he keeps looking back at the bush making sure he wasn't just seeing things. Only then does he get caught off guard when he hears a loud folk coming from the streets, jumping he sees a familiar truck stopping where he is standing along with a familiar face sitting behind the wheel as Josh hears.
"Howdy Joshua! Care for a ride?"
Big Macintosh yells, offering the teenage boy a ride home. Josh, having grown tired of walking in the hot sun takes the males offer as he speed walks around the truck, once he is standing near the passengers side of the truck he opens the door. Having difficulty pulling on the handle, he grips it real tight before pulling it as the door opens up, hoping he shuts the door close before buckling up. Big Mac pulling on the stick shift before pushing down on a pettle driving down the street, while he drives he moves a hand down to a small box he has sitting in between both him and Josh, pulling out a cassette tape as he asks Josh.
"Ya still enjoy the oldies?"
"Do you really need to ask?"
Josh answers sarcastically as Big Mac already knew the answer to his rhetorical question. Pulling his earbuds out of his ears and turning his MP3 player off he watched as the male pushed the cassette into his radio before pushing the play button. Listening to the music playing as it's loud enough for the people they pass by to hear. Josh met Big Mac by one of his step sister's best friends, although at first it was difficult to start up a conversation with the male but slowly they both formed an interesting bond with one another. Even if Big Mac is a few years older than him, as they drive down the street Josh looks down at his phone texting Mrs. Whistles that he's on his way home, while he is texting him Big Mac starts up a conversation with Josh asking him the usual like how's he been doing the past week or so and how does he feel about finally moving onto his junior year of high school. Seeing that Big Mac already graduated before AppleJack even started her freshman year, Josh gives basic answers to the questions mostly everyone gets asked. The teenage boy asks Big Mac the same question and mentions his new relationship with a certain magenta hair colored gal, when he mentions Sugar Belle he chuckles gently as they come up to a traffic light and pulls out his phone showing him a picture of them at the mall. Sugar Belle's arms wrapped around his neck as Josh shows him a bright smile, the couple looks really happy with one another and he's also quite glad that both him and Marble worked things out and didn't end their relationship on a sour note. Which then leads to Big Mac popping the big question to Josh asking him.
"So tell me, when are ya plannin' on askin' ma sister out for homecoming?"
He said giving the teen boy a geeky smile, Josh chuckling as he tries to hide his blushing cheeks. One of the running jokes around his 'friend group' of one can call it that, is he has been having a massive crush over one of Big Mac's sisters. That girl being Applejack as Josh stays quiet for a moment, looking down at his phone he looks at AJ's contact number she gave him if he ever needs anyone to talk to knowing just how loyal his step sister can be. Case in point, if it hadn't been for Big Mac to have found him walking Josh would have had to walk home alone coupled with someone possibly stalking him who knows what could have happened. Thinking for a moment he does wonder when he will have the courage to ask someone like Applejack out, only time will tell as both AJ and Josh have slowly became friends and have slowly gotten to know each other in a more personal level, which reminds him Josh needs to make sure Big Mac is okay with what has happened with recent events. Just as they park up to the drive way of Josh's foster house, Big Mac, looks over at the teenage boy, before Josh gets out of the truck he lets the male know.
"I'm sorry for… the passing of your grandmother."
Josh said knowing how hard it must have been for both him and his sisters, Big Mac stays quiet for a moment as he tightly grips onto the wheel for a moment. Josh had found out about her passing from Applejack when she came over to talk about it with Rainbow Dash, he knew he shouldn't be eavesdropping on others conversations but he didn't mean to since he was coming back to his room from the restroom after a long day of online gaming. But he never got the chance to give Big Mac his condolences, the male looking over at Josh as he gives him a reassuring smile before the teen grabs his bag and gets out of the truck. Turning back around he gives Big Mac a smile before seeing him smile back as he starts to back up out of the driveway, waving at him before he gets any further out of sight. Josh knows that he will be okay since he also has his sisters to help him get through the tough times he has to deal with.
Time has gone by after getting home as Josh has at this point changed out of his school uniform, now in some shorts and a tank top as he is laying in bed with his laptop resting against his stomach. Laying in bed, switching his earbuds out for some headphones as Josh is watching a movie he had bought a long time ago from the cash he has been collecting, he also bought a few seasons of a TV show that turns out to be a spin off of a horror movie but he hasn't really gotten around to watching them. But for now he is currently watching a movie about some chick getting stalked while she's babysitting, apparently this is supposed to give someone the creeps the next time they get a call from a random/unknown phone number. But he is already half way through the movie and still hasn't gotten that creeped out feeling yet, so he still has to wait and see how this turns out. As mentioned before both Josh and Rainbow Dash share a room together, leading the cyan girl to up the ground rules while sharing a room with her. Even to the point where she has printed a full list of rooms and taped it on the door, she even went out of her way to use duct tape to create sides for each of them. Stressing that if he so much as takes a step on her side he will get hurt, and the last thing he needs is to start any kind of physical altercation with the athlet.
However, there have been times when both Josh and Rainbow Dash had multiple altercations. Some of those arguments Josh can admit he has done wrong, while others seem to happen just so Rainbow Dash can stir the pot in order to convince her parents to create a whole new room for either Josh or her. By this point Josh just doesn't bother to say anything back to her and allows her to vent when she feels like it. By the time the movie's end credits rolled out, Josh had fallen asleep as his laptop rested on his lap. As the afternoon turns into the evening, Josh had taken a well deserved nap and only woke up when he hears his computer warning him that it's about to die showing only fifteen percent power left. Wiping his eyes he grabs his glasses and puts them on before sitting up, Josh then moves the mouse towards the options menu pulling it up he then moves the mouse towards the 'shut down' option before pressing it as the screen turns off. Closing his laptop he gets out of bed before walking up to his work desk, placing it down he grabs the cord to his charger. Connecting it into his laptop as it glows red letting him know that it's charging, sighing the teen goes to grab his phone before making his way downstairs as he notices the living room still dark meaning that no one has come home yet which is fine by Josh since he likes the quiet.
Making his way downstairs he flips the light switch turning the living room and kitchen lights on. Once he is on the first floor of the house Josh makes his way towards the kitchen as he turns his phone on before asking his digital assistant to play a specific song. They let him know that he should unlock his phone before they can do that, to which he enters his pin number before hearing them say that they are now playing said song he asked for. Playing on full blast he places his phone on the kitchen counter so he can have some music playing while he makes himself an after nap sandwich. Walking up to the fridge he grabs the essentials for any old sandwich, unfortunately since his foster family believes in health he has to improvise with one of the ingredients. Meaning he's going to replace mayo with mustard which also means he's going to indore a horrible sour taste but whatever, at least everything else hasn't been compromised. Before he can start making his sounds, Josh's music playing in the background switches to his ringtone playing out loud as he turns his head seeing his phone shaking while also hearing it vibrate against the counter.
Placing the mustard bottle down he walks up to his phone before picking it up, checking the contact number in order to find out who is calling him at this time. However it doesn't show a number and instead shows an unknown set of numbers that is unfamiliar to Josh. Not knowing who it could possibly be he allows the phone continuation of his ringtone until it switches to voicemail, placing it back down as his music continues to play Josh goes back to making his sandwich as he squirts some mustard on each slice of bread before usings a plastic knife to spread it evenly around that side of spread. While placing down a slice of provolone and turkey ham Josh then grabs the other slide of bread before placing it on top of all the fillings so it doesn't crumble apart. As if he couldn't get any more extra he then cuts the sandwich into a triangular cut, before placing it onto a paper plate. Cleaning the mess he made he then grabs his glass of cranberry juice he had poured for himself early, taking a sip out of the glass as he feels the strong taste of cranberries against his throat. As he is about to grab his sandwich Josh once again hears his phone ringing with the same number as before, sighing he places his glass down walking back to grab his phone as this time he picks it up as he answers.
"Hello."
"Hi yes I was calling to see if Blue is home?"
The voice on the other side answers back before asking if someone by the name of Blue is home. Josh knew this was the wrong number but he wanted to make sure to let them know that as he grips the bridge of his nose and sighs before saying.
"Sir you have the wrong number."
"Are you sure? Because she gave him this number to call her in."
"Sir I can assure you that she gave her the wrong number."
Josh said, rolling his eyes as he grabbed one of the triangle shaped sides of the sandwich before taking a bite out of it. Groaning at the sudden punch in the taste buds from the mustard he spreaded on the bread. But slowly the sour taste mixes in with both the ham and the cheese, slightly helping with his predicament but he can still taste the sourness from the mustard. Josh really needs to get his foster family into getting some mayo. Josh must have completely forgotten that he was on the phone because the caller on the other side asks.
"You okay?"
"Ugh, yeah it's just the sandwich I made has mustard."
"Jeez, you'd think deli's would ask if you'd like mayo or mustard."
"Sadly I made this at home, the family doesn't believe in mayonnaise."
Josh told the caller, holding his phone against his shoulder while having it against his ear. Grabbing both his glass and the plate with both the other side of his triangular sandwich and the one he had already bitten as he switched from standing at the kitchen to sitting on the couch. Josh knows this is a bad idea to have to continue the call with the caller on the other line, but no matter how hard he tries to end the call the caller would persuade him to continue with the conversation. Slowly Josh starts to feel a bit uncomfortable with the conversation at hand as he tries to once again end the call saying.
"Look, it was nice talking but I really have to go."
"Oh come on I haven't gotten your name yet."
The caller asks as it has been a recurring question they have asked the teen through the duration of the call. And while Josh had tried to circle around the question, they still keep asking for his name and at this point Josh is getting pretty sick and tired of the annoying question as he just said.
"Why do you want to know my name so badly?"
"Because I want to know who I'm staring at."
Josh then stays quiet as he hears the caller stating they would like to get to know the person they're looking at. The teen stands up off the couch and turns to each of the windows in the living room wondering if they were standing outside of either window. When he doesn't spot the caller, whoever they may be, his heart begins to raise as the teen breath begins to come in and out at a fast pace, Josh's hand he's used to holding on to his phone is shaking. The caller on the other line knows what he is doing as they begin to chuckle very minimally, Josh at this point has no idea of what to do next. He was never taught the procedures of having to deal with a potential intruder, so the first thing that comes to mind is to make sure the front door is locked. Turning around he checks to make sure the door has all the locks requested by his foster parents, when he realizes that none of the locks are on Josh quickly runs towards the door locking each security lock before locking the door knob. However as soon as he locks down the front door, feeling safe until his foster parents get home he then hears the caller say.
"Instead of worrying about the door, what you should really be worried about is if I'm locked in or out?"
Josh's eyes widen as he is now facing the stairs leading towards the second floor rooms. Standing back up on his feet, his heart now beating fast enough that if he were to be hooked up to a cardiac monitor the sound would have been fast enough to be considered dead. But Josh is still breathing and he hopes to stay that way as the teen slowly makes his way upstairs, stepping on each staircase with a gentle foot step. While he makes his way upstairs he hears the caller go on about how he's making a huge mistake of heading upstairs. However Josh feels the complete opposite, because at this point he wasn't even sure if he is still being pranked to the tenth degree or if this is really happening. Once he makes it upstairs he walks up to his room, Josh leaning against the wall to make sure he is staying hidden from any windows he is passing by. Getting on his knees he crawls into the room as Josh makes the decision to hide behind Rainbow Dash's bed to make sure to stay hidden at all costs as he tells the caller.
"Oooo I can already feel your warm breath hitting me in the face, the blood going down your neck as I run my knife through it."
The caller said as they once again chuckle in a devilish manner. Josh at this point is reduced to tears, not knowing what to do as he feels very vulnerable in the position he's in. Sweat starts to run down his forehead as the heavy breathing causes his glasses to fog up, quickly taking them off he cleans them with his shirt before putting them back on, because the last thing he needs is to have his glasses all foggy. At this point Josh wasn't sure if he should be hiding anymore especially since they stated that they might be inside the house already. It's pointless for Josh to stay hidden as he stands back up on his feet, at this point the teen is planning to just hang up and call the police as he lets the caller know.
"Look, I'm about three seconds away from calling the cops."
"They'll never make it in time, you really think the police will be here before I would have you by the head?"
"What do you want from me?!?"
Josh said now in tears as he walks towards the window, checking to see if his foster parents are nearing the corner where they usually drive up to. However all he sees is some random car passing by the house as Josh stays quiet in order to hear what the caller is asking. Knowing that he has the cash to pay off any kind of request the caller wants, they just have to name the price. But what Josh doesn't have is what the caller really wants as they say.
"To watch your suffer."
After saying that they end the call right then and there, Josh's phone now continues to play the song that was playing earlier. Josh wasn't sure what to do at this point, if he should make a run for it or try and find a spot to hide in until his foster parents or even his step sister gets home. His heart feels like it's going to burst out of his chest as he feels his chest pumping in and out from all the gear that is consuming him at this very moment. Before he could make a final decision, the closet door shoots open as Josh screams in terror being met with someone running towards him. Making the first move he rolls over to the side as the figure slams themselves against the wall and window, turning their head they watch as Josh makes a break for it out of the room, moving a hand behind them they pull out a sharp knife before running after the teen. Josh tries to keep his glasses on as he runs down stairs and towards the front door, once there he tries to unlock every security lock that he has placed on the door. His hands must have been sweating so much or he's just a shaking person as it's becoming rather difficult to grab any chains or knobs. Before Josh could even unlock any security measure, he hears a rather loud stomp behind him as he turns his head seeing the white faced figure from before standing there with a knife in hand. The teen eyes full of tears as he tries to check his opinions, does he make a break for it towards the kitchen or launch himself out the window hoping to make it to a neighbor's house.
Picking quickly this time, just as the figure lunges at him once again Josh makes a break for it towards the window. However they must have figured out what he was planning to jump out the window because Josh feels his ankles behind gripped as he falls back onto the floor, Josh screams in terror as he is pulled by the leg trying to grip onto the carpet in order to kick his way to freedom. However they had a better hold on his leg as Josh is turned around onto his back, being met with the white faced figure now above up as they hold onto his neck with one hand while the other holds onto the knife gently dragging the sharp blade against the teens cheek showing him the weapon they're about to huge on him. Josh lookd up at them as he couldn't make the attempt to fight back feeling the sole of their boot against his arm as it held his arm down, pinning the teen to the ground. Watches his final moments play out as he sees the figure raise the knife up having firm grip on the handle Josh screams one final time before feeling the blade being lunges into his chest.
Prank Reveal and True Feelings Come Out
Author's Note
I apologize for the delay, with recent events and a huge case of writer's block it's hard to release chapters out fast enough. I hope I can release the next one quicker, please enjoy and if there's any questions, concerns or errors let me know in the comments. Thanks for reading 
Prank Reveal and True Feelings Come Out
The notification sound can be heard from one of the girl's cell phones. Fluttershy pulls her phone out, checking to see who sent her something while sitting in the backseat of Applejack's trunk. In fact most of the girls are in her trunk, since the southern gal is generous enough to give the other girls a ride home. Right now it's just Rainbow Dash and the previously mentioned Fluttershy since most of the other girls have received a ride home or couldn't make it to the rehearsal. While the shy teenage girl is checking her phone, both Applejack and Rainbow Dash discuss other things like how their lives are going and how they feel about the sets they have been playing the past few hours. The group of girls have formed a band ever since Rainbow Dash has discovered her talents for playing guitar. Ever since then all seven girls have come together, and have deemed themselves as 'The Rainbooms'. Seriously, that's what they're calling their band, look Rainbow Dash can be a real narcissist but this is just a whole nother level of narcissism. Pulling up to Fluttershy's house, parking in front of her driveway as the shy girl gets out of the trunk, grabbing her bag on her way out as she walks up to the passenger's side as she asks both girls.
"So umm, you two all set for the camping trip this summer?"
She said reminding them of the upcoming camping trip they've been asked to go on as a form of community service. Or at least that's what it feels like for Rainbow Dash since she doesn't seem like she really wants to go. Literally the only reason she was going to go was because she needed the credits from about three failed classes recovered and this was the only non boring way of doing it. Plus, the cyan teen had heard from other students around campus that allegedly those camping grounds were known for hosting one of the most infamous murdering spreads of the nindies. After saying their goodbyes to Fluttershy, Applejack pulls the stick shift to drive as she gets back on the road. Meanwhile Rainbow Dash, now bothered by the reminder of camp sighs as she leans against the armrest of the door staring out at the window, the ride to her house at first is quiet as Applejack uses her peripheral vision notices how the cyan teenage girl's mood changed. Once stopping at a red light she turns her head towards Rainbow Dash as she reassures her.
"Don't worry about it, sugar cube. I'm certain that we will enjoy our time at camp more than a bee on pollen day."
She tells Rainbow Dash as she places a hand on her shoulder or extra reassurance. The cyan teen turns her head towards Applejack as the orange cowgirl gives her a bright freckled smile, smiling back Rainbow Dash feeling a bit better about going to this camping trip especially since she'll be with her favorite group of girls. Hell, even after meeting that new girl from Crystal Prep Rainbow Dash already knows she'll make a great addition to their group of friends. Even if she looks vaguely similar to this other girl she met not too long ago, it's still strange to her that both her and the new girl look super similar. But Rainbow Dash can't wrap her head around it, how is it that one of the girls she met could be the exact same girl that just transferred from the academy? All this thinking about the new girl just sparked something in the cyan teen's head as she quickly grabs and opens her backpack lookikungor her phone stating.
"Shit, I forgot to call Josh!"
Rainbow Dash said as she continued to rummage through her backpack to find her phone. After going through everything, she remembers she stored it in the small front pocket of her bag, closing the flap Dash unzips the small pouch that was Infront of her backpack as she pulls her phone out. Rainbow Dash then opens her phone by entering a very complex pin number into her phone, leading her into the home screen as she pushes the green phone app. That pulls up the dial screen as the teen tries to figure out the number to her step brother's phone, tapping her foot against the floor and gently pitching the bridge of her nose as she tries to remember. The light turning green, Applejack gently pushes down on the pettle below, causing the truck to move just under the speed limit as they're passing the traffic light. The orange teen looks over slightly as she sees Rainbow Dash trying to figure out the phone number to her step brother's cellphone, after a few minutes have gone by Applejack just spits out the number at Dash. Pretty much telling her friend that she has her step brother's number and she doesn't even know it, not having put the number on her phone she turns her head towards the southern gal. With the facial expression that basically said 'How the hell do you know that?', Applejack trying to divert herself from being asked that infamous question as she tells her.
"Shouldn' you be callin Joshua?"
"No, now I'm interested in why one of my friends have my step brother's number?"
She said, grinning as the cyan teenager crossed her arms over each other looking at Applejack. Gulping down a clump in her throat out of nervousness, she continues to divert the question by grabbing Dash's cell phone and calling him herself. Inputting the number with the lighting speed of her thumb as Applejack pushes the green phone button to start the call. The contact name pulls up as it reads the name 'BWINRT', asking the cyan girl.
"What's Bwinrt?"
Applejack asks her as she puts the phone on speaker, so she doesn't have to place it against her ear while behind the wheel. Rainbow Dash answering in the most rude way possible, basically saying that it's an acronym for 'Brother Who I'm Not Related To', Applejack rolling her eyes as she holds the phone in her hand.
The phone rings as she's trying to get Josh to pick up the phone. Rainbow Dash still gives her that same look as she leans against the seat, the phone continuing to ring while they once again stop at another red light. As soon as she stops the truck the ringing stops, leading to a voice message that was created by Josh making the cyan teen roll her eyes in annoyance. Hearing the same voice so many times from someone who she doesn't really like can get annoying after a while. Once the beep kicks in, Applejack leaves Josh a voice mail on behalf of Rainbow Dash before hanging up, sighing as she waits for the light to turn green. The inside of the trunk once again goes quiet from the awkwardness after Applejack pretty much admitted to having Josh's number behind her back. Clearing her throat she tries to call him again since she has Rainbow Dash's phone still in her hand, only to have her yanking it out of the southern gal's hand as she wants a clear answer from her. Sighing in defeat Applejack, pulls her own phone out and unlocks it as she pulls up the interchanging texts between both her and Josh before showing it to Rainbow Dash. The cyan teen takes her phone into her hand as she scrolls through the many texts, being real snoopy as they drive through the cyan teen's neighborhood hearing her say.
"You two… are seriously gross."
"How is me trying to be a better sister figure than you gross?"
"The fact that you're trying makes it gross."
Rainbow Dash said putting Applejack's phone to sleep as she places both their phones in between both girls. Applejack makes a right down the street where Rainbow Dash lives, the block empty with no one taking a nightly stroll down the block as the southern gal drives up to the cyan teen's house. While going back and forth with Rainbow Dash about having the number and talking to Josh behind her back, she clarifies that nothing and she means nothing is going on between both him and Applejack. Once parked in front of her house, having parked in a convenient and empty space in front of the cyan teen's house as Applejack turns off the truck. Being the first one to get out, Rainbow Dash grabs one of the phones that is sitting in the middle of their seats. She opens the passengers door and gets out of the truck before slamming the door behind her, knowing how angry she must be over this Applejack quickly grabs the remaining phone as she gets out of the truck. Closing the door behind her, Applejack quickly speed walks up in front of Rainbow Dash stopping her mid way towards slamming the door down to her house as she said.
"Rainbow Dash, please don't do this."
"No, okay I'm not going to stand here and pretend like I'm okay with you two talking. It's one thing to invade my room, it's another thing to invade my social life."
She said as Rainbow Dash tries to walk past Applejack, who moves at the same time and direction as she does. Their bickering soon ends when they hear the sound of someone screaming, hearing it coming from the cyan teen's house both girl's turn their heads up to the roof. Knowing that Josh's screams, Applejack quickly runs up to the door trying to get in as she is met with the door completely locked. Banging on the door, Applejack yells for Josh to open the door as she continues to open the door before getting another idea. Moving quickly she stands on one of the porch stairs as Applejack jumps up and using her hand grips onto the railings of the roof before pulling herself up and onto it. Rainbow Dash quickly follows suit as they both walk on the roof and towards the closest window to them. That being the window to her parent's room, Applejack digs her fingers into the cerevous of the window seal as she pulls the window open. Where did she get this kind of strength? Who knows, all she knows is the window is open meaning she can jump in without breaking any glass.
Jumping into the window, the southern gal quickly runs up to the door as she grabs the knob. Twisting it to the right, Applejack pulls the door open quickly running out of the room and down the stairs as she then sees the scene unfold in front of her. Seeing a black figure standing at the end of the stairwell, they stood there holding what looked like a knife in their hand trying not to move a single muscle so not to alert the intruder. Which proved pointless as Applejack sees them lunging themselves forward which give her the opportunity to quickly move downstairs as she then sights the figure on top of Josh raising the knife over them, the sounds of his screams can be heard as she then sees the figure stabbing him.
"No!"
Applejack yells before running at them, pushing the figure off of Josh as she attacks him back. The southern teen kicks them in the chest, causing them to grunt as they stand back up swinging their knife at Applejack before being stopped by her grabbing a hold of their arm and twisting it behind them as she throws them back onto the floor. Before she continues to do anything she is stopped by two girls holding her back as Applejack sees both Flitter and Cloudchaser holding onto her arms as they said.
"Woah, what are you doing!?!"
Flitter said as she holds her back, Cloudchaser checking up on the black figure who, when unmasked, turns out to be Thunderlane as he holds onto his chest groaning in pain. Rainbow Dash comes downstairs, witnessing the scene before her as Josh can be seen feeling his chest, seeing there's no blood in sight he slowly starts to stand back up. Looking completely shaken as he walks towards the couch, sitting himself down as Cloudchaser helps Thunderlane back up on his feet. Applejack pushing Flitter off of her, she looks at Thunderlane as she tells him.
"Can y'all please tell me, what the fuck is going on!?!"
"What was going on, was a practical joke…"
Thunderlane said before showing her the knife he had in his hand, that when he presses the blade part against his palm it turns out to be a spring mechanised knife that makes it look like someone is getting stabbed. When pulling out a necklace that had a small camera to capture everything, only to be met with a broken up camera meaning all the footage was lost. Flitter and Cloudchaser groaned in annoyance as they thought they had the perfect prank to post online. Cloudchaser turning toward Applejack looking pretty pissed off as she said.
"Oh great! You see what you did? Now what are we going to use?"
She said as she walked up to Applejack, now staring directly into her eyes all up in her face. Now she is the one who is pissed off as she takes her hat off setting it on the kitchen table next to them, Rainbow Dash watches this unfold as she knows when Applejack takes her off that it's about to go down. Watching the southern gal crack her knuckles as Cloudchaser takes a step back when she sees her doing so, Applejack walks up to all three of the teens as they all have the intense fear in their eyes when they hear her say.
"Oh, I got somethin' for you to film…"
"Damit, they aren't answering their phones."
Windy said, sitting in the passenger's seat of the car as she is trying to get in contact with her kids. Both her and Bow Hothoof had to stay late to make sure all their paperwork is ready to send in, Bow looking rather exhausted himself as he tries to steer the vehicle they're in all the way home. Windy knows how exhausted he must feel, knowing he did most of the work in checking and double checking to see everything was in order before they left. But she still let him steer the car home, but Bow also insisted he should drive and Windy knew she shouldn't argue with him especially after a long work day. Driving down their neighborhood, Windy once again tries to call both of her kids as she has her phone against her ear, tapping her foot against the mat under the dashboard. At this point Windy is getting nervous over not getting in contact with her children, Bow however reassures the worried mother by saying they're probably already in bed as they might've tuckered themselves out over the stressful day at school. But Windy knows them a bit better than he does, especially Josh who she already called over ten times since she knows Rainbow Dash can handle herself therefore she isn't as worried over her than she is with her foster son.
Soon Windy would have to take Bow's word for it as she hangs up the phone and puts it back in her purse. Leaning back against her chair, Windy would let out a soft sigh as she relaxed herself a bit. Maybe Bow is right, maybe her kids are already tucked into bed and sleeping the night away as she feels her hand being taken by her husband. Looking down she sees his rather large hand taking her smaller one as she looks up seeing her husband giving her a bright smile even if he isn't looking at her, Windy knows how much she means to him. Soon they make it up to their lovely home as Bow parks his car up into the parking lot, turning her head Windy catches something in the corner of her eye and she wants to make sure that it really is what she saw. Bow notices this once he turns his car off, pulling the key out he looks at his wife as Bow asks her.
"Is something wrong sweetheart?"
"Isn't that the Apple's truck?"
Windy questions as she sees the truck owned by one of her daughter's friends. She knows this because both her and Bow always have their apple products delivered by either Applejack or her older brother. But it's already passed their curfew, so why is she parked in front of their house? Bow ponders this as well, and soon both of their questions are answered by the sound of someone yelling coming from the direction of their home. The next thing they knew, both parents saw some boy being flinged out of their house as two other girls came out running and screaming for their lives. The boy on the floor, scrabbles his way back up on his feet as he runs away behind the other two. Both Windy and Bow know something is up as they quickly unbuckle themselves out of their seat belts and open their respective doors before pulling themselves out of the car. Windy starts to get rather nervous as she starts to yell out for her kids calling their names as they both burst through the door.
Looking around the room they notice there wasn't any sign that their house has been broken into before realizing that there wasn't an actual break in. The door doesn't seem to be showing any signs of forced entry as she then sees Rainbow Dash walking out of the kitchen with a cup of water that had an alka seltzer tablet slowly dissolving in the bottom of the cup. Windy quickly runs up to her daughter and wraps her arms around the cyan teen, Dash being startled accidentally spills some of the water onto the floor when she feels her mother's arms around her in a hug as Windy said.
"Oh thank God you're okay, what happened here? Did someone hurt you?"
Windy asks as she pulls away from Rainbow Dash as she checks her daughter for any signs of struggle before being stopped by Dash. She lets her mother know that she's doing okay and she shouldn't worry about her, but she then points towards the couch as Windy turns her head towards where she was pointing. The mother then sees both Applejack and her foster son sitting on the couch as the southern gal is trying to calm Josh, who's looking quite traumatized as he is gently biting done on a finger. Windy now turns her attention towards her son as she walks up to him sitting on her knees while looking up at Josh. His eyes look a bit dry as if he hasn't blinked in a few seconds, Josh's forearm having a purple hand mark on it as if someone held him down or something of that sort. Windy notices this as she tries to grab a hold of Josh's arm, but when she reaches to grab his arm Josh immediately jumps in his seat as his hands start to tremble causing Windy to pull her hand away before she turns her head to Applejack, who once again tries to calm him down as she asks her.
"What happened to him?"
She asked Applejack as the southern gal keeps gently rubbing his back while the other hand is placed on his shoulder. While she's calming the teenage boy down, Applejack explains everything that she witnessed and how Josh was a victim of a brutal prank. After checking up and interrogating his daughter, Bow walks up to his foster son as he stands next to Windy gently rubbing her shoulder before looking at Josh. Seeing how messed up his hair was, sometimes he forgets that Josh's hair is a bit longer as it reaches to the mid section of his neck. Usually he had it all slicked back with a bit of a comb over on the top, since it's kind of mandatory at the school he goes to. Bow hears in about what happened to him as he gets on a knee placing a hand on the armrest of the couch as she said.
"Do you know the names of the brats who did this to you son?"
Bow asks as he looks at Josh, trying to figure out who were the inconsiderate teens that did this to his son. Seeing the bruise around his forearm, he now's this was a prank gone too far and the boys that did this to him need to be charged with something over hurting his son. Josh shakes his head towards his question, as he looks down he couldn't really make out who's talking to him since his vision is rather blurry due to him not having his glasses. Windy takes notice of this as she gently places her hand on his cheek, this time he didn't jump back as Josh knew who it was based on the voice. She then asks her husband if he can look around to see if he can spot Josh's glasses, nodding Bow looks around the living room floor to see if he might have dropped them. Spotting his glasses he walks up to them as he picks them up off the floor, only for them to slowly crumble apart as both temples are broken off, the bridge is twisted and the lenches are all broken up. Windy sees this as she kind of found it funny how her husband just stood there holding onto one of the temples from Josh's glasses. Rainbow Dash sees this too as she chuckles out loud, Bow looks up at his daughter having a rather upset expression on his face as he tells her.
"You know, instead of staring at me you can at least go get his second pair of glasses."
"Oh dad, calm down. I'll go get his second pair."
Rainbow Dash said as she gently pushes her dad's shoulder playfully before heading upstairs. Even after dealing with Josh's PTSD, they still try to find a light side in such a dark moment as Applejack chuckles along with them having witnessed the playfulness between father and daughter. She then turns her head towards Josh as he sits there blank faced with no emotion to be seen, Applejack was rather worried for him but what else could she do at this point. Windy lets her know that they have this taken care of and that she should head home before Big Mac starts to get worried. The southern gal nods at Windy, before looking back at Josh gently placing a hand on his thigh letting him know that she hopes he can recover from this before gently placing a small kiss on his cheek. This causes Josh to come back into reality as he turns to Applejack, the southern gal giving him a smile before she gets up and heads out of the house, saying goodbye to Bow as she walks towards the door. Before she leaves she takes one last look at Josh, giving him a small wave before quickly making her way out of the house.
Both Windy and Bow look at Josh as he gently starts to run his cheek where Applejack kissed him, starting to slightly blush over it. They both know about him and Applejack as they have witnessed one or two occasions where they both shared a rather cute moment together. Windy teasing him a bit like most mothers do when they see their children developing crushes over each other, Josh showing a small smile as he slowly starts to recover over the incident that took place tonight, even though he still had really bad vision. Which brings them into their next problem when all three of them heard Rainbow Dash screaming from upstairs.
"What the fuck!?!"
When they heard this, they all turned their heads towards the staircase as they saw the rather upset teen coming back downstairs with a broken guitar. The neck of it is split in half, the only thing holding it together is the strings as a piece from the body of the guitar is also broken, Rainbow Dash looks at Josh as she looks really upset over this saying.
"You broke Jackson!"
She yells as Rainbow Dash shows the broken guitar to the teen, the name came from the model of the guitar and if one looked up that type of guitar online they'll see why she is so upset over it. Josh tries to apologise and how he'll try to pay for it to get repaired, but Rainbow Dash wasn't having it as she drops the broken guitar on the floor. Standing up Josh starts to move back, the cyan teen starts to slowly follow him as she gets closer and closer to him as she vents.
"You know what, why not break my phone, my picture frames, all of my collectable baseball figurines. Because you seem to really like fucking up anything that I own…"
"Rainbow Dash…"
"...You took my room, my best friend and my family from me. My life was perfectly fine as an only child until you walked in."
"N-now Dash, y-you don't mean-"
Josh is cut off by the cyan teen slamming her fist against the wall behind him as Josh flinches when he hears the slam behind him. Sweat coming down his forehead as his hands start to shake nervously at what is about to happen. His breathing pace increases as his heart can be heard thumping in his head as he looks at the cyan teen looking completely pissed off. Rainbow Dash points her finger directly to Josh's face and she warns him along with reminding him of his place.
"Keep your hands off my things, keep yourself off my friends. I don't need any of your filth going around my friend group, got it?"
She said looking at him, anger in her eyes as Josh looks into them. Swallowing a huge lump in his throat as he nods at her request, but that wasn't enough for the cyan teen as she then turns her hand that is against the wall behind Josh, and turns it into a fist before saying.
"I said, do you understand?!?"
"Reiny Barbara Dash! You leave your brother alone and marsh up to your room this instant!"
They both hear Windy yell out loud, being rather stern with her daughter after just witnessing Rainbow Dash literally threatening her brother. Josh slowly sliding down against the wall, his head banging softly against it as he is now sitting on the floor. Rainbow Dash tries to talk back to her mother, trying to tell her that it wasn't fair that he could get away with stuff like this. But ultimately she caves and with one last stern look at Josh walks back upstairs towards their room before hearing a loud door closing loudly, causing the teenage boy to jump a bit as all that is left for Josh to do is to hug his legs resting his head on his knees.
This next morning is a rather quiet one, Josh had turned off the six o'clock alarm so he doesn't disturb Rainbow Dash while she's asleep. Meanwhile Josh is wide awake and sitting on his bed way too early in fact since usually he's asleep at this time. But every since the events that took place in this house, the fake break in, and attack along with his sister's angered statement towards the teenager proved too much for Josh, so the remainder of the morning before it hits six o'clock the teenage boy decided to just stay awake. Pushing his glasses up to his face Josh takes the liberty of organizing all the money he received from the endless amount of homework and class assignments he did and is now counting up how much he has in total, stacking them in order from least value to most value they're worth. Wrapping them in rubber bands as he adds it all up to roughly five hundred and twenty dollars, making sure Dash is still asleep he moves his hand underneath the bed, grabbing a cold metal box that he stuck underneath his bed in case of emergencies.
Opening the box, he would see all the money he had saved up as he even had a sticky note underneath the lid showing how much he had in said box. Everything came up to about seven thousand, two hundred and forty five dollars, it would have been eight thousand but he and Big Mac wanted to attend WizCon in New Work so he figured, why not? It was only a few dollars for the VIP tickets, coupled with the gas money, the costumes, then the pictures at panel and the merchandise they had bought. Wow Josh really doesn't know how to manage money does he? Josh just shook his head as he would place the cash he counted in the box, updating the amount of money saved up as he then locks and closes the box before putting it back underneath his bed.
Sighing Josh thought maybe now would be a good time to start getting ready for school. Sliding out of bed, the teen looks over as he sees the cyan teen laying in bed snoring her night away while in a deep sleep. Josh really does feel bad about breaking her guitar yesterday, looking back underneath his bed he wonders if he should leave a couple of hundred bucks so she can get the guitar repaired. However there are a couple of things that can go wrong with that idea, one she might take it the wrong way and claim she ain't no sugar baby, going on about how even if she was a sugar baby she could find a better sugar daddy than him. Secondly he might expose what he has planned with all that money he has been saving up and she along with the family will think that he's gaining that money illegally and that's the last thing he really needs to be speculated about. It's bad enough that he's doing other student's homework and class assignments, even more if he's getting paid to do it. They and a couple of other things can go way wrong as he just decides to ignore the thought for now.
Josh lets out a long yawn before gently smacking his lips together, walking towards the restroom he opens for before continuing to walk inside the dark room. Josh gently rubs his face, feeling the sweat and some of the facial grease he has built up through the night as he stands in front of the mirror. Taking his glasses off, he sets them down on the sink before turning on the sink as he slashes a bit of water up to his face in order to wake himself up. Breathing deep after the fact as Josh feels drops of water falling down his face, his vision still rather blurry as he grabs his glasses and puts them back on before pushing a button to turn on the lights. When Josh looks into the mirror he sees the figure from earlier as he sees his knife raising him behind him, but when the teen quickly turns around he doesn't see anything. His heart raises when he realizes that nothing was there, and it's all a figment of his imagination. Gently sighing he would continue his normal morning routines of brushing his teeth and putting on his deodorant, next is his hair which is in that current state where he is trying to grow it out looking like he had some kind of bob haircut. Grabbing his bottle of hair jell he starts to slowly slick it back, no not in that greaser type of hairstyle he can never pull that off.
No he made sure there's a visible hairline on the side of his head and of course a small baby hair would poke up in the back of his head as he sighs. Josh usually has to deal with these kinds of struggles and he just has to get used to them at this point. After finishing up in the restroom he gets ready for school as it's now six ten in the morning, Rainbow Dash still not up as he gets dressed. Sliding his foot into his loafer before standing up off his chair, he looks at Rainbow Dash for a moment before grabbing his now light weight backpack and swings it over his shoulder. Before he leaves he sets the alarm clock for seven so she doesn't wake up late as he makes his way out of the room. Opening the door he notices the living room lights are still on and are still on, confused he makes his way downstairs seeing both of his foster parents up as they sit on the table enjoying a cup of coffee. Usually they aren't up this early since they go in to work around the afternoon, but he isn't one to ask questions as he would walk downstairs walking into the kitchen to grab himself a glass of milk.
Bow notices his son wake up this early as he's heading into the kitchen from upstairs, Josh grabbing his usual glass of milk along with one of the fresh donuts Bow usually gets from the donut shop down the street. Windy takes notice of this too as she turns her head towards the kitchen. Josh taking a bite out of the sugar covered donut and a sip of milk having a blank expression on his face while doing so, she also sees Josh facing away from them. Windy feels terrible over what happened last night, feeling like she could have done something but ended up doing nothing. Now most will make the claim about how the parents have no control over what their kids say, but for Windy she feels somewhat responsible over Rainbow Dash's tantrum last night. Standing up off her chair she walks up to Josh, her flip flops slapping the floor as she gently taps his shoulder. Josh jolts a bit when he feels someone tapping him on the shoulder, turning around as he sees Windy standing there holding her mug of morning coffee in her hand as she gives him a motherly smile saying.
"Morning sleepy head…"
The mother said as she looks at her son, eating his donut he gives her a forced morning smile as Josh greets her back with the same greeting. Swallowing what he had in his mouth first before giving Windy a simple.
"Morning."
Before going back to eating his donut, turning away as he goes back to having a blank expression on his face. Windy, not even being his biological mother knows when her children are forcing a smile even if it's early in the morning. She knows when someone is upset or even hurt as she turns to Bow, with a worried look on her face her husband looks at his son before wiping his mouth with a napkin. Standing up out of his chair, Bow walks around his wife as he gently places a hand on her shoulder for reasuranse before walking around the counter. Leaning against it, Bow looks up at Josh seeing that blank expression on his face as he eats his donut before saying.
"So champ… how's about after school we go get you that desktop computer you always wanted? I saw it on your wishlist stuck on the freezer and we have been working on getting it for you for when you're going off to college. So what do you say?"
Bow says, smiling at Josh while Windy looks at him hoping that can get at least a more genuine smile on his face. After finishing his donut, Josh would take the last sips of his milk before grabbing a napkin, cleaning off any excess sugar off his fingers before swallowing the remaining piece of donut in his mouth before saying.
"That would be nice, thank you…"
Josh said, giving Bow the same forced smile while cleaning any remains of sugar from the donut off his mouth as he checks if his shirt is stained. Grabbing the glass he drank milk out of Josh takes it to the sink before starting to rinse the glass off. Bow and Windy look at each other, wondering what they should do next as Josh places the now clean up on the drying rack. Putting it upside down so all the remaining water would slowly drip out of the cup, Josh turns to the parents as Windy walks up to the teen, holding his satchel saying.
"Josh, I'm sorry for what Rainbow Dash said to you last night…"
"You mean the bottled up tantrum she had last night? No it's fine, I understand why she did it…"
Josh said leaning against the kitchen counter as he looked down to the floor. Thinking real long and hard about the next thing he is going to say to his foster parents, because if he says the wrong thing he could hurt them. All because Rainbow Dash wants to be a smart ass and a self centered bitch, that doesn't care about anyone but herself. That's what he really thought about her, though he can never say it to his face because that's just not who he represents as a person. After thinking for a moment he realized what time it is as it's about to be seven in the morning. Josh didn't want to be here when Dash wakes up as the teen looks up at Bow saying.
"Mr.Hothoof, you mind dropping me off?"
Josh said, calling Bow by his last name as Windy's hands started to shake. Josh hasn't called them by their last names in a while, nowadays he would call them by usual family norms 'mom' and 'dad". Something really must have bothered Josh and yet he didn't want to say it out loud as he didn't want to burst out in anger at both of them. Bow looks at Josh before giving him another smile as he reminds Josh.
"Josh… you can call me dad, you don't have to-"
"Well apparently to Dash, that's no longer an option anymore. Because me being here is ruining her life, family and social status.."
"Josh that's not true."
"Then what is it, Mrs. Whistles?"
Josh said a bit frustrated at this point as she kept denying the truth. Windy drops her mug as it breaks on the hard porcelain floor, the coffee spreading all over as Windy walks away from the situation. This breaks Windy as she starts to burst into tears, Josh really is feeling lost yet again as he feels like he no longer belongs. It's normal for a teenager who is going through emotional rollercoasters, especially after what had happened the night before. Bow now takes her place as he tries to calm Josh down before he goes too far with his words, but by that point he just needs to get all of his emotions out as Bow tells him.
"Now Josh, remember what your case loader said. You can't let your emotions get the better of you-"
"Oh fuck my stupid case loader!"
He says dropping his satchel as he would look up at Bow, Windy seeing this all go down as she is sitting on the couch in the living room before Josh continues his statement with.
"You both know I appreciate what you have done for me, but let's face it. Sixteen years you two have tried to convince me that she'll be more like a sister and not treat me like some fucken joke. I'm done trying to be her brother and I'm done trying to convince myself that things will get better, because in reality it's not."
Josh said, his emotions really getting the better of him as tears start to come down his face. This kind of stuff really takes a toll on a teenager like Josh, who is expected to hold his head up high no matter what life throws at him. But after what happened last night, with the cruel prank and the tantrum Rainbow Dash had, things can't get any better for Josh. The teen whips the tears off his cheeks as he takes his glasses off, whipping his tears off his eyes Josh picks up his satchel off the floor. Fixing his glasses the teen makes his way towards the door saying. Making sure he doesn't step on any of the broken glass that is on the floor along with the coffee or else he might leave dirty shoe prints as he makes up his mind.
"Don't bother dropping me off, I'll walk to school. Get all my frustration out on the way there."
Josh said reaching out for the door knob as he twists it to the right. Swinging the door open he would look over his shoulder, seeing both his foster parents watching him head out the door as he said.
"I'll see you two later this afternoon… love you both."
Josh said, at least telling them both that this frustration wasn't because or towards them. The teen makes his way out of the door, closing it behind him before leaning his back against the door. Closing his eyes he tries not to break down into many pieces as he holds onto the strap of his satchel. Josh feels horrible over blowing up at both of his foster parents. They don't deserve being yelled over one bad altercation, but like Bow explained Josh has a small temper and if he tries to bottle all that up and one small piece of an argument drops in. The pressure starts to bounce around and all that bottled up temper just blows up, and he tends to say things he doesn't mean towards people who have supported him. Taking a deep breath Josh pulls out his MP3 player and sticks his ear phones in, clicking start a song by Alecia Beth Moore begins play out of shuffle play. Walking down the steps and down the yard he makes his way down the sidewalk, making his way towards campus as he tries to figure things out himself, without the need of anyone else to tell him some bogus reason to believe that everything is going to get better.
"Okay students, let's start this morning off with a quick history questionnaire. Can anyone tell me the answer to the following question: Which designer, who was a Studio 54 regular, made Jackie Kennedy's trademark pillbox hat for her husband's inauguration?
The history professor asks her students in class, having the voice of a typical stern professor. Starting the class with some early morning placement study questions should give them a boost of knowledge. Students doing what they usually do when they're asked a question as they open their textbooks and look for the answer. While every student is looking for the question Josh takes an unscheduled nap as his head is resting against the book. While the professor takes her usual rounds around the class, she takes notice of Josh's slumber during class. Teacher's at the academy do not tolerate students slumbering in the middle of their class. Now hitting a student is against the ethics of the academy, however waking a student up with a loud thud isn't and so using her pointing stick she loudly slams it against the empty desk behind him. Causing the teen to sit up on his desk, his glasses crookedly placed on his face while he abruptly says.
"I'm up!"
This spat causes the entire class to turn around in their seats, looking at Josh as sweat would roll down his forehead. The history professor gives a cheeky smile over waking up a slumbering Josh. Walking forward she turns around as she sees the teen taking his glasses off, rubbing his eye softly following it up with a yawn as she continues his torment.
"Awe did little Joshy enjoy his nappy nap?"
She said, talking in a voice a mom uses to talk to a baby. The class let out a soft chuckle over her comment while Josh puts his glasses back on as he leans against his hand Ignoring what the teasing comments the professor told him. Instead he opens his book and finds something to read so he doesn't have to answer to the intolerance that is his professor. Instead of leaving him alone and continuing with the class, the history professor continues his torment by slamming the pointer on his desk this time saying.
"Hey, when I ask the baby a question I expect an answer back from him, got it?"
The professor tells Josh, the teen's eyes shut trying not to say anything back to her as underneath his desk is an enraging fist he formed in his hand. At any point he can just break and talk some mad smack about the professor, but he gives her the benefit of the doubt because of last night's spat he got from the cyan teen. So he doesn't say anything again and continues on reading the chapter before finding and answering the question.
"Halston."
Josh answers, sounding rather unenthusiastic as he gives the professor the answer to the question. Just because he was asleep doesn't mean he wasn't listening, turning his head towards the professor as she continues to look at him. Before she can continue her unprofessional teasing, the door to her class opens as the attention from all the students in the class turns towards the door. This also catches the attention of both the history professor and Josh as he looks around her to see who it is. Seeing the dean standing by the door giving everyone in the class a bright smile, wearing her usual attire she then asks.
"Hello, I'm here to pull a student of your class for a moment. Is Joshua Dash here?"
Dean Cadence asks, looking up at the history teacher as she is asking for Josh to be pulled out of class. Josh lets out a sigh of relief, this means he is excused for the rest of the class since it's only five minutes until the bell for the second period starts. Raising his hand up slightly, letting the dean know that he is present in the class she then tells him.
"Oh good, come with me. Principal Cinch would like to have a word with you."
When the name 'Cinch' comes up, the whole class turns to Josh. Being called by the principal isn't something to be relieved by, because it either meant she isn't impressed with a students' performance in the academy or she has been told the student was caught doing something that could ruin the reputation of the academy. Packing his stuff, Josh pulls the strap of his satchel over his head as it rests on his right shoulder. Getting out of his seat he makes his way towards the door, passing by many students present in the class as he sees students mouthing some words about not saying anything about the services he provides out of campus. As he is walking out the door, Dean Cadence holding open for him, she follows suit as she lets the door close by itself. Now in the halls, both her and Josh walk alongside each other as the teen only beats her by a few inches in height. The dean tries to have small talk while they make their way towards Principal Cinch's office, asking what he has planned for the summer. Josh gives her the same answer he's been telling everyone, typical for the nerdy teenage boy while walking alongside each other Josh looks over at the dean. Remembering what he saw l yesterday, he quickly looks away not wanting to be told about what he witnessed between her and a fellow student.
As they walk up to the door that leads into Principal Cinch's office, light barely comes through the see through window as it appears to be rather dark in the room. The dean grabs onto the knob to the door, pushing it down before pulling the door open as Josh walks into the office. The whole room is a rather shade of blue as the only light is coming from the principal's desk, Josh walks up to the desk as her chair is facing away from him. Josh takes a seat on the chair as he leans against couchen of the chair before looking up. He doesn't see the principal but Josh doesn't hear her as she says.
"Mr. Dash… ugh horrible last name. What kind of last name is 'Dash', then again that wasn't the last name you were born into now is it?"
She said before turning her chair around, facing the teen as her hands form a triangle while she leans back against her chair. Josh wasn't sure why he is here, though something tells him Cinch must have found out about the homework service he offers with a charging fee. Josh sighs as he takes his glasses off again, rubbing his eyes softly before putting them back on looking up at the principal before she says.
"Anyway, that wasn't what I called you here."
"Well, what is the purpose of my-"
"Have you ever been in a camp? Ugh horrible place, all happy and fun going around."
She said shivering a bit at the thought of summer camp. Cinch isn't the type to have any kind of fun, she is mostly about being professional and her idea if 'fun' is reading. That shows judging by the many bookshelves that are around her office, aligning against the walls of her. Josh gently shakes his head answering her question about ever attending a camp in his life. The dean walks up to her desk as the principal starts to mind her own business, allowing the dean to explain what she has planned for the summer.
"Well as you may know, summer vacation is coming up. And while Principal Cinch isn't the camping type of woman, I certainly am. So I was thinking, since you might be bored with what you're planning to do over the summer. I would like to invite you to accompany me along with other students to a camp reopening that's happening this summer."
The dean said with a bright smile as she opened her briefcase, pulling out a small pamphlet and showing it to Josh as the title reads 'The Grand Reopening Of Camp Everfree'. Grabbing the pamphlet off her hand, Josh takes a look at it from the inside, opening it up as he reads all of the amazing activities he could experience if he chose to come along. While he reads, Principal Cinch would claim the waste of time the dean is spending at this camp, claiming that she would much rather have her stay in her office working on next year's learning planners for the teachers. However Cadence argues that this can be a real relaxing summer for any teen who is having a stressful time after a long year of learning. Josh closes the pamphlet, handing it back to Cadence as he says.
"Thanks but… I don't think this is for me."
"Oh why is that?"
"I just feel like camping is something I won't enjoy."
Josh explains while looking at the dean taking the pamphlet back. It's true the nerdy teen hasn't really had any experience with camping. Having several concerns about the camo, like what if he doesn't like it? What if something dangerous happens? What if someone gets lost and they have no way of finding them? Though Cadence doesn reasure Josh that everything is going to be fine as the owners of the camp have taken precautions about anything that might go wrong. Still feeling like camp isn't for him, Josh hears the bell ring as he grabs his satchel and stands up off his chair. Before he could leave, Cadence hands him back the pamphlet as she tells him.
"Please, just think it over, I don't want you to be bored over the summer."
She said in a reassuring tone that he may have fun at the camp. Josh looks up at her before looking down at the pamphlet as he just takes it from her. Letting him know that if he changes his mind that her number is on the back of the pamphlet underneath contact numbers. While walking out of the office Josh looks at the pamphlet for a moment, suddenly he remembers what his science professor had told him. His voice replaying in his head as he remembered him saying that Josh needs to get out of his comfort zone. Well what if this is what he meant? This is something out of his comfort zone and it could help with his social self esteem, plus while looking through the pamphlet they do offer community service opportunities. Which can look good in his transcripts for colleges, but he still wasn't sure about it. He may have to think about the pros and cons of going to this camp and just staying home all summer.
"...Fuck it."
