August 24th- Book One in the May 3rd series

Chapter 38-??

Warnings ⚠: Child Abuse, Rape, Violence, Religion, Drug Use, Alcohol Use, Use of Slurs, Homophobia, Bullying, Mention of Suicide, Suicidal Thoughts, Suicidal Actions, Gun Use

Josiah's P.O.V

-Friday, October 22nd-

... Did he just fall asleep?

That quickly?

Again?

I guess it's starting to get late, but... He shouldn't be sleeping yet.

Every day, I'm more and more convinced that something is severely wrong with him.

I don't understand how he just falls asleep like that. As soon as he lays down, he passes out.

I don't know.

... I'll ask him about it again later.

What can I do right now?

I definitely shouldn't fall asleep, too. Even though I'm tired.

What time is it, again?

6:17, that's what he told me. It's probably closer to 6:30 by now. I have to leave in, like, twenty minutes. At most.

I don't want to think about what would happen if I was home even a minute after 7:00.

I sigh and shift to lay down, adjusting Damien as much as I can. He is out cold. I swear that nothing will wake him up.

I'll let him sleep. He must be so tired.

And I'll...shut my eyes. Just for a while.

I'll wake him up in about fifteen minutes so we can leave...

...

Next thing I know, I'm curled up in a little ball against Damien.

I rub my eyes.

I think I fell asleep for a moment there...

It seems to be pitch black outside, and in here. That happened...awfully quick. I know it's the middle of October, but still...

My phone is on the table by the couch. I pick it up to check just how late it is.

I can't imagine what would happen if it's too late...

9:27.

Fuck.

I drop my phone onto the floor.

My hands are shaking.

I feel a scream slip from my throat, shaky hands coming up and running through my hair repeatedly.

I squeeze my eyes shut.

Fuck.

What the hell am I supposed to do now?!

I feel a hand on my back, and my first instinct is to flinch away.

"Josiah, it's just me. It's okay. What's wrong?" Damien asks me.

I want to respond, but when I go to speak, I just whine.

I shake my head. He'll have to figure this one out on his own.

"You're not talking again? That's okay. I'll wait. You're okay." He tries to assure me.

No.

Don't fucking wait.

"I...have...have to...go- Damien..." I stammer, forcing my eyes open to look at him. I can't bring myself to look at his face.