A Josh Hutcherson Love Story

CHAP 3

By the time we finished unloading all our shopping bags, (3 trips to be exact) Selena, V, Ash, Miley & I sat outside on the porch. To pass the time while waiting for the boys, we decided to play “President”. In the middle of the game, my cell rang. Realizing it was Josh, a huge smiled appeared on my face.

“Hey!” I said as happily as I could. The girls looked at me and smirked. I gave them a confused look.

“Hey yourself.” He replied. His voice was so deep & heavenly. Be calm, Maddie. Inhale, 1, 2, 3. Exhale, 1, 2, 3. I thought.

“What are you & the girls up to?” He asked, interrupting my thoughts.

“Oh, nothing really. Just playing “President” & waiting for you guys. Trying to decide what movie we should watch tonight.” Then I whispered, “I’m in the mood to embarrass the HSM cast.”

He laughed and said, “Hmm…you have a dark side Madeline Bramford. I like it.”

“I’ve been told.” I proudly responded. “But then again, I know another actor I can embarrass & I can get a good cry out of it.”

“You wouldn’t.” He replied, shocked.

“Everyone loves Bridge To Terabithia. Name 3 people who don’t!” I challenged him. There was silence on the other end, “HA! I thought so.”

“Fine...we’ll watch HSM. Um…what’s your house number?”

“145. Oh! I see you guys. Cody’s waving. Talk to you soon.” I laughed & hung up.

********

We walked into my house and on cue, my mom showed up.

“Hi, Mrs. Bramford!” They all greeted, simultaneously. My mom waved & said hello.

*

“I was thinking that since it’s August 14th & HSM2 was premiering in 3 days, we’d watch HSM. Any objections?” I asked. Zac, V, Ash & Corbin put up there hands, “I don’t care that you’re in it. We’re watching it. No ifs, ands or buts about it!”

I popped the DVD in and we all took our spots.

45 minutes into the movie, we called a 15 minute break. Josh motioned all the guys into the study room to talk.

“I wonder what that’s about?” Ash asked, curiously. We all shrugged.

“Do you have any lip gloss, Miley?” I asked because she was looking through her bag.

“Yeah.” She replied handing it over. Then she pulled it back. “What’s it for? Smooching with Josh? We saw the way you reacted when he called. You love him…admit it.”

“She’s right, Maddie.” Ashley said, parting sides with Miley. “You didn’t even try to hide the fact you like him.” Everyone nodded.

My jaw dropped, “I do not love him.” The girls crossed there arms & gave me the ‘I Don’t Believe You’ stare. “OK! OK! I do love him. For the 2 months that I’ve known him for I’ve fallen in love with him.”

“DUH!” Selena told me.

“Awwwwwww!” Ashley said, making a baby face. “Our little girl is growing up!”

I was about to say something, when Josh & all the guys walked in the room. I put my finger to my lip to tell the girls to keep their mouth shut. They nodded their heads. Oh heck! I thought. They’re not going to keep this a secret. They’re gonna tell the guys!

“Um…” Josh said nervously, “Can I talk to you for a second, Maddie.” I nodded my head.

“OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!” Said some of them. Others made kissing noises. I rolled my eyes & walked away with Josh to the guest room.

********

“So…” I said, “What do you wanna talk about?”

“I’ll just get straight to it. Madeline Bramford…I think I’m in love with you. Sorry if this took you by surprise or if I’m being to forward.”

My eyes widened & my jaw dropped. Be calm Maddie…Close your jaw. Close it. CLOSE IT. I closed my jaw. Thank you. Now relax & fix your eyes.

“Oh…wow.” I said, still in shock. Trying to be calm while inside me; AHHHHHHHHH! HE LOVES ME! HE LOVES ME! OMG! OMG! WAIT…breathe…breathe…answer. “Um…that’s really sweet. The thing is…”

“You don’t like me back. It’s ok.” His eyes had sadness in them.

“As I was saying…the thing is… I think I’m in love with you, too.” I said smiling the biggest smile I’ve ever smiled.

“Really?” He asked. I nodded my head.

Then the rest was like magic. He hesitated at first but then leaned in & gave me a quick but slightly passionate kiss. He pulled away.

Grinning, I asked “Who told you to stop?” We then leaned in into the most passionate kiss I’ve ever felt in my life. Then we heard applause and cheering. We broke apart. Everyone was standing at the door. Zac hugged V & kissed her forehead & Ash high-fived Corbin.

“We are SUCH good matchmakers, right guys?” Ash said, grinning. Everyone started cheering again.

“OMG GUYS!” Selena gasped, “THE MOVIE!”