Notes:

Additional Cast:

Paget Brewster as Laureen Nelson

Booboo Stewart as Grant Simmons

Ansel Elgort as Matthew "Matt" Foster

Dulce Maria as Nina Andrews

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as Harry Nelson

Joseph's POV

I keep gawking into the fridge for some snack, but there's nothing in there. Only fruits, energy bars and ready salads. Fuck! I shouldn't let Sophie do the shopping without consulting me. No matter how many times I open and close the fridge's door, the content doesn't change. I guess I will take something from a vending machine on campus, before my class with mr.Roberts.

I sent him an email with my positive answer, the next day of his proposal and he answered me, saying he's looking forward to our cooperation. Then, he introduced me to his team and explained the project better and in more detail. I have to say, it's very intriguing. He will inform me today, after class, about my duties and he will put me on probation from tomorrow, to test my abilities and how I work with a team. That means, I will not return home for Thanksgiving, as I'd already knew, but I hope I'll have some hours blanc to celebrate it somehow.

This brings me to the next step of my mission. I should call home to inform them about my unavailability. Dan did a great job saying that he won't be there, but I would; so I should clean up the mess he made. I waited some time to pass, from Dan's rejection, in order to let my mother digest the idea. Anyway, it's now or never.

On my way to the living room, to take my mobile, since I left it there, I see Sophie reading a book as usual. Glasses on and her face in the book, not paying attention to her surroundings.

"Hey dork, there's food in the oven. I called delivery." she says not looking at me.

"I don't want food! I want a snack! Chips or cookies or something like that!" I grumble.

"I might have a muffin Ro got me this morning, in my bag. It's yours if you want to...for 5 dollars." she closes the book and looks at me and I eyeroll. She always finds an excuse to absorb money from me.

"Why do I have to give you 5 dollars, when I can buy something way cheaper on campus?" I object looking around for my phone.

"From the campus's vending machine? Rumor has it those snacks have been there forever, plus, my muffin comes from the bakery near Ro's house. You can't get any fresher than that." she smirks.

"There's no way I am giving you money! Be a good friend and a nice roommate and give it to me,from the depths of your good heart." I smirk to her, knowing that this is impossible. "Anyway have you seen my mobile?"

"You know what, I am calling today, a 'help a poor soul in need' day, so you will find my muffin in my bag, in my room, and your phone is somewhere I couldn't possibly know" she laughs satisfied with her reply.

I raise an eyebrow in suspicion by her reply. Seriously, Sophie is going to give me her muffin like that? Robin is turning her into a person with feelings!

"Where's the trap?" I refuse to believe she's going to give to me like that.

"I-kinda-eat-your-cornflakes." she says real quick, and turns on the TV.

"Not again! Buy your own fucking corn flakes. You confuse capitalism with stealing!" I complain and then go to her room to take the muffin from her bag. This has to be my lucky day! There's a pack of donuts as well on her desk! So sorry, Soph! You ate my corn flakes, you have to deal with the consequences. I take the muffin and the pack of donuts and finally, I find my phone on the self of the living room's bookcase. I leave the donuts in my room, get back to the living room, and start eating the muffin.

"Use a plate, Neathradal." she shakes her head.

"Shut up Soph and go back to your book! I have to call mum!" I say to her with a serious voice.

"Why, what happened? Is Laureen ok?" she asks sitting up looking serious as well.

"She's fine. I have to call to tell her that I am not going home for Thanksgiving."

"You are not?" Soph asks shocked. "Why?"

"Because a professor asked me to join his team on a very cool project and they have to work even on Thanksgiving." I explain to her. Sophie spends most of her time with Robin now, so I didn't have the chance to tell her about the professor's offer.

"Hey, that's awesome! I'm proud of you. You totally deserve the muffin." she sticks her tongue out.

"I deserved that muffin anyway, but thanks." I stick my tongue out at her as well. "Are you going back home?" I ask curious. Sophie grimaces again.

"Robin asked me about my plans last night...She invited me to her house for Thanksgiving, but I don't know what to do. I really want to spent it with her." she pouts, and takes her glasses off.

"Then you should. It's your first Thanksgiving here and since I am staying, it will be a good idea to use me as an excuse!" I remark.

"And you could use me as an excuse as well! Joss this is a great plan! We could be each other's back up." she claps her hands enthusiastically and I beam to her.

"Ok let's see if this plan actually works" I wink at her, calling my mum.

After some seconds she answers.

"Joseph! How are you?"Her voice is full of sweetness.

"Hey mum! I am fine! How are you?" I ask her.

"Good! It's so nice to hear you!" She says in a melodic tone. She's heard so happy to listen to my voice.

"So how are things at home?" I try to discuss a general topic. I can't bring up the issue immediately. Also, it's been quite sometime, since the last time I've spoken to her.

"Pretty much the same after you left! Your dad works really hard at the company. He tries to adjust to some new economic laws with his accountants and he has to work for many hours. I only see him at breakfast." I guess he does. My dad loves his work. He and his brother founded a company that makes computational programs for business companies and banks. I can discern a bit of sadness in her voice, since she loves having her family around and taking care of them.

"It's not like you sit home all day! What about the aquarium?" I ask her about her job place,trying to cheer her up. It's a really magical place and I loved going there as a child and playing with the dolphins. It's still one of my favourite places.

"I totally forgot! Rita gave birth to a beautiful baby dolphin yesterday. I will send you pictures! It's so cute!" she says enthusiastically.

"Great! Do we know the father or did the mister just do his thing and left like nothing happened?" I ask with a smirk on my face and my mum chuckles.

"Of course we know! He's your favourite!"

"Seriously? Jesse fell into that trap? I had more faith in that dolphin!" My mom let me play with him, when I was a child and I fucking love that dolphin. Jesse is like my pet. I would go feed him and play with him every chance I'd found. Soph used to join me as well and she didn't miss the chance to play with him too.

"As you can see even your best buddy settled down." she jokes and I eyeroll, even though she can't see it. "Tell me about you now, baby! How are things with college? I hope you don't push yourself way off your limits. Is Sophie ok? Are you taking care of each other?" she starts fretting over me, as usual. It's pretty annoying I can say, but it's her way to show she cares.

"Everything's fine, mum! No need to worry! Sophie is fine as well. She actually learnt how to cook some meals. They are not perfect, but there's room for improvement!" I joke and Sophie gives me a glare.

"Hey, I am getting there. Hi Laureen!" Sophie interrupts me.

"Hey Sophie!" My mum shouts in my ear.

"Laureen, Joss is eating my stuff!" she shouts again, smirking.

"Joss why are you eating Sophie's food? Don't you have your own?" she asks in a concerning and a bit scolding voice. I guess no matter the age, a mother always treats their child like a toddler. Or is it just mine?

"She's exaggerating, mum! You know how she reacts over insignificant things!" I say in an indifferent voice.

"Joss, you should help our little Soph, since you're older and you are familiar with the environment." My mum loves Sophie like her own daughter. She's actually like the daughter she'd never had.

"Mum, Sophie is doing fine! Much better that you could imagine!" Sophie is throwing a pillow at me and I give her a glare. " Anyway, I wanted to talk to you about Thanksgiving..."

"I can't wait to see you baby! I've missed you so much! Did you know that your brother won't come? His professor is pushing him with his Phd. I worry about him, because he doesn't rest when he has work to do. I hope Olivia takes a good care of him!" My mum starts babbling non-stop. Here we come. It's now or never.

"Mum..... I can't come home for Thanksgiving!" I say very carefully.Silence falls.

"Why?" She speaks after a while and her voice is thick.

"It's not that I don't want to, it's that I can't. Listen, mum. A professor asked me personally to be on his team on a very serious and big project. I can't leave this chance slip through my hand." I try to explain the whole situation and I am sure she will understand.

"Joss, I am so proud of you! I knew this smart brain of yours would be acknowledged. I am so happy for you!" she chirps enthusiastically and she warms my heart. "But, baby can't you ask this special day off?" she pleads.

"I am still on trial, so I can't ask for any favours yet. Also Soph will stay, so it doesn't feel right to leave her alone on a day like this! She needs her big brother." I say firmly.

"You're so protective and caring! You took that after me. I know this is a huge deal for you, so I want you to succeed and to impress them with your knowledge, because you deserve that! The only thing that matters to me is you and your brother to be happy and do the thing you love like me and your dad." my mum says in her sweetest voice and I know she means it. She didn't like particularly that her sons won't be with her on Thanksgiving, but she would never want to be an obstacle between us and our ambitions. She always takes my side when me and my father fight, and actually it's the only time that they argue intensively.

"Thanks mum! Having your support means a lot!" I say to her in a soft voice.

"Me and your father will find something to do on Thanksgiving!" she says casually, trying to sound cheerful.

"Why don't you invite the Fords over?" I suggest and Sophie gives me a thumbs up.

"Actually that's a wonderful idea!"

"Mum, I have to go now. I have a meeting with mr.Roberts, the project's professor, so I need to be there on time!"

"Yes of course! Please Joss call me to tell me all about it, ok?"

"Yes I will! Bye mum!" I say with a smile.

"Bye baby! I love you!"

"I love you too!" I hung up the phone.

"Mission accomplished!" I address to Sophie.

"Yeah! Well done, now my turn. I am calling dad!" she takes her phone out and dials his number. "Hey dad! How are you.....yes I am good too....I know dad, I miss you guys too...that's why I am calling. Daddy, Joss has a project and he has to stay here all alone and given this is a family day, I don't want to leave him all by himself.... my friend from school, Robin, invited me and Joss if we want to....I know daddy, yes she is a good friend...ok daddy thanks, we will have fun, no worries....love you too! Bye." she hangs up as well and winks at me.

"Great!" I exclaim. "Wait a minute... Ro didn't invite me!" I say puzzled.

"Wait." she brings her phone to her ear again. "Hey ba-" she looks at me for a second, blushing. "Hey Ro! How are you?...me too....well I called to tell you that I am able to spend thanksgiving with you...I know...yeah...also can Joss come too?" she nods her head at what Ro says. "Great.....yes, I will see you tomorrow....me too...me more...ok...goodbye." she hangs up again and nods her head. "You are invited."

"Thank your baby for me!" I wink to her.

"Ha ha. Well since I got this guilt off my chest, let's celebrate. I have donuts in my room. Ro gave them to me last night, but I couldn't tell her I am not much of a donut lover." she shrugs.

"You know what, I should really go! The meeting with the professor wasn't an excuse!" I give her a coy smile.

"Fine fine, just take some with you, I don't want to throw them away!" she whines.

"If you insist!" I say and enter my room to take my laptop and the whole box of donuts with me. "See you later, sis!" I wink at her taking my jacket from the armchair and closing the door behind me.

(After class)

I am walking at the campus with Grant beside me, going to the parking lot. Mr. Roberts' class was great, as always and I am thrilled about the upcoming project. He told me to be at his lab tomorrow first thing in the morning, something that makes me really excited. As we're crossing the campus, I see a familiar figure.

"Hey Matt!" Grant shouts and Matt turns his head puzzled. When he sees us, he approaches us. He is wearing jeans and his coat, since it's cold again.

"Hey guys! What's up?" he asks with a grin, having his both hands in his coat's pockets.

"We just finished class! What are you doing here that late?" I ask him, since it's past 8.

"I am going to get Nina from Alice's dorms. We're going to the movies!" he answers with a smile.

"Which movie are you going to see? The notebook?" Grant jokes and Matt eyerolls.

"For your information this is old and no! We are going to watch 'The Jungle Book' and it's starting soon so I have to ditch you, my favorite jerks!" he remarks with a smirk.

"I'll cry in a corner later!" Grant teases Matt. "I have to hurry too. Man, this asshole who teaches Databases is a huge pain in the ass. His project is killing me!"He complains, before taking off,saying goodbye to both of us.

"So you're going to the dorms?" I ask indifferently.

"Yeah!" Matt answers, but I can see he's impatient to leave.

"Do you mind if I tag along? We haven't talked for a while, so it's a good opportunity!" I propose. That's not a complete lie. Me and Matt didn't have the chance to talk alone in a long time. Also something inside me wants to go there, because of Alice. I think this urge is stronger than talking to Matt, but he doesn't have to know.

"Yeah sure!" he shrugs and we head to the dorms' direction.

"I see you and Nina work things out really well!"

"Yeah! Nina is pretty amazing. I think she's too good for me!" Matt confides in me, looking down.

"Cut the crap, dude! Why are you saying that? You're a cool guy and Nina knows that! How's the sex?" I ask abruptly.

"Fucking awesome dude! Somedays we don't even leave the house!" he answers with a bragging smile and it's very rare of him, smiling like that.

"That's what I am talking about! You rock!" I praise him. "I don't see a fucking single reason to say this kind of bullshit, so stop thinking that way and enjoy it! I like Nina and she seems cool. Not to mention, the way she drools over you, when we are all together. I think she's undressing you in her mind!" I state and Matt chuckles, but I can see his eyes are sparkling now.

"I didn't even have the chance to thank you, Joss! You were the one who pushed me into talking to her!" he says with a coy smile.

"I was just the lever! The rest, you did it yourself." I point out. I can see we're getting closer to the dorms.

"Thanks! Also sorry for not hanging out that much with you guys!" Matt apologises. Matt is such a selfless guy. He always try to pleasure the others,by putting himself at the bottom.

"Dude, don't worry! I suppose being in a relationship means you ditch others every now and then, especially at the beginning. Just don't make a habit out of it!" I warn him firmly.

"I will make up for the lost time!" he announces. "So there's any hope for you to find someone?" he asks, looking at me with the corner of his eye. Me? In a relationship? Matt has to be joking. "Nina is badgering me on going on a double date and you're more likely to have a girlfriend than Grant." he adds joking.

"Joseph belongs to all the ladies!" I brag with a smirk and Matt eyerolls.

"I am betting 50 bucks that someday you'll be effusing over only one girl!" Matt states in a serious voice.

"I am in! If this day comes I will give you the double!" I chuckle and we stop walking, since we're outside of the dorms.

Matt is taking his phone out to call Nina.

"Hey baby! I am outside of the dorms with Joseph! No, he isn't coming! I've just run into him. Are you done with Alice? Oh ok!" And he hangs up the phone. "She insisted to go up, because Alice had to go to a neighbour and Nina is alone!" Matt informs me.

"Ok let's go!" I say and I run to catch the door, since a guy just exited the building.

When we get to Alice's door, we knock, and a smiley Nina opens it. She has her red hair in a loose bun and she is wearing jeans with a black blouse. Two giant earrings are hanging from her ears and she's wearing many rings.

"Hola chicos!" she greets us enthusiastically and grabs Matt for a big kiss. "How are you?" she asks,as we're getting in.

"Fine!" I answer, sitting on Alice's bed. "Where's Alice?" I ask curiously.

"A neighbour texted her, that he needed help with some stuff." Nina says casually. Wait a minute...She said 'He'? Alice is with a guy at his room? I can think various reasons why he needed help and this nagging feeling starts kicking inside my stomach again. I ignore it as I always do. "Anyway, we were just correcting our project! It's ready, so no big deal!" Nina adds shrugging.

"But baby we have to leave now if we want to catch the movie!" Matt says pointing at his watch. Nina looks troubled.

"But I can't leave like that!" She protests pouting.

"I know it's not nice, but we have to hurry! You can call her!" he suggests.

"She left her phone here. She said it would only take 5 minutes, but she's gone for like 20!" she mutters. What the hell is she doing 20 minutes in another's guy room? Fuck! I shouldn't care! It's her own fucking business.

"Why don't you guys go and I will wait for her to explain what happened!" I suggest, since I see Matt's eagerness to leave. He always stresses about the time, while Nina seems relaxed. "Alice won't judge you for that! She's cool!"

"That's a great idea Joseph!Thanks a lot" Nina chirps happily. "Ok Mattie, vamos!" she indicates at the door.

"Thanks Joss!" Matt says, smiling and him and Nina get out of the door holding hands.

Here I am again! Alone in Alice's dorm. It will be hilarious to see her face, when she sees me here. Her sheets are pale blue and I decide to lay on her bed like a king. She will be furious when she sees me! I think I am pushing my luck, but I can't resist.

I take my jacket off and I put my laptop bag on her chair. Then, I lie on her bed, positioning her pillow in a comfortable position under my head and I put my hands behind it, while I am crossing my legs, but I am careful not to put my shoes on the bed. Her bed has her scent all over it! It's intoxicating as every other time. A passion fruit scent emits from the sheets as well. The same I smelled on her hair under the desk at her professor's office, when we danced at the Halloween party, when I hugged her at the Pub quiz, when I tried to kiss her but she left away. I think it has become my favourite scent. Sophie has some products with vanilla, but I never had any reaction to that, unlike with passion fruits, since the time I smelled it on Alice.

Suddenly the door opens and Alice storms in talking.

"So sorry Nina that it took me so long but,..." she stops the moments she sees me lying on her bed. Her eyes wide in astonishment and she loses her words for a second.

I stay as I am without changing my position smirking. Her face and her whole expression should have been captivated by a camera. Her eyes scan me from head to toe and all over again.

"How... When... What the hell are you doing here?" she finally says, after finding the right words. She is wearing black leggings with a gray hoodie and Ugg boots. Her hair is down on a natural style. She looks so fucking beautiful and alluring even in this simple outfit.

"What does it look like?" I answer in my casual way. "I am resting." I give the answer like it's pretty obvious.

She crosses her arms like she can't believe neither in her ears nor her eyes.

"I can see that. You have laid your ass like a king in all his majesty." she says sarcastically and I try not to chuckle. "Where's Nina?" she asks or to say better she demands.

"Your Red friend took off with my douche friend to catch up the movie they wanted to see. They couldn't wait for you forever!" I inform her as the smirk never leaves my face.

"What's your role in all this? Did they pay you to be the messenger? They didn't think that I might have had a heart attack? Thank God you weren't naked" She sasses to me, as she always does.

"First of all, they didn't have to pay me, because I am such a good hearted person. Second, what a better surprise to you than seeing me lying on your bed like ancient greek God Apollon. Many girls wish for that! You're so ungrateful! Third, if I was naked you would have passed out, because you wouldn't be able to handle the breathtaking sight." I rattle off in a serious voice and she eye rolls non-stop.

"First, you're a douchebag! Second, the god Apollon's statues are being self destructing as we're speaking and third, if you were lying on my bed naked, I would have to burn it later." she rattles off piercing me with her eyes, but I know she's enjoying this way too much, like I do. "Are you going to stay like that for a long time?" she remarks, pointing at my posture.

"Fine grumpy, Alice!" I stand up and throw her pillow at her. I caught her completely off guard and that surprises her. She catches the pillow before it falls on the floor.

"You know this is a declaration of war, right?" And she comes towards me hitting me with the pillow. She giggles as I try to take it from her and she shouts "Never!" Then I grab her wrist and I throw her on her bed. She continues giggling and hitting me with the pillow. I laugh as well and I am surprised she let me toss her so easily. My body reacts immediately next to hers and I feel amazing having her beside me like that. Her giggling is silvery and I love to hear it.

"Do you surrender?" I shout chuckling, as I am getting on top of her.

"Never!" she shouts firmly and her eyes are sparkling. A mischievous smile crosses her face.

Then, I start tickling her at her belly and she bends her body to avoid it. Her laughter becomes even louder.

"Do you now?" I say again, without stopping laughing.

Suddenly the 'Reapers' tune starts echoing in the room. Fuck, this is my phone! Who's calling me and ruining this great moment? I stand up and I take my mobile out of my pocket. My father's contact appears on the screen. What? My face must have changed from the once playful to a severe and a troubled expression. I touch the answering index on my cell.

"Hello dad!" I answer with a straight voice. Alice looks at me confused and then sits straight on her bed, with her back touching her travel blog wall and puts the pillow in her lap.

"Hello Joseph!" my dad's rough voice sounds in my ear.

"To what do I owe this sudden phone call?" I ask trying to hide my quavering voice.

"I've just had dinner with your mother and she informed me, you're not coming home for Thanksgiving!" he says in a deadpan voice. Thanksgiving is the reason he called. I can counter him for that.

"Yeah that's right! I've settled everything with mum! Everything is perfectly fine!" I try to sound cheerful, showing to him that there's no problem.

"No Joseph! Everything's not fine!" he says sharply.

"What do you mean?" My voice sounds confused, as I totally am.

"Why aren't you coming home?" he asks and and I find this question unnecessary. I've already told mum and I am sure she has informed him. Anyway let's go again for the 100th time.

"A professor asked me to join his team for a big project he's preparing. He and his team work even on holidays! Thanksgiving is not an exception." I say firmly. I can't let him intimidate me.

"Tell me the real reason now!" he commands coldly and I am jaw dropped.

What? The real reason? What is he saying? He doesn't believe me?

"That's the real reason!" I try to put strength in those words.

"Joseph, this is between you and me. I know you didn't want to disappoint your mother by simply saying that you don't want to come here."

"Excuse me?" I say confused. "I didn't lie to mum! I said the truth!" I raise my voice a little higher and Alice looks a bit startled by this.

"Joseph, I know you! You want to stay there to party and get drunk with your friends and a bunch of women! How did you think of saying an excuse like a university project is even at least believable for you? If Daniel was the one to say I would believe him, but you.." he growls and I am surprised how he keeps his voice steady and deep low, when I know he's furious.

But I can't do that! I am surprised once again he has the nerve to speak like that! But why am I? He always does that! I feel the rage rising inside me and I let it explode forgetting where I am.

"Seriously, do you think you know me? I am telling you, that I proved to a notable professor how good I am, by working my ass off and all you can say is that it's not believable hearing that from me?" I yell at the phone and I can see Alice's big brown eyes looking at me with concern and astonishment. "I feel so stupid right now, thinking that this would make you proud. Mum was proud! Dan was proud too!" I keep shouting on the phone, feeling the rage boiling inside me.

"Joseph, this is not the way to talk to your father..."

"You know what? Save it! I am not coming for Thanksgiving and that's final! This is my excuse! If you want, buy it if you don't, I don't fucking care!" I bark on the phone and I hang up. I am staying there looking at the screen, speechless.Then, I raise my head and I face a worried Alice. Her face has a brooding expression. She must be thinking and processing all the things she's just heard.

It's one of the few times that I don't have a quip ready to break the ice, to make the atmosphere more humorous.

"I should get going!" I say with an expressionless voice and I take my jacket and laptop.

"Joseph, wait!" she stands up and grabs me by the arm. "There's no need to go!"

"Alice, let me go now!" I almost shout at her, but she doesn't leave me. I just catch her wrist and remove it, like I have something on me that annoys me. I know this isn't Alice's fault, but I will explode at her without wanting. I open the door and I leave. As I am walking the corridor with a heavy step, I run into Vanessa.

"Hey Joseph!" she greets me but she gets no response and confusion colors her whole face. I press the elevator button and I can't wait to go home and lose myself in the music.

Alice's POV

I stay still looking at the door, from which Joseph has just left. I've never seen him like that! Never! Even when I got under his skin, he was never in that state. What I just witnessed was so hard to believe.Joseph, who always has a funny comment to lighten the atmosphere, Joseph, who nothing brings him down, who always is playful and carefree, now he had the most cold expression I've ever seen.

I can't let him go like that, hurt. I just can't. I open the door and I just start running trying to catch him and screw the consequences! I want to make sure he's ok! I have to make sure he's ok. As I am running, I run into Vanessa, who looks at me with a confused face. I have no time to explain to her, so I leave her behind me. I reach the elevator and I see it's going down, so I start running by the stairs and I catch Joseph the moment he exits the building.

"Wait!" I shout and he turns to look at me with an annoyed face. I won't let that bring me down. I go near him.

"Why are you so fucking persistent? I don't want to talk to anyone right now!" he yells at me.

"I couldn't let you go like that!" I blurt, without caring. It pains me to see him like that. All his beautiful characteristics are tensed. He looks at me puzzled and I know he didn't expect to hear something like that.

He puffs and says."Alice, what do you want?"

"I want to make sure you're ok!" I say in a straight voice.

"Alice, just get back to your room! The only thing you succeed is being annoying!" he shoots at me with a tiring look and he takes a step to leave, but I run in front of him blocking his way.

"I am not leaving! And I don't care if I am being annoying! This is me and deal with it!" I say firmly, breathing heavily. I won't back down.

"Alice, get out of my way! I don't want to shout at you!" he starts raising his voice.

"I don't care! Shout at me! Do anything if it makes you feel better!" I raise my voice as well and he moves his head in frustration.

"Alice, you can't understand! Let me go now!" he hisses at me.

"Try me! I can take more than you think!" I stay in front of him,determined.

He stays there, as his beautiful hazel eyes examine me carefully, huffing and puffing annoyed.

"I don't have forever at my disposal!" I quip at him.

"You're so fucking stubborn!" he exasperates. "You're not going to let me pass, are you?" he exhales.

"You shall not pass" I quote the famous 'Lord of the Rings' catchphrase and a slight unwitting smile makes its appearance.Then, a shiver runs through my body, from the cold, which makes me quiver. I forgot to take a jacket in my attempt to catch Joseph and I realise now, that I've relaxed, that I am freezing. Joseph understood that too.

"Stupid Alice, you will catch a cold, because of me!" he says worried and he throws his jacket on me. I wear it and it feels so warm. His scent is everywhere and I try to absorb greedily all of it. I can see he doesn't mind the cold.

"A cold can't bring me down that easily! I am tough as a rock!"I exclaim.

"Actually nothing can bring you down!" he admits with a slight smile.

"I don't want anything to bring you down as well!" I say without thinking again, but it's true. My sentiments are out of control again, because of him and especially after I saw him in that state."Your dad will knock his head to the wall when he realises how awful he spoke to you!" I say to him in a low voice and I look him in the eyes.

"I don't think he will realise that!" he sighs looking back at me.

"He will!" I support my opinion.

"How can you be so sure?" he argues.

"Because he's not an idiot!" I say with determination. "Judging by his son he has to be pretty smart!" I wink at him and Joseph stays aghast. A wide grin crosses his face and I know it is a genuine one.

"You know that I record everything and the things you've said will be used against you!" he teases me and I can see he's back to his usual humorous behaviour. I feel so good that I managed that! Like I always do with my father when he feels sad, when he thinks of my mum.

I chuckle, giving him my answer."I am prepared for anything you've got!"

"Go back to your room now, before you get sick and then you have to lose your Thanksgiving as well. Maybe my dad is scary, but I don't want to see yours chasing me around with his gun,because I kept his daughter out in the cold." he beams at me and I give him a wide grin.

"And he has a very good aim!"

"Judging by his daughter I am sure of that!" His face is lit now.

I unwillingly give him back his jacket to get back to the building.

"Alice!" I hear his voice calling my name and I turn around. "Thank you!" his mouth shapes those words, without speaking and I feel every nerve on my body dancing, before I smile to him and go back to my room.

A/N: Thanks for reading! Any comment is appreciated!