#danaejosh

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[Dana&Josh - Ep 5 - part 2] . Invite: How he invites her to set up the tree

In our first week living at the same apartment, we talk just few times. He was finishing some jobs and deadlines were running out. Me... just preparing classes for my little studant Lara and closing a private lesson contract for Lara's friend who lived in the same building.

At the first time I felt me bad with so many free time compared to Josh. But he didn't give me much time to be like this. He knows that I have some notion of video editing, so he put me in to make some cuts and select the best photos from two essays. Of course, I was not obliged. In fact, I saw how stressed he was already because he knew he wouldn’t be able to finish without help.

-I just received the last payment and feedback from those trials. -He said one day, leaving his studio.

I was eating coffee ice cream while fiddling with my cell phone in the living room. It was a Friday and I was looking to watch the series we started, but I had to wait for him to get free. I replied still focused on the cell phone:

-Really? What did they say?

- The older sister of the girl in the photos, the debutante, wanted to talk to me. He said that her sister only said good things about how she felt in the photo session, and that she was thinking of herself as an artist ... - He looked confident and spoke as he approached me. I put the phone down on the table and kept listening while eating the ice cream. - Anyway, she wants me for her wedding elopement. She still doesn't know where it is going to be, but says she wants it on the beach. - He said looking at the ice cream, but without asking to taste.

-Get a spoon if you want. - I smirked. He nodded "no" but I knew he wanted to. - Hurry up Josh! - And then he took the spoon to eat with me. -Look what coincidence! I just saw a video of my colleague's cousin's engagement request. It was at the Ponta do Pai Vitório viewpoint, in Búzios, and it's beautiful. You can suggest. There's a beach there. - I took the cell phone that was still open in the video.

- I liked it. I'll suggest, thanks.

Josh was looking at me again as someone who's having an idea.

-What, dude?! Whyare you looking at me like that out of nowhere? It isn’t the first time! -Oh, he needs to stop it! When I think I'm getting used to our friendship, he reminds me that I have a crush on him!

-You also took photography classes in college, right?

-No, don't even come, Josh! I don't remember anything.

-Okay, I just thought it’d be cool for us to work together. I don't think it’d interfere with your classes. If you get more students, I'll be back to work alone. What do you have to lose?

I was going to answer, I don't remember what, but I was going to. He stopped me.

-Exactly. Nothing! You can only win. -He said leaning over the table, convinced that he had the best idea to solve our problems. -We only have to win. I can get more jobs with you helping me. I teach you what you need to do!

It was already dark when that conversation started. He was so excited that it didn't even look like he was freaking out and stressed from so much accumulated work and short deadlines. But, in fact, when I sat down to help him, it was light for him and even for me, who didn't really know what I was doing. 

He made dinner, although I'd helped, he who really thought about the menu and did it. In the end, it was like a dinner to make our working partnership official. Without contract. I would be his freellancer.

Then we spent the night drinking wine and eating popcorn. We finished the first season of ‘Dark’ knowing that we’d have to review some episodes because we were already a little drunk and this is the kind of series that you need to be very, very sober to understand.

But the best of that Friday, that was already Saturday, was each one going to his room to sleep wishing “good night” to the other, and when I had just covered myself and closed my eyes on the bed, he knocks on the door leaning against it:

-Dana..I... forgot to ask. -His voice was already dragged 

-What?-Mine too

-I like to decorate the house for Christmas. Not much, but did you’d you like to decorate it next Friday with me, before the series?

As drunk and sleepy as he was, I replied without strength to laugh at it, but wanting to:

-OK. Sure.

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[Dana&Josh - Ep 5 - part 1] . Invite: I'm invited or you're inviting me?

Sharing an apartment with Josh was so easy during the two firsts months! 

First because we respect the rules (we're very especift in many things. Yeah, trust me, we had a long and serious talk n tha first time I got there).

Second, because I moved to there in the best moment of the year: The end of the year! And Josh and I always liked this ends year's celebrations. 

Soon I moved, I already thinking about with who I'd go spend the christmas. With my relatives whom every year got to my house spend with me and my parents? Or I'd spend the christmas with Jenny and her parents? At last,  they considere me from family (even her father, even though he was separated and visiting her only on holidays). 

But after some weeks, maybe just two weeks, when Josh asked me if I'd like to set up the Christmas tree and help with the decorations at the weekend, I had one more place to choose spend the christmas:

-Yeah, The Baure are my family. I'll spend the christmas with them. You're invited. -He said putting a ornament in the tree. his expression was full. He didn't even look at me when he said it. It was like it was obvious and he was just commenting as a reminder.

Ok girls, this is the time when you should have your feet on the ground and not think beyond what you should. Because my crush on him and his adorable way to be (with me or with everyone), be invited to spend time with his family could be a sign. BUT IS NOT! So don't be excited. Of course I thougth it, but only for seconds.  Anyway, I was glad for that. At last, I loved seeing his adoptive parents and knew his siblings (when his parents invited us by surprise to have lunch outside, a few days before we set up the christmas tree).

Well, at that moment I knew he was being kind with his friend and fellow of flat saying I was invited to spend the christmas with them. I spent fill seconds to answer, than he completed:

-I mean, I know you maybe spend the holiday with Jenny or go to your relatives's house with your parents whom possibly come for the holiday, rigth? I just saying you have another option for xmas. - He look at me and smiled.

-I'm invited or you're inviting me? - I smirked while decorate.

He looked me understand my play and answered gotting me:

-The option that most convince you to spend the christmas with me.

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[Dana&Josh - Ep 4] . A new opportunity with an old friend

I've never lived with anyone but my family. Sharing a house with a friend, would already make me a little anxious; sharing it with Josh was making me think last week, more than the first week when he offered me his apartament.

I was with PMS, I guess. However, those thoughts and feelings were genuine, but soon I remembered what myself said: “it'll be crazy in some way. Either strange, like... Uncomfortable, or strange, like insane”

Now, I have to just be focused. After all, I also said: “Yeah, “crazy”, I guess, is a good word. But, we always have two sides, don't we? Good or Not, however, we should try it”. Yeah, we. I believe Josh and I should this time to get out of our comfort zone.

In my case, more then just from comfort zone. From teenage interpersonal relationship zone too.

My parents were doing everything to accompany me to my new home. I failed in my mission to prevent my parents from going along. Then I tried to notice Josh that I wasn't coming alone, but he didn't answer my message.

- Oh Josh! How long?! -My father said with raised hands and a little smile in his face.

-A long time, actually! - Mom spoke for us. -You're so... Handsome, boy! -She was hugging Josh and entering while asking just for ask. - Can we... come in?

-I tried to notice you. I couldn't convince them .... - I started to explain in whispers

-Relax. I got the message. -He answered in the same way, rising his tone when saying.- And your parents are welcome, for sure.

He took my second suitcase from my father and invited him in. My mother was already in the room seeing the place. I walked in behind dad and Josh last, closing the door.

Two hours later I was showered and my clothes were tidied up in the closet - my mom didn't leave before she helped me with this. While my mom helped me in the bedroom, my dad and Josh ordered pizza. So, before they left, we also ate together.

Josh was just finishing making a bucket of popcorn.

-Nice pajamas. - He said after looking at me quickly

- Yours too. - I said closing me.

He smiled sitting in front of the TV.

- Every Friday I like watching movie or series. You can watch with me if you want.

He was acting like nothing happened, but I wasn’t going to be able to do the same. I wasn't as embarrassed as I thought I’d be, but I certainly wouldn't be at peace until I apologized.

- I'm sorry about my parents. They.... You know... - I approached him, but remained standing.

-Yeah, I got it. -He laughed - They're the same. Even after a long time... they're the same with me. -Then he looked me eating popcorn and smiling. -Don't worry, that's fine. I got you.

I smiled feeling more relaxed. It was clear that he really understood my parents (acting as if we’re a couple) and understood me too, and he wanted to make the environment comfortable for me. I said.

-Even so, you didn't have to hear those embarrassed things. -He smiled in the corner looking at popcorn in his lap. He couldn't say anything, I was right. I took some of the popcorn, approaching and settling on the couch. - So, what was today's movie planning to see? - I asked with my mouth full.

-Do you like to watching series? -He asked me

Come on! That was not a question out of curiosity, but a affirmation that we’d go back to marathon series and discuss a lot about epsodeos.

-You know I do. -I said as if I felt at a pajama party with an old friend, which life gave me a new opportunity to appreciate.

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[Dana&Josh - Ep 2] . One month to the moved

After a month, finally, my parents and I moved. During that time, I didn't see Josh again. We just talked through messages - a lot. By the way, I had forgotten how we get along in many things.

My parents, who never overcame that my decision (or always think that I don't make good choices), had never been so excited like right now, even leaving the daughter behind: They loved my choice to stay in a Josh’s apartament. Actually, they contributed to me having difficulties seeing myself going to live at a friend's house, after all, for them this was not just what would happen. I didn't even try to convince them that I wasn't going to move in with Josh, but moving to his apartment to. Do you know? Oh damn, I can’t explain this in English. It’s the same word for two situations that for me, is completly different!

Anyways, during that month, I also prepered my room there. In the time I went there for the first time, he already was giving me a apartment key. He said that I could gradually bring my things from the following week because he would already clear the room for me. 

Josh is a busy guy. When he is not editing something in his studio, he is recording or photographing a couple or debutante. At least, during that month, even going to his apartment, I didn't meet him and what I thought was "he has a lot of work. That's cool ..." But the truth was that I’d want to see him. That day I met him and our messages during those fallowings days was making me want talk in person.

A week ago, I sent a message saying the day I’d get there to stay, to which he replied: "It will be the day of writing the tablets of stone. I hope you know the importance of following the laws. What time will you be coming?"

At that time, I was thinking of nothing but my happiness at staying in my country and being able to reconnect with Josh. Since he was dating my cousin, we spoke only by messages, but it was not always, not until that month before the moving. Despite our distance (although he’s living in a nearby city), I’d still want to be his friend. Different from my cousin, I wasn’t a douchebag... maybe... just an idiot. I was a little bit nervous because I was seeing a good oportunit to be his friend again, not just a fellow. 

This week I will go to Josh's apartment and two days later, my parents will take the flight to France hours after (the same day) handing over the house keys to our first tenants.

-We'll miss you my daughter, but it's great that you're starting things over with Josh.

-Mom, I said this isn't how ...

-Dear... whatever. You two under the same roof can only go very wrong, or very right. -My father smiled with shrugged shoulder as if he were a child in expectation. -And we're hoping it'll work out very well.

- That's enough about that, okay? -I said finishing our dinner table. -He and me are going to share the roof, not the life. Think it like a hostel. -I shrugged.

Even though I was very sure that they weren't down to earth, it was beginning to be difficult to see this change without creating too many expectations.

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[Dana&Josh - Ep 1] . Are you inviting me to live with you?

I've been thinking that it'll be crazy in some way. Either strange, like... Uncomfortable, or strange, like insane and... Yeah, crazy I guess is a good word.

But, we always have two sides, don't we? Good or Not, however, we should try it. So, I accepted. I'd go share the apartment with him -the guy who had been my boyfriend for a year during the middle school and my cousin-in-law for three years: the last one of highschool and two during the college.

But the pont still is nothing of this. The point is: I remain having a crush on him. Even I'm interested in another guy, I always will have a crush on him. I thought it was because his adorable face, but it is because his kindness and way to be himself.

He was looking for a roommate to share the apartment, and I needed find out a economic, safed and kindness place to live.

-Are you kidding me? Your family... all family is moving from here, why you'd prefer stay? - He asked me on the day when we hit after a long time without seeing us, talking just through some mesages. He took me for a walk in the park and paid us a iced coffee popsicle.

-Thank you. - I said. -I think I've never tasted coffee popsicles, nor did I know that they sold popsicles here.

-It’s new. I knew you're going to choose this one! - He smiled as if reliving for a second, a memory. Then he turned to me as we walked. -Why don't you want to go with your parents?

-My life is here, my friends... And, actually... I can't imagine me living in France. I don't even know how to speak French! If was another country... maybe...

-Then you're looking for a flat, aren't you?

-Yeah, don't make sense to live alone in that house. My parents is going to rent that. And I'm looking for a single apartment. Do you remember Jenny? I was going to live with her and her mother, but their house is already small for both of them. They have open doors for me, but it is overusing. I’d only go if I couldn't find another place to stay. But it's been hard to find a place that I can afford..- I said, waiting for a suggestion, because he knows many people, as himself said.

He laughed.

- Why are you laughing? -We stopped in a little bridge. I leaned against the parapet.

-I thought something.

-Tell me. -I was really curious. I couldn't imagine what he thought.

He thought a little bit before say:

-Do you remember why I moved to that apartment?

-You said there was more appropriate to you as a photographer and video editor.

-Yeah, but not exactly this. Was because Mrs Bauer raised me so good. And she has her real kids now, I decided make my life then. My apartment is small. But there are two rooms...

-One of them is your studio... -I was starting to understand, and for a second, got surprised with what he'd can purpose.

-Come on, I can sleep with notebooks, cameras and tripods. I can not see a friend needing help.

He stare at me like I never see he do. I ask him, fishing:

-Are you inviting me to live with you?

-I'm offering to you a place to live. -He answer me and then kept walking.

-Ok, ah... This is...

-Look, we can establish rules. Then we live in peace and you stop to be worry. After that, if you don't like it, you go away. - He finished his popsicle.

Well, that's it. Now, here I am, in front of his door at 5pm to know the apartment.

-Hey, Dana, come in. - He opened the door with his outfit "from home" and messy hair.

-Did you wake up just now? - I smiled and came into, forgetting my stranger feelings about moved to there.