Third person point of view
They continued watching the television. After a while, Elijah looked up at the time and they will have to go out for dinner soon. He glanced at Joshua who was watching the show and laughed at something that happened. Elijah got up from the couch and walked towards the kitchen. " Let's not go out for dinner today. I will cook ". Joshua was shocked to hear it. " Wow. What happened to you ? " Elijah chuckled.
" Just in a mood to do it ". He threw a grin at Joshua and walked into the kitchen. Joshua smiled and continued to watch the television. After a few minutes, he heard Elijah call him from the kitchen. " Joshua ". Joshua switched the television off and walked to the kitchen. He was surprised at the food in front of him. " You really are very good ". Elijah cleared his throat.
Joshua looked up and saw Elijah who was looking at him with a raised eyebrow. He then gestured towards his hands with his eyes. Joshua gave a bored expression. " Grandpa ". He mumbled but still washed his hands. He sat back and they started eating. After they were done,since it was his duty, Joshua finished cleaning the dishes.
Once he finished it,he went to his room to take a shower. Once he was done, he sat on the bed rubbing his wet hair with a small towel. He heard a knock. " Come in ". He saw Elijah standing near the door after opening it from the corner of his eye. " What happened ? " Joshua continued drying his hair without looking up. " Want to go out for a walk ? " Joshua looked up from his messy hair and nodded after a second. " Give me a minute ".
" Sure. I will wait outside ". Elijah closed the door. Joshua rubbed his hair a few more times. It wasn't totally dry, but he didn't mind it.He brushed it a few times and picked up his hoodie. He walked out zipping it. He was in shorts, t-shirt and hoodie. Elijah was in his pajamas as well; a t-shirt, pant and a thin jacket. He couldn't bother zipping it up though. They walked out of the house and on to the streets. They were just wandering, but didn't go too far.
" What is this ? So suddenly ? "Joshua turned to look at Elijah not able to contain his curiosity any more. " It was too suffocating to sit in the house for the whole day ". Joshua nodded. " Can I ask you something ? " " Sure ". " I know you won't answer most probably, but I still want to give it a try ". Joshua pursed his lips. " You will definitely find out something from my answer anyway. So just go ahead and ask ".
Elijah smiled. Joshua scratched his head. " Why here ? " Elijah didn't know if he heard it wrong. " Huh ? " Seeing Elijah was a little lost Joshua elaborated a little. " I am asking you, why does it have to be here ? I don't think asking why 'me' would be right. So I asked why here. Why does it have to be this place? " Elijah gave a small hmph. " I don't think it would be wrong if you ask why you ". Joshua's eyes went wide.
" Huh? Really ? " Elijah nodded. " So ? Care to answer the question ? " " Will you believe me if I say it was random ? " Joshua thought for a second. " Random you say ? " Elijah nodded. "Maybe, maybe not ". " Why so ? " " It could've really been random. But then somehow I don't think it is. At the end I don't know the truth. So I am not sure ". Elijah gave a small smile. "You know you are smart ? " Joshua chuckled. " Not really ".
" What makes you think you are not ? And you know smart ones actually say what you just said ". Joshua laughed lightly. " Come on. I know my own dark past and times that I acted stupid. So I am maybe, but not so much ". Elijah nodded. " Can I ask you something ? " " Sure ". " Why didn't you throw me out ? " Joshua laughed. " You want me to ? " Elijah chuckled. " Not really.But I was prepared for that as well. But then, you actually didn't do anything to throw me out. So, just curious I guess ".
" Hmm... so you want an answer ? " "Yes. I have a 50-50 chance theory. I don't think you were convinced with just what I said and willing to let me stay. The other is that you really were willing to let me stay because of that. I don't know which is true so I want to know why. I am ready for a big, long theory on it too ". Joshua gave Elijah a side eye. Elijah laughed. " You are such a nerd you know ".
" I know that ". Joshua pouted a little. " So ? " Elijah glanced at Joshua who was looking ahead. "Actually I am used to having roommates. I used to stay in the college dormitory, so having an extra person is not a new thing. So I got used to the concept of getting a roommate pretty quickly. But then, it has been a while since I had someone at home after I came back. During my childhood, my mom used to wait for me. But for the past few years, I started getting used to being alone. But now when I see you after I come back, it kind of feels good. And I really did want to throw you out. But then, I am curious about the reason behind you doing this. So I let you stay. If you acted like a jerk, I would have definitely thrown you out. It is really complicated though..."
Elijah only nodded. " I really spoke long ". Joshua said feeling embarrassed rubbing his neck. " It is okay. To say the truth, it is nice to hear when you speak. You sound like such a nerd ". Joshua stopped and just stared at Elijah. " Sorry alright. Come now ". Elijah shook his head laughing. " You miss your family ? " Elijah asked looking ahead. Joshua nodded. " I came here for my college and ever since I stayed here itself. But in such a hustle life, I don't even have time to sit and miss them. So whenever I remember them, I do miss them. You ? "
Elijah nodded. " I do too. My parents used to be busy, but whenever possible they spent time with me. But now me staying here, I kind of miss them ". " You have any relatives here ? " Elijah nodded. " Some of them stay here ". " So there is really a reason behind you coming here ". Elijah chuckled. " Of course there is". Joshua's eyes sparkled with curiosity. " Will you tell me ? " Elijah shook his head. " No fun ". Joshua puffed. " For you. I am having a lot of fun ". " Sure you are ". He said scornfully. Elijah only smiled.
-MG