Chapter 23: Up You Go

“Like more handsome?”

Emily burst out laughing. “No.”

Joshua also laughed and clicked his tongue and said, “Hey I got you to laugh there.”

Emily smiled at him. She thought, “You are pretty cute though.”

Joshua smiled back at her. He handed his hand to her and said, “Come on.”

Emily frowned. “Where are we going?”

“To my grandfather. He’ll help you find your way back home.”

“Um, my grandfather told me not to talk to strangers,” said Emily, backing away from him.

Joshua smiled and leaned into her.

Emily gasped at their closeness.

“Strangers, I’m hurt. We’ve been talking all morning long and you consider me a stranger.”

“Ah. Oh. I-I. I didn't mean- Um... I’m sorry.”

Joshua chuckled and said, “Alright. I will take that apology this one time only because I’m feeling sorry for you being lost.”

Emily nodded.

“Not to mention you insulted of not being handsome too.”

Emily looked at him with a sad look.

Joshua laughed and said, “I’m kidding. No need to look so upset.”

Emily smiled at him as he w