Acting abnormally

Both mothers had called the boys' names respectively to get their attention, this was as it was time for Josh and his mother to return home so they needed to say goodbye and part ways. However, the two boys were both so immersed in their own conversation that they didn't notice anything that was happening around them, they could hear the women calling their names gently.

They didn't pay attention to anything other than the conversation until both of their mothers respectively tapped them both gently on the shoulders to gain their attention. Having been tapped lightly on the shoulder, Tom jumped slightly and his eyebrows shot up in surprise whilst Josh just turned to face whoever was tapping him with no change in his expression in the slightest, if anything he seemed unimpressed.

After the mothers had successfully grabbed their attention, they called their names and reminded them that it was time for Josh and his mother to leave, Josh pouted slightly at his mother but accepted it and turned back around to look at Tom and his mother.

His mother then bent over and leaned so that her mouth was next to her sons ear, she then steadied herself by placing her hand on the cold wall. She proceeded to whisper in his ear gently and quietly so that no one would overhear.

"Remember to thank them both as you say goodbye, you have to tell them you're happy they let you stay and play. Don't forget what your father and I taught you about being a good boy."

As she said this her voice was breathy and smooth, Josh really liked his mother's voice and it had always called him down before. It was like a melodious tune from a soft and elegant song. He snapped out of his thoughts as his mother got back up and stopped leaning over, he then turned to look at her briefly and gave her a slight nod. He then turned back around and smiled at Tom's mother.

"Thank you for letting me come over to play, Auntie."

He said this because after all, his parents had taught him to be polite to others especially if they weren't his close friends or family. He then brought his gaze down and looked at his new friend Tom.

Tom's mother laughed lightly and smiled at him, "It's not a problem at all. Actually I'd be really happy if you could come over again soon, I'm sure Tom would like for you to come and play with him again." She moved her gaze over to Tom and she moved her hand to place it on his shoulder, "Don't you think so, dear?"

"Thank you for playing with me, we should play again soon!" Josh smiled widely and raised both his arms Ito the air in excitement.

Tom not quite understanding why Josh suddenly raised his arms and was swinging them slightly in the air misunderstood this as Josh's way of asking for a hug. This misconception was due to how his mother always raised her arms and beckoned him over when she wanted Tom to give her a hug and to jump into her arms.

Tom still slightly confused and feeling slightly awkward moved slowly and uncomfortably closer to Josh. When Tom gotten close enough to touch him, Josh opened his eyes and was instantly met with a boys' face close to his, and a sudden feeling of being wrapped up in someone's arms and being embraced.

Josh stood there for a moment unable to process what was happening, as he was figuring out what was going on he realised someone was patting his back very weirdly. He regained his senses and shook his head to clear his thoughts, he then took another look at Tom and saw the awkward expression on his face.

Realising the weird position in which they were both in he let out a warm laugh, as if following suit, the women then laughed too and wondered what on earth they were doing. Tom also found their pose ridiculous and smiled whilst letting out a light giggle. Even so, Tom was standing extremely tense, he wanted to find a moment to escape the situation he'd put himself in but couldn't find a good opportunity, after a few moments he realised a good opportunity likely wouldn't appear so he wondered whether he should just go for it.

Tom was still holding Josh in his arms while Josh was only swinging his arms around in the air, he then promptly let go and took a step back from Josh to make some more room for the both of them, doing so, he bumped into his mother who placed her hand gently on his head and ruffled his hair lovingly. Her hand was soft and warm, her actions filled with affection which made Tom feel at ease for embarrassing himself and causing such an awkward situation.

After she'd finished ruffling his hair, he smiled and held her palm with the both of his hands and hid behind her leg once again. It was just a small movement and wasn't too clear as he didn't make it obvious what he was doing.

After they'd left the house, Tom returned to his room for the first time of the day, he sat down on the side of the bed then proceeded to lie down. He rolled over and over on his bed and clutched his face, he couldn't help but feel like an idiot because of all of the awkward and uncomfortable things he'd said and done, he'd probably made himself look like a total doofus.

He was screaming internally and felt bad about all of his life choices up until this point, Tom kept thinking back on specific times he'd done something abnormal like when he hugged Joshua before he went home. He was somewhat panic stricken because he was worried his first friend would change his mind and would decide that, in fact, he actually did not to be his friend because he thought Tom wasn't the status quo.