Eighteenth of May.
By the time Joseph woke up the sun was nearing its peak. Turning over he saw the person across the room still sleeping. He sighed. It wasn't a dream. Such a lookalike really exists.
Joseph left the other asleep and got up to start his day. After washing up he left to get breakfast. They'd eat in the room again.
Technically he had school at this time but he was skipping as usual. Nowadays he'd be out looking for Taylor since dawn. He didn't like the idea of being too far from Tyler so he couldn't today. The plan was to stay one night but Joseph only said that at the time. Back in the room he found himself something to read and waited for the other to wake up.
____
Tyler didn't wake up until after lunch. The previous day and leading up to it was extremely exhausting. Now he was in a comfy bed in a warm room after a warm bath. He couldn't remember the last time he was so relaxed. Rolling over and opening his eyes he saw the new face from last night across the room reading.
He could see him more clearly now in the light. Same age probably. Dark hair and eyes carrying an empty look. Only when teasing or scolding was there some color. Full of negativity. Anything else was fake. Even as he read he looked so disappointed.
When he heard rustling Joseph looked up. Tyler looked at him, still half asleep. He always felt that this person looked at him strangely.
Did he know something?
No that wasn't it. More like he was worried about something. Not upfront. Only in the corner of his eye did Tyler catch a glimpse of this look. Face to face however he found him kind of threatening. Not like a wild animal but a caged one. Can't hurt you but you instinctively brace yourself when it opens its mouth. Tyler was the same. Scared of what he'll say next. Not that he ever showed it outwardly.
Joseph tossed his book aside and broke the silence, "look who's finally awake. Breakfast is over but there's lunch on the table."
Why does it sting when this guy talks?
Tyler got up and looked at the short table. He was hungry. He slept for too long and was both groggy and starving. They both got up, sat at the table and ate. It was a little cold but still better than nothing.
Joseph already ate so he only took a few bites, "Now that you're up you can get dressed and I'll take you to town. I'll show you the best places for work. Save up until you have enough for clothes and food. You should also make enough for a new cane. I doubt you'll get the old one back anytime soon."
Tyler ate as he listened. This kid was surprisingly on top of things. Not only offering a place to stay but also setting him up to get back on his feet. If he wasn't so difficult to get along with he might even be considered a really good person.
When Joseph finished he asked, "Shouldn't we get a cane first. Otherwise how will I work?"
"Maybe so, but you don't have enough money. It's better to just find a job where you can sit down. Then I'll bring you back here. Canes can be expensive. It's better to save the money first."
Tyler questioned him, "Are you willing to let me stay here then? Won't we get in trouble if I'm caught?"
Joseph looked down at the table, "You don't have to worry about that. There's so many kids here and the adults are usually easy to avoid… Also you look quite similar to someone else here so they will probably assume that you're that person."
Tyler couldn't see his eyes. There was a clear disdain in his voice at the mention of the adults working there. He obviously didn't get along with them.
Tyler continued to question, "But what about that person? Is this their room? Won't they want it back?"
Joseph pulled a straight face, "Even still. If that person comes back the offer would still stand. I know them quite well so I know that it's fine."
Tyler felt strange. Like he was missing something. Was he really so lucky to meet someone who wants to help? Was there more going on here? His track record wasn't great. Just where was this missing person and why did this one look at him so strange? Since he pulled him from that lake. Tyler wanted to know. But he also had things he didn't mention. So unless the other was willing to say on his own he wouldn't ask lest he be questioned as well.
Tyler relented and stopped his questioning, "Okay then. I thank you for taking me in. Where are my clothes from yesterday?"
Joseph looked relieved, "They're being washed but I don't think you should wear those to work. I'll find something else so just finish eating."
After saying this Joseph got up. That's right, if Taylor were here he would help. Even if this person looked strangely similar to him, it's not him and couldn't replace him. Thinking this Joseph finally decided to let Tyler wear Taylor's clothes. They would fit better and the two should look neat when doing their jobs.
Tyler finished eating and went to clean up. When he changed, he noticed how these clothes fit a lot better than the other ones. He thought about it and decided it was better he didn't ask who these belong to. He tied up his hair and met Joseph to leave.
His shoes were also different yet they fit almost perfectly. Tyler refused to think about it. Stranger things have happened. He was lucky the person he's borrowing from was his size. That was it.
Before opening the door Joseph said, "I can't go around carrying you all the time so you should get used to using my arm as support when you get tired."
Tyler nodded, paused, then stopped the door from opening again asking, "what should I be calling you?"
Joseph didn't understand, "How do you mean?"
Ever since they met they talked with ease using words like you and we and I. During their long walk home they would go from normal conversation to fighting to the silent treatment in a few sentences. At that time they both realized that they should only talk about the important things and keep personal thoughts to themselves. Tyler only said his name once in reference to being called something else. The chance for a proper introduction passed before they realized.
What a foolish display of communication on both sides. The two were speechless.
Joseph recovered first. Technically he's the one without a name. "It's Joseph. Just call me that."
"Alright. My name is Tyler. Feel free to call me this."
Feeling slightly awkward, the two went to town.
It was a fifteen minute walk from the orphanage, same as last night, so Joseph did most of the walking. Once in town they took a break at a park then off to the work.
Most bosses recognized Joseph so it was easier getting Tyler situated.
_____
Recently there's been a few people worried about Joseph not coming around anymore. Last anyone saw he was running around asking if they'd seen Taylor. Everyone knew he was distressed but what could they do? Only keep a look out for Taylor who didn't think was coming back.
Those two were known for keeping for to themselves. Despite their worries no one could comfort the poor kid. After that afternoon word was Joseph was back and working again. Not only Joseph but Taylor seems to have returned as well. Closed off as ever but at least they could stop looking.
Joseph did the talking saying that he'd hurt his leg and needed work he could sit with. Tyler stayed back receiving the occasional glance and good to have you back. To which Tyler nodded and choose to ignore what he heard. But to everyone else everything was back to normal.
Joseph didn't know their sincerity towards his situation only that everyone knew that Taylor was missing. He made sure of that. Now he's make it known that he was back.
He knew his actions end Taylor's missing case. Although it was already closed. If they saw him alive and well they'd obviously stop looking. But Joseph let Tyler be seen anyway. He didn't care because he knew they wouldn't find Taylor by looking around.
Ever since he disappeared Joseph had a dark feeling. He wanted to believe that Taylor was alive somewhere stuck and unable to get back. But if that wasn't the case then what should he do then? If someone had done something to Taylor…
When he met Tyler he knew he had a chance. Even if it meant admitting that he might not find Taylor alive. He was his last bet to find Taylor at all.
_____
Joseph was using Tyler. He stuck by him helping to get him back on his feet. Despite the usual back and forth that didn't get better they got along well. But he was only using him.
Following the assumption that someone knows what happened to Taylor and is keeping their mouths shut. That he didn't leave but was taken. He wanted to let whoever took Taylor think that he was fine and get curious.
Tyler was bait. He knew that by doing so he was putting Tyler's life on the line but he had already lost the most important thing in his life. He no longer had the heart to care about others. Especially not some copycat he barely got along with.
Even still Joseph stuck by Tyler and never left him alone for more than a few minutes.
If anyone tried to talk to him he'd intervene. He was constantly watching for suspicious people while also creating opportunities for the perpetrators to act.
It was a cruel thing to do to an innocent person. Tyler was suspicious enough on his own so he refused to feel bad about his actions. The coincidence of his arrival was too great to not try something. Especially if it meant finding Taylor. So Joseph set his plan in motion and waited.
_____
Joseph and Tyler had already been living and working with each other for almost a week. Whenever they were free they picked up a new job saving their money together. They ate meals at the orphanage, went to bed when they were tired, and woke up late the next day. Following this simple schedule and repeating it daily.
Tyler was happy to be making money and couldn't wait to get stuff of his own. He and Joseph were together almost all of the time. Yet for some reason talking resulted in insulting each other in some way. Other than relying on each other for work they were never on the same page. Tyler didn't understand it but it was probably Joseph's fault. Always so snippy. He must be tired.
Then again the fighting almost made him feel like they were closer than they were. Although he wasn't sure if that was a good thing. Being able to mess around without outright hating each other was neat. Like a friendship of many years. They could do it only because of the invisible wall. That barrier allows either of them to walk away at any moment without any hard feelings.
Easily compliment when deserved and insult when tested. No need for apologies. Those were saved for those who actually cared. They simply didn't know each other well enough for any insult to do real damage. They talked a lot but shared nothing personal. Feelings were never hurt.
Thinking more about it Tyler preferred this over any regular friendship. He was content with continuing as is. But he wasn't oblivious. Joseph had hidden motives. That much was clear. Something unknown weighing on him unrelenting until he accomplishes his goal.
Tyler knew but didn't care. He liked that neither of them asked any questions. To him the more answers somebody wants the more lies he has to give. Forever deepening the rift between them. Thus his disinterest in genuine friendship.
Both Tyler and Joseph had secrets and neither of them hid that fact. It was the one truth they were willing to admit. They were smart enough to know that by asking questions they would be exposing themselves to be questioned as well. So they acted like nothing was wrong.
But the waiting eventually got to Tyler. Joseph looked more haggard by the day. Agitated too. He'd get sick at this point. It started to bother him. In the days passed Tyler realized he liked being with someone like himself. Someone like Joseph. But his attitude made Tyler think it would end soon. Why did their time have to be so short?
Tyler didn't know what Joseph was actually waiting for. That made it easier to continue playing pretend. But that image of parting ways kept appearing. Lingering in the back of his mind, constantly reminding him not to get too attached to this life or this kid. Today could be the last day.