In Love With a Bully- Johayden

Part 42

One week later,
Grey went back inside after taking Hunter and Olivia to a neighbour and saw Claudia in a black dress with a black blazer if it sat on an armchair next to the stairs, putting black heels on.

"Where's Johnny?" He asked

"Up in his room." Claudia said as she stood up "How're you doing?"

"I'm fine." Grey said, looking down at his watch

"Look at me."

Grey looked up from his watch and looked at her

"It's ok to be upset. You don't have to be brave with me." She told him

Grey smiled weakly at her before she hugged him.

"I should go get Johnny. Don't wanna be late." Grey said before he went upstairs

Grey went over to Johnny's room and saw the door was open. As he looked inside, he saw Johnny in his black suit, looking in the mirror as he put his tie on.

"Come here." Grey said as he walked into the room

Grey walked up to Johnny and starting fixing his tie

"Thanks.." Johnny said quietly as he fixed his sleeves "Haven't worn a tie since my grandpa's funeral."

"Not even for prom or something?"

"Never been." Johnny said

"Right... well there you go." Grey said as he finished with Johnny's tie

Grey stood behind Johnny.

"Your mom would be so proud of you." He said as Johnny looked in the mirror

"What for?"

"Because you've been so strong. Throughout all of this." Grey said "I know it's gonna be hard. This is gonna be the hardest day of your life. When we're in there, don't feel pressure to do anything. If you wanna go outside for fresh air, then you can. And I'll be right next to you the whole time."

Johnny turned round and hugged him before they heard the doorbell ring. Johnny picked up a photo of his mom Claire

"Come on. It's gonna be alright." Grey said before they walked downstairs

As they went downstairs, they saw Hayden and Claire, both of them dressed smartly, standing by the front door with Claudia

"You alright?" Hayden asked Johnny

Johnny nodded his head slightly before they hugged
As Johnny pulled back from him, he went up to Claire

"Hey, I thought you should have this." He said, handing her the picture of her and his mom

Claire smiled as she looked down at the photo

"Thanks..." she said, her eyes watering before she hugged Johnny

"You ready?" Grey asked him

"Uh... yeah."

A couple of hours later,
Johnny was sat on the stairs on the back porch of his house. The house was filled with people who went to the funeral; neighbours, his mom's friends at respite and nurses.

Johnny heard the back door close and Claire sat next to him

"You should eat something." She said, handing him a plate of food from the buffet table

"Thanks." Johnny said quietly "How've you been doing?"

Claire looked down at the ground, quiet

"What's wrong?" Johnny asked