Storm Chaser // JJ Maybank

24

It's been hard since we lost John B and Sarah. They never even found the bodies so they never had funerals. The closest thing we got was our own little pogue ceremony. We carved a memorial for John B in the big tree behind the chateau. And we buried a little box of his things. It's a little reminder that he's always with us whenever we're at the chateau. I know everyone dies but it still never thought this is how John B would go out.

JJ and I are smoking and drinking as always. Kie is on the verge of going off the deep end. And Pope? Pope is channeling his anger into other vectors.

With school starting tomorrow I'm trying to get in a few good waves. As I start back to the shore I spot JJ on the beach.

"Shouldn't you be at work?" I question.

"I kind of got fired," JJ tells me.

I put my board down and sit beside him. "What happened?"

"Everyone was talking about John B. And... And Kelce was there with Topper and some girl and they wouldn't stop talking about John B being a murderer. So I told them to shut up," JJ tells me.

"And then what did you do?" I ask.

"Made a little announcement. Told everyone that Rafe did it. Kelce started so I poured water on him. Topper pulled us apart before I could hit Kelce," JJ explains.

"And I'm sure you left in a dignified manner," I tease.

"I ran over their flowerbed," JJ says.

I laugh as I shake my head. "Pogue style." I stand up and hold my hand out to JJ. "Let's go."

JJ grabs my hand and pulls himself up. "Where we going?"

I shrug my shoulders. "My house. Your house. The chateau." I smile. "Mexico."

JJ smiles slightly. "As much as I would love to run away to Mexico with you, we don't have any money, Storm, remember."

"Okay. So long term Mexico." I laugh lightly.

"And now?" JJ asks.

"Pizza," I offer.

JJ laughs as picks up my board and wraps his free arm around my waist. "Let's go."

School starts today. Kie drove all of us so we could get there together. Sticking together is the most important thing we can do right now. If we're not here for each other we're not gonna make it through this.

JJ sips from his flask and I make a face. "Hey. Chill out."

"If I black out, just don't remind me," JJ tells me.

"That's not funny," I state.

Everyone starts to whisper as we walk by.

"It's them."

"There they are."

"I wasn't sure they'd even show up."

"Heard they got arrested."

"That wouldn't surprise me."

"Think they have something to do with it?"

We stop in front of the memorial for John B. I haven't been able to drag myself over here to see it before today. I grab onto JJ's hand.

"I feel like people are staring at us," Kie says.

"Oh yeah," JJ says.

"For sure," I agree.

"Guys, I can't be late," Pope states.

Pope starts to walk towards the school but Kie stops him. "Hey. Hey. We gotta stick together."