Baby Pogue // JJ Maybank

28. stole his blow

It was Monday again, beginning the second week of school and Avie sat on the curb of the bus circle after missing the bus. After talking with her last period teacher and dropping nearly every book out of her locker, she stood no chance of making it.

John B had work so he drove Sarah home and headed straight to Ward's boat. Pope had after school activities starting this week and Kie's parents were getting strict this year after last summer. They were making her finish all of her school work before seeing any friends.

That left JJ. Avie wondered where he took off to; she hadn't seen him since this morning before school started.

hey, where are u?? -A

She waited for a response.

sorry, had to help with my dads car. dw, everything fine bby -J

has he said anything to u? -A

nah hes acting fake. told me hes pretending like ur not pregnant. doesnt want anything to do with it. -J

im not buying it. -A

me neither. -J

will i see u tonight?? -A

probs not. working late. -J

:( -A

see u before school. love u bby -J

love u moreee -A

She sighed as she looked around the almost empty parking lot.

Both of her parents were working so she knew she couldn't ask them for a ride.

She called Ashton.

"Hey." Ashton stated bluntly after picking up the phone. He sounded like he was occupied with something else.

"Are you busy right now?" Avie asked over the phone.

"Just organizing some shit at the bar." He answered as she heard glasses clinging in the background.

"But like are you clocked in?"

"Why, Avie?" Ashton snapped.

"Because I need a ride home from school!" She explained.

"Ugh, I don't know. There's a band playing tonight so we gotta lot of crap to get done before."

Avie threw her head back as she groaned.

"Ask your boyfriend."

"He's with his dad."

"Oof, how's that going?" She heard him chuckle through the phone.

"Apparently he wants nothing to do with the kid but I don't believe it." Avie played with the string that hung from her sweatpants.

"Neither do I. Guarantee he'll pull some gaslighting shit and make JJ believe he wants to be a good grandfather." He told his sister.

"Probably." Avie agreed as she thought of all the lies and bullshit that Luke has ever said to JJ. After every fight, every beating he would pretend like he was so sorry and wanted to love JJ the way he should. Then weeks later would return to the same tradition. It was an endless cycle that Avie wanted to end for JJ. The poor kid has gone through more physical and mental abuse than any other teenager she knew.

"Alright well thanks anyway I guess. I'll try Daylon." Avie sighed.

"Dude, no. Don't call him." Ashton argued.

"I have to! I have no other option."

"Walk home." She could tell her brother just casually shrugged with his words.