𝓕𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓕𝓵𝓪𝓶𝓮𝓼 ~ 𝓙𝓲𝓪𝓻𝓪

𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧 21

The day was long and mandane. His questions were yearning for answers. Tests were still being run and their patience was falling short. JJ decided it was time to go back to work. To clear his mind for a while.

It was the only way to make him feel in control.

It's around closing time. He's finished up restocking board wax and boat ropes. While he pushes the cart to the back room, he hears the bell ring letting him know someone has entered.

"Sorry, we're closed!" He called out.

"Aw, too bad, I was really looking forward to getting a lesson."

He grinned, knowing exactly who it was. JJ walked back out seeing the brunette herself.

"I think I could squeeze you in." he quipped.

She smiled, "And how much would that be?"

Leaning against the counter, he shrugged. "Oh I don't know, thirty dollars and a bag of cheese puffs."

"Sounds reasonable, but I'm more of a competitive person. I was maybe thinking...a race?" she gave him a look, fiddling with random items on the shelves.

"As tempting as it sounds, I can't."

"Fine, but we're still on for tonight, right?"

His gaze drops to the floor. JJ honestly forgot about hanging with Kiara. He's been so wrapped up with Mary and the hospital that it completely slipped his mind.

"Yeah, about that-"

He could see her demeanor shift. Her smile faded and her eyes could read him without having to say anything else.

She knows this feeling. She's lived this feeling.

She shrugged it off, "I get it, you can't do it today."

"No, it isn't that."

"Then what is it?"

JJ opened his mouth slightly before closing it again. He didn't know what to say. Even though it was a lie he couldn't say it. So he stood there. He stood there like a complete idiot.

"Listen, if this friendship is too much for you, then we don't have to do this." She spoke, attempting to meet his gaze.

"Kie-"

"I'm serious, we could go back to hating each other if it's so easy."

She started to get upset.

"You don't understand."

"Then help me understand, JJ. Tell me what's going on." she pleaded, walking towards him but still keeping distance.

Kiara never pleads for anything. She never really had to.

JJ went back to silence. His throat was clogged with sand and his stomach folded itself into pieces. Everytime he tries to give any details about his family to her, he falters. He attempts but fails to do so.

Kiara waited for an answer but quickly realized she was never going to get one. She nodded slowly, accepting it. So she turned around heading out the door.

He watched her leave hearing his mind contemplating this simple yet complicated decision. This is a huge step for him to take with her. Very few people know about Mary and very less know about their debt.

He doesn't know if he could trust Kiara with this. But he remembered all the things she told him that night. All the times her family has neglected her. How she hardly tries to keep contact if they're never doing the same. If she's held all of that for years, then what makes this any different?

JJ leaned off the counter, "It's my mom." he finally revealed.

He saw her come to a halt.

"My mom...she's sick. And I'm not talkin common cold sick or second level flu sick, I mean literally."

he tries not to tear up again.

"It's cancer. Astrocytoma to be specific."

Kiara faced him with her eyes wide and her mouth slightly gaped.

"She had an unexpected seizure last summer and...it kind of got worse over time." he continued, walking towards her, "I was so scared bro. I didn't know what to think. And from then, I was just very protective over her. I couldn't do anything because I would feel bad." "And she keeps telling me to live my life but how can I when all I could think about was her laying in a casket buried six feet under." the tears started to brim, "Every night I prayed. Hoping we could find something, anything. Then you know what we got instead?" "Some overdue mortgage bills and chemo treatments that we can't even afford to pay." he gave out an airy chuckle, "That's why I'm working here. To try and help them, save them."

Kiara could see a small quiver in his lip.

"It's so fucking hard, man. Everything I do I feel like it isn't enough because we're still losing money. My mom is still in the hospital and...and I'm scared." "I'm scared that one day I'm gonna wake up and she's gone. Everything. It's gone."

His tears rivered down his cheeks, his heart aching and chest stiff. Kiara stared at him with her eyes glossy and nose red. She honestly feels like the asshat in this situation. Her words could not express her sorrow but stepping forward and embracing him said it all.

She felt his arms snake around her waist tightly. His head dug deep in the crook of her neck and sobbed. His sobs turned into cries. Cries for help and cries of pain. Pain for his mother. Pain for his father. And even a little pain for himself. Kiara could not only hear but feel his grief. She held the weeping blonde for as long as they were still standing, rubbing the nape of his neck gently.

She even planted an innocent subconscious kiss of comfort right on his head.

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I-🥲
I missed crying every time I write a sad chapter. It makes feel just like the characters.
Until next time,

Sincerely, Nicole🤎