Broken promises ~ JJ Maybank ~ Sequel to Promises

Chapter nine ~ Weaknesses

*Next morning

Today we all had school again. I really didn't wanna go. I had no sleep after Jj left mine.

I got into another argument with my parents about a pogue being here and then took a shower, but I couldn't sleep.

I got ready for school and grabbed my Jeeps spear key.

*My outfit;

I arrived at school and went straight to class, my plan was to try and avoid the pogues today.

*In class;

Ki: hey keeks, you okay? Uno after last night.

K: I'm fine

She looked at Jj confused.

Pope finally stormed back into class and sat down.

Ki: what was all that about?

Pope held up his letter which had a wheat stamp on it, just like the gold had.

Ki: is that the wheat symbol?

Jj: what the fuuuuu- fudge, fudge

Out teacher looks at Jj.

The bell rings and we rush to the library.

Jj: what is this a game of tag?

Ki: i don't know

Jj: Am i gonna have to beat you with your protractor? What's going on?

K: shut up, my head hurts

P: okay so the guy from the scholarship committed, take a look at this

He handed us the letter.

Ki: out loud

Jj: I can't read cursive

Ki: "dear mr Hayward, I am reaching out because I have material evidence that can exonerate John B Routledge. It is of vital importance that you co and meet with me in person at my offices at 27 king street, Charleston at 8pm sharp tonight. Please come alone. Regards C.Limbrey."

P: we gotta leave like right now, it's like 8 hours away

Ki: I gotta free period.

Jj: material evidence what does that even mean?

Ki: it means he can clear John B

Jj: oh shit then we're going to Charleston

Jj says loudly.

Ki: I gotta tell my mom. If we get it we're not giving it to shoupe.

P: erm I'm not sure but, I think whoever this limbrey person is they might be related to the captain of the royal merchant.

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After we go to kiaras house we start our journey.

We got onto the ship and pope stands next to the car, Kiara sits in the back, Jj sits on top of the truck and I do to with my legs crossed.

They start talking but I zone out, I hadn't slept in days. My head is pounding and eyes are heavy.

We finally got to the island and we're back on the road.

I was still not listening to the others as they talk but I suddenly jump as the engine blows.

Jj: Pope i got sensitive lungs man.

We go to the side of the road.

We all get out and discus plan B.

P: my dads gonna kill me.

Jj: yeah he might, he might

It was now dark and we were getting the truck checked. Pope and Kiara stood by the car. But me and Jj sat in another trunk.

Jj: dudes in heaven right now "gotta know the calibration point before you do anything with the intake valve, Jj. You do the-"

Jj looked at me and shook my leg.

J: hey you alright?

K: I'm just tired

I say bluntly.

Jj: why haven't you been sleeping?

K: you know how it is with my parents

Jj: what happened to the Keira who didn't care what her parents said? The one who would do whatever the fuck she wanted to? The Keira I knew a month back.

K: she could sleep, and she could eat, and she could close her eyes without having the nightmares of her "perfect" summer.
But me, I'm now this person.

Jj: let me help you.

K: no

Jj: you need help, admit it keeks

K: I'm fine, I'm just tired

Jj: please dont say that. Cause the last time you said that, you had blood pouring out of your arms and thighs as I found you after being told Topper and Rafe set you up. So please don't say ur fine or tired.

I look at him knowing how much that night hurt him, seeing me sitting there wishing the pills would work. And all he could do was hold me. JJ's the bravest person I know, but that night, that one night, I saw all his weaknesses.

A little later the four of us were now laying in the back of a truck. Jj has fallen asleep and pope and Kiara were drifting off. I sat here awake in the freezing cold thinking.

Uhh he's gonna hate me as much as I hate myself for doing this! I lay down and reluctantly wrap my arms around JJ's torso.
He mumbles.

K: I'm just cold

I whisper.

He chuckles a little then pulls me close to him.
That was my first peaceful sleep in weeks.

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One thing me and JJ have in common, is we're each other's weaknesses. That's why everything hurts so bad.