Things Aren't the Same •JIARA •

11

Kie's POV:

I arrived at the hospital on his bike and I carried the helmet in with me. I walked into the hospital and the nurse brought me to his room. He looked so sad and then he saw me and he smiled.

"Did you ride my bike here?" He asked

"Yeah, the pogues needed the van and I'm not telling my parents I'm home and my car is in California so this was my only way here"

"Hot" He said smirking

"Sounds like you're feeling better," I said laughing as he was back to his flirty comments

"I am, now that you're here. I'm so fucking bored"

The nurse came in and she said, "Well, I have some good news for you. You can go home later today"

"Bout time" JJ said excitedly

I ended up leaving and I went to his house and the police had already come and taken care of the evidence. I cleaned the entire house. I scrubbed the blood off the floor, deep cleaned everything, put JJ's room back together, and got rid of all the drugs and beer cans lying around.

I had John B bring the van over and he picked me up and we went to go get JJ. When we got there, Quinn went in with me to get him discharged. Quinn was in his room with him and I slipped out with my purse and asked the nurse who I could talk to about the hospital bill. She sent me to the right people and I knew JJ would never be able to afford this. So I paid for his hospital bills. I went back to the room and peeked in and saw Quinn was kissing JJ.

I snuck back out and the nurse who I've talked to looked at me and said, "I'm not trying to interfere with your personal life or cause any trouble, but I'm sorry that I thought you were the girlfriend. I shouldn't have assumed anything but his eyes just lit up when you walked in. He's been so sad looking until you got here and he was a completely different person with you, in a good way."

I smiled at her and said, "It's okay, and thank you for everything. I know JJ isn't the easiest person to take care of"

She laughed and we walked into the room and she had JJ sign the papers. She also needed the signature of someone who was going to take care of him for a week while he recovered at home.

"I've got that" Quinn said grabbing the pen and JJ looked at her and then at me

"I'll do it" I said signing my name before anyone could object

"Kiara, you have classes you need to get back to"

"I know, but I won't be focused on school knowing JJ is in this condition. You are more than welcome to stay with him and I'm just going to sleep on the couch." I said

We left the hospital with JJ and John B drove us to his house. We were parked outside and he said, "home sweet home"

"Come on, let's go in" I said helping him out and Quinn and John B followed us

JJ didn't want to go in and I looked at him and whispered, "It's okay, he isn't here..."

I looked at Quinn and John B and said, "Guys, I've got this for now"

John B and Quinn left and we walked inside. JJ saw the house had been cleaned and he said, "Thank you"

We sat on the couch and JJ took a nap. He was still in a lot of pain due to his broken ribs and stab wound. John B came back over with food from the Wreck and he asked what happened and JJ told him.

"So are you going to tell your girlfriend? She's been worrying about you"

"I can't tell her... I can't let anyone see that side of me"

"J, this doesn't make you weak"

"No, it makes me vulnerable and makes people feel sorry for me." He said and he wasn't wrong

The three of us hung out and we got JJ to bed pretty early. John B looked at me and he said, "You're so good with him. How do you know what to say?"

"I have no idea what I'm doing. I just know that he hates being in this state and doesn't want you guys to see him like this. For some reason, he's vulnerable with me and he opens up"

"Because he's in love with you" John B said we looked at each other and I laughed

"Don't laugh, I'm serious, Kie. He loves you, he just can't admit it. He doesn't know what love is"

"He loves Quinn"

"No, he likes Quinn there is a huge difference between how he treats you and how he treats Quinn. Look, you're the only one he wants right now" John B said

"It doesn't matter, John B. He's literally dating Quinn and I'm happy with Cole. I love JJ like a best friend or brother. There's nothing else there"  I said wanting to change the subject

John B just gave me that look and he grabbed beers. We were just hanging out when Quinn showed up and she said, "Kie, you better fucking let me know what's going on"

"Quinn, JJ is sleeping. Please be quiet, he needs his rest. Sit with us and we'll talk" I said calmly

She came and sat next to me and I said, "JJ is the most amazing person you'll ever meet. He's tough and doesn't like people to see him when he's hurt or sad. Which is understandable. When we were in high school, JJ got into a pretty brutal fight and I was one who he finally opened up to. He's never had anyone see him like that before and he doesn't want to start. So believe me when I'm telling you it's just a habit for him to open up to me. There is nothing going on between the two of us. He loves you, Quinn and I know you love him so when he's ready he will tell you everything"

Quinn hugged me and she was crying. "Thank you for being there for him. It's the best possible thing because I would have no idea what to do to help him"

Quinn hung out with us and JJ got up before all of us the next morning and he was feeling much better. I was the one who had to change his bandages and Luke was in jail for many years. JJ was healing and I was leaving to go back to California.

I said goodbye to the pogues and Quinn and then JJ. He hugged me and wrapped his arms around my waist and he just held onto me. I whispered, "Call me anytime"

"I wouldn't be here without you" He whispered back as he held onto me and didn't want to let go

I went back to California and Cole asked a million questions. I explained JJ got into a pretty bad accident and my friends needed me there. He was super supportive and he spent the next couple of days helping me catch up on homework.