WE SHOULD STOP NOW

PART 27 - BRUCE

JOANIE

"Bruce, get off buddy." I groan as I try and push Bruce out of my face who's grumbling and trying to nudge me awake.

Since I split with Caleb, I've allowed Bruce to sleep at the end of my bed, because in all honesty I couldn't face being alone. Even though he snores like a baby Rhino, I find the sound a lot more soothing than silence, it's the only way I've been able to find sleep. Usually Bruce has been well behaved, but this morning something is bothering him.

Through bleary eyes I peer at my alarm clock and see the red lights are at 02.48.

"Jesus Bruce, are you that desperate for a pee?" I moan but this time he barks at me.

Yeah I'll get no sleep till I let him out-shit!

Groaning, I pull myself out of bed. I'm already dressed in an old t.shirt and sweatpants to keep warm as it's now early December and my heating isn't the best. I then throw on Caleb's hoody that he left behind the morning we split up, I've worn it unwashed more times than I'd like to admit to, his smell has almost totally gone from the fabric, but I can't bring myself to wash it just yet. Then throw on some socks and my winter boots as the snow is super thick outside. Bruce is padding up and down the living room now, scratching at the door grumbling. I've never seen him so impatient to go for a walk.

"Hold on buddy, I just need to find my coat." I say as I look around the room before I remember I've left it in the bakery. "Come on Bruce, we'll go via the shop." I say to him as if he understands me. I seem to be talking to him a lot like this recently. Bruce barks again, scratching at the door once more. "OK, OK! I'm coming!"

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CALEB

I'm pretty sure I've broken most driving laws going in the last fifteen minutes. I'm flooring it, even around the corners, but I've got to get to her, I've to get to Joanie. My anxiety is through the roof, but I need to shelve those feelings for now and keep my shit together. It's not long before I see the lights of the high street come into view and I push my car even more as I see the bakery lights are on, not caring as I slam my car into the bay next to the cop car at full speed, screeching as I hit the brakes. Fuck it, they can give me any ticket they want at this point I realy don't give a shit.

Jumping out of my car, I race into the bakery, throwing open the door so it rattles hard. My hearts in my fucking mouth as a I see a large trail of blood running across the floor into the kitchen.

"Joanie." I shout in panic.

Pushing past the two cops blocking my view of the kitchen, I see Joanie sat on the work bench with a big plaster on her forehead and a split lip with Bruce sitting at her feet obediently. J's eyes pool with tears as soon as she sees me. Without hesitation, I run over and scoop her up into my arms, pulling her into my chest tightly. Thank fucking god. I pull her face back and scan her over to look for where she's hurt, anger flaring as I take in her cuts and bruises.

"Are you OK baby?" I mutter, barely able to get the words out.

Joanie gives me a small nod before she buries her head back into my chest and I finally take a big breath. I didn't know I was holding as I breath in her soft wild Jasmine scent I've been craving to smell again.

"Are you Ms Collins boyfriend?" Says the cop behind me.

"Yes." I say as Joanie looks up at me sheepishly and I throw her a look to tell her not to even question this shit right now. It's not the time.

"Very well. I've got some good news, I've just heard on the radio that a man matching the description Ms Collins gave, has been arrested at the hospital. Looks like he'd headed there to get stitches for his multiple dog bite wounds after the failed burglary attempt. We'll need you to come down to the station and I.D him, if thats OK?" Says the cop.

"Can this wait till later? I want Joanie to get some rest, she's been through enough." I cut in.

"Yes, of course. The man in question is still getting stitched up anyway. He's hit several stores across the high street over the last few months, so getting this guy is a big deal for this town. You've quite the dog there." The cop smiles at Bruce.

Keeping one arm looped around Joanie, I reach down and give Bruce an affectionate tickle behind the ears. "You did all that damage to that piece of shit. Good boy buddy, I knew you'd keep our girl safe."

I feel Joanie grips me tight. Looking back at her I plant a kiss on her forehead. "Come on, you go upstairs with Bruce. I'll clean up and lock up and be there in a minute." I smile softly at her. Without looking at me she nods before pulling away and heading towards the door at the back of her shop thanking the two cops as she passes them. Bruce followed not far behind.

The two cops give me a nod and head off as I lock the door. The main lock has been broken off by the would-be thief, but there is still a bolt lock on the door that's still working as it must not have been put on last night. I shake my head at Joanie, thinking about how many times I've reminded her she needs to keep that lock on as well. I then grab the mop and clean up the thief's blood. Bruce is fucking awesome, he's definitely got some decent bites in from the mess on the floor. Looking around I assess the damage, noting to myself that I'll get Sammy and a locksmith down tomorrow to tighten the security of this place up and add some blinds to the window to stop people looking in. I need to keep J safe. My heart clenches when it hits me once again I'm not always going to be around to look after her and be there for her.

...but then I also remember that tonight when she needed someone, she didn't call Carter, she called me. She still cares for me after all the shit I've put her through.

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As soon as I close the apartment door my eyes search the room for Joanie. It's not before Joanie appears at her bedroom door chewing on her bottom lip looking at me nervously, she's taken off my old hoodie that I spotted she'd been wearing. She probably thinks I didn't notice that she was wearing that, but I did. I liked seeing her with it on.

"Caleb." She whispers as she sniffs back some tears.

"You want me to stay over? I can sleep on the sofa or something?" I say gently.

Joanie shakes her head and my heart aches at the rejection.

"No, not the sofa. In here. I know you're leaving soon, but I can't take it Caleb. I know it's going to hurt when you go, but until you do can we just be together..."

Joanie doesn't get to even finish her sentence before I stride over to her, crash my lips onto hers and carry her off into the bedroom.

Fuck yes is the answer and I'm going to to make every moment count until I have to board that fucking plane.