PAPER RINGS ༄ ❀ JJ MAYBANK & KIARA CARRERA

06.

Pope had informed Nadia of their new idea to clear John Bs name. after Nadia walked home last night, the group decided on getting the gun out of the storm drain. given the fact that this was for John B and Sarah to come home, Nadia immediately said yes.

the others noticed at school she was in a better mood—well...better then last night anyway. when she got home that night, she took a much needed shower and laid in bed al night, letting he thoughts she had of the events last night battle themselves on their own.

as they approached the drain, Nadia took a seat on a rock that was a few steps away from the water. the boys made their way over to the trash that was floating outside of the rain and into the dirty water.

"if it got flushed out from this drain," JJ gestured with his hands as he spoke "it would have pushed out to, like—"

"somewhere in the trash." Pope finished for him, making the blonde snap his fingers in his direction "correct."

Nadia sighed looking at the filthy water, thankful she didn't wear any clothes he actually liked. "we better get to work then."

Kiara heavily sighed, her chest heaving as she eyes the trash "oh my god—people who use plastic should be shot."

Nadia grimaced, her body tensing. shot. she still was a little shaken up about Gavin. she could barley sleep last night and the mention of being shot made her skin crawl. the Whitlock girl looked up at her with a confused expression "you also has plastic, kiara."

Kiara nodded her head with pursed lips "you're right, i do." she agreed, pointing a finger at herself "but i recycle."

JJ shrugged, dragging a random net out of the water "personally, i love plastic. use it everyday."

"okay, but hopefully you recycle it and don't let it just wash into the ocean." she snapped, a pointed look being sent his way. he bowed his head, grumbling something Nadia couldn't hear but it made her laugh softly anyway.

both Kiara and JJ looked to her with a relieved expression. they felt like they hadn't seen her smile in ages. the two debated on going to Nadia's last night to check on her, however they are to afraid she was upset with them because of the constant arguing they were doing last night.

by the small smile on her face, she wasn't. thankfully.

"i thought you'd say something like that so..." pope mumbled off, taking some plastic bags out of his pockets "trash bags."

Nadia clapped her hands lightly "god love you, Pope."

Kiara gave him a small smile "did you just proactively protect the environment?" she asked, a sheepish smile making its way onto the boys face "maybe..."

Nadia shared a look with JJ, the pair wearing a little, sad smile, they both weren't sure why they were a little upset. they were really happy for their friends, but maybe it was a bit weird to see them both together romantically.

JJ turned to them both, putting on a teasing smile "would you like for me and Nadia to leave you two some, or what's going on—"

Pope rolled his eyes, tossing the rolled up trash bags into his chest "pick up the trash."

even though they went through all of the gross, smelly trash, the gun was till nowhere to be found. Nadia scoffed, tossing the bag full of recyclables she held to the side.

Pope sighed in exhaustion "if it's not in the trash, then it's gotta be in the storm drain."

"it's in the drain..." JJ said in disappointment. Kiara scoffed, and rolled her eyes "of course it is." the girl next to her stood straight, her arms crossed over one another "when is anything her easy for us?"