***
JJ's POV
***
"She's so triggered by this whole situation," I sigh, handing Ella a cereal bowl. "I hate seeing her so hurt and distraught over what's happening with Elliot. It's not fair on her"
"Holly has a big heart, babe," Ella replies. "And her nightmare just proves how worried she is about Elliot. Are you going to report it?"
I shrug. "I know I should, but I don't wanna put the kid in any more danger. By the sounds of it, this guy's dad is a piece of work"
"But he needs help," Ella says, giving me a look. "You are calling the school, correct? Because Holly needs that suspension revoked as well"
I let my hand slide down my face as I let out a sigh. Ella's stressed, Holly's stressed, and with both of them wanting different things, I know I'm going to have to make the difficult decision and go with Ella's plan. Holly wanted me to stay quiet and not report what's going on with Elliot, however, I know Ella's right. Holly can't take the fall for a mistake and Elliot's dad needs to be reported and dealt with accordingly.
"I will report the issue this afternoon, Els, I promise," I say, kissing her cheek as I walk behind her to the fridge, my hand gliding across her waist to convey my lazy affection.
"I know Holly was hesitant, but we have to make the difficult decisions," Ella replies, watching as I grab a bottle of water from the fridge for my workout. "You wanna tell her or should I?"
"I will," I nod. "And don't worry about her suspension. I'll deal with that too and call the school"
"Look at my man go," Ella grins, hugging me around the waist.
I roll my eyes but scoop her into a tighter hug, enjoying the feeling of her in my arms. Sidemen filming and training and meetings have been extra busy lately, keeping me away from Ella and Holly. I miss my girls so much, but they understand that my job requires flexibility, long hours, commitment, and time away. I'm hoping to spend more time with the family during Holly's Easter holidays from school as the guys and I have decided that we should have a break as well.
"Imma go train now, but call me if Holly's acting strange or different. I know she tries to suppress the memories, but that doesn't always work out too well for her"
"Will do"
I give her a proper kiss this time, savouring the sweet taste of her minty toothpaste mingled with the strawberries she's been munching on all morning. Ella smiles and kisses me again, only deeper with a different sense of urgency and passion. I can feel a certain appendage start to get excited but I shrug off the feeling and tell myself there's plenty of time to have fun tonight.
"Not now, Els, please. I have to go train"
Ella smiles mischievously and I know she's doing this on purpose.
"I love you and make sure Holly eats something"
Ella rolls her eyes. "JJ, it's like you forget I parent her while you're gone. I know all this stuff. I love you too"
I feel a pang of guilt. Ella's right. She spends so much more time at home with Holly than I do nowadays.
"I didn't mean that as a criticism," Ella says gently, noticing my silence.
I shake my head and put on a smile.
"It's okay, darling. I'll see you later"
***
Holly's POV
***
When I wake up, I roll over and search for my phone in the sheets. I bring the screen to my face and almost jump out of my skin when I see it's two in the afternoon. I sit up and look around the room as if this isn't real. I feel ashamed of myself for sleeping so much, but my mind brings me back to what happened last night, and I suddenly feel worse, understanding why my body has turned me comatose.
