𝕄𝕒𝕣𝕠𝕠𝕟

Chapter Sixteen

Sitting in a court room isn't as fun when it isn't a field trip- it doesn't feel good knowing everyone in the room is judging you.

Their lawyers that had been provided weren't even on their side- Ruby's stomach churned at the mention of the death penalty.

Her and John B shared a look, fear written across both of their faces- they'd only just turned seventeen two months ago, this wasn't how it was supposed to end.

She looked behind her and locked eyes with JJ, silently wishing she could just run to him, feel his arms around her for even just one second.

So that's exactly what she did, she ran and so did he- their fingers brushed against each other before two officers grabbed them, once again tearing them apart.

Ruby fought against the hold, crying out as the officer dug his thumb into her bullet wound, immediately draining any fight she had left in her body.

She yelped as she was thrown back into her cell, whimpering in pain as she rubbed at her shoulder, tears streaming down her face.

" that was a dumb move.." John B said quietly, " I just wanted to go home.." She choked out, a sob escaping her lips.

The next day Ruby watched as John B was allowed out, the officer claiming he had a visitor- it stung a little, she knew she didn't really fit in but she at least thought one of the pogues would also see her.

She'd helped Pope study before for his scholarship, she'd given Kiara all the best spots for beach cleanup and where to save turtles, she'd always been there for JJ, but no one was there for her..

She frowned and picked at her nails, glancing up and looking at Sage confused, " hush money" she said with a shrug, " aren't you here to see John B?" Ruby asked and Sage shook her head, "JJ has some weird plan.. he doesn't know that i followed him here" She said and slid some gauze and rubbing alcohol through the bars.

" why didn't he see me..?" Ruby asked, taking off her old bandage, "'it'd be too noticeable. Everyone knows you and J are ride or die.. John B's a bit more skeptical" Sage explained, leaning against the wall.

Ruby nodded, cleaning up her shoulder and putting on the new gauze, " oh- here he kept rambling about this but he couldn't find it.." Sage said and handed her the calico cat plushie through the bars.

Tears filled her eyes as she grabbed it, holding it close to her, finally feeling some sort of peace, "thank you.." she whispered, squeezing Sage's hand.

After Sage left she curled up with the plushie and closed her eyes, silently praying JJ's plan would work.

It had to..