everything about you •• jj maybank

six

Once I knew John B was okay that night, I walked myself home. Too ashamed to ask Kiara for a ride, or for one of the boys to walk me home. I didn't think they owed me any grace after what my brother did to their friend.

Once I was home, I found Topper in the bathroom, pressing a cotton round to the cuts on his face. I stood there, standing still in the hallway, staring at him until he looked at me through the mirror. When he spoke, he didn't turn around, his gaze was strong through the glass as I stood in fear next to him.

"You going to tell mom about this?"

I shake my head slowly. "I won't say anything as long as you don't."

He nods slowly, wincing as he dabs the swab on his cuts. "God I can't believe I have to go around town looking like this."

I knit my eyebrow together and scoff in disbelief.

"Are you serious right now?"

He stops dabbing and puts the cotton round on the vanity, his eyes slanting as he stares me down.

I take a shaky breath before continuing. "You almost drowned John B tonight, and you are more worried about walking aroound with cuts and bruises on your face? Are you kidding me?"

My fists were balled at my sides and I felt more tears make their way down my cheeks. His face softened and he turned around, walking towards me, but I stumbled backwards.

"Do not come near me," I spat, my voice shaking as I tried to stay quiet.

"Josie-"

I shook my head, cutting him off. "No. Don't speak to me. Don't bother trying to explain yourself or apologizing."

His jaw dropped and he looked around the hallway as he searched for words.

"You can't seriously be defending-"

"I seriously am defending them, Topper. I don't care how much you hate Pogues. I don't care that JJ got in Sarah's face. I don't care!"

My voice was harsh and broke as I continued.

"You asked for it. You need to get off your high horse and get over whatever vendetta you have against them, because it's honestly fucking pathetic. I don't even know how Sarah can stand your ass. Because I sure can't anymore."

Before he can respond, I turn around and walk to my room at the end of the hallway, and lock the door before falling into my bed and staring at the ceiling.

***

I wake up the next morning still in my clothes from the night before, and in the same exact position on my bed. I sit up, a yawn escaping my mouth as I begin to stretch my body every which way. I let out a groan and grimace in pain at how sore my entire body feels. Every swallow I took, I became more and more aware of how sore my throat was, from all the screaming I had done the night before. I knew my voice would be hoarse and strained. There were so many thoughts on my mind, so much that happened yesterday that bothered me. To my core. It was taking a toll on my mind, and my body too.

I quickly get myself out of bed and rush to the bathroom to take a hot shower. My parents had left for California early in the morning for a business trip, and Topper and I were supposed to go have lunch with the Cameron's.

This is was typical routine for us when our parents were out of town. They leave early in the morning without saying goodbye, and the Cameron's invites us over for a meal, which is their way of letting us know they are there if we need anything. Which we never do, but I don't oblige to a free meal.

After my shower I throw on a sundress and some sneakers and quickly brush out my curls before rushing downstairs, nearly running into Topper when I reach the bottom step. We both share an awkward glance as he looks up from his phone.