𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐬 [𝐣𝐣 𝐦𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐤]

𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐡

"The missing teens were last seen on the night of September 27th on the road leading out to the point. No foul is expected at this time. We've set up a hotline. If you have any information leading to their whereabouts, please give the Kildare Sheriff's office a call..."

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

It had been 6 weeks since I walked away from them in the container. Almost every night since, I've slept at the chateau and every morning I hoped to wake up to them being home and all of this being over. No matter where I was, my mind was racing about never seeing my friends again and my father dying.

I walked into the living room and stood next to my father who was sat in the recliner. "You doing okay dad?" He had been sleeping in his recliner as his bed started to be uncomfortable for him. The chemo was kicking his ass more than the cancer itself and he had started to feel it more in the last few treatments.

"Yeah Lou. You heading out?"

I nodded and leaned down to kiss his cheek, "I'm going to the chateau. I'll be home in the morning. Try and get some sleep." He chuckled at my attempt to parent as I walked out into November evening air. I drew in a breath and held it for a second. It was still a little warm but nothing compared to the summer nights I was used to.

I got in my car and headed for John B's. I caught a glimpse of a boat as I walked around to the back door, A sight I hadn't seen in a long time. I ran into the house and stopped when I saw John B asleep on the couch.

"John B?" He didn't move until I shook him awake. "Well, hey shitbird." I chuckled as I felt some tears in my eyes. Here he was, no harm done and home safe.

He sat up and wrapped his arms around me tightly, I squeezed back just as hard. I didn't want to let go. "Hey Lou." He spoke softly as we hugged. I guess he didn't think we'd see each other again either.

When we let go, I stood to peek through the window, "What- how? Is everyone else here?" The house was empty, making my heart drop.

"I came here with my dad." John B sat up and pointed to the couch inside the house but no one was there.

I didn't really understand, "Your dad? I thought he was..."

"He was here when I fell asleep. He was asking about the twinkie- speaking of, where is the twinkie? I told him I left it with you. Which I thought meant it would be here when I got home, but it's not."

"Dylan was supposed to look over it and see what needs to be fixed. It's sitting at the house waiting to be looked at."

"Ah."

"Bright side, he fixed his truck from when we wrecked on Goat Island." I laughed as John B scooted over to make room for me on the couch.

He lifted his arm and I leaned into him. "You crashing here tonight?" I nodded as a small smile crept onto my face.

"I have been," it was so nice having him back, I can only imagine how I'll feel when JJ's back.

"Oh, I can tell. You're like the world's best squatter. There's food in the kitchen and I haven't seen the chat this clean in years." We laughed together and it warmed my heart to hear his laugh again.

An hour into us chilling and catching up, we heard someone pull up and a car door close. I checked my phone and saw 3 texts from Liam, causing me to jump up. John B beat me to the door and was walking around the house before I could catch up.

"What the hell are you doing here?" John B asked him, making Liam back up with his hands raised.

"I was just coming to check on Laney. I know she stays here by herself and she didn't answer any of my texts. I just wanted to make sure things were okay. I didn't know you were home man." John B looked at me and raised a brow before turning back to Liam.