𝑾𝑯𝑰𝑺𝑷𝑬𝑹𝑰𝑵𝑮 𝑾𝑨𝑽𝑬𝑺 /𝑗𝑗 𝑚𝑎𝑦𝑏𝑎𝑛𝑘

𝟎𝟏𝟒.

___________________
𝑱𝑶𝑯𝑵𝑵𝒀 𝑩𝑶𝒀
𝑠𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑜𝑛 𝑡𝑤𝑜，𝑒𝑝𝑖𝑠𝑜𝑑𝑒 𝑠𝑖𝑥
𝟏:𝟐𝟗 — 𝟗:𝟐𝟖
___________________

AS I SLEPT suddenly I'm suddenly jolted awake by the insistent ringing of my phone on the nightstand.

I push JJ's slumbering form off me, causing him to groan and shift uncomfortably.

Yesterday had been a chaotic day, to say the least. We'd fallen asleep as soon as Kiara dropped us off, JJ lying on my chest as we drifted off into a fitful sleep.

I reach for the phone with a bleary-eyed gaze, my thumb swiping across the screen to answer it. "Hello?" I greet the unknown number, my voice husky from sleep.

"Aubrey? It's Sheriff Shoupe." the voice on the other end says.

My heart skips a beat as I sit up straight, a frown etched on my face. Why would Shoupe be calling me? "Is John B okay?" I ask, my voice trembling with anxiety.

Shoupe's stuttering response sends a wave of dread crashing over me. "Uh, yeah...I thought you'd like to know we're releasing him in an hour...Gotta do some paperwork first...You can come pick him up if you'd like."

I freeze, my hand hovering over my mouth as I struggle to contain the whimper and gasps that threaten to escape. My gaze falls on JJ's still form in the corner of the room, and I move quietly, not wanting to disturb him. I slip out of the room, closing the door behind me with a soft click.

"Are you serious?" I pinch myself on the arm, trying to shake off the shock. "John B is free?"

Shoupe's words still linger in my ear, his tone laced with a hint of satisfaction. "Yeah, we have evidence against other suspects. Your friend's name is clear."

My face breaks into a radiant smile, and tears of joy well up in my eyes. For once, it seems that fate has dealt me a kind hand. I run a hand through my hair, pushing it back from my face, and close my eyes, letting gratitude wash over me.

"You're still there, kid?" Shoupe asks, his voice tinged with a soft chuckle.

I sniff back tears, wiping my nose with my hand. "I'm here." I say, trying to compose myself. "I'll be there in ten." I promise, before hanging up the phone.

I take a few moments to collect myself before heading into the bathroom for a quick shower.

I emerge feeling refreshed and renewed, dressed in a crisp black outfit - short denim shorts, a black v-neck crop-top, and white socks with black Converse shoes. I consider waking JJ and asking him to drive me to the station, but we'd have to stop by his place to retrieve his bike or mine, which would only add to the chaos. Instead, I opt for a quiet walk to clear my head before facing whatever lies ahead.

As I step out into the early morning sunlight, the fresh air fills my lungs, and I feel a sense of hope rising within me.

As I arrive at the detention center, my heart swells with joy at the sight of my beloved Twinkie, parked outside, covered in faded stickers and cracked windows from the countless adventures we've shared.