TIDES OF FATE - JJ Maybank

XVII. Crain House

:･ﾟ✧:･.☽˚｡･ﾟ✧:･.:

Lily's POV

I TOSSED AND turned in my bed, my mind consumed by worry for John B. The hospital's sterile scent lingered in my thoughts, and the beeping of machines echoed in my ears. I couldn't shake off the anxiety, and sleep didnt come easily. Restless, I stared at the ceiling, the darkness of the room closing in on me.

Suddenly I heard the window creak open and my heart skipped a beat. A familiar figure emerged from the shadows—JJ. He silently crossed the room, his eyes filled with concern as he sat down beside me on the bed.

„How you holding up, Lils?" He questions, letting out a sigh.

„I can't stop thinking about John B." I sit up. „It's like... What if something goes wrong?"

JJ moves to sit beside me and wraps an arm around my shoulders. „Hey, don't go down that road. John B's a Pogue. He'll pull through."

„I know, but what if he doesn't? What if..."

„Lily, we can't control everything. All we can do is hope for the best and be there for each other." He interrupt, kissing my forhead.

I nod, feeling a sense of comfort in JJ's presence. He rubbed my back soothingly, his touch a balm to my restless mind.

„You need to get some rest, Lils. Worrying won't change anything." He says.

„I can't help it, JJ. What if he wakes up and we're not there?" I look up at him.

JJ smiles. „Dont worry he won't wake up without a proper audience."

I managed a small smile, appreciating JJ's attempt to lighten the mood. „Thanks for being here, Jayj. I don't know what I'd do without you."

„Told you Juliet is nothing without her Romeo." He chuckles, earning another smile from me. „Now, close those beautiful eyes and get some sleep. I'm not going anywhere."

:･ﾟ✧:･.☽˚｡･ﾟ✧:･.:

I was the first one to wake up the next morning. As I left my bedroom and headed down the stairs, the sound of my fathers voice rang through the air.

„Cheryl- Don't you think moving him to a house he's already used to would be better for him? With people who actually- dont give me that bullshit. I've been trying for months but no one has gotten back to me. Who do you think has been paying his bills? Or making sure he eats?" Dad yells, moving from the kitchen to the living room. „Ward- What credentials does he have to foster a kid? John B already practically has a room in my house, I was friends with his father and I am now the closest thing the boy has to one!"

I followed him to the living room, the sound of my footstept alerting dad that he was no longer alone.

He looked up at me, a small smile before returning back to his call.

Yesterday dad had to come pick the rest of us up from the hospital and drive every single one of us home. I hadnt seen him so worried since that time two years ago when I had broken my leg after a surf incident.

„Cheryl- You know what? I wanna talk to a supervisor. I dont care who I have to talk to, I want him home with us. Mhm, thanks for nothing. Have a great day, Cheryl"

Dad slammed the phone back into its reciever and let out a grunt. „Morning darling. How did you sleep?"

„Okay," I replied, amused by my dads quick change in mood. „What was all that about?"