Home is You

Chapter 4. You Broke Me

So sorry for not posting this sooner. My lovely co-author, Malika, completed this portion of the story, enjoy! 😘

Kiara sighs as she wakes up on the red couch. She feels JJ's warm breath on her stomach, his arms wrapped protectively around her waist. He is curled up next to her, like a kitten seeking comfort. She smiles, feeling a rare sense of contentment and happiness, despite the fact that two of her best friends are missing at sea.

She looks down at the blonde boy, who finally seems to have found some peace in his sleep. His face is bruised and swollen, shades of purple and blue marring his golden skin. Kiara feels a sob rising in her throat. His dad did this to him. His dad, who is supposed to love and care for him. His dad, who is supposed to protect him.

Luke Maybank is a monster, a sorry excuse for a father.

And Kiara is so grateful that she has a father who loves her unconditionally. She's also hurt for JJ, because he deserves so much better than this. She vows right there, as she strokes his soft curls, that she will love this boy with all her heart and soul. She will show him what love really means. She will make him understand that he is valuable and beautiful and important and loved.

A tear rolls down her cheek and lands on his forehead. He stirs slightly, opening his eyes. He looks up at her and she chuckles. His hair is all messed up and his ocean blue eyes are sparkling with love. A love that she didn't fully comprehend until now.

"Hey," he says, his voice raspy.

"Hey," she replies, her voice gentle.

"Are you going to repeat everything I say, Jay?" she teases.

"You're so beautiful, Kie. I love you," he says, ignoring her question.

Kiara smiles, feeling a warmth in her chest. "I love you too, maybe even more."

JJ shakes his head, grinning. "You can never beat my amount of love."

Kiara laughs, feeling a lightness in her spirit. "Okay, Romeo."

JJ rests his head back on Kie's stomach, snuggling up to her and tightening his embrace around her. "Can't we just stay like this forever?"

"No, now get up. Let's have breakfast. I'm starving," she says, nudging him gently.

JJ groans, but gets up, stretching his arms. He walks towards the bathroom, yawning. "I need a shower."

"Yeah, you stink," Kie retorts, half-heartedly, as she folds the blanket.

JJ snorts, "Sure."

Kiara shakes her head, smiling. Maybe everything will be okay now. Maybe they will find their friends. Maybe they will find their way. Maybe they will find their happiness.

They're having pancakes, sitting on the couch and just enjoying the blissful moment of peace. The sweet smell of maple syrup fills the air, and the soft sound of music plays in the background. Kiara rests her head on JJ's shoulder, feeling his heartbeat. JJ wraps his arm around her, feeling her warmth.

Their moment is shattered when Pope comes storming into the Chateau. He slams the door behind him, making them jump. His face is twisted with anger and frustration. He throws his backpack on the floor, making a loud thud.

"You've got to be kidding me?!" he shouts, his voice piercing the silence.

Kiara jumps up, her face full of pure rage and disappointment. She glares at Pope, her eyes shooting daggers. JJ looks at them both, confused and scared. He doesn't know what's going on, but he can feel the tension in the air.

"How could you leave him?! Look what happened while you were gone! I hope you're happy now, Pope!" Kiara yells, pointing at JJ's bruised face. She can't believe that Pope would abandon JJ when he needed him the most. She can't believe that Pope would be so selfish and insensitive.