𝑃𝑎𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑅𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑠

Chapter Fifty

The closer they got to the top of the hill, the more blood they found smeared on trees, it was unsettling.

Ruby was worried, could the blood be John B's? And if it was, was he alive or dead? Her mind was swarming with questions.

Finally, they arrived to the near top of the hill, pausing to get a drink and relax for a few moments.

Only relaxation was short lived as a loud explosion went off, making everyone jump and look for where it came from.

"We gotta move. Now." Ruby said, tossing her water bottle into her bag, "baby wait-" JJ tried but she was already moving, determined to find her brother.

The others followed after her, Ruby's eyes scanning the area as her hand hovered over the machete holder on her hip, ready to grab it at any second.

They got to the top and heard yelling, moving to hide behind some bushes and rocks, Ruby motioning for everyone to keep quiet.

JJ poked his head up, seeing Sage, John B and Big John, across from them was Ward and Sarah.

Ruby shared a look with JJ, Ward was out of his mind, there's no way Sarah would willingly be with him right now, they needed to help.

The others looked over at them and Ruby nodded once to herself, she couldn't let anything happen to the people she loved.

She grabbed her machete, "P4L..?" She said quietly, " P4L baby.." JJ said, the others joining in.

It happened in a flash, they all ran out and surrounded Ward, Ruby's eyes frantically searching the area as she took everyone in.

She tightened her grip on the handle as one of Singh's men came out, everyone tensing.

Ruby's breath hitched at the sight of the gold in Sage's hand, the two shared a look and she shook her head, silently telling her not to give it up.

John B's gaze was hard, it was clear he was terrified but desperately trying not to show it, he was trying to be the strong one.

Ruby swallowed hard as the gun was pointed at her, reaching back and tightly holding JJ's hand.

She squeezed her eyes shut, four shots were fired- she only opened her eyes when she heard JJ yell, then saw Sarah looking into the ditch in shock.

Ruby didn't know where to look, at JJ or at Ward who had just given his life for hers, unable to focus as the others went to help her dad.

On the way back down she patched up JJ's arm the best she could, more concerned about him even as they got back in the boat.

"Butterfly.. come here.." Big John said and she looked over, "I'm sorry.. I was a terrible father to you.." He said, "I wasn't exactly the best daughter.." Ruby said quietly.

"You see that boy over there..? Don't let him go.." Big John said, looking over at JJ, "I won't.." Ruby said and let John B have his moment.

Everything went quiet after, and Ruby took John B in her arms, holding her twin as he sobbed, her own tears streaming down her face.

They went back and buried their father, also allowing Sarah a moment with Ward the best they could.

They all stood in front of the tree, Ruby kissing the spot where JJ had been shot in the arm.

They'd never felt this low before.

********

Eighteen months later

They all sat on the deck of city hall, they'd all changed and matured in some way.

JJ and Ruby were now married, she'd ended up having twins, Dallas and Delilah Maybank.

After the ceremony Ruby stood at the table with JJ, the two sharing a joint while everyone else mingled.

They all had turned out successful, JJ and Ruby ran charters and owned a surf shop, John B owned a fishing boat and Sage was going to nursing school.

Sarah helped out at the surf shop a lot and would watch the twins, Pope was leaving for college in a few months, Cleo was still working for the Heyward's and Kiara was saving turtles.

"So, we did it" JJ said, blowing out smoke and passing her the joint, "it feels weird to have everyone liking us" Ruby said and took a hit.

He chuckled and pulled her against his side, the two of them watching Mrs. Heyward play with the twins.

John B motioned for them to come over, everyone standing around the table and looking at the old man.

Pope grabbed the diary and read, looking at the others in shock and wonder, it was about Blackbeard.

They all shared a look, JJ looking down at Ruby with a smirk and kissing her head.

Here we go again.