Enchanted- jj mccarthy [UNEDITED]

22

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After Val found out that her ex was coming back around she withdrew from everyone. I continued to text her. I know she was reading the messages, but wasn't answering. In my mind I wanted to keep texting her just so she knows I'm not going to run away. I know that for her Val has to process everything.

When she came to practice to film and take pictures I was shocked to see how much she had withdrawn. She wasn't smiling or as energetic as she normally was. She just came in quietly and set everything up. Val didn't even talk to Ethan. At least I knew she was aware of everything when I saw her nodding to what he was saying. Ethan walked over to me. He told me how she was doing and that he was staying until Luca would be here to sit with her and take her home. When I heard that she wasn't eating or socializing with them at home I knew that she was taking this worse than I had hoped.

After talking with Ethan and Coach, Ethan and I rejoined Val. Ethan stood in front of Val and gave her a hug before they both sat down. I stood there awkwardly not knowing what to do. I want to be there for Val, but I don't want to make her more uncomfortable. I only sat down after Val patted the spot next to her. As soon as I sat down she laid her head on my shoulder. It felt great to finally have her laying her head on my shoulder again. I know that this is not only difficult for her, but also for Rutger. I'm going to do everything in my power to try and keep her mind off of things. As we were sitting together I had ideas on how to keep her distracted. Coach called me into practice. I looked at her one more time before kissing her forehead and jogging into the huddle.

It was towards the end of the practice when Luca came in and Ethan had to head out. They quickly talked. Luca then joined Val back on the bench area. Luca tapped Val's shoulders and showed her his phone. After reading whatever was on his phone she typed for quite some time. Luckily practice was finished so I could go and figure out what was going on. When I walked over to them both Luca and Val were just sitting there quietly. I noticed Val pulling out her phone and typing on it. After Luca read whatever Val typed he looked at me and said "She's not sure how she's doing. Val's been trying to act okay because she doesn't want Rutger, you or us hockey boys to worry, she knows we can all tell that she's not doing okay. It isn't easy for her and it's bringing up all of her old memories and fears. She feels numb. Val doesn't want to go to class, doesn't want to come to work and do anything. She barely has the want or need to spend time with any of us. Val knows we all care, however she doesn't feel anything right now. She does truly care for you and wants to keep dating. She also knows that she loves Rutger to death and that he feels the same and is worried about her, but her mind won't let Val feel anything. She just wants to cry, lay in bed forever and not leave." I was shocked because I didn't realize her mental health was this bad. Now I really wanted to come up with something to help her keep her mind off of things.

Maybe going to have a movie night and watching the sunset will help her. I decided I would take her out tonight. Before we left Luca asked Val if she wanted to come back with me or to go home with him. She looked back and forth between us and walked over to me. When she was in front of me I wrapped my arms around her waist. While we were hugging Luca had a smile on his face. I'm sure it is a relief to finally see Val willingly leave the house and spend time with me. After Val pulled away from our hug Luca walked up to us and quickly gave Val a hug before heading out to his car.

Val and I walked to my car and started the drive back to my place. Val was still not talking but she was willing to allow me to have physical contact with her. As I was driving I kept my hand on her leg and every once in a while glancing over at her. Once we made it back to my apartment she went to my room to lay down. Val was already in leggings and one of Rutger's hoodies so she didn't need to change out of her clothes. After I put my bag by the front door I joined her in bed. When I laid down Val moved to lay on top of me. Her head was on my chest and I rubbed her back up and down. She wasn't tired, but since she said she's just been laying in bed that she isn't in the mood to do much. Due to this I turned on the tv so that it isn't quiet, but we would be allowed to talk if she wants to. As we were sitting like this my family called. When I wasn't sure how Val was doing I talked to them for advice, but when I did they also became worried about her. Now anytime we call they not only want to check in on me, but also on Val.

facetime

Mccarthy fam

Megan: hi sweetheart how are you

JJ: i'm doing good

Morgan: jj is that who i think it is

JJ: who do you think it is

Caitlin: stop playing with us. is that Val

JJ: yeah it is

Morgan: can we say hi to her

JJ: umm i don't think that's a good idea right now

Caitlin: why not is she not doing okay

JJ: not really still the same as last time we talked, just she's now leaving her house

Morgan: do you know what happened to make her like this

JJ: yeah i do, but it's not my place to tell

mom: is it bad

JJ: yeah it is

dad: are you both safe

JJ: right now yes i am safe

Morgan: but is Val safe as well

JJ: that answer is more complicated

dad: let us know if either of you need anything

mom: or if you both want to come spend some time here to get away from everything

JJ: I will mom and dad. mom normally i would have no problem going home to spend time with you all and get away from everything. i'm not sure how Val would cope without being super close to her brother, but i will ask her to see if she'd be okay with going to our place. She looked at me and pointed at her phone. I read that she typed that she would be okay going to my parents house. We decided to head over tonight. My class for today was canceled and I didn't have class tomorrow.

After talking to my family I looked at Val. I wanted to double check to make sure that she was okay with going to my parents house and wasn't just saying that she was since we were on the phone. "Are you sure you're okay with going to my parents place? I don't want you to go if you don't want to and if you only said you're okay with it because they were on the phone." She nodded again saying she's okay with going to my parents place. Since Val agreed we headed back to Rutger's place which is where she's been staying. We walked in and she was able to talk with Rutger and the rest of the boys. She walked up to them and all gave them a hug. Val told Rutger that she would be coming back to my parents place with me for the weekend.

Throughout the entire drive Val was quiet, but played some music. Once we arrived at my parents place my mom, dad, and sisters came and greeted us. Val just smiled at them trying to act like how she was last time. She stayed with me everywhere I went. We all went into the living room to sit and hang out. As we were sitting there I ordered some food for myself. I know that Val wouldn't want to eat, but I still added food for her hoping to be able to get her to eat a little bit. My family and I were talking and joking around like we normally do. When they noticed that Val was sitting on my lap staring out the window without any emotion they looked at me concerned. They kept trying to get her to join in, but nothing worked. The only time I saw Val have any change of expression was when Rutger and her friends texted her. Even with me, Rutger, and her friends she won't talk, but at least is willing to type out what she wants to say. Val tapped my shoulder and showed me her phone. She had written out in her notes app "Do they hate me now because I'm not talking and that they don't know why?" I quickly shook my head at her "no princess they don't hate you. They just are worried about you and want to help you."

Right after I answered her question, our Japanese food delivery arrived. At the same time Val's phone rang. She looked and saw it was Rutger calling her. I was hoping she would pick up and be willing to talk to him. Out of everyone to be able to get her to talk again it would be her brother. My family and I all turned to watch whatever was on the TV to try and allow her some privacy, but the volume of the tv was not too loud so that Rutger and Val could hear each other. As they were talking Rutger was able to get Val to agree to try and eat some food while they are on the phone together. Hearing this gave me a small sense of relief.