𝗠𝘆 𝗘𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗲 ⇉ 𝗝𝗝 𝗠𝗮𝘆𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗸

𝘰 𝘯 𝘦 𝘥 𝘢 𝘺

ARIELLA SAT IN the middle of the boat and she felt like she was on cloud nine. She's never been happier in her life than in this moment. This was everything she's ever wanted. Everything she's been waiting for. She relished in the moment, knowing that this could be taken from her in a matter of seconds.

Ariella didn't want to think about that. She wanted to think about the sight before her. Kiara, Pope, Cleo, Sarah and John B, all in a small circle, gathered around Cora Lynn. They all coo at her happily, showering her in love. It made Ariella's heart swell.

Cora is finally going to have the chance to have a family.

Though, her heart stopped when her eyes landed on JJ. The blonde was standing outside of the boat, pacing back and forth. Shaky hands running through his hair. His body was tensed. She could read him so well. He was utterly terrified.

Ariella went to go approach JJ, but the sound of a familiar ringing bell causes her to pause in her steps. It was four bell tolls, constantly repeating. She could faintly hear Big John's voice in the back of her head.

"Bring it on home, kids!" Big John calls out to his kids, hitting the bell.

The bells chimes again.

"Bring it on home!"

"Coming, Dad!" The two kids giggle, Ariella tagging John B before running off towards Big John, who was waiting for them with open arms.

"You hear it too, right?" John B's voice breaks her out of her head.

"It can't be..." Ariella trails off, turning her attention towards her brother. "I mean..."

"What if it is?" John B questions.

"JB, I-I don't know." Ariella hesitates, her eyes lingering on the tower that stood alone on top of a large mountain. "I don't know what to think."

"That's exactly what dad would do every time he called us home, Ella." John B states pointing up at the mountain. "It's the same pattern he used to call us home. He's calling us home...right now."

"What if it isn't him? What if it's a trap?" Ariella questions, turning her attention towards her brother. "We've been through too much to get here—."

"Who else would know that bell toll, huh?" John B retorts. Ariella stays silent. "Exactly. It's him. It has to be. This is the universe trying to give us a sign or a gift, and—."

"I know." Ariella mutters. "I know. You're right. I-I just don't want to lose you again, JB. I just got you back. Cora just got you back. What...What is your gut telling you?"

"That I need to go check it out." John replies, taking his sister's hand in his. "I have to, Ari. You know I do."

"Go look, Bird." Ariella musters up a smile,
looking up at him, squeezing his hand. "Be quick. Gosh, John B learn how to fucking fly because I don't want to lose you, you understand me? I can't lose you."

"You'll never lose me." John B pulls her into his embrace. "I'm going to bring him home, Ari. For the both of us."

"I know you are." Ariella mumbles against his chest. "I've missed you, JB. So fucking much."

"I missed you so much more, Ella." John B kisses her head softly. "Everything's going to be okay again. We're together now. We all are."

Ariella stood in his warm embrace for a couple more moments before ushering him to go before it was too late. Sarah sent him off and John B ran despite the protests coming from the other Pogues.