𝑇𝑊𝐼𝑁 𝑆𝐼𝑍𝐸 𝑀𝐴𝑇𝑅𝐸𝑆𝑆 / 𝐽.𝐵.𝑅

COLD

As Alex's head bobbed above the water, John B and JJ reached the shore, their faces etched with panic and determination. They quickly grabbed the rope and life ring, hurrying back to the edge of the bridge where Alex struggled to keep her head above the surface.

"Alex!" John B shouted, his voice urgent and filled with concern. "Hold on!"

JJ tossed the life ring into the water, and Alex, using the last of her strength, managed to grasp it. John B and JJ pulled with all their might, their muscles straining against the cold, choppy water. With a final heave, they brought Alex to the shore, where the Pogues rushed to meet them.

As soon as Alex was on solid ground, John B threw a large blanket around her, his hands shaking. "You're okay, Alex," he said, trying to keep his voice steady despite the fear in his eyes. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close to provide warmth and comfort.

Alex's teeth chattered as she coughed up water, her body trembling uncontrollably. John B held her tighter, his arms offering as much warmth and security as he could. "You're safe now," he murmured, his voice soft and soothing. "We've got you."

Kiara, Pope, and JJ gathered around, their faces a mix of concern and relief. Kiara grabbed another blanket, draping it over Alex's shivering form. "We need to get you warmed up and checked out," she said, her voice firm but gentle.

Alex looked up at John B, her eyes filled with exhaustion and a hint of vulnerability. "Thank you," she managed to say, her voice barely more than a whisper.

John B nodded, his expression a mix of relief and determination. "We're not letting anything happen to you. Not now, not ever."

As they helped her into the car, John B kept his arm around her, ensuring she stayed warm and comforted. The drive back was quiet, the tension and worry palpable. The Pogues were silent, each lost in their thoughts as they headed towards safety.

When they finally arrived at the safety of the group's hideout, Alex was wrapped in blankets, still trembling but no longer in immediate danger. The Pogues made sure she was settled, offering her warm drinks and checking her over.

John B stayed close, his protective gaze never leaving her. "You're going to be okay," he reassured her. "We're going to make sure of it."

Despite everything, Alex managed a faint smile. She was overwhelmed by the support and care from the Pogues, even as she grappled with her own emotions. The warmth of the blankets and the closeness of John B's embrace were a stark contrast to the cold water and the pain she had felt just moments before.

As the night wore on, Alex's shivering gradually subsided, and she began to feel a sense of calm returning. The Pogues were there, surrounding her with unwavering support, and for the first time in a long while, Alex felt a glimmer of hope.

In the quiet of the hideout, the warmth of the blankets and the soft glow of a few lanterns created a comforting atmosphere. Alex sat on the couch, wrapped snugly in blankets, with John B still beside her, his arm resting protectively around her shoulders.

Kiara and JJ bustled around, making sure the room was warm and getting Alex some hot tea to help her recover. Pope sat nearby, his gaze shifting between Alex and the door, ready to react if necessary.

"Just breathe, Alex," Kiara said softly as she handed her a steaming mug. "You're going to be okay. We'll get you checked out properly once you're warmed up."

Alex took the mug, her hands still trembling slightly as she sipped the hot liquid. The warmth from the tea spread through her, slowly helping to ease the chill from her bones. Despite the comfort, her mind was still clouded with a mix of emotions-fear, guilt, and a lingering ache from the events of the day.

John B looked at Alex with concern, his protective instincts still on high alert. "Do you want to talk about what happened?" he asked gently. "Or should we just focus on getting you back to normal?"

Alex shook her head, her eyes still reflecting the turmoil she felt. "I don't even know where to start," she admitted, her voice hoarse. "Rafe pushed me off the bridge, and I just... I don't know what I was thinking."

John B's jaw tightened with anger at the mention of Rafe. "We're going to deal with Rafe," he said firmly. "But right now, we need to focus on you."

The room fell into a thoughtful silence as Alex drank her tea, each of the Pogues lost in their own reflections. The atmosphere was heavy with unspoken words and shared worry.

After a few moments, Alex finally spoke again, her voice quieter. "I'm sorry for dragging you guys into this," she said. "I didn't mean for any of this to happen."

Kiara, who had been preparing another blanket, looked over at Alex with a mix of sympathy and resolve. "You don't need to apologize," she said. "We're your friends, and we're here for you, no matter what."

Pope nodded in agreement. "Yeah, and we're not going to let you go through this alone. We're in this together."

As the conversation continued, Alex began to relax, finding solace in the support of her friends. The warmth of the room, combined with their genuine care, helped to ease some of the tension she had been holding onto.

Eventually, the conversation turned to more practical matters. "We need to figure out what's next," JJ said, leaning against the wall. "But for now, we should focus on getting you healthy and making sure you're safe."

Alex nodded, her gaze shifting to the window where the moonlight illuminated the night. "I appreciate all of you," she said softly. "I really do."

John B squeezed her shoulder gently, offering a reassuring smile. "We'll get through this," he said. "One step at a time."

The Pogues continued to support Alex through the night, ensuring she was as comfortable as possible. Despite the challenges and the emotional strain, they were determined to help her find a way forward. The bond they shared was strong, and in the midst of their struggles, they found strength in their friendship and solidarity.