One Stupid Thing

3-4:0:112

It's amazing how you don't know how much you rely on something until it's gone.

In the following days since my sight began to return, it only progressed faster. After a visit with Dr. Lowen she confirmed that the head trauma damaged my optic nerve and while this damage can be permanent, she expects mine to heal almost entirely. Getting that pesky boot off was a plus too.

It felt so liberating to be able to move about the house somewhat independently. Sarah still hovers around me like a typical helicopter parent, but I no longer depend on someone else to take me where I want to go.

I can see much more than just light and shadows now. Colors are vivid and prominent shapes I can also manage to understand, however it's still fairly blurry. Words and letters are completely unrecognizable. Spotting details is completely out of the picture. But despite all of the things I still lack, I can only feel grateful for how far I've come.

On the plus side, my other senses have become practically superhuman. My hearing? Impeccable. My sense of smell? Unfortunately for me, also pretty enhanced. Faces are difficult to see, but I've gotten impressively good at recognizing voices.

"I figured I'd find you up here," JJ says as he approaches me.

One of my favorite places on the property is the rooftop lounge. It's cozy, appropriate for all kinds of weather, and reminds me a lot of the old Chateau. I swing slowly in the macrame hammock, allowing the breeze to rock me back and forth.

I place a hand on my chest and gasp in mock offense. "Am I that predictable? I've lost my mysterious edge." I shift around, swinging my legs over the side of the hammock to sit more upright. "Where is everyone?"

"Down at the shop," JJ replies quickly. With a smirk, I pat the seat next to me and without hesitation, he seats himself and throws an arm around my shoulders. "Ahh," he exhales. "I could get used to this."

I raise an eyebrow and lean over to plant a firm kiss on his lips. "Could?"

"Used to it. Definitely used to it."

"Mhm. That's better," I coo, pressing myself into his side and leaning my head on his chest.

"You know what would be even better?" he asks. A smile flashes across my face.

"Mmm, what?"

"Not having to hide this from our friends."

I take a deep breath and blow it out. "Jay—" I start, sitting up and turning to face him.

"No, I mean seriously! We're better than ever, El. I want to be able to share that with them. Hell, with everyone." He matches my body language, turning his body to face mine.

"I agree, absolutely, one hundred percent, but we still haven't talked about anything that happened 18 months ago," I reason.

He goes quiet, lifts a hand to the back of his neck and rubs it awkwardly.

"If I be completely honest with you, I need you to be open and honest with me. Clean slate. Got it?" JJ nods firmly. "Okay, um, I guess I'll start at the beginning. I really shouldn't have tried to hide that the boat was Rafe's. I thought I was doing the right thing for everyone by just not saying anything about being trapped in that house with him. But JJ, you have to understand that he is my brother. He helped us get out of there and offered to get us home to OBX, but it was Kie and I who stole his boat and betrayed him. Honestly, it was embarrassing. I didn't want to admit to it."

JJ almost smiles. "Yeah... I did kinda overreact. After everything he's done, i-it honestly, it really stressed me out to find out that you were alone with him."