TROUBLE | JJ Maybank

024. I'm sorry, you're staying where?

THE STEADY BEEPING of the heart monitor filled the sterile hospital room, a rhythmic reminder of life's fragility. Amelia's eyes flickered to the machines, her fingers itching with the familiar instinct to double-check every connection and bandage. She stood near the foot of the bed, her gaze sweeping over the IV drip, the bruises looming across John B's face, and the machines charting his fragile recovery. The room was heavy with tension, an unspoken unease that Amelia felt in the pit of her stomach as his gaze darted to Ward, then to Sarah.

Then, a sudden twitch of John B's fingers caught Amelia's attention. Her breath hitched as her eyes darted over his body for more signs of life. Slowly, his head turned toward Sarah, his eyelids fluttering open with visible effort, a faint, tired smile gracing his features. His gaze fell on Sarah first.

"Hi," Sarah greeted, her voice soft.

"Hi", John B replied, his voice low and tired.

Amelia shifted, stepping closer as John B's gaze shifted, landing on Amelia.

"Hey, Mils." John B greeted, his voice tired

"Hey, JB", Amelia replied softly, the corners of her mouth lifting as she sat beside Sarah.

"Where am I?" John B asked, looking between the girls.

Sarah and Amelia exchanged a look, a silent conversation passing between them. Amelia finally spoke, her voice calm but tainted with concern "St. Olives. You fell from the Hawk's nest, " she sent gently, her eyes lingering on John B before adding, "You have a concussion and a broken wrist"

John B turned his head, his gaze settling on his cast "Woah"

A soft smile graced Sarah's face "Pretty cool", she teased softly.

"So cool", Amelia echoed, smiling.

A sudden sense of urgency came over John B as he remembered DCS. "I gotta get out of here," He said as he leaned forward, groaning. "DCS is gonna find me--"

As John B's panic rose, Amelia placed a steady hand on his arm, grounding him.

"Hang on their kid. Hang on," Ward said as he appeared in the doorway.

John B sighed, laying his head back.

"The girls told me everything." Ward began as his gaze shifted to his daughters, "Your little adventure with Sarah, running away from DCS, about how you protected both of them in the tower.

He paused, his eyes landing on John B.

"About how you saved Amelia when Topper shoved her", Ward added, his voice softer now.

John B turned his head, his gaze shifting to the girls, catching soft smiles on their faces. He smiled back, the connection unspoken but clear.

"John, I believe I owe you an apology," Ward began, stepping closer to the bed. You were honest with me about a small indiscretion, and I went ahead and fired you anyway. And I shouldn't have," he sighed, momentarily averting his gaze. "Unfortunately, from time to time, I have a bit of a... short fuse."

A beat of silence passed before he nodded to his daughters "Ask them." he said as John B turned his head, his gaze settling on the girls.

"It's true," The girls said in unison, their smiles tinged with amusement.

Ward chuckled lightly before sobering.

"Anyway," he said," I'd like to make up for it. If you'll let me," he paused, his next words deliberate. "I spoke with Sheriff Peterkin and..." He said, pausing for a moment, "I've offered to be your legal guardian if you'll have me."