Often

Why Wait (Ch 3)

Nate's PoV

"Why did JJ show up? And why did Dilly leave with him?" Kris asked. "I told JJ that we would be at the beach if he wanted to come and hang out with us. I just didn't know that when he got here Dilly would ask to leave. I know he loves the beach. He is always talking about wanting to live in a beach house one day." I replied. "So you don't know why he left with JJ?" She asked. "No, I believe I know why he left with JJ." I replied. "You do?" She asked. "Yes, I think so. I know that JJ and Dilly both like each other. I know that when they're away from each other they're not as happy as when they're with each other. So if he asked JJ to take him home, then maybe he wants to talk to him in private." I explained to her.

"So what you're saying is that Dilly and JJ might be getting together sometime soon?" Kris asked. "Yes, that's exactly what I am saying, Kris." I said, grabbing a bottle of water. "So what do you think they're doing?" Kris asked. "I have no idea, Kris. Dilly is probably talking to him and trying to catch up with him." I stated. "Yeah, you're probably right." She says looking out across the ocean. "Why are you so worried that Dilly left with JJ?" I asked. "It's been almost a year since JJ has left. Now all of a sudden he's here and wants Dilly. Don't you think that's kind of suspicious, Nate?" She says. "Well, why don't we just go and find out then?" I said. "I don't want to interrupt them, if they really are just talking to each other." She says waving off the subject. "I guess we can find out later tonight, when we head back home." I said, grabbing my volleyball. "You coming?" I asked her. "Yeah, I'm coming. Give me a minute." Kris said, grabbing her water. "Wait for me guys!" Nae yells.

Dilly's PoV

"It shouldn't matter if I have questions. I was trying to catch up with you since I've been gone for so long. I wanted to see how you were doing.." JJ says a little upset. I walk to the couch and I sit down with my feet tucked underneath me. "I'm sorry JJ." I said looking at him as he walked towards the couch. "For what, DIlly?" He asked, confused. "For making you upset. I know that I did. I could hear it in your voice." I replied. He sighs. "Dilly, I'm not that upset. I just want you to understand that I've been thinking about you since I left home. I've always wanted to find a way to talk to you but I never had the guts to do it. I wasted my time debating if I should talk to you or not. When I heard you were with Jay. It hurt me because I wanted you. But you had Jay at the time. And when I came to the beach earlier; I thought you and Nate were together because of the way y'all were acting. I was about to fight him. Then when I found out y'all were acting like that because of some girl. I calmed down after that. I should be the one apologizing to you, not the other way around." JJ explains.

I just stare at him. "What is it now, Dilly?" He asked. "It's nothing. JJ." I replied. "It has to be something pl-" He stops. He's just staring at me. "What is it, JJ?" I asked. "What is that on your arm?" He replied. "What is what?" I was confused. He comes and sits in front of me. He grabs my arm. "These... What are these, Dilly?" He asked, with a concerned look in his eyes. I just sat there with my mouth slightly open. I couldn't find my voice. All I could feel were my tears rolling down my cheeks like a dam that burst from too much pressure. He held me so close and tight. But I could not stop crying. "It's going to be okay, Dilly, listen to me please. It's all going to be okay. I'm here now, nothing bad is ever going to happen to you again. You hear me? Your birthday is coming up soon and I'm gonna make it the best birthday you've ever had. I promise." JJ whispers.

We sat on the floor in silence as he wiped my tears. "Do I need to get Nate or Kris? Dylan?" JJ asked. I stopped crying. "What did you say?" I asked, wiping my tears away. "I asked if you wanted me to get Nate or Kris? Dylan?" He says again. "You called me Dylan. I haven't been called that si-" He cuts me off. "Since the 8th grade. Yeah I know." "I totally forgot about that name. I've been called Dilly for so long. It just seems natural to be called Dilly." I replied. He laughs. "Hey, remember when I used to call you Dill pickle?" He asked. I giggled. Something I haven't done in a long time.

"Was that a giggle that I heard?" JJ asked. "Maybe." I say blushing. "H. Hey, Dilly." JJ says shyly. "Yes, JJ?" I asked, confused. "When did you get that tattoo above your heart?" He asked me to take off my shirt. "I got it when I moved here. Why?" I asked, staring at him. "Because it's really cute and I like it. It matches you perfectly. Can I ask you something, Dilly?" He says. "S..sure anything, JJ." I replied blushing. JJ gets down on one knee and pulls a box out from his pocket. "W...will y...you be my boyfriend?" He asked, nervously.