Thorns

667

JJ hadn't properly spoken to Simon since he befriended Josh. JJ still walks Simon to school every morning and rarely from afterwards. Although it seems Josh has taken that job for the most part. He misses talking to Simon about what he is thinking and how his day went. He loved it when they did their homework together. He used to know where Simon was at all times.

Simon needs protecting and JJ is able to do so. The dirty blonde would refuse JJ's help but enjoyed his company nonetheless. But who needs JJ when you have Josh?

JJ grunts to himself. Is he jealous? Perhaps but JJ would never admit to that. He continues to contest that Josh isn't good for Simon. The small boy can't handle him no matter how much he thinks he can. JJ must stick by his friend until the end.

"JJ?"

The dark skinned boy looks up to his old friend standing in front of him. Simon rarely leaves the school premises so why is he out at the park?

"Simon? What's up?" JJ steps towards the center of the sidewalk so Simon can take the inside lane.

"I came looking for you." he responds. Simon feels rather shameful. He's about to confess to JJ he was right and his help is needed.

"And you've found me, so good job. But why were you looking for me?" JJ sounds almost bitter. "You haven't wanted to hangout in weeks."

"Exactly. I thought I'd spend time with my other friend today." Simon manages to force a smile.

"What about, Josh?" JJ asks, mentioning the dreadful name. Simon doesn't respond right away. "Simon?"

"That's the problem. He... lashed out at me the other day - the worst he's ever done." Simon sighs, "I guess you were right." he admits. JJ holds back a grin.

Simon needs to be comforted, not have salt rubbed in the wound.

"I tried to warn you. He's not to be trusted. A man like Josh will never change for the better." JJ asserts. "He didn't hurt you did he?"

"No. Not physically." He shook his low-hanging head. "I just need to talk to someone who actually wants to be my friend." Simon can feel a lump form in his throat. "He said he faked it all and that I am a terrible friend."

It's good thing JJ wasn't there when it happened or Josh would've ended up in two halves. JJ slings his arm around Simon's shoulders as they continue to walk along the path around the lake.

"Don't listen to a word that bastard says. Look at all the friends you have around you. Me, Tobi, Vik, all your teachers love you, your mother, your classmates. You're the best friend I could have ever asked for. He's not worth your kindness."

"But..."

"Simon, no. Leave it." Patience was already running thin but now, to come crawling back only to refuse the help given, JJ is getting frustrated.

"But, JJ! I know Josh can change. He was nice to me. Whatever upset him can be fixed. If he can't change, I can!"

"Don't change yourself for him. You're perfect the way you are." JJ promises.

"JJ he laughed." Simon blurts out. JJ looks at him, surprised. "He smiled every time we were together."

"I thought he said he faked it though."

"Look, I don't know what's going through his mind right now but if anyone can get him to open up, it's me."

"But what if he tries to hurt you again? I should be there just in case." JJ states. Simon furrows his eyebrows, giving his friend a glare.

"I don't always need your help. I'm not some defenseless damsel in distress!" Simon snaps. This isn't the Simon JJ talked to a few weeks ago. A hostile attitude like could only come from Josh, JJ figures.

"Why are all of my friends changing for the worst?" JJ shouts. Everyone is slipping away from him.

Simon's eyes fleet to the ground. Why can't JJ have faith in his closest friend? Simon is aware he's a bit of a day dreamer but, that doesn't mean he's stupid. JJ doesn't see it; Simon just has perseverance. He has a good heart and a drive to help others love life like himself. And if he can help Josh, he can help anyone.