Free (Sequel to Through The Dark) Complete

Chapter 14

A few days had passed since the engagement party.  Amanda still hadn't spoken to JJ in detail.  She wanted too, but JJ had spent an extra night at the hotel, for reasons she didn't know, and then JJ seemed to purposely avoid her. JJ even took additional shifts at the hospital.  Amanda tried to be up when JJ arrived home from work this morning, but somehow, she missed her and didn't want to wake her to talk to her.  She texted her last night and asked her to come to the beach today.  JJ said she might if she wakes up in time.  At least, she wasn't working tonight.  She lay back on her lounge chair.  Niall was meeting her here as well.  He had some things to take care of this morning.  She normally wouldn't have minded the alone time, but it made her think of way too much.  She sat up again when she saw JJ walking towards her.  She couldn't believe what she saw, JJ wasn't alone.  As they got a little closer, she saw that JJ had brought Daniel along.  Well, wow!  Amanda was shocked.  She wasn't expecting that.  "Hey," she said standing up and hugging JJ.  "I'm so glad you could come."  She nodded her head towards Daniel.  "This is a surprise."

"Yeah, I'm glad I could come too.  Should be nice to be lazy in the sun."  Julie smiled at Amanda and then shrugged.  "Yeah, he was around when I read the text.  Figured you wouldn't mind.  He hasn't been here yet.  Told him it was the best beach in town."  She set her things on the lounge next to Amanda.  "Where's Niall?"

"He had a few things to do, he's meeting us here."  Amanda sat back down on the lounge.  "It's nice to see you Daniel.  JJ is right; this is the best beach around.  So, hope you enjoy."  She looked at JJ.  "We should go get a drink."  She wanted to talk to her.  What was she doing with Daniel?  She wanted to talk to her about the songs, and Harry.  Holy hell was she overwhelmed with information she wanted to know.  Being JJ's best friend was hard.

"How about I go get everyone a drink."  Daniel said.  "Give you two a chance to talk about me."  He smiled at them and nodded at Julie.  He got what they wanted and then walked down the beach to the bar.

"So, what's going on with Daniel?"  Amanda asked JJ as soon as Daniel was out of ear shot.

"I don't know.  He's been a bit more forward lately.  Guess I can't deny he's interested.  He's a nice guy.  I just don't think I'm ready to get into everything.  But I'm trying to let him be a friend.  Just gotta see if he realizes that's what it is right now.  I don't really want to go into my past with him yet, and he's already questioning my relationship or past relationship with Harry."

"What's going on with you and Harry?"  Amanda asked.  When Julie just shot her a look she laughed.  "Look you have been really quiet and closed off.  I need answers.  JJ, you know we don't want to see you go back to being alone and closed off.  And you're even closing me off more than you did before."

"Panda.  It's just different.  I'm trying to figure things out.  I used you and Niall and Harry the last time, and I've learned I need to do it on my own."  Julie said taking her shorts and tank top off.

"No, you don't.  Why?  Why would you say that?"  Amanda asked hurt.  "JJ, that hurts."

"Seems I'm good at that these days."  Julie took a deep breath.  "Because I gave everything that I was capable of giving to Harry and look what happened, and when we broke up, I didn't even know how to survive.  I didn't know how to go on and that I don't want to happen again."

"Ok, look, JJ."  Amanda sat up and looked at her.  "I understand, to a point.  But I haven't gone anywhere.  I don't plan on it."

"Exactly what Harry told me."  Julie said.  She put her sunscreen on and laid back on the lounge.  "I don't want to talk about it."

"Of course, you don't."  Amanda sighed.  "But you have to.  Damn it JJ.  You've hidden SO much, I didn't even know you were writing songs or trying to give them to record labels or anything and I live with you.  Why are you letting what happened with Harry affect EVERYTHING?"