Bruises ~ Jiara // obx

7 - Unexpected date?

JJ POV

Burning sunlight spilled under the curtains and into my eyes as they fluttered open. My entire body was filled with agony as I shifted myself to a seating position and sighed, running my fingers through greasy hair. I was in desperate need of a shower. It had been exactly a week since the incident with my dad, and I hadn't even thought of going back since. Not that I would be allowed to, now that Kiara and Pope knew what he was truly capable of. That scared me. They were right, my dad is a monster; and that's what I'm afraid of. Now I've let them in, I have to protect them as well. It kills me to know I've dragged them into this mess. God damn it JJ. Ever since we got back from the hospital, at least one of them has stayed with me each night, no matter how much I protested that it really wasn't necessary. I had dealt with my dad my entire life, and I didn't need to be watched 24/7 now. I was fine. I know they simply just care, but I don't want them getting hurt because of it. I can handle him. Suddenly, my stomach growled at me in hunger. Usually, that wouldn't bother me due to the large amounts of drugs and beer I would tend to consume, but right now, I was incapable of getting myself that. And neither Kiara or Pope would get it for me, no matter how much I pleaded them. Cautiously, I lifted my legs over the bed and onto the floor, clutching the bedside table as I braced myself to get into the wheelchair. Apparently my ankle was still incapable of supporting my weight, which was just great.

"Hey JJ, what are you.." Kie started before rushing over and placing her arms around my waist.

"I've got it Kie!" I snapped at her, although both of us knew it wasn't true. She stepped away as I settled in the chair, looking at me with sad eyes. Nice one JJ. I sighed.

"Look, I appreciate your help and all, but I'm not some broken teddy bear,"

"I know JJ, but you could've damaged your ankle even further!" She retorted, placing her hands on her hips. I smirked. She looked hot.

"What does it matter to you anyway, surely I'd be better off without the ability to walk, then you wouldn't have to worry about my stupid ass deciding to go home," I stated sarcastically, wheeling over to the fridge. She stopped suddenly, and a pang of guilt hit me as I remembered who I was talking to. I was being an ass.

"I'm sorry Kie, I'm just pissed that I can't do anything. You know me," I sighed, opening the cupboard.

"I know," she sighed, observing me with a look of concern. More guilt. She was doing everything in her power to help me, and all I did in response was whine and snap at her. Suddenly, I found myself grabbing her hand. She flinched slightly, before hesitating then taking it. She seemed confused, but to be honest, so was I.

"I'm sorry Kie, I really am." I averted my gaze to the floor and she shook her hand away.

"It's fine JJ, anyway for the record we only have fruit left, seeing as you've eaten all the crisps over the space of about 3 days," she said sarcastically. I scoffed, smirking at her.

"What nah, couldn't have been me,"

"I know it was you,"

"Oh really, how?" I bit my lip to try and prevent myself from laughing. She pointed towards the bin and I followed her gaze to see piles of empty crisp packets.

"Funny that one, I don't remember putting them in there..."

"That's because you're a lazy ass who can't clean up after yourself. Me and Pope cleaned this whole place up yesterday," she snapped, and it was priceless. I loved winding her up.

"Why thank you. But may I just remind you that I am in a wheelchair, and tidying up is not my first priority," she laughed at this and rolled her eyes.

"JJ, when has tidying up ever been a priority of yours. Oh wait let me see, NEVER." She retorted, smiling. I sighed, putting my hands up in defeat.

"Alright, alright, you got me."

She smirked as she walked over, placing a banana into my hand. I pulled a face at it and she frowned.

"Why is there black stuff on it?"

"JJ it is a banana. It's called being ripe. Now just eat it, it's actually good for you."

"Alright mama," I smirked. Banter was one of my favourite things, especially with Kie. As much as I loved her sympathy and kindness, winding each other up was a great form of entertainment.

"Have you asked lover boy on a date yet?" I chirped, remembering our conversation back in the hospital. She paused for a second, her face dropping slightly at the question.

"No, do you think I should?" Part of me wanted to reply something along the lines of, 'no, but you could ask the handsome wheelchair-bound chap right I'm front of you' but I knew better than that. Pope was good for her, as much as I knew that I loved her.

"Yes! Go for it pogue beauty, make the beast happy!" I exclaimed sarcastically.

"JJ!" She laughed as I munched on the banana. Honestly, it made me feel sick, but the least I could do for Kie was reassure her that I was getting some form of something good into me.

"So what, should I ask him today?" She questioned.

"Go for it, but after Pope's finished work obviously, I think we've given his dad enough shit to deal with, without stealing his son again," I reasoned.

"Woah JJ, taking some responsibility!"

"Enjoy it while it lasts," I scoffed, as Kiara headed out the door.

"Off to get some food, then you'll be assisting me in choosing my date outfit!" She called, slamming the door before I could get the chance to respond something sarcastic. I smiled at the thought of getting to dress her – not in a weird way, obviously. Kie had been my best friend forever and I had always flirted harmlessly with her. But deep down, I knew that there was more to it than harmless flirting.

Pope POV

The sun's rays were hot on my skin as they beat down onto us, making it all the more difficult to work. Today had been a long day. Part of me wished that JJ, Kiara and John B would simply just show up in the boat, and give me some kind of excuse to abandon what I was doing and go off on some adventure. But I knew that wasn't possible.

"Pope, you gonna stop anytime soon? You've been going for hours! Plus someone's here to see you..." my dad shouted from across the street, motioning to a rather beautiful looking girl: Kiara. She was dressed in a playsuit adorned with a variation of flowers, and had her hair pulled back into a bun, curly strands falling into her face. She took my breath away.

"Hey Pope," she smiled as I made my way over to her. For a second I wondered why on earth she was dressed like that; was she going out with someone?

"Hey..." I found myself sort of lost for words.

"So, I've been doing some thinking..." she started, causing my heart to leap. I was afraid of what might come out of her mouth next.

"- and well, how would you like to go on a date with me?"

A/N

So what do you think guys? Thanks a lot for 200 reads, it means a lot :) As you can probs see I'm going for more of a slowburn jiara coz I think their relationship deserves that :)) Anyway so I'll try to keep up with the daily updates and I have stuff planned for the next few chapters but drop any suggestions coz I'll be open to them! Ahhh I'm obsessed with obx some much rn, especially JJ 😂😂 xxx see you guys in the next one :)