Bruises ~ Jiara // obx

12 - Pillow fight

JJ POV

A comfortable silence filled the van as we drove, headed for my house. I could tell that Kie absolutely despised the idea of doing this, but deep down she knew it was the only way. And so did I. I cleared my throat as we turned a corner a couple of blocks away from the house.

"So, I know my dad keeps the keys under the doormat, so we just have to hope he either isn't in or is asleep." I spoke with confidence, yet I was completely unnerved about the whole thing. Kiara looked at me, worry and sympathy swimming through her eyes.

"JJ, I can do it if you want?" She offered quietly, but I shook my head instantly. I could never put her in danger like that.

"It will only take a second, plus I'll have to then drive her off won't I – camper vans don't drive themselves Kie," I attempted to lighten the atmosphere. A small smile barely reached her lips but soon faded as we pulled into the driveway. I sighed deeply. Here goes nothing. As I turned to Kie, her hand found my own, and she caressed the top of it lightly with her thumb. The action was surprisingly comforting.

"You sure you're gonna be ok?" The concern in her voice caused my heart to leap.

"I'll be fine Kie, I promise," I shot her a reassuring smile. For a moment we just sat, holding each others gaze. The butterflies were back. I could see the tears in her eyes which she was attempting to fight back, and pulled her into a hug, stroking her hair gently.

"We're gonna be ok, I promise."

She nodded silently as we pulled apart, and I opened the door. My heartbeat was increasing with each step I took towards the front porch, and I stopped to survey the area quickly. Clear. Sprinting up to the porch, I slid my hand under the doormat and fumbled around a little, before my fingertips felt something cold. Got it. Pulling it out, I lifted it up, brandishing it for Kie to see. I waved at her and she smiled as I jogged towards the camper van, adrenaline coursing through my veins. Suddenly, a door slam caught my attention. Shit. The van we had came here in was out of my sight, which meant so was Kie. I had to make sure she was ok. Slowly, I crept back around the house, just to see her speed off as my dad attempted to sprint after the van, but it was futile – she was long gone. Phew. Remembering that I also had to flee the place alive, I sprinted back to the camper van at full speed, throwing myself into the drivers seat and slamming the door immediately. Hands shaking, I fumbled with the keys until they clicked into place, and the old thing spluttered to a start. My finger found the lock button quickly as my dad came into view, his face red hot with anger.

"YOU DON'T MOVE A MUSCLE YOU SON OF A BITCH!" His scream pieced the silence, as I pressed my foot down hard to start the vehicle. Nothing.

"Shit shit shit shit shit..." I mumbled, my breaths short and shaky. A loud bang sounded as my dads fist hit the window and I almost jumped out of my skin.

"GET OUT OF THAT THING NOW!"

"NO!" I screamed back at him, as the van begun to move. His screams echoed as I sped out of the driveway, and despite knowing I should probably just block him out, I couldn't help but listen.

"You go off then again JJ. Why don't you just go and get yourself arrested and get a couple more of your friends killed. Like that girl who was here just then, Kiara? How would you feel with her blood on your hands. Everyone you get close to suffers you little shit! You are WORTHLESS!" my heart almost stopped as his screams drowned out. He was right – everyone who came close to me suffered. Suddenly, a wave of emotions I had been holding back rushed to the surface, and I bit my lip as I felt salty tears forming in my eyes. I blinked them away and decided to push my emotions aside. John B and Sarah needed us. The sun was slowly seeping behind the clouds creating a beautiful array of colours and signalling that it must nearly be time. I checked my watch to confirm: 6pm. Taking a deep breath, I flicked on the radio in order to switch off for the rest of the way back to the Chateau. It was gonna be a long night.