Something • JJ & Kiara

The Chateau

Sometimes he worried about Kie. She was such a caring and genuine person, full of personality and purpose in life, something JJ struggled to find. Yet he couldn't help but shake the feeling she always felt alone. Always off in her own little corner of the world. She was such a strong person mentally but he knew on a personal level that no matter how hard you try to keep up your walls, they may falter.

It's not like himself and others haven't reached out to her before, but she rebuilt her walls so quickly that you would never be able to see the war that was wagging just inside. She was never vulnerable in front of anyone, ever, even her closest friends. Her dog Maui was likely another story, what a privilege that dog didn't even know he had? At the end of the day, it was always the same question he wondered at the beginning, what was going on inside her head?

Silence had finally fallen on his rundown house. His father having been passed out on the couch, the floor and coffee table filled with cans of beer. Empty cans of beer. The raging and yelling had finally stopped. The last punches had been thrown. It's horrible that day to day life for some sounds like an exciting wrestling match for others. No, this was no television show, this was real life.

JJ grabbed his backpack and stuffed some clothes and other necessities in it, enough for a two night stay at The Chateau. He quickly walked out of his house, not home, and headed off, never turning his head or thinking of anything but where he was going.

The bright sun was in full effect that Monday morning, the temp coming in at a smoldering 93 degrees. The middle of summer in The Outer Banks was upon them.

As soon as The Chateau was in his sights, JJ felt more at ease and at home then he ever was. This is where he could relax, be with his best friends, and not have to constantly worry about his dad going off on him and being hit.

The light shone on his face, as he closed his eyes and breathed in the smells of summer, the salty air and flowers blooming, the faint smell of fire from the night before. JJ then proceeded to step up on the porch and through the front door of his true home.

He looked down to see Kie, curled up on the Sofa by the door, seemingly still sleeping. He checked his watch to see it wasn't as early as he thought, it was almost 1 pm. She must've been up late, drinking the night before, she would never admit it but she was more of a lightweight, anything more than two cans of beer and she would sleep the following day away.

He quietly walked to the opposite couch and put his things down on the floor, adjusting the pillows and throwing himself on the couch. He stayed in a blissful state for a few minutes, his eyes closed, the sun coming through the windows, warming his skin. Then as he re- opened his eyes, his gaze fell upon Kiara.

Her hair was pulled up in a messy bun, little strands framing her face. Her eyelashes rested lightly on her cheeks, her lips sat naturally with a slight smile. One of her legs was curled up close to her chest, sitting underneath her left arm, while her other leg sat stretched out, away from her body, her toes curled slightly, while her hands rested.

She looked completely relaxed, like nothing was worrying her, she had no personal problems or friends problems that crowded her mind, just a calm, empty void.

The light was shining on her face, making her skin glow a beautiful tanned color. He couldn't believe he had never realized before how incredibly at ease she looked sleeping, not to mention she was stunning. Everyone knew that.

It took but a second for JJ to realize he had way overthought something as simple as his friend sleeping. He quickly dragged his eyes from Kie and stood up abruptly. Resulting in a book that had been balancing on the end of the sofa to fall to the floor, hitting with a loud clatter.

He cringed as Kiara stirred slowly, cursing himself for not being smoother. Kiaras eyes began to flutter, opening but quickly shutting as a reflex from the bright sunlight. She again began to carefully opening her eyes, letting them adjust to their surroundings, as JJ watched.