𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞- 𝐣𝐣 𝐦𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐤

30.

🦋☀ 🌊 - 30

Now was the time the Pogues were supposed to say goodbye to their best friend. It was only for a few weeks-at least, that's what they told themselves-until everything got organized and settled.

Olivia scanned the dock, her eyes flicking between the boats and the shadows on the water. The air carried the smell of salt and rain, the soft hum of crickets filling the silence between her pounding heartbeat. Hopefully, he was just running late. Still, something inside her twisted uneasily.

"Dude, where is he?" Kiara asked from the edge of the dock, arms crossed tight.

"He'll be here," Pope reassured, though his voice didn't sound completely sure.

"He's coming," JJ agreed from the Phantom, though he kept glancing toward the road like he was trying to convince himself more than them.

A sudden flash of red and blue lights broke through the darkness. A cop car rolled up beside the dock, sirens cutting through the quiet. Everyone stiffened instantly, trying to look as casual as possible. But when the door opened and John B stepped out-grinning, alive-the tension melted away.

"Wait. No way," JJ muttered, his jaw dropping.

"Holy shit, look at you." Olivia's relief spilled into laughter as she smiled at the boy.

"She let me take it for a spin," John B said, brushing his hair out of his face like it was no big deal.

"Okay, that's believable. I'll buy that-for now," Kiara teased, pulling him in for a hug.

"It wasn't easy, bro, but I got the Phantom for you. She runs like she was made yesterday." JJ twirled the keys on his finger before tossing them to John B. "Ready to go?"

John B caught them but didn't answer right away. His smile faded as his eyes darted toward the water. "Where's Sarah?"

"She's not with you?"

"No, we got separated in the swamp. She said she'd meet me here." His voice cracked slightly.

"We haven't seen her, man," Pope said quietly.

"Okay, well I'm not leaving without her." John B shook his head, the desperation clear in his voice.

Olivia frowned, heart tightening. "We thought she was with you." The thought of Sarah out there alone-especially with Ward somewhere nearby-made her stomach twist.

JJ stepped closer, hands gripping John B's shoulders. "John B, look at me. I know you feel bad, but there's no time. You've got plenty of gas, plenty of food. Once you get to that point, it's a straight shot. Lay low for a couple weeks, then cross the border to Brownsville. You got that?" He nudged John B's chin up so he was looking right at him. "Hey-you got that?"

"Yeah, yeah." John B mumbled, swallowing hard.

"Alright then," JJ said, his voice softer now. He hopped off the boat.

John B turned to his friends, saying his goodbyes one by one. It wasn't forever-at least, that's what they told themselves again. When he stopped in front of Olivia, she forced a smile.

"Hey, you."

"Hey." She wrapped her arms around him tightly. "Wish we could come with you."

"I wish you guys could come too." He smiled sadly. "Take care of JJ, yeah? He needs you. And make sure Sarah's okay."

"I will," she promised, holding him one last time before letting go.

"Alright, saltwater cowboy, let's do this," JJ said, trying to lighten the mood. He hated goodbyes more than anything.