─── ∙ ~εïз~ ∙ ───

The group took a trip Geechie's to grab some things for their celebrations. After a short conversation with Sarah, JJ and Kie went further into town and soon returned with two large white bags. Marella furrowed her eyebrows at the sight of them. "Do we really need all this stuff?" She questioned.

JJ nodded, stepping back into the boat and placing the bag on the deck. "Yes, Princess, we do." He said. She groaned, shifting to the edge to make space for him. "Seriously, JJ, how many times do I have to tell you to stop calling me that?" She questioned.

He shrugged, taking the seat beside her. "You said you loved it so much." The boy joked. Marella rolled her eyes, nudging him in the arm, "I did not." She said. JJ nudged her back, "You did too." He argued.

John B watched in bewilderment as the two continued to argue and push one another, lost in their own world. He had been gone for some time but still managed to pick up on whatever was happening with Kie and Pope. However, he was confused about this dynamic.

He couldn't figure out when this whole playful thing between them started, but it definitely wasn't there before he left. JJ had always been the teasing type, but Marella? This felt... new.

The brunette cleared his throat, catching JJ and Marella's attention. They finally snapped back into reality to see everyone was staring at them, amused looks on their faces. The two's faces grew red and JJ scratched the back of his neck. "We getting out of here, or what?" He asked.

"Whatever you want, big man." John B taunted, moving over to the helm of the boat.

∙ ~εïз~ ∙

While everyone got dressed and set up outside for their little party, Marella took her time to get ready. Even though no one knew it was her birthday, she still wanted to look nice for herself... and maybe for JJ too. She couldn't stop the excitement bubbling inside of her stomach, she was planning to tell JJ that she wanted to be with him. She just hoped he'd accept.

She'd been thinking about it since her conversation with Pope. JJ wasn't the kind of guy you just casually told, 'Hey, I like you.' He'd laugh it off—or worse, think it was some kind of joke.

The girl frowned at the thought, sitting down on the edge of the bed. What if he didn't accept? What if JJ thought she was just playing with him? What if he couldn't get over the fact that she liked Pope too? What if—

Marella scrunched up her face with confusion. She had been so overwhelmed with thoughts that she didn't even notice how quiet and dark it was. She pushed herself off of the bed, adjusting the straps of the two-piece, light pink bathing suit so it fit correctly. The girl stepped out of the room, her heart pounding in her chest as she cautiously made her way to the back garden. What if the authorities had found out John B was back?

But when she finally stepped outside, she saw her friends standing with balloons and a cake... in the dark. During the moment of silence, Marella let out a sigh of relief and her heart rate settled. The lights finally turned on and she could see all of their bright smiles. "Surprise! Happy birthday!" They yelled.

The girl beamed, looking around in awe at all the strings of light around the garden and the hot tub. "How did you know?" She questioned, moving closer to them. Sarah waved at her, "I told them." She admitted. "You didn't think I'd just let your birthday pass by?" She asked.

Marella shook her head, she should've known. "Thank you." She spoke, pulling the girl into a tight hug.

"Sorry about the lack of shock factor, JJ thought we should keep it lowkey for you." Kie spoke up, referring to the girl's anxiety. Marella turned to look at him, silently asking if it were true. But the boy seemed more embarrassed than anything.

"Kie!" He hissed with annoyance. The girl turned to look at him, a frown on her face. "What? That's what you said." She reminded him with a laugh.

"Let's frigging party!" Pope yelled out, his voice cutting through the warm moment. They all looked at him, taken aback by his outburst. The boy winced, lowering his arms. "Sorry. I just need a beer." He explained.

JJ grinned, moving over to the crate of beers. "Best thing you've said in a while, Pope." He chuckled, tossing a beer can over to Pope. Then, glancing at Marella, his grin softened. "What about you, birthday girl? Beer or cake?"

"A beer." She said, matching his smile. "Definitely a beer."

"Atta girl."

∙ ~εïз~ ∙

Their party was now in full swing, everyone had had at least 4 beers and were singing along to the music without a doubt in their minds. Marella sat inside the hot tub opposite JJ, sipping on her fifth beer while her friends perched on the edge.

"I never made good grades in school. When I get out, I act like a fool." Pope freestyled, everyone's head rhythmically moving to his words. "They say I come in the party and cause a commotion. I'm smooth, yeah call me lotion." He finished.

"Beautiful words, Pope." Marella said, tapping on his knee with pride. "Just like the good Lord intended." JJ spoke.

Sarah shook her head in disagreement, "That was way too genuine." She stated. JJ seemed offended by her words, "Ah, come on! Give me that shit! Give me it!" He whined. Marella chuckled, tossing her empty beer can to the ground and moving over to take the joint from him.

JJ froze as Marella stepped closer, his mind racing. Was she going in for a hug? A kiss? Instead, she casually snatched the reefer from his hand with a smirk. "Thanks," she said, leaning back into the hot tub and taking a drag. She exhaled the smoke, blowing it up toward the string lights above. "What did you think I was doing?" she asked, referring to his surprised expression.

"I—nothing," JJ stammered, rubbing the back of his neck to play it cool. She nodded, glancing away from him without another thought.

∙ ~εïз~ ∙

As JJ and Pope wrestled one another on the ground, Sarah escorted Marella into the kitchen to retrieve the cake. "Thank you for this." Marella said as Sarah brought out the small cake from the fridge. The blonde girl turned to face her, a smile on her face. "I don't think I've seen you this happy in a while." She said.

Marella nodded in agreement. "This place makes me happy. I like being here. I was—I was here all the time when you and John B were..." Her voice grew softer as she became more emotional. "I missed you so much. When I thought you were gone— I can't imagine my life without you."

"Hey, hey. I'm here now and I am never leaving you again, okay?" Sarah reassured her. "Now, don't cry. We can cry tommorow. Today, we're happy since it's your birthday."

Marella nodded, blinking back tears. "Okay." She agreed. "Come on." Sarah said, stepping back out to the garden. "Happy birthday to you..." She started, getting everyone's attention. They all sat up straight to face the duo and joined in with the singing. "Happy birthday to you."

The girl smiled widely, clapping along to the music. At that moment, Marella was glad that she was intoxicated because if they sang to her sober, she'd shrivel into an awkward mess.

"Happy birthday, Marella. Happy birthday to you!" They exclaimed. Sarah reached  into her pocket and pulled out her lighter. She set the singular candle alight and moved the cake closer to her friend. "Make a wish."

"I wish for—" She started. "If you tell us, it won't come true!" JJ exclaimed. Marella glanced up to look at him and noticed his phone was in his hands, capturing the moment. She smiled before glancing back at the candles and silently blowing them out.

They all began to cheer, John B rushing over and drunkenly hoisting her onto his shoulders. Pope raised his hands, "I'm done. I'm out of here." He said, moving over and patting Marella's knee. "Happy birthday."

"Did you have too many beers?" JJ teased with an accent as the boy stepped away from them. "You want a round two?" He asked in his normal voice.

"Yeah, I think I'll take my losses." The boy called back out to him. Kie stood up from the lounge chair, following after Pope. Marella's hands flew to her mouth in utter shock as she watched her go. "Oh shit." She laughed.

"Really?" Sarah asked, matching Marella's surprised expression. JJ chuckled, "Oh yeah. Way to be discreet!" He yelled out to them.

John B moved back to the hot tub, setting Marella down beside it. "I leave, and this is what happens." He sighed, shaking his head. The girl leaned over the bathtub, placing her hands in the warm water. ooo

"Are you blaming me?" JJ scoffed. John B nodded, "Just a little bit." He said before realising his beer can was empty. "Your boy's out. Beer time." He announced.

JJ watched as John B walked away. "You guys are the ones that died, okay? Like that was—" He started. Sarah shook her head with disapproval. "Literally one job, JJ. No pogue-on-pogue macking." She joked.

"Okay." JJ rolled his eyes. Marella turned around to look at him and the two held eye contact for a moment before she turned back to face the hot tub.

The boy cleared his throat, "S-Sarah, one job? Okay— Who got you the Phantom? Huh? You ever think about that?"

∙ ~εïз~ ∙

The now four-person party had slowed down, the music a little quieter, the voices around the hot tub turning into drunken laughter and quiet conversations. Pope and Kiara were already long gone on the boat, no one even wanted to ask where they were headed.

Marella was feeling the effects of the beer, weed, and eating the entire cake, coursing through her veins and decided to step away from the group. Once she found a quiet corner on the empty boat deck, she leaned against the bannister. She was buzzing, her mind racing, yet she felt oddly calm under the warm glow of the string lights.

JJ found her leaning against the railing, staring out at the dark water. He had his usual confident swagger, but his steps faltered slightly when he saw her. "Hey, birthday girl," he greeted, holding out a fresh beer.

Marella turned, smiling at him as she accepted the drink. "Hey, JJ."

He leaned against the railing beside her, his shoulder brushing hers. "Having fun? Or are you doing that thing where you overthink everything and like ruin the vibe?"

She let out a soft laugh, taking a sip of the beer. "I'm fine. I mean, I'm a little... you know." She wiggled her fingers in a vague gesture. "Cross-faded?" He guessed with a teasing smirk.

"Yeah. Thanks to you."

"Anytime." JJ joked, grinning at her. Marella rolled her eyes but didn't bother arguing this time. Instead, she glanced down at the beer in her hand, her thoughts swimming around in her mind.

"You know..." JJ began, his voice less playful now. "I just realised I didn't get you anything for your birthday. That's kind of a low blow, huh?"

She turned to face him, raising an eyebrow. "You're feeling guilty about that now?" The girl questioned.

"Better late than never, right?" he replied, rubbing the back of his neck. "I mean, I should've gotten you something. You deserve a gift." For a moment, Marella stayed quiet, her heart racing—part booze, part nerves. "Well, I can think of something you could give me." She said.

His eyes widened, and for the first time, JJ Maybank looked genuinely caught off guard. "Whoa." The boy laughed, not taking her seriously. "Wait... are you serious right now?" She stepped closer, watching as his cheeks grew red. "Why wouldn't I be?" She asked.

JJ stared at her, stunned into silence before a nervous laugh escaped his lips. "Marella, you're drunk." "And high," she added, leaning against the railing, her body now just inches from his. "So are you."

"Yeah, but..." He trailed off, his usual confidence faltering as he realised she wasn't joking. "You're messing with me. Right?"

Marella bit her lip, half of her wishing she could take her brave statement back, the other half encouraged by the way JJ was looking at her— like he didn't know whether to lean in or walk away. "Maybe. Maybe not." She gave him a small, teasing smile, but her voice softened. "What if I'm not?"

JJ swallowed hard, searching her face for a sign she was messing with him. Instead, he saw something else—nervousness, maybe even fear. "Marella..." he began, his voice more careful. She cut him off. "You said you were bummed you didn't get me a gift. This is me telling you what I want."

For a second, JJ was completely thrown, his usual confidence slipping. He took a step back for a moment, raking his hands through his damp hair with frustration. "Fuck. Ella... You can't say things like this." He spoke.

"Why? You don't like it?" She asked, her voice quieter now, the earlier boldness beginning to falter.

JJ stepped back over to her, his hand lingering near her cheek and his heart pounding. "I like you." He said. But then the boy hesitated, "You sure about this?" He asked, his voice softer now, more serious.

Marella nodded, her voice steady. "I'm sure."

JJ swallowed hard, his gaze searching hers for a long moment. Then, a mischievous grin crept back onto his face. "Well, who am I to say no to the birthday girl?" He asked. He lowered his hand from her cheek and intertwined their fingers. Marella's heart was pounding in her chest as she allowed him to lead her back into the house.

"Now, where are you two going?" Sarah questioned, an intrigued look on her face.

"Just grabbing more drinks," JJ called out over his shoulder, not even bothering to stop. Marella's cheeks burned, but she bit back a grin, glancing at Sarah as they passed. The drinks were literally within arm's reach of Sarah, but neither of them cared to explain.

All of a sudden, John B pressed his hand against JJ's chest, preventing him from going any further. Marella's eyes grew wide, thinking they had been caught. "Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. What was that?" John B questioned.

The four were silent for a moment, wanting to hear what John B could. But there was nothing noticeable but the loud clucking. "Your chicken?" JJ challenged, stepping closer to the door again.

But John B pushed him back, "No. I heard a car door." He said. JJ began to mimic the sound of the chicken's clicking, but Marella saw the solemn look on John B's face and quickly put her hand onto the boy's mouth to silence him.

"Someone's here." She whispered, her grip on JJ's hand tightening. "We need to get out of here." John B instructed, making Sarah jump onto her feet.

"And go where?"

JJ's eyes darted to the massive oak tree they were standing beside. "Up there. Now." "What?" Marella yelped, staring at the tree like it was a death sentence.

"Come on!" JJ said as John B was already helping Sarah up onto the lowest branch. "It's that or we get shot at, Ella. Your call." He said. The girl sighed, removing her hand from his and making her way over to the other side of the tree.

"Fuck." Marella hissed, her foot missing the hole in the tree once again. Her motor skills were extremely poor due to the substances in her body. JJ didn't hesitate to secure his hands around either side of her waist and push her up, allowing her to pull herself onto the tree easily.

While John B and Sarah scrambled up the other side of the tree, JJ climbed up after Marella, his legs straddling her body from behind.

They watched as Barry made his way into the house, Rafe walking around the back garden. "Where the hell are you?" He asked.

They sat on the branches in silence, Marella's heart pounding so loud that she feared Rafe would hear it. The stress she was experiencing made her slightly sober up, and more aware of what was happening.

"Yo! Anything?" Rafe yelled out to Barry as he exited the house. The man shook his head, "No, ain't shit in there, bro."

"No? Nothing?"

"No. Nothing, Rafe."

"They were obviously just here based off the smoke, man!" Rafe insisted, pacing the garden. "And look at the balloons— Look at them!"

Barry scoffed, fully believing that his friend was losing it. "The balloons? Yeah, yeah, yeah. Great observation, Boy Scout." He chuckled to himself.

Rafe groaned. "Yes, the balloons! It's.. It's Mouse's birthday today and oh, what a coincidence this place is decorated like a party! And there's one thing I know for sure. Wherever she is, my sister isn't far behind."

Marella bit her lip, glancing at Sarah, who masked her fear with a calm expression. Sarah slowly raised her finger to her lips, telling Marella not to make a sound.

"They're not far, you know?" Rafe continued. "Smokey the Bear! Look at you, bro!" Barry yelled back.

"They gotta be around here somewhere." Rafe concluded. Marella turned her head back to look at JJ. He gave her a reassuring nod, silently telling her everything would be okay. "P4L." Barry read out, catching their attention.

The two glanced down to see Rafe pointing a gun towards the carving on the tree they were perched on. "Well, shit." He laughed.

"So, your sister's a Pogue for life, huh, Rafe? Now who would've thought?" He taunted. Marella watched as Rafe twitched before he completely lost his cool. "Shit!" He yelled, making the girl flinch. Suddenly, he raised his pistol and shot at the tree.

JJ quickly pulled the girl back, both of them leaning behind another branch. "Hey! Whoa Hey, chill, bro! Rafe!" Barry exclaimed. Chill your shit! You're gonna get our asses buster dawg! Let's bounce. Let's go!" He shouted, dragging his friend away.

 
⎯ ❃ jania speaks!
definitely one of my favourite chapters so far 🩷🩷🩷 hope everyone enjoyed it!