"You are your father's daughter, stubbornness and pride.
Mind what he says but remember,
you may hear a voice inside."

[POV: June]

AS THE SUN DIPPED BELOW THE HORIZON, casting a warm golden glow across the quiet street, my heart fluttered with a mix of excitement and apprehension.

I meticulously prepared John B's room for JJ's impending arrival, making sure everything was just right. It had been a couple of hours since the conversation I had with JJ at Heyward's shop had happened. The prospect of spending the night with JJ brought a glimmer of light to my otherwise heavy heart.

As I carefully arranged my belongings, I couldn't help but feel a tinge of sadness. John B had turned into my confidant, my pillar of strength, and his absence still felt like an unbearable weight upon my shoulders. But amidst the pain, I found solace in the gentle presence of JJ, a friend who had unknowingly become my anchor during these difficult times.

Maybe even becoming something more.

As the soft hum of anticipation buzzed in the air, I stood in front of my mirror, my gaze fixed upon my reflection. I tried my best to not look at myself for too long, I hated seeing my reflection and only seeing John B in myself.

I tried to steadily calm my nerves, reminding myself to be present in the moment and to cherish the connection I had with JJ. Tonight was more than just a sleepover; it was a small respite, an opportunity to temporarily escape the gravity of loss and to embrace the joy of our shared friendship.

As I adorned myself in comfortable pajamas, my mind wandered to the memories we had created over the past days. Laughter-filled afternoons spent in the château, heartfelt conversations shared under the starlit sky - moments that wove us together like threads in the tapestry of our friendship. I cherished these memories, for they reminded me that, even in the face of tragedy, love and connection could persevere.

With each passing minute, my anticipation grew as I imagined the imminent arrival of JJ at the château's doorstep. I couldn't help but wonder how this night would unfold—whether our usual banter would take on a deeper, more profound tone.

Would he perceive the subtle shifts in my demeanor, the traces of vulnerability that I had been unable to conceal?

As I made final adjustments to my own room, arranging the pillows and blankets, a mixture of nervousness and contentment settled in my heart. I knew that this night was not just about having a sleepover before going to high school; it was about finding strength in each other's presence, about forging an unbreakable bond of support as we both navigated the uncharted waters of grief.

Finally, the door being knocked startled me out of my own thoughts. I took a deep breath, my pulse beginning to get rapid. Seconds later, I opened the door to find JJ standing there, a genuine smile etched across his face. In that moment, all my worries melted away, replaced by a sense of belonging and acceptance.

June: "Hi." -I greeted, seeing how flushed he got while a smile continued to form on his face.

JJ: "Hey, Jun-Jun."

I rolled my eyes by the nickname, allowing him inside as he chuckled over my expression.

June: "Told you to stop calling me that." -I mumbled, hearing how he placed his backpack down on the ground as I closed the door.

JJ: "Yeah, I know. It's just funny to see your reaction."

I glanced his way with my hands placed on my waist, receiving a smile from him. He stretched his arms towards me, making me walk to him to embrace the boy into a warm hug.

June: "Thanks for coming, JJ." -I mumbled against his shoulder, feeling how he rubbed my back gently.

JJ: "Anytime, June."

As we continued to settle in for the night, my heart felt lighter. I realized that, even in the face of profound loss, love and connection could breathe new life into my world. With JJ by my side, I felt a renewed sense of hope, knowing that together we could overcome any obstacle that lay ahead.

I had been resting on my bed while reading some of my dad's books of history, unfortunately, beginning to doze off over how sleepy I felt. I didn't want tomorrow to arrive, school didn't felt like the right thing to do after days of pure anxiety.

My eyes darted towards my room's door as I heard a knock, meeting the sight of JJ peeking carefully while looking my way.

June: "What's up?" -I asked, closing my book right as I signaled him to go inside.

He walked around my bed, reaching the other side eventually and sitting beside me. I continued to stare at the boy, nerves just being the only thing I could feel as he was so close to me.

Flashbacks of that night when we kissed flashed through my mind, making me feel flustered by the thought of it.

JJ: "I called Kie, she said she's picking us up tomorrow with Pope for school."

June: "That's perfect, I was feeling worried about that...you know, I only have a bike." -I mentioned, making eye contact with the boy's ocean eyes.

He stayed quiet for a couple of seconds while looking at me, eventually speaking once more while looking away.

JJ: "Um, do you...do you feel nervous for tomorrow?" -he asked, grabbing the book I was reading and beginning to look at the cover of it.

June: "I wouldn't say nervous, I feel terrified over how people are going to react by seeing me. Just by the way people already look at me at town, I feel like it's going to be bad."

He nodded while listening to my words, glancing over to me as I finished.

JJ: "Well, Kie, Pope and I are not going to allow anyone to mess with you. We are going to be by your side throughout it all, if they try anything they'll be meeting these."

The boy had raised his fist after his sentence, making me chuckle over how stupid he looked.

June: "Yeah, sure. Then, get sent to detention and eventually actually leave me alone?"

JJ: "Well, actually...I didn't thought about it that way."

We both began to laugh, both of our echoes resonating inside my room. He placed my book on the night table beside him, adjusting his body to face me completely.

JJ: "Get some rest, okay? Tomorrow would be better than any other day, I promise."

June: "I hope so." -I mumbled, moving a strand of hair that was covering his eye.

He smiled by my action, proceeding to stand up from my bed and start to walk towards my room's exit. I followed him with my eyes, but before he could grab the door handle, I stopped his hand.

JJ: "June?" -he whispered, looking down at my hand that currently made contact with his skin.

He eyed me with furrowed eyebrows, tilting his head slightly.

June: "Can you stay here? I'm just...scared to sleep alone."

He didn't hesitated at all to nod in agreement, walking once again to the spot he was in and resting right beside me.

I quickly embraced the boy into a hug, feeling how he gently rested his hand on my back as I hugged him.

As we drifted off to sleep, the fragility of the moment lingered, reminding me to cherish the bonds that kept me afloat in the storm, and to trust in the healing power of friendship.
__________________________________

[Next day]

The next morning, JJ and I were quick to wake up and prepare our stuff before our two friends arrived home. We decided to eat something at school since we were trying to be quick so Kie or Pope wouldn't get mad.

I handled the boy an apple, watching how he placed it inside his backpack carefully and then opened the château's door to wait outside.

I was already feeling more terrified than yesterday, just by the fact of thinking of this being my first time attending the school. I didn't know anything about it, only that it was filled with pogues.

Thankfully but unfortunate at the same time.

As I finished preparing everything, I placed my hair up into a ponytail, accompanying it with my yellow hoodie as I came outside the house.

JJ: "Kie's already on her way, it took a while to get here. Pope had sort of an argument with Heyward."

June: "Everything okay?" -I questioned, locking the château's door as I listened.

JJ: "You know, Heyward. He usually wants Pope early at his home after school."

I agreed after his words, turning around to look at the driveway of my home. It was quite messed up over how tall the grass was getting, I sighed by how ugly it looked, glancing at JJ, who had noticed my mood change.

June: "I'm okay, just looking at the driveway and how ugly it looks." -I spoke, sighing out loud.

JJ: "Didn't you say something about Mr. James helping you out with trimming the lawn?"

My eyes darted forward, beginning to get grinned as I thought of the familiar man and what Hal happened.

June: "He hasn't called or texted to let me know about that. I think he's still bumped about the whole restaurant fight." -I replied, crossing my arms with disappointment in myself.

JJ: "I'm sure he'll call soon, he can't be mad at you."

I nodded slowly, minutes later, hearing a car approaching the house. Thankfully, revealing Kie and Pope arriving at the château. JJ and I walked up to the car, watching how Kie headed out rapidly.

Kie: "June, do you feel comfortable driving?" -the girl asked, hugging me from aside as I stepped beside her.

June: "Sure, I can."

She smiled and opened the car's door for me, allowing me to sit inside the vehicle and await for everyone else to get ready.

The car ride to school was thick with an unspoken tension, a somber silence that hung heavily in the air. Pope sat sandwiched beside JJ, this over a pair of boxes on the back seat covering half of the space.

Kie and I, on the other hand, felt the weight of our collective nerves as we approached the first day back after the heart-wrenching loss of our dear friends. The absence of laughter and lighthearted banter that had once defined our journeys together now seemed almost deafening.

Glancing out the window, each passing familiar street and building seemed to echo with a melancholic sorrow that mirrored our own internal struggles. The raw pain of grief mingled with the trepidation of facing a school filled with painful reminders of our loss. It was as if our once vibrant world had been draped in a shroud of muted colors, casting a shadow of sadness upon every corner.

I searched for the right words to break the silence that seemed to suffocate us all, but found only the knots of anxiety tightening in my chest. I knew my friends were feeling the same waves of emotions, their hearts fragile and weary from the weight of their sorrow. The absence of our lost friends was like an invisible void, a void that seemed impossible to fill.

JJ, normally the ray of sunshine in our group, stared blankly ahead, while drinking from his alcohol flask. His normally lively eyes dulled by the heavy burden of grief.

Pope, usually known for his quick wit and charm, fiddled with his fingers nervously, struggling to find solace in his own thoughts. I felt as if I was caught between an overwhelming urge to reach out, to heal the collective wounds that seemed to haunt the pair, and a paralyzing fear of saying the wrong thing, making things worse.

As I pulled up to the school, my heartbeat quickened. The sight of the bustling campus, once familiar and comforting from photos I had seen, now felt foreign and unwelcome. I cast a glance at my friends, seeing the reflection of my own fears mirrored in their eyes. It was a painful reminder that we were in this together, yet also a bittersweet comfort knowing we were not alone.

June: "Are you guys ready?" -I asked, finally breaking the silence.

I inhaled one last puff of smoke from my cigarette before I was ready to turn it off, looking through the rear view mirror while waiting for the boys to reply.

Kie: "I think so...are you?" -the girl replied herself, looking over to me with worry.

I nodded quickly, obviously lying but trying to maintain strong for the group. Steeling ourselves with a deep breath, Kie, Pope, and JJ mustered their strength and stepped out of the car. I took a deep breath myself while looking ahead, hearing my door suddenly opening.

Kie: "Come on, we'll help you." -the girl reassured, stretching me her hand.

I smiled at the girl, grabbing her hand tightly and throwing the cigarette to the grass to quickly turn it off. Kie looked around and realized how JJ was still drinking alcohol nonstop.

Kie: "Hey, chill out." -she ordered, gaining my attention as I noticed she was still looking at the blond one.

JJ: "If I black out, just don't remind me."

June: "JJ, don't say that." -I whispered, rolling my eyes by his comment.

Kie: "She's right, that's not funny."

We all began to walk alongside each other, hearing the whispers from other students around us. They were not good at hiding that they were indeed talking about us, I could only look ahead and pretend like I didn't hear half of the horrible things they were saying.

I then stumbled across something I wasn't expecting to see already, the trio stepped beside me and looked down as well.

A memorial...for John B and Bailey.

My eyes instantly flooded themselves with tears as I found it extremely surprising to see something like this for them here.

Part of me thought no one at school would have the guts to do something like this for them after everyone twisted their story horribly.

June: "It's nice, right?" -I mumbled, smiling faintly at Pope.

The boy only nodded, rubbing my back with a reassuring look. The rest of the group didn't say anything for a couple of seconds, but Kie eventually did.

Kie: "I feel like people are staring at us."

We all turned around, spotting half of the students eyes glaring our way. I awkwardly nodded while holding eye contact with some random girl that just stared at me up and down.

JJ: "Oh yeah." -he whispered, moving my chin upfront so I wouldn't continue seeing people's glares.

I watched how Pope sighed out of annoyance, walking ahead before all of us could follow.

Pope: "Guys, I can't be late."

Worry instantly covered me, this being completely noticed by Kie who was quick to follow Pope.

Kie: "Hey. Hey. We gotta stick together." -she confidently said, stretching her hand towards Pope.

He hesitated at first to interlaced his hand with hers, but still did it as I practically begged him to do so with my eyes. I glanced at JJ then, grabbing his arm and pulling him beside me. 

JJ: "Stick together. Yeah." -he whispered completely annoyed, making me nudge him gently so he could calm down.

Continuing to walk, we eventually reached into the labyrinth of hallways that held memories of laughter, shared secrets, and companionship now lost like Pope said.

Stepping carefully, we approached the center of the hallway, side by side, silently vowing to support each other through the storm that awaited us.

The oppressive silence continued throughout the day as we talked to one another at the school, I kept encountering familiar faces that now seemed alien in our obliviousness to our pain.

We had all reached one of our classrooms, but the weight of my grief made it hard to concentrate on the lesson, to engage in the usual schoolyard banter. But the trio persevered, clinging to me to  be the only beacons of solace in this sea of sorrow.

I rested my head against my school desk once I had finished my work, closing my eyes to only be overwhelmed by the amount of voices filling the room.

"Everything works out in the end."

I mumbled those words with my eyes still closed, remembering the time when my dad said that to me.

Familiar voice: "Excuse me, Mr. Fisher. May I have a second with June Routledge? The principal would like to talk to her."

I raised my head up by the mention of my name, glancing at the classroom's entrance to spot Wyatt looking at the teacher. Everyone else inside the classroom, just patiently waited for his reply.

The teacher eyed me at first, looking a couple of seconds after towards Wyatt.

Mr. Fisher: "Do you have a permission paper?" -he questioned, pointing at the boy.

Wyatt nodded quickly, walking inside the classroom to handle the paper to the man. I didn't knew Wyatt attended this school, part of me thought he studied at the same school Kayla attended.

Well, maybe he did, but now he's here.

After the teacher finished signing, he motioned me to stand up and follow Wyatt, so I did.

I glanced back and held eye contact with the rest of my friends who only nodded reassuringly my way.

Then, I started to follow Wyatt quietly through the school's hallways. In the absence of words, I felt like the bond I had created with Wyatt had disappeared completely. I knew he was probably angry from the news of James's shop, I didn't wanted to verbalize his pain; it was etched on every shadow that passed behind his eyes.

There was solace in the shared experience of loss, an unspoken language that only I could truly comprehend just by looking at the boy.

Wyatt: "The principal wants to speak to you about your schedule, he told me to call you since he knows you and I are good friends."

I stopped his tracks after hearing his last words, grabbing his wrist, he turned around with worry and stared directly at my eyes.

Wyatt: "You okay?"

June: "Friends? We are still...friends?" -I asked, a relieved tone leaving my lips as I questioned.

Wyatt: "June, of course we are. Why wouldn't we be?"

June: "It's just, I thought you were mad about what happened at the restaurant. I'm really sorry, Wyatt."

Wyatt: "I get it, I've been quite distant after what happened. My dad has been in a very bad mood lately and I've been trying to look out for him."

I nodded as I carefully listened to the boy's words, seeing how sad he seemed by just thinking of his family's current situation.

June: "Is he mad at me?" -I asked, crossing my arms with nervousness.

Wyatt: "Don't think so, he's just disappointed in himself for not being able to contain his anger."

My eyes glanced towards the ground after his sentence, I could feel relief surrounding me instantly. But, more questions kept popping up in my brain.

Questions I didn't felt comfortable asking yet, but wanted to. Something about asking him them felt too soon, though.

Wyatt: "Here, let's keep walking."

I nodded quickly and followed the boy through the hallway, eventually reaching a wooden door. He stopped his tracks right beside me, opening the door later on so I could go inside.

Wyatt: "Good luck, June. I'll see you around, right?" -he asked, receiving a nod from me as I walked in.

I heard the door closing behind me as I walked deeper into the office, reaching another door that had a sign that quoted "principal's office" in it.

My hand trembled once I grabbed the handle of the door, but I was able to succeed and open it. My eyes instantly met with the principals as I fully entered the space, heart skipping a beat pretty quick.

June: "Good morning, Mr. Musk." -I greeted, closing the door behind me.

He signaled me to take a seat in front of him, so I did. He had his hands crossed while reading my current paper work, eventually looking at me again as I sat.

Mr. Musk: "How are you feeling today, June?" -he questioned, raising an eyebrow as he asked.

My eyes darted around the room with hesitation, I didn't know how honest I should be in that current situation.

June: "Well, just feeling nervous." -I replied, eyeing him as I spoke.

Mr. Musk: "Yeah, I understand. You don't have to feel nervous at all, June."

June: "I know, it's just...you know, my current situation hasn't really made things quite easy." -I spoke, seeing how the man nodded.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself, as I looked out the window from the office. I thought to myself that this meeting with the school's principal would determine how my situation would be handled, how my grief and loss would be acknowledged within the school community.

As I eyed the principal again, the air felt heavy, the atmosphere tinged with a mix of anxiety and uncertainty. The principal, a figure of authority and power, continued to stare at me from behind the desk, his face a reflection of concern and empathy.

I took a moment to compose myself, drawing on the strength I had gathered since the loss of my brother and two friends. I knew then that I needed to be open and honest about my emotions, about what I needed from the school to navigate this difficult period.

June: "Do you know who made the memorial outside for John B. Routledge and Bailey Martin?" -I asked, taking a quick glance at the rock that held the memorial.

Mr. Musk: "I heard it was one of John B's friends idea, I'm not sure who though."

June: "If you ever find out...can you say thank you for me?"

Mr. Musk: "Of course, June." -he replied, smiling reassuringly my way.

With each word I spoke, I felt a mix of vulnerability and determination. I shared not only my pain and grief, but also my hopes and fears. I explained how the loss of John B and friends had shaken me to the core, how the upcoming days, weeks, and possibly months could probably turn into a journey of healing and reconciliation.

I also expressed my need for support, for understanding, and for an environment that would allow me to process my grief while continuing my education.

My voice quivered at times, betraying the depth of my emotions, but I pressed on, my strength of conviction bolstered by the knowledge that I deserved to have my experiences validated.

I was not just seeking sympathy, but rather understanding and affirmation that my loss mattered, that I was not alone in my pain.

The principal listened attentively, his eyes conveying a mix of compassion and respect. He acknowledged the magnitude of my loss and the impact it had on my life. He assured me that the school would do everything within its power to create a safe and empathetic environment for me to heal, to honor John B and Bailey's memory, and to reintegrate into the school community without feeling isolated or overwhelmed.

As the conversation unfolded, my tension began to ease ever so slightly. I felt a glimmer of hope that the school administration would step up, that they would provide the support and understanding I so desperately needed.

In that moment, I understood the power of speaking up, of advocating for myself in the face of adversity.

Mr. Musk: "Tomorrow, I need you to come by again to read your old school's paperwork."

My eyes darted towards the man with worry, regaining instant attention from the principal as he noticed my expression as well.

Mr. Musk: "Everything okay?" -he asked, looking at the papers underneath his arms.

June: "I don't have my old school's paperwork, only those papers that were thankfully gained by someone who's been taking care of me."

I spoke quickly, a worried tone leaving my lips.

Mr. Musk: "Have you been able to contact your mom about this?"

June: "She doesn't speak to me at all." -I mentioned, raising my shoulders in between words.

Mr. Musk: "Anyone else you can contact about this?

I thought about it for a while, eventually shaking my head side to side in response.

Mr. Musk: "Not to worry, I'm sure I can try contacting your old school soon and ask for your paperwork." -he reassured, smiling my way gently.

Minutes after speaking for quite longer, I left the principal's office. I only felt a sense of relief mixed with cautious optimism. I knew that my journey through grief would not be easy, but I now had hope that this school would be a sanctuary, a place where I could find solace amidst the storm.

The weight on my shoulders lifted just a little, replaced by a renewed confidence that, although my world had been shattered, I had the strength to rebuild and redefine myself.

As I walked through the hallways, I passed by a group of girls that were whispering some words to each other quietly. I could listen to some of their conversation, they were very bad at whispering.

Unknown girl: "She's just such a bitch and thinks she's better than anyone, she told me to stay away from Topper or else she would claw my eyes out with her nails."

Second girl: "There's no way that's what she said, Isabel." -the blonde girl beside her spoke, eyes widened with fear.

I looked aside with curiosity of who could be the girl they were talking about, continuing to hear very carefully their conversation.

Isabel: "I told Kayla that my relationship with Topper was not her business at all, I mean, I get it...she's his sister. But why does she think she owns him?"

My eyes opened widely by the mention of Kayla's name, almost making me chock in the process of hearing.

Second girl: "You know what you should do?" -she suddenly asked, crossing her arms with raised eyebrows.

Isabel: "What?"

Second girl: "Show her how she shouldn't be messing around with Pogues and control us."

Isabel: "Show her who actually controls things around here?" -she questioned with a smirk, receiving a nod from her friend.

I suddenly heard rapid running as I continued to place all my books on my locker, looking aside to see my friends running through the hallway like there was no tomorrow.

Kie: "June, we have to talk! It's really important, come on." -the girl shouted, grabbing my hand as she ran passed me.

I heard the boys following along as they talked to one another with only questions being asked.

June: "Guys, what's going on?" -I asked with worry leaving my tone, stopping their tracks before we could exit the school completely.

Kie glanced at Pope quickly, receiving a nod from him before she could pull out her phone and show me something completely unexpected.

Kie: "June, this might sound like the most crazy but breathtaking words you could ever hear right now."

June: "Wh-what?" -I stuttered, eyeing the group rapidly.

The curly head placed her phone right in front of my eyesight, showing me a picture of John B, Sarah and Bailey all together. My eyebrows instantly frowned with confusion, raising up as I stared back at Kie.

June: "I don't understand...is this a joke?" -I questioned, tears filling my eyes completely.

Kie shrugged her shoulders in response, staring at Pope and JJ later on.

Kie: "We all received it, did you too?" -she asked, her eyebrows furrowing as well.

I tried finding my phone inside my pocket, soon after realizing I had forgotten my phone at home. I grunted completely annoyed, rolling my eyes in the process.

June: "I forgot my phone at home." -I replied, pushing my hair back.

Pope: "Okay, let's just go to the courtyard really quick. We can't let anyone else hear about this."

We all nodded and opened the doors that led outside, everyone questioning each other about the mysterious photo. I didn't know what to think of it, the photo could've easily been photoshopped by someone, but at the same time...it looked too real to be fake.

JJ: "Guys, what if they actually made it?" -JJ questioned, a smile creeping on his face while speaking.

Kie: "I mean, is that even possible? I mean, Shoupe said that they didn't make it. He said that."

I nodded while listening to Kie's words, eyeing a pair of friends that sat quietly on a table near us. They both quickly stood up and started to pack their stuff as they realized we were approaching.

Pope: "Okay, but I...I think we're overreacting right now. Cause we can't rule out the possibility that this could all be some kind of weird, cruel hoax."

I watched how Kie took a sit on top of one of the courtyard tables, allowing me to do the same so I could take a look at her phone. The boys only stood and watched our every move carefully.

June: "What are you going to do?" -I asked, worry but excitement filling me up.

Kie: "I'm just gonna ask."

JJ: "What if it's actually him, though?" -the boy questioned as he stared at Pope, revealing the amount of nerves he had by just the sound of his tone.

Pope: "Then I don't know, okay? I don't know."

Hope instantly flashed itself through me as I heard JJ's words, I began to pray to myself for all of this to be truth and not some cruel joke caused by someone or even worse...nightmare.

Kie typed a quick message on her phone as we all waited, a ding later on being heard by everyone and gaining our attention once more.

Pope: "He responded?" -the boy asked, glancing our way with wonder.

Kie: "He's typing."

The girl looked at everyone completely shocked, eyeing me lastly with a smile covered with reassurance.

Kie: "He's typing." -she repeated, allowing me to take a deep breath.

We all listened to another ding again, instantly making me glance at Kie's phone to see an unknown message typing to Kie.

Unknown number: "Is JJ there?"

Both Kie and I glanced at JJ, the blond one attentively then glanced at his phone while taking deep breaths. He began to type quickly, making me look at the phone to see his reply.

JJ: "I'm here Bree." -he texted back, forcing a smile to beam on my face.

We all waited a short amount of time for a text back. My heart only leapt into my throat as Kie's phone buzzed, signaling that she had received another text message. In a state of anxious anticipation, I glanced at the girl's phone once more and read the words that appeared on the screen.

Unknown number: "Did you pimp my short board?"

I instantly chucked as I finished reading the text, looking at JJ who also did the same as me while glancing at Pope.

My eyes instantly began to drop tears as I realized that my brother and two friends, who I had believed were lost forever, were alive.

A mix of relief, elation, and disbelief surged through my veins, threatening to overwhelm me.

Tears filled my eyes even more as I absorbed the miraculous news. The weight that had been crushing my spirit for so long suddenly lifted, replaced by an extraordinary sense of hope and renewed faith in the world. It felt as though I had been holding my breath for an eternity, and now I could finally exhale.

JJ: "It's him." -JJ mumbled with a bright smile, tears falling down from his eyes as well.

Kie: "It's him."

Pope: "It's definitely him." -Pope repeated, quickly then being embraced by JJ.

In my state of joyful disbelief, I felt an urgent need to share a hug with someone as well. I turned around, my heart pounding, only to find Kie already looking at me. Our expressions a mirror of my own astonishment and joy. Words failed me in that moment, replaced by tearful hugs, laughter, and a sense of overwhelming gratitude.

June: "They are okay." -I mumbled while bawling onto the girl's shoulder, feeling her rubbing my back reassuringly.

Kie: "They are, June....they are."

I laughed while pulling away from the girl, instantly being embraced by JJ who didn't waste a second to hug me as I looked at him.

The world around me seemed to brighten and come to life once more. The colors seemed vivid, the air felt fresher, and the face of every passerby appeared cloaked in the radiance of newfound hope. I reveled in the knowledge that the bond I once thought irrevocably shattered had been miraculously mended, and that the loved ones I had mourned hadn't been truly lost.

I pulled away from JJ, hearing how he shouted with excitement and continued to hug Kie after doing so.

My eyes darted to Kie's phone as she was reading another message, smiling brightly while doing so.

Kie: "Laying super low in Nassau."

June: "Nassau?!" -I exclaimed, laughing out of complete surprise.

Kie: "How the hell did they get to the Bahamas?"

June: "Literally." -I laughed, grabbing Kie's phone to take another look at the photo John B had sent.

They all looked much more skinner, tanner and their hairs even lighter. But, thankfully, they seemed happy to be alive.

A smile brightly shined my face as I stared at the picture completely focused.

JJ: "You can't kill a Pogue, dude." -the blond one spoke confidently, shrugging his shoulders while speaking.

Pope: "Especially, John B."

We all laughed, hearing another ding from Kie and JJ's phone. I read the message this time, taking a deep breath before reading it out loud.

June: "Can you clear Bailey and I's name? We wanna come home."

JJ: "Hell, yeah, we'll clear your name, boy." -the boy spoke after I read, flashing me a smile.

The phone rang one last time, revealing a text that said it all.

Kie: "Be in touch. P4L."

As we all stood together, a united front, I could feel the strength of our shared experience knitting us together with an unbreakable bond. The pain and sorrow we had endured had transformed into a testimony of resilience and the power of love. It was a reminder that nothing was truly hopeless, and that miracles could happen even in the darkest of times.

JJ: "P4L, man. That's what I'm talking about!" -JJ cheered, stepping on top of the table Kie and I were in.

I chuckled by his excitement, holding onto his leg so he wouldn't fall.

JJ: "P4L, baby!"

Moving forward, I felt an overwhelming gratitude for each breath I took, for every beat of my heart. I would cherish my brother and friends with a renewed sense of purpose, holding them close and cherishing every moment spent together. I understood the fragility of life, the importance of treasuring the connections we all have.

In the midst of my newfound joy, I couldn't help but feel a bittersweet ache for the time lost, for the pain and grief that had consumed me. But I also knew that it was in the depths of darkness that the light could shine most brilliantly.

I was determined to move forward with gratitude and a renewed appreciation for the simple beauty of life.

Kie: "Holy shit, dude."

June: "Literally, holy shit." -I laughed, hugging Pope as he approached me.

My journey hadn't ended with the revelation of my brother and friends' survival, but rather, a new adventure and chapter had just begun. With an unwavering hope and a heart full of love, I embraced the uncertainty of the future, knowing that as long as we all had each other, we could overcome any storm that came our way.

So, as the day drew to a close, JJ, Kie, and Pope pled their goodbyes to me as they dropped me off at Kayla's home. They all shared the same look, excitement and joy evident in their eyes.

No words were exchanged about me being at Kayla's house, but the mere presence of one another was enough to convey support, comfort, and unwavering understanding.

Kie: "Call us once you get home, we have to start planning what to do with you-know-what." -she smiled, making me do so as well as I nodded and walked away from the girl's car.

June: "I'll call guys, don't worry."

They all eventually left me at the entrance of Kayla's home, this time allowing me to feel a little bit more relaxed since the news had sort of overtaken me.

I ran the doorbell of the Thornton's home, waiting for a short amount of time until the door finally opened. I sighed as I realized who the person that opened the door was, eyeing the boy completely annoyed.

June: "Topper." -I mumbled, crossing my arms as the boy did the same exact thing.

Topper: "June."

June: "Is Kayla home?" -I asked, looking behind the boy's shoulder while questioning.

Topper: "Why the question?"

June: "I have something to tell her, something important that's not any of your business."

The boy chuckled after my comment, glancing over to me later on. I smiled proudly his way, seeing how he rolled his eyes.

Topper: "Maybe you should watch your tone before speaking."

I laughed by his comment, staring at him once more while tilting my head.

June: "Maybe you should learn how to respect boundaries so you don't get treated like the kind of shitty person you are." -I replied, shrugging my shoulders as I finished my sentence.

After hearing my sentence, he sighed out loud and grabbed the house's door, beginning to close it.

Topper: "That's it, goodb-"

Kayla: "Let her in, Topper."

The boy turned around as he heard Kayla's voice echoing behind him, I smiled proudly by Topper's expression and pushed him aside to enter the home.

I approached the girl who instantly smiled at me, stretching me her hand so I could grab hers.

Kayla: "Hey, what brought you here today?" -she asked, pulling me up the stairs of her home while whispering.

June: "There's some news I have for you....important ones."

My hands trembled with anticipation as I watched Kayla unlocking her room's door, my heart only pounding in my chest as I waited.

I genuinely couldn't contain the overwhelming joy that surged through every fiber of my being. My brother and friends were alive, and I was about to share this miraculous news with, Kayla.

Kayla: "Okay, go inside." -she spoke, opening her bedroom's door completely for me.

June: "Thanks, so-"

Kayla: "Wait, shit, I forgot my bag downstairs. I'll be back, I have to go get it or else Topper would steal money from me as revenge."

I chuckled by the girl's expression, nodding in agreement while washing her take off her school's shirt and stay with her sport bra.

June: "It's fine, take your time." -I reassured, smiling at her as she quickly ran outside.

So, as I stepped fully inside the girl's room, the familiar warmth and comfort of Kayla's room enveloped me, filling me with a sense of security.

I found myself peering out the window, searching for reassurance on the beauty of the nature outside. Minutes felt like an eternity as I waited for Kayla to arrive, my excitement growing with each passing second.

Finally, I saw Kayla's radiant reflection on her window. A smile flashing on her face once she entered her room. She dropped her bag on top of her be, this one that was decorated with nothing but sheets covered in flowers.

A surge of happiness washed over me, this was the person who had been with me through thick and thin when I least expected it, who had held my hand through the darkest times of my life. I couldn't wait to share such incredible news, to witness the joy ignite within my best friend's eyes.

As Kayla stepped closer to me, her eyes met mine's, curiosity and concern evident in her gaze.

I couldn't hide my excitement any longer.

My voice trembled, a mixture of nervousness and elation, as I began to share the extraordinary news.

Kayla: "So, what's going on?" -she asked, placing her hair up into a ponytail.

I took a couple of seconds to reply, holding my hands together while finding the right time to speak.

But, I eventually did.

June: "Okay, John B, Bailey and Sarah are alive." -I spoke, eyeing the girl whose eyes began to open up widely.

Kayla: "What?!"

[End of chapter]

Sofia's notes:
Hey beauties!!! This chapter was a little short but long as well in my opinion, I don't know if that's what it feels like to y'all haha.

BUT, next chapter is pretty much going to be what exactly happened before June and the Pogues figured out that the rest of the group was alive. Then, it will continue with the present time that is going to have some juicy moments 🤭

ALSO!! sorry if this chapter has writing errors, sooner or later I'll try to edit whatever error I'm able to find. Remember English is not my first language, so there's probably a lot of writing errors in there.

That's it, see you all soon!! Don't forget to vote and please don't be a silent reader 🫶🏼

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