https : *⋆❝ sadiesinkhergf ! ❞
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🪷 . . . chapter twelve
┈➤ 𝗚𝗟𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗕𝗢𝗫,  jj maybank
❦༄

🪷 chapter twelve !
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VALENTINA WAS ALMOST AT THE edge of the venue, the night air teasing her with the promise of a brief escape, when a hand suddenly gripped her arm with bruising force. she gasped, startled, as she was yanked backward, her heels skidding slightly against the grass.

"valentina archibald," her father's voice was a low growl, dripping with fury. "what the hell do you think you're doing?"

she blinked up at him, caught completely off guard. "i was just-"

"you were just making a goddamn spectacle of yourself," louis hissed, his face twisted with anger as he pulled her into a darkened corner. his grip tightened on her arm, making her wince. "dancing with that low-life maybank boy? are you out of your fucking mind?"

valentina ripped her arm out of his grasp, her heart pounding in her chest. "jj isn't a low-life," she spat, her voice rising defensively. "he's a better person than half the people you associate with!"

"watch your mouth," her father snapped, his voice razor-sharp as his eyes bore into her. "you think you can embarrass me like that? here? in front of everyone? do you know how many people are talking about you right now?"

her jaw clenched, and her nail dug into her arm, a thing she always did to calm herself down. "embarrass you?" she repeated, her voice shaking with anger. "this has nothing to do with you! jj's a friend! and if i want to dance with him, i will!" she didn't even know if jj and her were considered friends, but she was too busy arguing to register her own words.

louis's laugh was bitter and venomous, his eyes narrowing dangerously. "friend? don't insult my intelligence, valentina. you think i don't see the way he looks at you? the way you let him?"

her heart skipped a beat at his words, but she refused to back down. "so what if he does?" she shot back, her voice trembling slightly. "that's none of your business."

his expression darkened, and before she could react, his hand came down hard across her cheek. the slap echoed in the quiet corner, and she stumbled slightly, her hand flying to her burning skin as her eyes widened in shock.

"you will not speak to me like that," he growled, his voice low but filled with venom. "you have zero respect for me or this family. and let me make one thing very clear- you are never to see that maybank boy again."

valentina's hand trembled against her cheek, her heart racing as she tried to process what had just happened. for a moment, she said nothing, the weight of his words and the sting of the slap leaving her stunned. but then her anger surged back, stronger than her fear.

"you can't control me," she said, her voice low and defiant as she glared at him. "you can't tell me who i can or can't see."

kouis smirked, a cruel, humorless expression that made her stomach twist. "oh, you think so?" he said coldly, taking a step closer to her. "watch me, valentina. i'll make sure that boy knows exactly what happens to people who get too close to you, and you'll have no one to blame but yourself."

his words hit her like a punch to the gut, stealing the breath from her lungs. she took a shaky step back, her heart pounding as she tried to mask the flicker of fear that crossed her face.

"you're unbelievable," she whispered, her voice thick with anger and hurt. "you're insane."

louis stared at her for a moment, his eyes cold and calculating. "and you're just like your mother," he said quietly, before turning on his heel and walking away, leaving her standing there, frozen in place.

her chest heaved as she tried to steady her breathing, his words echoing in her mind like a threat she couldn't shake. she pressed her hand to her cheek, still stinging from the slap, and exhaled shakily as blinked back her tears, forcing herself to keep her composure as she walked back into the crowd.

she spotted sarah almost instantly, her best friend chatting animatedly with someone near the buffet table. the moment sarah caught sight of her, her expression shifted, concern clouding her eyes.

"what's wrong?" she asked immediately, stepping closer. her voice was soft, but her gaze was sharp, scanning valentina for answers.

the girl plastered on a smile, shaking her head. "nothing," she said quickly, her voice a little too bright. "i'll explain later, okay?" she exhaled slowly, offering sarah a lopsided grin. she didn't look convinced, but she let it slide for the moment.

"alright," she said softly, squeezing valentina's arm for reassurance. "but you better tell me later."

she nodded, grateful for the temporary reprieve. "promise," she murmured as she interlocked their pinkies, before forcing a lighter tone. "now, about our midnight plans, are we sneaking off to hawks nest?"

sarah's face lit up again, her concern melting into excitement. "oh, absolutely," she said with a grin. "i already told john b i'm in.

"i told jj the same."

as if on cue, a commotion broke out near the entrance. heads turned, and valentina groaned, her face dropping into her hands as she caught sight of jj being manhandled by a security guard.

"look, look, man, i can walk myself!" he protested loudly, trying to shake free. his voice carried over the hushed crowd as people gasped, their attention glued to the scene. "i got legs! can you see that, brother?"

valentina peeked through her fingers, muttering, "you've got to be fucking kidding me."

jj plastered on a grin. "oh! mr. dunleavy! i see you've got your drink- good, very nice of you!" he patted the older man on the shoulder before snatching the glass from his hand. "i'm actually gonna down that." without hesitation, he tipped the drink back, finishing it in one go.

the crowd was aghast, whispers rippling through the room. the boy wiped his mouth and spread his arms dramatically. "it's okay, everybody! do not panic! let's leave it to the men and women in uniform, huh? let's hear it for them!" he clapped his hands, turning to rose with a wide grin. "rose! you look like lady liberty."

rose froze, glancing around awkwardly, while ward's jaw clenched so tightly it looked like it might snap.

"let go of him!" kiara suddenly shouted from across the room, pushing forward. all eyes turned to her as her parents frantically tried to pull her back. "you can't just boot him! i invited him here!"

"kiara!" her mother hissed, her tone sharp with warning, while kiara planted her hands on her hips, her voice loud and steady.

"i'm a member of this club!"

those words seemed to ignite something in jj. with a burst of strength, he shoved the security guard off him, standing tall as gasps echoed through the room. valentina's own gasp was drowned out by jj's booming voice.

"hey, mandatory power at rixon's, kie!" he called, pointing to her and pope. "pope, you too, alright?"

pope and kiara exchanged guilty glances, their parents shooting them daggers, trying to stop them, but both ultimately followed jj's lead. they headed for the exit, leaving chaos in their wake.

as jj turned to leave, his eyes caught valentina's, and he winked, a mischievous glint in his eye. she rolled her eyes in exasperation but couldn't fight the small smile tugging at her lips.

"workers of the world unite!" jj yelled as he burst through the crowd, finding john b waiting for them outside. the four pogues embraced briefly before taking off together, disappearing into the night like it was all part of the plan.

the two girls stood there, smiling faintly after them, as the night settled back into a hum of murmured gossip and awkward attempts to return to normalcy.

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"come on!" valentina whisper-shouted, bracing herself as sarah climbed clumsily out of her bedroom window. when the girl finally made it down, valentina caught her before she stumbled backward. "finally, slow-ass."

"shut the fuck up," sarah hissed, scowling as she swatted valentina's arm. "let's go before my dad hears something."

the two quickly snuck over to valentina's car, parked discreetly down the street. she had swung by her house earlier to pick it up, and they made sure to stay as quiet as possible, mindful of prying eyes. once inside, she started the car and whispered, "alright, buckle up, blondie."

the drive to hawk's nest was quiet, both girls sharing occasional giggles as the adrenaline of sneaking out buzzed between them. when they pulled up, valentina parked and turned to sarah with a knowing smile.

"go ahead," she said, nodding toward the tower. "i know you want some alone time with your man."

sarah hesitated for a moment, then grinned. "you sure?."

"you can pay me back by keeping me updated on all the gag-worhty bullshit he says." she snickered, waving her off.

"okay." sarah opened the car door, pausing to glance back at her once more. "but wait, i don't want to leave you alone in the woods at night."

she scoffed, gesturing dramatically to her outfit. "i showered today, and i'm not about to ruin my hair or my saint laurent dress by sitting on some wet wood, thank you very much."

"alright, princess. be right back." the blonde rolled her eyes with a laugh.

valentina watched as she closed the car door and began climbing up the wooden structure, her movements careful but excited. once sarah was out of sight, she decided to give her some privacy, and she backed the car a little farther down the dirt path, putting some distance between herself and the tower.

settling into her seat, she grabbed her vape from her bag and took a sharp inhale, letting the smooth, fruity vapor fill her lungs. exhaling slowly, she reached for her phone, letting the soft, dreamy melody of frank ocean flow through the car's speakers.

she leaned back against the seat, her fingers tapping gently to the beat, content to let sarah have her moment while she soaked in her own.

but her peaceful moment shattered as loud banging on her window jolted her upright.

"valentina, open up!" a deep voice yelled, followed by uncontrollable laughter. she squinted into the darkness, already knowing who it was. sure enough, there stood jj, doubled over, clutching his stomach as he laughed at her startled reaction.

"what the fuck are you doing?" she gasped, her glare cutting through the fogged window. she kept her doors and windows firmly shut, savoring the warmth inside the car, but jj didn't care. still laughing, he yanked the door open despite her protests, letting a gust of cold air rush inside.

"come on," he said, motioning toward the twinkie where pope and kiara sat comfortably in the backseat seat, door wide open. she caught kiara rolling her eyes, clearly unamused but staying silent. "get out the car." jj folded his arms and stared her down.

"what?" she tilted her head, giving him a baffled look. "no."

jj leaned down, smirking. "shut up. come sit with us. we're way more fun."

"you sound like a mean high schooler." she burst into laughter, shaking her head at his antics. "not happening. i'm not getting wet."

his grin widened, and his mouth opened to deliver a quip she already saw coming. her eyes narrowed dangerously. "don't you dare."

"you're no fun." he sighed dramatically, snapping his fingers. "pope! don't you agree?" he yelled back, startling the boy who was having a conversation with kiara. he looked at valentina who shook her head frantically, and he repeated her motions.

"no, i disagree." he replied, and the girl shot jj a sweet smile as the blonde rolled his eyes.

"see? now, if you'll excuse me," she muttered, slamming the door shut. "it's cold."

she barely had time to relish the moment before she heard jj gasp theatrically, and then In seconds, he'd rounded the car, flinging open the passenger side door. before she could react, he plopped into the seat, his rain-soaked clothes soaking into the fabric.

"jj!" she shrieked, a whine escaping her lips as she stared at the wet patch growing on her pristine seat. "are you fucking kidding me?"

"what?" he said, feigning innocence as he wiggled into the seat with a smirk. "you wouldn't come outside, so i came inside." he paused, his face lighting up mischievously. "that's what he said."

"now is not the time for jokes!" she fumed, glaring daggers at him. "you're making my seat all wet and gross!"

jj grimaced as though offended, but the corners of his mouth twitched with amusement. "mama's mad," he teased, leaning back and spreading his legs as if to get even more comfortable, but she pushed his thigh.

"get out! seriously, i don't want it soaking into my seat," she snapped, trying to shove jj again, but he sat there like a stubborn rock, refusing to budge.

they locked eyes in a silent standoff, her irritation sparking against his infuriating grin. finally, she scoffed, throwing her hands up in frustration before stepping out of the car. the storm greeted her immediately, rain soaking her hair and dress in seconds.

"val, what are you-" pope started to ask from the twinkie, but she cut him off by flinging her passenger door open and grabbing jj's arm.

"oh, wow, okay-" jj stumbled as she yanked him out of the car, tripping over his feet like a toddler learning to walk.

"walk, now."

"wow, wow, wow!" he mumbled, trying to catch his balance as she shoved him back. "okay, i'm sorry."

valentina slammed the door shut and locked it, turning to him with a sarcastic smile.

"no need for the hostility," he said with a laugh, shaking the water off like a dog, and she scrunched up her nose in disgust, pushing him back towards the twinkie, though her lips twitched like she was trying not to smile.

before she could reply, a loud yell cut through the rain, making them both freeze.

"someone help!"

valentina's head whipped toward the sound, and jj frowned, his grin vanishing. "did you hear that?" she muttered, looking over to pope and kiara, who were now hanging out of the twinkie, concern etched on their faces.

"please, somebody help!" the voice came again, more frantic this time.

valentina's eyes widened as recognition hit her like a punch. "sarah," she whispered. without a second thought, she took off toward the sound, her wet dress clinging to her legs as she ran, and she quickly lifted it a little.

the other three exchanged quick glances before sprinting after her, the storm swallowing their footsteps.

"sarah, what happened?" valentina asked urgently, rushing toward her best friend. her eyes widened as she took in sarah's tear-streaked face and the sight of john b flat on the ground. "oh, fuck," she muttered, crouching down as the others arrived behind her.

valentina immediately checked for a pulse, exhaling in relief when she found it, though it was faint. "well, he's alive," she murmured, glancing up at her best friend, who was trembling and struggling to speak. "what happened?"

"I don't- i don't know what to do," she stammered, her voice breaking. "he needs help. topper shoved him... he hit his head," she choked out, sobbing uncontrollably.

jj's face darkened, his fists clenching as he looked around. "where the hell is he?" he barked, his tone full of venom.

sarah shook her head frantically, pleading, "please, just- just get help! i don't care who, just call somebody! please!"

valentina didn't hesitate, pulling her phone out. "i'm on it." she stepped aside to dial 911 while the others crowded around john b, doing their best to keep him conscious.

"val, hurry," pope urged, a worried expression planted on his face, and valentina rubbed his cheek, giving him a quick nod while she held the phone to her ear.

sarah leaned over, cupping john b's face as tears streamed down her cheeks. "john b, stay with me," she sobbed before kissing him softly on the lips. "please don't leave me."

"hello shoupe, this is valentina archibald," she said quickly into the phone, pacing in the rain as her heart raced. "we need help- there's been an injury at the hawk's nest tower. someone's hurt badly. please hurry!"

she gave their location, her voice steady despite the panic coursing through her. ending the call, she turned back to the group, determination etched on her face.

"they're on their way," she said, crouching back down next to sarah and placing a hand on her best friend's trembling shoulder. "he's gonna be okay, sarah. just keep talking to him."

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valentina had been pacing the hospital room, her nerves on edge as she glanced at the clock. morning light was creeping through the blinds, and despite her exhaustion, she couldn't sit still. sarah sat on the edge of the bed, holding john b's hand and gently rubbing it, her red-rimmed eyes never leaving his face.

valentina had practically forced the others to leave earlier in the night. pope, kiara, and jj had argued, but she insisted they needed rest, promising to call as soon as there was any news. now, as dawn broke, neither valentina nor sarah had gotten a wink of sleep.

the sound of the door suddenly bursting open startled valentina, making her whip around. two men strode in, and her heart dropped when she saw ward and her father. his expression was calm, almost pleasant, and she immediately felt the hair on the back of her neck stand on end.

"hi daddy." she mumbled, giving him a kiss on the cheek, and he smiled at her, though his face beheld something unreadable.

"dad?" sarah asked, her relief clear as she jumped up to hug ward. valentina watched the scene with a sharp pang in her chest, her eyes drifting to her own father, louis, who lingered near the doorway with the same composed smile. he might as well have been a stranger.

"what are you doing here?" she asked softly, looking up at her father.

ward glanced at louis, who took a step forward, the corners of his mouth twitching. "shoupe called me," louis said, his gaze drifting to john b lying unconscious on the bed. "told me what happened, and that you two were here." his tone was smooth, but valentina caught the undercurrent of calculation in it.

sarah stepped back, her voice trembling as she explained. "topper shoved him. john b was just trying to protect me, dad." her eyes pleaded for understanding as she looked up at her father.

valentina barely listened to ward's response. her focus stayed locked on louis, watching his every movement, every subtle shift in expression. she didn't trust him- she never did- and she hated how he could make her feel so small without even saying a word.

louis caught her staring and gave her a pointed look, the kind that sent an unspoken warning. valentina's lips twitched in a silent scoff as she turned her gaze away. he was a master at keeping up appearances, projecting a facade of warmth and concern while managing to silently remind her of her place. she hated it, but a part of her couldn't help but begrudgingly admire how effortlessly he pulled it off.

"i've already spoken to sheriff peterkin," louis said, breaking her train of thought. his voice was calm and measured, but valentina noticed the way his eyes briefly flicked to ward, as if they were sharing some unspoken agreement.

sarah and valentina both turned to him, but it was valentina who raised an eyebrow, her stomach tightening as she swallowed the lump in her throat.

"she told me about his situation," he continued, clasping his hands behind his back. "about his uncle, and the dcs being after him." he paused, his expression softening into something that might have been mistaken for compassion. then he dropped the bomb.

"and i've offered to become his legal guardian."

the room fell silent.

as valentina stood there, trying to process her father's announcement, sarah suddenly turned towards ward, her face lighting up with a hopeful smile.

"is that true, dad?" she asked eagerly.

he nodded with a warm smile. "it is."

without hesitation, sarah threw her arms around her father, thanking him profusely. valentina barely registered their exchange, her own mind spinning. she couldn't tear her gaze away from her own father, whose smirk only deepened as he watched her reaction.

her chest tightened as anger bubbled under her skin. she wanted to scream, to confront him, to demand an explanation, but her throat felt dry, and she couldn't find the words. then ward's eyes landed on her, his expression expectant and hopeful.

plastering on a wide smile, she forced herself to cross the room toward her father. "thank you so much, dad," she said, wrapping her arms around him in what looked like a grateful hug. she even let out a laugh, but her voice came out high-pitched and strained, completely betraying her true feelings. "he deserves it."

he felt the tension in her embrace and pulled back slightly, his sharp eyes meeting hers with a knowing glint. he didn't say a word, but the smirk playing on his lips told her he was fully aware of the charade.

"excuse us," he announced smoothly, turning to ward and sarah with a polite nod before placing a hand on valentina's shoulder and steering her toward the door.

the moment they stepped into the hallway, away from prying eyes, her smile dropped. louis took a step closer, his posture softened, his eyes unusually tender. the hallway was quiet, save for the faint hum of the hospital machinery beyond the doors. she crossed her arms, keeping her expression neutral, though her stomach twisted in knots.

"you've been awfully quiet," he said, his voice lower and gentler than she expected.

"what do you expect me to say? 'thanks for blindsiding me in front of everyone?'" she huffed, avoiding his gaze.

"you're upset,"

"what gave it away?"

he let out a small, strained chuckle and rubbed the back of his neck, a gesture that felt almost uncharacteristic of him. "i know i haven't made things easy for you, valentina. i've... been hard on you, harder than i should've been."

her eyes darted back to him, suspicious but curious.

"i've been thinking a lot lately," he continued, his voice wavering slightly. "about mistakes. about regrets. and about how much I've let... grief shape me." he hesitated, his gaze dropping to the floor for a moment, and valentina held back a scoff. "i know what it's like to lose someone you love, to feel like you're drowning and no one's there to pull you out. and i wouldn't wish that on anyone."

valentina's breath hitched, but she stayed silent, her grip on her arms tightening. she knew he was lying, but she listened silently nonetheless.

"i see that boy," he said, nodding toward the door. "and all i can think is how much he's been through, how much he's lost. he's not like his father, valentina. i know i've had my judgements, but i can see it in him- he's not."

her heart ached at his words- not because of her father, but because of john b. although the girl related to him in many ways, their situation was very different. valentina had money, she had a home, a room for herself. she had a full table of dinner no matter where or with who she was, but john b? he had absolutely nothing.

she kept her face unreadable as she listened to her father, and he sighed softly.

"i can't fix everything i've done wrong," he admitted, his voice wavering slightly. "but this... this is something i can do. i don't want him to feel like he's alone in the world. no one should."

valentina blinked, fighting the sting of tears in her eyes. she wanted to believe him, to believe this sudden show of vulnerability, but the years of manipulation and disappointment were hard to shake.

"dad..." she started, her voice soft, unsure.

he stepped closer, placing a tentative hand on her shoulder, and she flinched. "you don't have to say anything, sweetheart. i just want you to know... i'm trying. i'm trying to be better."

she nodded slowly, forcing a small, tight-lipped smile. "okay," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, but there was no sincerity behind her eyes. he had slapped, threatened, and yelled at her not even twelve hours ago, and now he suddenly decides he wants to be a changed man?

yeah, right.

louis gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze before stepping back. "thank you for understanding."

as he turned and headed back into the hospital room, valentina stayed behind for a moment, her expression crumbling the second his back was turned. she didn't believe him- not at all, but a small part of her held some sort of hope. she didn't have the energy to fight him on it, not now. taking a deep breath, she composed herself and followed him back inside, her mask firmly in place.

when she stepped back into the hospital room, the sight infront of her made her stop in her tracks- john b was awake, and sarah was already wrapped around him in a tight hug. ward and louis quickly left the room when she came back to give them some alone time, and valentina gasped, a mix of relief and disbelief washing over her as she quickly moved to his side. 

"b, what the fuck?" she laughed, her voice trembling slightly as she playfully punched his arm.

"ow! i just woke up, val. can you not?!" he winced dramatically, groaning. she ignored his protest, crossing her arms and smirking down at him.

"what happened to all that big talk about 'beating topper's ass'?" she teased, raising an eyebrow.

john b scoffed, tilting his head back against the pillow with an exaggerated sigh. "spare me, please. i'm literally on a hospital bed right now."

"okay?" she shot back, her tone dripping with mock sympathy. "not my fault you can't fight." she shrugged nonchalantly, her lips twitching upward.

sarah burst out laughing, quickly covering her mouth with her hand to stifle the sound when john b turned his betrayed glare toward her. "not you too!" he exclaimed, his voice a mix of disbelief and offense.

sarah leaned against the bed, shaking her head as she tried to catch her breath. "i'm sorry, i'm sorry," she said between giggles. "it''s just- you do look kinda pathetic."

valentina clapped her hands together. "finally! some honesty around here."

"wow, thank you so very much for your kindness, val, i love that" he looked at her, his mouth turning into a thin line, before throwing a ridiculous look towards sarah. "and i would've expected a little more support from you."

"sorry, babe."

valentina grimaced slightly as sarah leaned down to kiss him. feeling a pang of secondhand embarrassment, she muttered an apology and quickly excused herself. "i'm gonna go call your servants," she mumbled, not bothering to hide the sarcasm in her voice as she stepped out of the room.

just as she reached the hallway, the door opened, and her father entered. he offered her a warm smile, but all valentina could manage was a tight-lipped expression that looked more like she was in pain than pleased to see him. avoiding his gaze, she clicked on pope's contact and held the phone to her ear.

it rang... and rang... until it went to voicemail. "of course," she muttered under her breath, immediately dialing jj's number, but the result was the same.

"unbelievable," she scoffed, rolling her eyes in frustration. she then remembered she didn't have kiara's number and shrugged it off. their fault for ignoring me, she thought to herself, slipping her phone back into her bag as she turned and walked back toward the room.

pushing the door open, she was met with sudden silence as all eyes turned to her. her brows furrowed slightly, confused by the intensity of their stares.

"what?" she asked, her voice cautious.

the silence stretched for a beat too long before john b broke it, shaking his head in disbelief.

"you're gonna be my stepsister?!"

🪷 . . . MAISSA !
hi angelssss

surprise....??