song for the chapter - therapy by all time low
The next few days passed uneventfully for me. I hadn't had the chance to read further into the journal just yet, but I knew I was going to regret when I did. The threats lingered in the back of my head everyday but I couldn't risk telling someone.
"Joce, you good babe?"
Looking up, my eyes met Henry's as he walked across the room to me. Shaking my head, I curled into the couch further.
"I'll be fine, don't worry about it." I pulled my phone towards me, attempting to clear my mind a bit. Henry sat next to me, pulling my legs across his own so I was practically in his lap.
Ignoring my boyfriend's actions, I continued scrolling through my notifications. My heart stopped at a message.
From: Unknown
Read the journal. You're running out of time, Jocelyn.
I quickly shut my phone off, tossing it back on the table, "Well, that's not going to work either." With a sigh, I placed my head on Henry's shoulder.
He smiled softly at me as his hand ran across my back soothingly. "I'm guessing you don't want to talk?"
I shook my head again, eyes closing. Physically, I was fine. Emotionally, not so much. I felt Henry's hand trace a scar on my arm, tickling the skin slightly. At this point, I was willing to do anything to stop thinking about that stupid journal.
"What's it from?" He asked softly, fingers moving gently.
"Seventh grade." My answer was simple and short.
"What happened?"
"Mitch shoved me into the wall and I tripped and fell down the stairs. Broke my arm and needed surgery." I kept my eyes closed, not bothering to look at him. I felt his fingers grip my arm before his soft lips replaced them.
"I'm sorry I couldn't help."
Opening my eyes, I grabbed his hand in my own, tracing my thumb over his knuckles, "You need to stop being sorry for things you couldn't stop."
He sighed and kissed my forehead, "Yeah princess, I know. Doesn't mean I'll stop though."
A hissing sound filled the room as Ray walked out from behind the secret door, eyes immediately focusing on Henry and I, "What did I tell you guys about being all couple-y at work?"
Henry rolled his eyes, "Well we can't really do anything since we're grounded from patrol," He made sure to glare at Ray, "So you're going to have to deal with it for now."
Ray waved his sidekick off, moving to grab popcorn out of the bowl from earlier. Nudging Henry, I moved my head towards Ray, a smirk on my lips. Focusing on the bowl, I jerked my hand slightly and watched as it moved away from Ray's grip.
Our boss looked at the bowl strangely before reaching again. I moved my hand further, chuckling at his annoyed expression. He groaned and turned towards me, eyebrows raised, "Really, Joce?"
I shrugged, "Really, Ray."
He gave up on the popcorn bowl and walked towards the tubes, "You two are being mean so I'm going on patrol."
Henry rolled his eyes again, shrugging off the attempted blow at the situation, "Have fun, Captain Man!"
Ray shoved a gumball in his mouth and chewed it loudly for emphasis before climbing into the tubes and leaving. A comfortable silence filled the room for Henry and I.
"Alright love," Henry slowly pushed my legs off his and nudged me slightly, "I need to be getting home for dinner. Do you want to join?"
I shook my head and climbed off the couch, "Not today. I didn't sleep much last night so I'm going to attempt to get some extra if I can."
Henry nodded and tossed me my jacket, "Well, if you need me, just call. I'll be there in a heartbeat."
I sighed and wrapped myself in his arms, my head on his chest. "Thanks, Hen."
"Anything for you, princess."
Just like the previous night, I found myself tangled up in blankets with the journal on my lap. A cup of hot chocolate was next to me as a reinforcement to just get this over with. I was too scared to find out what was inside but, I couldn't take the risks. I pulled the cover open, reading the first page over before finally moving towards the second one.
I see you've accepted it, Jocelyn. Let's get this started then.
I'll tell you something, you do it. It's that simple. If not, I know where to make it hurt. First task is quite simple. Take off work tomorrow. That's all you have to do. You can hang out with everyone else or whatever you'd like but no work, no superhero. You'll get your next task tomorrow.
I flipped to the next page, only to receive a blank one in return. Sighing, I shoved the journal under my pillow. Tomorrow's task wouldn't be hard but it would raise Ray's suspicion a bit. I hadn't taken a day off work since I became part of the team. I had a feeling that this was only the beginning though.
Deciding to head to sleep, I yanked my shirt over my head leaving me in a sports bra and sweatpants. Summer at my house meant open windows and fans. Rarely did the air condition come on but I guess it was always there. The crickets outside always calmed me down and helped me sleep. The only thing better than that, or rain, was Henry. Speaking of Henry, I decided to text him, Jasper, and Charlotte about tomorrow before I forgot.
hey guys. i don't think i'll be at work tomorrow. not feeling too fabulous. can you pass it on to ray?
sure thing, joce! feel better!
dang. no snow cones then. see you later, J!
Charlotte and Jasper were quick to respond but Henry didn't. I figured he would be asleep at this time anyway. Or not, who knew. I hadn't spent a day with him in a while. We were overdue for a group sleepover and I desperately needed to talk everything out with Charlotte in regards to Jasper.
everything okay, princess? i'll stop by tomorrow if i can.
The journal said I could hang out but no work so I responded to Henry's message with an okay. It was just keeping quiet and careful from here on out. Let's hope it'll work.
