A/N: Here's another chapter. I also wanted to let you all know that I have another final in a week which means updates might come slower but I hope you all will stick around because I'll be back after that. Thanks for the amazing support!

Special thanks to jenny crum, red2013, Sophia0665, Westie80 and Katia XD!

I don't own criminal minds!

Chapter 20: Memories

The next morning JJ got up early to meet Stacy outside her house. JJ felt nervous about going back to her hometown. It was the place where she spent most of her life and she had extremely good memories of it. But it weren't just the memories that East Allegheny held for JJ. It were also the people. Her friends in high school and her neighbors. She knew almost everybody in the small community. She loved growing up there. The atmosphere was amazing and she felt safe there. She always had and now she was wondering what it would be like to go back to the place that reminded her of all the good. It made her heart long for what she used to have.

JJ was so caught up in her emotions that she didn't even notice the truck stopping in front of the house. But the sound of a hunk awoke her from her thoughts. She looked up to see Hotch's truck standing in front of her own house. She saw him sitting in it next to Stacy. He was the last person she wanted to see. She even thought she made her feelings clear to him but he didn't seem to mind because his face was covered in a wide smile. She couldn't stand to see him like that. He looked happy and she didn't know why he could act so cold. JJ made her way towards the car as Hotch stepped out of it at the same time. He walked around the car to catch up with JJ before she stepped inside.

JJ turned around to face him after she waved at Stacy. ''Why are you here?''

''Stacy thought it might be good if you and I spent some time together because she thinks we could be friends.'' he said in childish way. ''I guess she didn't know about our friendship, did she?'' he asked curiously.

''We're not friends.'' JJ said angrily. ''Sean was right about you all along. You only cause trouble around you.''

''Where is Sean by the way? I thought your boyfriend should be with you since it's such a heavy day for you. Looks like he doesn't care.''

JJ took a step closer to Hotch. ''Stay out of my life!'' she warned. ''Stacy might have forgiven you but I certainly haven't.''

''You're so hot when you talk like that.'' he whispered in her ear.

JJ immediately pulled away and stepped in the car before he could say another word to her. She tried to hate him but somehow she just couldn't. It should be easy but everything inside her fought it and she didn't know why.

It was a four hour drive before they arrived in East-Allegheny. JJ had been silent the entire time while she listened to Hotch's and Stacy's boring conversations. And when they weren't talking, they were singing to the loud music. JJ didn't say anything because she still wanted Stacy to be happy and she looked happy. But Hotch's presence was getting to her. It didn't help that he looked as handsome as always. Those thoughts made JJ feel angry with herself, but it were the facts.

She just stopped thinking about it when they drove through the town she grew up in. Everything was the same. The streets were mostly empty and the people who were on the streets looked like nothing had happened. It was as if time never stopped but for JJ it did. Being back in East-Allegheny suddenly felt like a punch to the stomach. And when they turned around the corner, she immediately stared at her former house. Her heart started racing when the car stopped. She immediately jumped from the car and walked towards the house. She opened the small gate and stepped onto the grass. She used to play soccer in the front yard every single day. Behind her she heard the doors to the car close. She didn't turn around to look where Hotch and Stacy were. She was too caught up in her emotions to notice anything around her but that was only until she heard one very familiar voice.

''JJ?'' a voice called out. ''Is that really you?''

JJ turned around and froze when she saw who it was. ''Max?'' she croaked out, her voice soft. JJ ran onto the pavement and started to run towards him. She jumped into his open arms and held onto him for dear life. She hadn't seen him in over a year. Max was her best friend growing up and even through high school they stayed best friends.

''You're here.'' he whispered as he held her tightly.

JJ pulled away, her face covered with a big smile. ''I am.'' she stumbled. ''It's so good to see you again.''

''Yeah, I missed you so much!'' he said happily. ''You just disappeared after the accident. My dad told me you went to live with Sara and Tom and that you weren't coming back.''

''I'm sorry for leaving like that. It was just too hard for me to come back here. I hope you understand.''

''Of course I do.'' he reassured. ''I just missed my best friend. I know everyone in school has missed you.''

''I missed them too.''

''So, what are you doing here?'' Max asked curiously, looking over JJ's shoulder he saw two stranger standing behind her. ''And who are those two?''

JJ turned around to see Hotch and Stacy standing with surprised looks. JJ grabbed Max's wrist and dragged him towards them. She stopped in front of them and looked at Max. ''Max, this is Stacy and Aaron.'' she introduced as they all shook hands. ''Guys, this is one of my best friends from here, Max.''

''It's nice to meet you.'' Stacy said kindly as she smiled at JJ. ''So best friends?'' she asked, teasing JJ in the process.

''This one over here was always able to beat me at soccer.'' Max joked. ''Is she still any good?''

''Oh believe me, she is.'' Stacy answered.

Max turned to JJ, realizing she looked quite happy and that gave him some peace. It was important to him that JJ was happy. ''I have to go, JJ. But call me some time. It's still the same number.''

''I will.'' JJ said kindly. ''It was good to see you, Max.''

Stacy stepped in front of, checking to see if she was alright. ''How are you feeling?'' she asked. ''We can go back whenever you want to.''

''I know. Thank you, Stacy.'' JJ said as a tear escaped her eye. ''I just feel so bad about abandoning the people who were a part of my life back then.''

''JJ, you're only seventeen. No one expects you to be responsible. That wouldn't even be fair.'' she explained, feeling her heart ache when she saw that JJ was having a really hard time. ''Do you want go inside by yourself?''

''I'm going to try.'' JJ croaked, making eye contact with Hotch. His face was suddenly filled with concern and it sparked something in her. She didn't understand why he acted so cold while he clearly cared about the people around him. ''You guys should check out the town. It's cozy.'' she suggested before she made her way back to the gate.

''Take it easy, JJ.'' Hotch said as she walked onto the front yard. ''We won't go far.''

JJ looked behind her for a fraction of a second before she turned her back towards him again. She took the keys from her pocket and mentally prepared herself to go inside. She knew memories would come flooding back and she wondered how many she was able to take. She already felt emotional after seeing Max and right now she knew her threshold for emotion was very low.