"Do you have any plans this weekend?" Adilynne asked Kiara politely as they sat at lunch Friday afternoon. Looking up from her hummus Kiara gave her a quizzical look, "Just hanging out with my friends," the curly haired girl answered. Chewing on the inside of her cheek Adilynne cleared her throat, "At the chateau?" she asked innocently. Narrowing her eyes Kiara sighed, "I thought you wanted a quiet place to eat," Kiara commented staring at the blonde across from her. Shrugging Adilynne bit her lip, "Just making conversation," she answered.
Adilynne had returned to school the Monday after her father's funeral. She'd hoped to return to the normal routine without incident but her friends, minus Sarah, and her teachers were not allowing her to do that. Almost every class she attended was met with a concerned teacher reminding her if she needed to be excused from homework or even tests to just let them know. If that wasn't irritating enough her friends were no better. Their concerned expressions were so annoying by Wednesday afternoon she'd sought out Kiara's company during lunch. She'd plopped her lunch tray down across from the girl and had simply told her she needed a quiet place to eat and the two spent forty minutes a day for the past three days together in silence. At least until Adilynne asked her about her weekend plans.
Rolling her eyes Kiara scoffed, "If you've got a specific reason to ask just know he's been asking about you too," she said. Feeling her face flush Adilynne shook her head, "I don't know what you mean." Laughing Kiara rolled her eyes, "Sure you don't. They're picking me up from school today. Kildaire High gets out ten minutes before we do if you want to tag along," Kiara offered. Adilynne's first instinct was to say yes until she remembered she had a football game that night.
Glancing down at her cheer uniform Adilynne motioned at herself, "Can't I have to wave my pom poms for a bunch of douchebag jocks," she told her laughing. Laughing Kiara snorted, "Aren't those douchebags your friends?" Looking across the cafetaria to her normal table Adilynne could see Sarah sitting amongst the others occasionally glancing their way, "The only ones I've actually hung out with outside of this place are Topper and Kelce and that's because of Sarah. The rest of the guys are a bunch of idiots."
"Well I think Topper and Kelce fall into that idiot category too," Kiara responded sarcastically. Laughing Adilynne had to slightly agree, "You guys should come to the game tonight," she invited. Kiara laughed loudly, "The Pogues at a Kildaire Prep football game, yeah I doubt it." This time it was Adilynne who scoffed, "Pogues and Kooks I feel like we're living in the Outsiders or freaking West Side Story." "So does that make you Maria and JJ Tony?" Kiara asked, smiling cheekily. Throwing a grape at the girl Adilynne told her to shut up, "It's not like that."
Dropping her bag on the sidelines of the football field Adilynne joined Sarah in their pre-game stretch, "Hey you didn't wait for me," Adilynne commented. Standing straight Sarah placed her hands on her hips, "I didn't think you wanted me to," she snapped. Confused Adilynne asked the girl if she was okay. "I'm fine," Sarah answered, "You're the one leaving me by sitting with Kiara," she retorted. Sighing Adilynne shook her head, "Sarah, I'm not leaving you. I just can't deal with the others and them tiptoeing around me," she explained, "You should sit with Kiara and I. She's super nice," Adilynne suggested. Humming Sarah shrugged, "I don't think she likes me," Sarah admitted. "She just needs to get to know you," Adilynne insisted, "Monday you're going to sit with us," she decided.
Going through the motions of the cheer Adilynne didn't even miss a beat as she was tossed into a toe touch basket toss. Finishing the cheer in an extension Adilynne scanned the crowd and jolted slightly seeing JJ, Kiara, and two other boys at the top of the bleachers. Making eye contact with the blonde boy Adilynne smiled and waved before cradling out and landing in the arms of her teammates.
Grabbing her water bottle Adilynne glanced back up into the bleachers as Sarah approached her, "Who were you waving to?" Swallowing her water Adilynne told her Kiara and her friends were at the top of the bleachers. Looking up Sarah nudged Adilynne, "Hmm….I see JJ," she stated winking as she moved back into position for the next cheer. "Shut up," Adilynne called to her friend.
Kildaire Prep won which caused a celebration to erupt in the middle of the field. Adilynne watched from the sidelines as she gathered her bag smiling as her teammates ran out to join the football team. "Hey, Princess you ready for our second date?" asked a voice from behind her. Turning Adilynne looked up to see JJ leaning against the railing of the bleachers. Cocking her head Adilynne asked what he had in mind. Wiping the surprise off his face JJ smirked, "Dinner at The Wreck?" he asked, referring to Kiara's family restaurant. Nodding Adilynne told him to give her fifteen minutes to shower and change. "I mean I wouldn't be opposed if you kept that uniform on," he laughed down at her. Raising her eyebrow Adilynne shook her head, "I'm sure you wouldn't. Meet me by the locker room. Kiara knows where it is," she told him.
Adilynne had showered in record time and was just pulling her shirt over her head when she heard the locker room doors open as her teammates came in off the field. "Hey, you're already changed," Sarah commented as she opened her locker to take out her shower caddy, "I was hoping since you've never been to one of Kelce's parties before you'd come tonight," Sarah said, turning to look at the girl expectantly. Throwing her dirty clothes into her gym bag Adilynne cleared her throat, "Actually JJ invited me to The Wreck," she told her friend. Seeing the disappointment on Sarah's face Adilynne suggested she come to The Wreck with them. "I can't, I promised Topper I'd go to the party," Sarah answered. "Oh, well we're still on for lunch tomorrow with the girls, right?" Adilynne asked. "Of course," Sarah replied, nodding.
Biting her lip Adilynne felt awkward, "Okay, I'll see you tomorrow then. Be safe tonight," she told her friend hugging her goodbye. "You too," Sarah whispered as Adilynne made her way towards the door. Hearing her name as she pushed open the door Adilynne turned back to Sarah, "I'll cover for you tonight if you cover for me," Sarah called smiling. "I always cover for you," she reminded Sarah. Grinning Sarah shrugged, "I know but now I can return the favor. Don't get into too much trouble with your little Pogue," she laughed, winking. Feeling her face flush Adilynne snorted, "Shut up!" she exclaimed. "Love you," Sarah called, blowing her a kiss. "Love you too," Adilynne yelled back before allowing the locker room door to slam behind her back.
"Damn, Princess, aren't we moving a little fast for declarations like that?" JJ's voice questioned from somewhere in the dark. Turning towards the voice she found him leaning against the wall idly smoking. Walking towards him Adilynne shrugged, "I told you I like it fast," she joked, stopping beside the boy. Sniffing the air Adilynne narrowed her eyes, "Are you smoking weed on school property?" she asked wide eyed. Smirking JJ simply shrugged before holding out the blunt, "You wanna be bad?" he taunted. Chewing the inside of her cheek Adilynne took the blunt from him much to his surprise, "Shit Adilynne I was just joking," he told her. "I know but I've never done it so, why not try it," she decided.
"Well let's not do it here. Don't need to get caught," he told her hearing sounds coming from the locker rooms. Grabbing her hand he pulled her down and around the building where they couldn't be seen by people walking by. "Alright go for it," he told her standing in front of her smiling. Wrinkling her nose at the blunt in her hand and then up at him she admitted to not knowing how, "I told you I've literally never done this. I haven't even tried a cigarette," she told him sheepishly. "Sweet Jesus we've got a newbie here," he laughed, taking the blunt back from her, "Alright watch. You're going to inhale, hold it, and then release," he explained as he demonstrated, "Just don't take as much as I did or you'll choke," he told her, handing back the blunt.
Adilynne ended up coughing despite how little she took, but with JJ's encouragement she tried it a few more times and was able to successfully inhale and exhale without choking. Passing the blunt back to JJ, who put it out against the wall, the two set off across the parking lot to where his friends were parked. As she walked Adilynne felt the oddest calming sensation come over her, "Holy shit. Is that the weed?" she asked, confused. Laughing JJ asked her how she was feeling. "Calm, like nothing will ever bother me again," she tried to describe the feeling. "I'd say it was the weed then," he told her. "Fuck, where were you last week when I was having panic attacks?" she muttered as she followed him to an old Volkswagen van. Pausing at the back door of the van JJ looked back at her, "You were having panic attacks?" he asked, concerned. Waving her hand Adilynne shrugged it off, "Just a few it's not a big deal. My mom made me see a shrink," she told him. Nodding JJ pulled the van door open to reveal Kiara and the two other boys lounging on the floor of the van.
"Guys, this is Adilynne," JJ announced, "Adilynne this is John B, Pope, and you know Kie," he introduced each one by pointing at them. "Hi," she said shyly as the three turned to look at her. "Well hello and welcome to the Twinkie," John B stated holding out his hand for Adilynne to take as he helped her into the van. Settling on the back bench seat Adilynne smiled, "Thank you. I love the decor," she told him, running her hand down the fabric of the curtains on the window. Laughing JJ hopped into the back of the van, "She's a bit stoned," he told the others, taking a seat beside the girl on the bench seat. "I assume that's what took so long," Pope questioned as John B moved to the driver's seat to begin their drive to The Wreck. "Assume away, Pope," JJ answered.
The group were sitting around a table eating and laughing the night away and Adilynne was truly enjoying herself. "Hey, Adilynne we're going to go cliff diving on Sunday you interested?" John B asked. Hesitating Adilynne bit her lip, "Umm….isn't that dangerous?" she questioned. Scoffing JJ took a drink of his soda, "Are you serious after the shit you were doing tonight?" he asked the girl. Furrowing her brow Adilynne was confused, "What do you mean? I was cheering," she stated. "Princess they were throwing your ass in the air like a fucking rag doll. Cliff diving is no different," JJ assured her.
"Yeah, I didn't know our cheerleading team did stunts like that," Kiara commented, popping a french fry into her mouth. Laughing Adilynne shook her head, "We're nationally ranked, Kiara. Do you not pay attention at school?" she joked before turning to JJ next to her, "And cliff diving is completely different. When I fly I know my teammates are there to catch me. There's nothing to catch you jumping off a cliff." Slinging his arm around her shoulders JJ smirked, "I'll catch you, Princess," he told her, winking, "Besides you can't turn down our third date," he said laughing when she poked him in the side.
It was almost 1a.m. before the van pulled up at the end of her driveway. "I hope we don't get you in trouble," Pope mentioned as Adilynne climbed out of the van. Shrugging Adilynne turned back to the open door of the van, "I don't really know. I've never had a curfew before," she told them, "Thanks for inviting me along." "We'll pick you up Sunday at noon," John B called from the driver's seat. "Sounds good, bye," Adilynne said before turning and heading up her driveway.
Halfway up she heard the sound of running feet and turned to find JJ chasing her up the driveway, "You forgot your bag," he told her, holding up her gym bag. "Oh, thanks," she said, reaching for her bag as he held it out of her reach. "I'll carry it and since this was our second date I should probably walk you to your door," he told her, grabbing her hand and pulling her up the driveway. "You're ridiculous," she laughed rolling her eyes. "It's all part of my charm," he responded, smirking. Smiling she shook her head as they stopped outside of her front door, "Okay Mr. Charmer, you've done your duty and walked me home," she stated holding out her hand for her gym bag.
"Aren't you going to invite me in?" he asked, smiling widely at her as she pulled out her house key. "It's 1a.m. I don't think my mother would be up for social calls," she answered. Shrugging JJ laughed, "It was worth a shot. Goodnight Addie," he said before turning to walk back to his friends. Biting her lip Adilynne made a split second decision, "JJ," she called, stepping off the porch as he turned around, "Thanks for everything," she told him before reaching up and kissing him. Caught off guard it took him a few seconds for him to kiss her back, but when he did Adilynne would swear she saw stars.
Breaking the kiss JJ kept his arms wrapped around her waist as he leaned his forehead against hers, "Come surfing tomorrow with us," he requested. "I'm having lunch with Sarah and the girls tomorrow afternoon," she told him. "We're all working tomorrow so it won't be till after Kie gets off at 4. Say you'll come," he whispered. Taking a deep breath Adilynne nodded, "This is crazy, JJ. We barely know each other." Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear JJ kissed her again, "You said you like it fast," he told her, winking, "We'll pick you up after Kie's done work." Laughing Adilynne pulled away, "I've gotta go in. We're having lunch at the hotel so maybe I'll see you there," she told him.
Waving one last time Adilynne quietly opened and closed her front door. Flipping the outside light off Adilynne headed for the stairs. "Adilynne Grace," her mother's stern voice came from the dark living room. Yelping Adilynne's heart raced as she moved to the archway to the living room to find her mother sitting in the dark on the sofa. "Mom, you scared the heck out of me," Adilynne complained as her heart rate slowed. Flipping on the lamp next to her Jenna studied her daughter, "Do I need to be concerned, Adilynne?" she asked. Furrowing her brow Adilynne asked what she meant.
"Your father and I have never worried about you. We never had to put restrictions on you because you never seemed interested in going to parties or any of the things kids your age get into. I think a lot of that had to do with your dad being sheriff, but now he's gone," Jenna said as her voice broke, "I want to trust you, baby, but last weekend you slept at someones house whom you've never spoken of and now tonight you came home with someone I've never seen before. And shall we talk about that lip lock I witnessed?" Jenna questioned, raising her eyebrows at her daughter.
"Mom, you can trust me. I met JJ at the cemetery the day of dad's funeral. I've just been getting to know him and his friends, which includes Kiara, who I stayed with last weekend. I go to school with her. Her parents own The Wreck and she's super nice," Adilynne explained. "JJ? Your father used to talk about a JJ. He used to bring him into the station at least once a week," Jenna commented. Knowing JJ's reputation Adilynne sighed, "He never actually arrested him, though," Adilynne pointed out. Pursing her lips Jenna sighed, "No he didn't. How much do you know about JJ?" she asked. Shrugging Adilynne blew a breath out, "As much as anyone on this island and most of that I think is false. We're getting to know each other. Is that wrong?" Adilynne questioned.
"Of course it's not wrong, baby. I just want you to be careful. He doesn't come from the best home life but your father, I know, had a soft spot for him. I'm going back to work next week and I need to be able to trust you while I'm off island," Jenna told her. Feeling her breath catch Adilynne took a deep breath to steady her breathing, "How much will you be gone?" she asked. Sighing, Jenna stood and approached her daughter, "I'll leave Sunday on the ferry and I'll have consults and appointments Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday will be induction day and I'll be back on the Wednesday ferry to be here Thursday till Sunday again," Jenna explained. "What about emergencies?" Adilynne asked. "I have a fourth year resident who's good. She'll be able to handle anything until I can get back to the hospital. We're going to make this work. I know I was gone 95% of the time and it was just you and your dad, but I promise I'm going to be here for you," Jenna assured her. "Mom I'm old enough to understand how important your job is and I'd never resent you from helping those you do," Adilynne assured her.
"Have I told you how much I love you?" Jenna sighed pulling Adilynne into her arms. "I love you too, Mom. We're going to be fine," she whispered. Stepping back Jenna smiled, "Together. We're going to be fine together. Now based on that steamy kiss I witnessed do we need to have the safe sex talk again?" she asked, winking. Feeling her face flush Adilynne shook her head, "No, no I'm good thanks. It's like not even a thing like that. I'm just gonna go to bed," Adilynne told her awkwardly, kissing Jenna's cheek, before heading for the stairs. "Hey, don't forget you have an appointment with Dr. Walsh at 9a.m. and if sex becomes a thing use your head and stay safe," Jenna called after her daughter as she climbed the steps laughing quietly at Adilynne's groan, "Mom!"