Chapter 8: Through the Storm
Part I - Progress
-Day 365-
The sun shined brightly throughout the community as JuJu takes a morning jog. He's wearing a black tank top, yellow Lakers shorts, and white sneakers. His dreadlocks got longer and now tied in the style of a Viking. Two short coils draped from his head bouncing just above the eye as if it was spring-loaded. His body is skinnier than before, yet toned.
After his long jog, he decides to walk back to his home. He has his hands on his hips as he is breathing heavily. He walks into his house and sees that none of his friends are awake.
"Huh," JuJu says to himself, catching his breath. "Looks like they sleeping in. They did stay up late as hell last night."
He quietly goes up the stairs to his room and gets a small towel. He puts it behind his neck and walks back downstairs to the garage. He opens the garage door for fresh air to start a new workout as dumbbells and other weights lay around the room. During his exercise, he hears a commotion coming from the entrance of the community. He stops what he is doing and leaves his house to check it out. While walking to the front, he sees the Louds bunched together near the front gates and his eyes widen. He starts to jog toward them and sees Bobby carrying Lori in his arms followed by Luan, Leni, and others.
"Holy shit!" JuJu says. "Y'all are back! Are you guys okay?"
"We'll talk about it in the infirmary," says Luan as she's holding Benny's hands and wiping her tears.
He then follows everyone to the Infirmary. He walks with Lynn as they enter the building, seeing the sadness on her face.
"Wait, where's your-?" He says before cutting himself off. "Oh no…"
Lynn looks at him and cries into his chest as he puts his arms around her.
"I'm sorry Lynn. Your parents didn't deserve it. Black's gonna pay for this."
He holds Lynn tightly, now realizing that she is dealing with the same pain he felt when he lost his parents. He would never wish that pain on anyone, especially on the people he cares about.
Later that night, JuJu sneaks out of his home and goes to the Loud's residence. He sneaks around the back and looks up at the window of Lynn and Lincoln's room. He finds a small pebble and throws it at the window. After a couple of tries, he sees a silhouette through the glass until it opens.
"JuJu?" Lynn whispers loudly. "What the hell are you doing?"
"Come with me for a sec," JuJu replies. "I wanna talk."
Lynn then looks at Lincoln, asleep in the bed across from her, and peeks her head out of the window again.
"I'll be right there," She whispers.
She gets her shoes and quietly leaves the house through the back.
"What is it JuJu?"
He signals her to follow him.
"Bro, where are we going? It's late out. I don't wanna get in trouble."
"Trust me LJ, you won't be."
The two sneak around the community and get to the east gate. It was left creaked open and the two exit the walls. JuJu leads Lynn further away into a nearby forest where the moonlight filters through the leaves, casting an ethereal glow on the surroundings. They walk silently for a while, the only sound being the rustle of leaves under their feet.
JuJu stops walking and turns to face Lynn, his expression serious yet filled with compassion.
"Lynn, I know how much pain you're going through right now, losing your parents. It's unimaginably tough. I've been there, and I understand. But I also know that sometimes, being in a familiar place can make it even harder to heal and move forward."
He takes a deep breath, searching for the right words to comfort his friend.
"I brought you here to remind you that there are still positives left in this world. Look around you, Lynn. We have people that care about us, love us, protect us.
JuJu steps closer to Lynn, placing a hand gently on her shoulder.
"I want you to remember that you're not alone in this. You have people who care about you, who want to support you through this difficult time. I'm here for you, Lynn, just like you've been there for me. You'll get through this, I promise."
Lynn's eyes well up with tears, but she manages a small smile, touched by JuJu's gesture of compassion.
"Thanks, JuJu. It means a lot to me that you brought me here, and that you understand what I'm going through but it feels like the pain will never go away."
JuJu nods, his gaze filled with empathy.
"Pain is always the hardest for the ones left standing. It probably won't go away. Shit, I still think about my parents and little sister every day. It hurts still, but that doesn't stop me from movin' forward. You're strong, I know nothing is a challenge for you."
Lynn wipes the tears from her eyes as they get fixated on her friend.
"Thanks, bro. You're the best friend I could ask for. You mean a lot to me. Like actually. Thanks for being there for me when I'm at my lowest."
"Anything for you Lynn. Listen, uh. One more thing."
"What's up?" she says as she wipes her eyes one last time.
"Remember I wanted to tell you something a while back but I held it in and didn't tell you?"
"Uh yeah… What? You finally got the balls to tell me now?" she giggles.
"Yeah. It's been eating the inside of me for too damn long now. Here it goes."
JuJu takes a deep breath before confessing his feelings.
"Lynn, I... I knew y-you were special the first day I met you. Back in Detroit, I couldn't keep my eyes off you. This might sound hella corny, but it was like my eyes were stuck on replay. I never thought I'd fall for a girl like you Lynn, you mean a lot to me and are partly the reason why I'm still pushing. I love your strong will, your loyalty to the ones you love, your sports knowledge, and your competitiveness. I know you're not into the romance stuff but I had to let this out. I couldn't hold it in anymore."
JuJu's confession hangs in the air, his heart pounding in his chest as he waits for Lynn's response. Lynn looks at him, her eyes wide with surprise and a mix of emotions. She takes a moment to process his words, her mind racing with thoughts and feelings.
"JuJu..." she starts, her voice soft but filled with sincerity. "I don't even know what to say. I never expected this."
JuJu nods, understanding the weight of his confession. "I didn't expect you to feel the same way or anything. I just needed to let you know how I feel."
Lynn takes a step closer to him, her expression a mix of vulnerability and gratitude.
"JuJu, you've been there for me through thick and thin. You've seen me at my best and my worst. And even though I never thought of us in that way, I can't deny the connection we have."
JuJu's eyes light up with hope, a glimmer of anticipation in his gaze.
Lynn continues, her voice steady but filled with emotion.
"I don't know what the future holds or how things will unfold, but I want you to know that I care about you too, JuJu. You're one of the most important people in my life, and I don't want to lose that."
A smile spreads across JuJu's face, his heart swelling with a mix of joy and relief.
"Lynn, that means everything to me. I don't want to rush things or put any pressure on you. We can take it slow and see where this takes us."
Lynn nods, her smile mirroring his.
"Yeah, let's take it one step at a time. As long as we're there for each other, we can face anything together."
JuJu reaches out and takes Lynn's hand, their fingers intertwining.
"I'm glad to have you by my side, Lynn. No matter what happens, I'll always be here for you."
Lynn squeezes his hand, a sense of warmth and comfort spreading through her. "And I'll always be here for you too, JuJu."
They both go in for a hug and take another look at each other's eyes.
"We should start heading back before the others notice we're gone," says Lynn.
"You're right," JuJu replies. "Let's go."
The two conversate with each other talking about sports and sharing their best memories from before the outbreak.
"Hey," Lynn says. "I've been meaning to say that I dig the new hairstyle. It suits you."
JuJu smiles as he laughs nervously.
"Thanks. I wanted to try something new."
"You made the right choice. It's gonna look awesome when it gets longer for sure."
After some time, they sneak back into the walls and walk to the front of Lynn's home through the backyard.
"It was good talking to you JuJu, I needed that."
"No problem LJ. Like I said, you mean a lot to me and I wanna see you happy."
She smiles as she gives him one last hug before quietly entering her home. JuJu walks away and goes toward his house while a smile is stuck on his face. He quietly enters his building and goes to his room. He lays on his bed, still smiling, feeling like a weight was finally lifted off his shoulders. Suddenly, JuJu hears his doorknob jiggle as he quickly fakes like he's sleeping.
"I know you ain't sleeping bro," says Marcus as he enters.
"How did you know?" JuJu grunts as he gets up from his bed.
"You're not as good a faker as you think. Plus, I knew you snuck out. You're good at being silent, but still rusty. What for?"
JuJu scratches the back of his head as he thinks of saying the truth or a made-up lie.
"I snuck out to talk to Lynn, alright? I felt bad about her losing her parents and I didn't want her to feel the same pain I did, so I went to her house. I convinced her to come with me and we went outside the walls. I just needed privacy so I could comfort her."
"You know you coulda just told me that right? You do what you want, just don't be a dumbass, and be safe. While y'all were out there, were you able to tell her?"
"I did."
"Finally bro!" Marcus says as puts his hand out for a handshake. "What did she say? Does she fuck with you like that?"
"She said that she didn't see us like that but couldn't deny the connection we have together, so she was willing to start shit slow, and maybe soon, we'll be a thing."
He puts his arm on JuJu's shoulder.
"Hey, that's progress. Prove that you are what she wants, but don't force it. Just let things happen."
JuJu nods with determination.
"Yeah, M. I got you. My confidence is back. Nothing gonna stop me now."
"Good to hear that bro, it's nice to see you happy again."
"Yeah, it's one step closer to being normal again, I guess."
The following day, JuJu walks into the infirmary with Marcus. He knocks on the wall to get Lori's attention.
"Yo, Lori. We here at a bad time?"
"Hey JuJu, Marcus. You guys are fine."
Lori is laying on her hospital bed with her right shoulder bandaged from where she was shot. Her bright blonde hair was messy and her skin was full of bruises as if she got into a fight with a rabid animal. JuJu walks toward her and pulls up a chair as Marcus leans in the middle of the doorway with his arms crossed.
"How are you feeling? Does it hurt?"
Lori looks at her bandages and runs her hand through her hair with her opposite arm.
"It's uncomfortable, but I'll live. I'm just happy to be back with everyone… well, almost everyone."
JuJu looks down at the floor, remembering Rita and Lynn Sr. The fact they lost their lives at the hands of General Black.
"Sorry about your parents Lori, shit isn't fair."
Lori nods but she doesn't say anything.
"It's good to have you back," Marcus says from across the room. "You play a big factor here, and are the main reason we run this place."
"Yeah," says JuJu. "Almost everyone was worried about you and the others. We thought y'all would never come back."
Lori continues sitting there in silence as JuJu continues.
"Me, M, and Byron tried to save you from getting taken by the Rogues but there were too many. Sorry we couldn't, or else none of this would've happened."
"No," Lori replies finally. "It's okay. Don't put this blame on yourselves. We made it back, that's all that matters. Now, I just want to focus on recovering as fast as I can and protecting my family. That includes you guys too."
"Thanks, you'll always have us by your side. We'll let you chill now, Hope you feel better."
Lori nods and smiles weakly. The two then leave the infirmary and walk to their home to see Byron and Emmanuel sitting on the couch.
"So," Byron says as he gets up, "How's Lori doing?"
"She looks like shit, but she's doing better," says Marcus.
"Knowing her," JuJu chimes in. "She's going to be back in no time. Just like how Lynn bounced back when she got stabbed. Those Louds are some strong women, not gonna lie."
"Bro, you're just saying that 'cause you like Lynn, stop it," Emmanuel scoffs.
"Bruh, have you been shot or stabbed and come back in less than a week?"
A sudden silence filled the room.
"Didn't think so. Shit, I didn't even recover that quick."
"What do you mean?"
JuJu lifts his tank top and shows the scar on his side.
"Woah," gasps Emmanuel.
He lowers his tank top and smirks.
"Yeah, I got this when I met M. He had a racist white dude in the group and tried to take me out. Gracias a Dios he's dead now. Still can't believe he killed Desean though."
"Who's that?"
"One of my homies from back home," Marcus chimes in. "He was one of my Day ones. I thought you met him before, cuz. When you pulled up to Georgia a couple of years ago."
"His name sounds familiar.
"I don't think you talked to him as much, but he was always with us when we played ball at the park."
"Oh! Was it the guy with the tattoos?"
"Yeah! That's him."
"Fuck, he died? Damn."
"I still find it crazy that y'all two are cousins," JuJu says, trying to change the subject. "It is a small world."
"Yeah," Emmanuel says. "But look now, we are all family. It's destined to be. We cut our beef and now we're survivin' together. Oh, and speaking of "destiny", I heard that you finally told your girl that you like her."
JuJu's eyes open widely as he glances at Marcus and he gives back a shrug.
"Bro," JuJu says. "How many times do I gotta say this? She's not my girl. Not yet at least. But yeah, I did."
"Good shit!" Emmanuel says as he stands up and gives JuJu a handshake. "I never thought you had the balls to do it."
"Shut the fuck up," JuJu says sarcastically as he cracks a smile. "You're relentless, aren't you? But yeah, it feels good to have finally told her how I feel. We're taking things slow though, so we'll see where it goes."
Byron grins mischievously. "Well, just remember, JuJu, I'm always here for some expert dating advice if you need it."
JuJu rolls his eyes playfully. "My ass. I ain't never heard you talk about having a girlfriend. Besides, I have a feeling Lynn wouldn't appreciate you giving me any advice. Also, you're younger than me."
Emmanuel and Marcus burst into laughter, causing Byron to feign offense.
"Hey now, why wouldn't she appreciate my wisdom? I'm a smooth talker! Plus, I'm only younger than you by a year."
"Yeah, smooth at talking to a brick wall," Marcus teases, earning another round of laughter.
As they continue to joke and enjoy each other's company, a sense of camaraderie fills the room. Despite the hardships they've faced and the losses they've endured, they find relief in one another's presence.