"Trouble never comes alone."

❥

"I guess I've never witnessed a more romantic moment in my life", I state bluntly but if I was being honest, I am amazed by Mike's honesty and their bond. They've been together for so long and I haven't seen them fighting with each other seriously all my life. Sarah nods. I look past her and see JJ and John B arriving at the dock. Finally. Where the hell have they been anyways? I give Sarah a nervous look. 

Would she tell him right here right now? What would John B say? He's been away for a few days. She's got some questions as well. All of us have some questions. I decide to walk around and let the girls talk to them first. John B seems to take a little longer so I wait until JJ and Kie are done talking. 

"Please tell me you didn't get into trouble", I approach JJ when he's done talking to Kie, "And why wouldn't you want to keep lying to Kie when you've got feelings for her?" Their conversation didn't seem to be good when looking at their posture. "Why would you care?", JJ replies harshly, "As far as I can remember you weren't happy about us liking each other." "J, aren't we over this?", I sigh, "I'm only here to help you. Kie just confessed her feelings to you. And what did you say? It wouldn't work out? It worked out just fine for us, JJ. Why shouldn't it work out with Kie?" 

JJ sighs furrowing his brows right before he shakes his head again. "You don't get it, Iz. That's completely different.. your dad didn't hate me like Mike.. I mean your dad doesn't like me.. of course.. kook shit. But he doesn't treat me like Mike making me feel like whatever I'd do it's always just some criminal shit. For real, he-" "J, cut it", I interrupt him strictly, "Why does it matter if Mike doesn't like you? God, J, since when do you care about this shit? I get that you've got feelings for Kie but that's not a reason to freak out for something so unimportant." 

"Thanks for the speech, Iz, but no thanks. Kie and I.. that's not going to happen", JJ claims but before I can shake my head, I notice a certain boy from the cut so I quit trying to make JJ believe that he's actually worth being loved. I wouldn't convince him today anyways. "I'll see you tomorrow, okay?", JJ assures himself. I nod softly knowing that he's at least aware of the fact that some people care about him. 

As soon as JJ has left, I go closer to that damn trees where Barry hides. Rafe clearly doesn't understand the words 'leave me alone'. "Seriously? That's my family's party. You're not going to be decent at least today? How about hide in a house using field glasses instead of watching me five feet from my family?", I snap at him furiously already. 

"Rectract your claws, kooky. I'm not here for you." "No way, didn't expect you to be someone falling for the kook himself", I provoke Barry angrily but before I can continue he's already got his hand around my throat. "One more word and I'll choke you right here right now", Barry huffs making me shiver, "We wouldn't want to have Country Club end up alone, right?" 

Thank god some trees separate us from the others so no one would have to worry about me. "Then stay with him instead of following me", I say as clear as possible with him pressing his hands against my neck. "You know how this works", Barry agrees dangerously but finally loosens his grip and lets go of me entirely, "This is how it works, kooky." I immediately lay my hands around my neck and massage it as if that would reduce the pain. I give Barry a cold look instead of replying. I won't give in easily but right now, my chances aren't great so I'll fight him back when it's the right time.

John B places his arms around Sarah's body happily as soon as he gets here. „I'ved missed you, Sarah", I can hear John B whisper to Sarah because they stand right next to me. They seem to enjoy their reunion so I keep quiet until further notice. If they need me, I'm right here. Sarah doesn't look super amused about having to tell him her dirty secret but that's something that I can't help her with. "Hey, Bell", John B nudges me softly and I give him a quick smile. "You have a lot to talk about, Bird", I say quickly but point at Sarah so he understands the message and concentrates on her. John B and I can talk later on.

"I bet ten dollars she won't tell him now", Kie says next to me when we watch them but I shake my head. "Looks like she does", I sigh feeling sad for both of them as I can literally see the shift of emotions in John B's look. He's shocked, hurt and angry at the same time. Bad mixture. When he storms away, I run after him. 

"John B, wait", I call for him and am about to comfort him somehow but I can tell that he doesn't want to talk about it. He just needs someone who'd understand him. Someone to support him. "I'll get JJ and we go back to the chateau, alright?", I suggest feeling like this would be the best way. I understand his anger but I'm trying to keep the emotions controlled so they don't turn into a fight. John B nods slowly. This seems to be a lot easier than expected. Something must be wrong right now but I won't complain. I walk next to John B and tell JJ to start the boat. 

"You've got us, bro. Izzy and I are here", JJ tries to calm John B down as well which I'm quite thankful for. JJ would normally freak out knowing John B got hurt and even more knowing it's been for a kook. If there's one person JJ hates, I think it's Topper even more than Rafe. I can tell by his look that he'd love to run over there but he's holding it back for John B. 

"Shit", JJ mutters when we follow John B's look. He sees Sarah being comforted by Topper. They're way too close. Too close for John B to step back. He jumps out of the boat running back to the party, JJ and I right behind him trying to keep pace with him.