*James*

Well this is a first....

"I know I didn't call you first, but I also know he can't use a phone so texted Nate." Lindsay smiles brightly at me when Paul opens the door wider. She stands outside holding a tray with four coffee cups and a box of donuts and Maggie comes barreling over the second she hears her owner's voice.

"Hey!" I've never been so excited to see an ex-girlfriend before in my life. One thing about being on Home Confinement, you welcome any visitors. Me and Linds are friends anyways. 

"Wow, this place is nice!" Lindsay comes in and hands Paul a coffee. He nods a thank you and closes the door behind her. She looks good. Her long blonde hair up in a ponytail like always and in workout clothes .... like always. A hot pink long-sleeved top and black yoga pants.  I catch Paul eyeing her from behind and smirk. I can't blame him. Lindsay takes good care of her body. REAL good care of her body. 

Once she puts the tray down she bounces over and throws her arms around me. 

"Hey sweetie. How ya holding up?"

"I'm ok." I inhale her addicting floral perfume but take a step back. "Julia had to do a sleep study but she should be back soon."

"How is she?" Lindsay asks. Like Julia, she has a heart of gold. She's a bubbly, sweet woman who thinks of everyone.

"Life hasn't been easy for her. Let's just say that." I laugh when Maggie jumps up, wanting Lindsay's attention.

"Aww did you miss your mommy you spoiled brat?" I roll my eyes at our puppy and Lindsay kneels down to pet the dog. Of course, I can't help but to check out her cleavage as she spills out of her top and Paul catches me this time with a smirk and a shake of the head. I just shrug. What can I say? The girl is hot.

"I can't stay long. I'm traveling to Denver for work but wanted to pop in and say hi. I hope that's ok."

"It's ok." Paul chuckles at himself. He's loving this view, isn't he? Literally checking out her ass from behind while he sips his coffee.

"You look good, James." She says as we sit on the floor and pet our dog together. Maggie is going ballistic right now. Hyper as can be and Lindsay is loving it.

"Thanks. They have a little gym down the hall. Julia takes me and helps me." I look at the dog. "You know, you can always take Maggie when you want. I'm never alone now and...well... I'm not going anywhere for the next six months." I frown, thinking of that and Lindsay puts her hand on my cheek.

"You hang in there, ok? I know this is hard- but it's better than going to jail. I personally don't think you deserve any of this."

"Nobody does." Paul huffs from the living room.

We play with Maggie for a few minutes and tire the pup out.

"How long will you be in Denver?" I ask.

"Only three days." She looks at her phone to see the time. "Maybe I can stop by over the weekend and play with Maggie a little more? If Julia is up to it, of course." Lindsay stands up the same time I do.

"Of course. I will have someone text you."

"Ok. I've gotta catch my flight. Just wanted to say a quick Hello. Tell Julia I said hi, ok?" Lindsay hugs me and then hugs Paul. She's a hugger. He's fucking loving this, isn't he?

I see Lindsay out and turn to look at Paul.

"You lucky bastard." He grunts.

"Me?" I raise my brows. I am anything but lucky right now.

"I bet you're friends with all your exes."

"Actually, I am." I smile over at the bodyguard right as we hear a knock on the Avalon door. 

Julia is done with her sleep study.

******

*Trisha*

Nate is struggling this morning. This is more than a man-flu. I now understand why Jonah was so concerned last night. He hasn't left the couch and is coughing up a storm. I make him a cup of tea and he sits up a little.

"Do you think you have the flu like Ren?" I ask, sitting on the recliner instead of next to Nate.

"I'm fine." Nate says in a raspy voice. He sips his tea but flinches a little as he swallows. He's been coughing so much he probably irritated his throat.

"You don't sound fine, sweetie."

 I lean over and put my hand on his flushed cheek. "You're hot."

"That's what they say." He smirks, making me roll my eyes. "Can you grab my laptop and tell Jonah to come here? The doctor wants to have a zoom meeting to go over Julia's sleep study."

Nate never asks me to fetch him things. Ever. He must be really weak. I don't like this...he's making me nervous now.

"Yeah, sure." I get up and grab his laptop off the dining room table, then knock on Jonah and Casey's door. Casey is still sleeping but Jonah is up. He looks like shit. He really did stay up all night to keep an eye on Nate, didn't he?

I don't bother sitting in for this meeting, and Jonah lets Casey sleep. I head to James's room.

I look around the vacant room and frown. This living space was perfect for James. It was like his own hotel room. It had everything he needed. I know I should be getting over the fact that he chose to stay with Julia at the Avalon but it still stinks. I really thought we'd work out. But he's SO infatuated with Moretti. I should have known it wouldn't. In a way- it's a blessing in disguise. Paul is giving me a second chance and I'm grateful for that. I can't hate on James for the way he feels because I'm the same with Nate. No one can hate James anyway.

 He's "Un-hate-able." 

I think about Paul and I. Could we really make this work? Even when I go on tour? Will her eventually decide not to stay at the Avalon forever and ever? Because I sure as hell am not gonna visit him there every day. I want this to work out for us. 

"Are we hiding in here now?" Evan asks, standing in the doorway.

"Maybe we are."

"You didn't want to be part of the meeting?" Evan laughs and scratches his perfect beard.

"Yeah, no thanks. Why? Did it not go well?" I'm curious now. Mainly because I worry about Nate and his stress level more than anything else. Evan walks in a little more and crosses his arms. 

"They are still talking but it sounds like that Jeremy guy really messed her up."

"Yeah, he's a winner."

"It was interesting though. I guess the guy went up and hung out with the technician during it and-"

"Of course he did." I cut Evan off. Jeremy is fucking obsessed with Julia. She can't get away from the guy. Not even in her sleep.

"Anyway- the other doctor said when he entered the room and she heard his voice, her brain waves and shit went crazy. Even showed us the graphs. It was nuts. That poor lady."

I frown hearing this. No, me and Julia will never be best friends, and I always thought she overexaggerated shit- The Woe Is Me, Damsel in distress weak crap. But brain waves don't lie. Donovan really fucked her up long term and I'm sad for her. She'll never be the same. Just like I will never be the same from Dave. I just hide my trauma better than she does.

"Yeah," I say softer now. "She's been through a lot."

"Anyways-" Evan's go-to word. "You know you want to make me pancakes."

"Is that why you came in here? Typical." I laugh a little. "You don't know how to make yourself pancakes??"

"I do. But I like em better when YOU make em." Evan flirts. He is like Nate. Relentless. And a little like James- he knows I'm with Paul. He just doesn't care.

"Fiinnee." I huff. "I'll make you your stinkin pancakes."

******

*James*

After Dr. Tremont goes over Julia's sleep study with us all I feel even worse for Julia. She's been through so much. She may never fully heal from some of that stuff. Especially the rapes. Just to see the brain wave charts Trevor showed us when Jeremy walked into the room is insane. I've never seen anything like it.

Julia feels a little hopeless right now. She knew her results would be a mess but she didn't think they'd be that bad. Bad to the point even the doctor said he's never seen anything like it.

Julia is extra quiet getting me ready for the day and even more so once we are in the cafeteria for breakfast. But she still helps me with everything and never complains. That's the thing with Julia.... No matter how many times she gets knocked down she tries to get up. Life has just been really shitty for her.

"Hey Sunshine, looking for your prince charming?" Mike slides his tray onto the table and sits across from me and Julia."You look like shit."

"Gee, thanks." 

I study Mike's face for a second. Something is different with him. He's fucking high! Shit! How the hell do you get high at The Avalon? Did he steal someone's meds or something?

"Where were you all night? You missed game night in the rec room." Mike scoffs.

"Game night?" I raise an eyebrow then roll my eyes. "Seriously? They think this is pediatrics or something."

"Who knows. No one wants to play Monopoly and detox at the same time, I can guarantee it." Julia answers and helps me open my yogurt, putting the spoon in my hand for me. This is one of the more difficult things, yogurt, and I'm surprised she put it on my tray. She knows I love yogurt, but my coordination doesn't really let me scoop it very well. Once I have a good grip on the spoon and she dips it for me I can get it to my mouth most days, but it's still a pain in the ass for anyone caring for me. But Julia smiles and helps me without any hesitation. I love this woman so much. She'd do anything for me and never makes me feel embarrassed. She's very patient.

"So you actually go to those things?" I ask while finishing my yogurt.

"Not a shot in hell." Julia laughs.

"Nah, we go back to "my place" and fuck." Mike adds and my eyes widen. Yep. He is certainly high. He's acting pretty obnoxious. I already knew how Julia uses others to forget shit. This doesn't surprise me.

"You're something." I laugh at her.

"Says the one who's yearbook quote was probably 'if it feels good and you want to forget shit for a little while go for it..." 

"Touche. You've got me there." I smile and nudge her a little, making her chuckle. She knows I don't care who she fucks...so long as she doesn't get any STD's. That would be a game changer.

"Ugh." Mike takes a deep breath. "Incoming."

Jeremy waltzes in and eyes Julia but checks a few patients. He NEVER does that.

"Wow, that's a first." I notice Jeremy stalling.

"Hey Julia. Michael... James." Jeremy finally makes his way over.

"Yeah, cut the bullshit. Why were you at my sleep study?" Julia snaps, catching both me and Mike off guard. She has something to say and she's gonna say it to him.

"I wanted to make sure the tech knew what to look for. Why was Trevor in your room??"

"Ohh, the plot thickens." Mike takes a bite out of his bagel.

"You know why. I can't sleep alone. And YOU know WHY."

"Even falling asleep? Jesus, sunshine, you're a mess." Mike snorts.

"Michael...." Jeremy scolds the patient.

"What? She is. You jealous she's got the hots for another doctor and not you?"

"What? No...I don't..."

"Ok, Sunshine."

"A word please." Jeremy doesn't ask. He demands. He takes a step back and waits for Mike to stand up.

"Whatever, prick." He follows the doctor out and Julia's big brown eyes turn my way.

"Sorry. He's never acted like THAT before."

"Julia..."

"James."

She's oblivious, isn't she?

"God, you didn't see the guy's eyes? He took something. His pinpoint pupils give him away."

"What? No. There's no way. Security is tight here. He couldn't get his hands on anything if he tried."

"Babe, there's always a way."

"What do you think will happen?" She asks nervously.

"With that guy? Probably throw him in jail. He's a felon on probation or something, isn't he?"

"Wait here." She bolts up but then looks down at me. "Shit. No. You can't stay here alone. C'mon. You can eat at my place."

She grabs my tray of food and hurries out of the cafeteria with me following behind wondering what the hell is happening in that head of hers right now. With Jula you just never do know.

"Shit, I don't have time." She says in a frantic way and pivots to go down another hall.

"Julia, what's going on?"

"If Jeremy writes him up, his probation officer is going to throw him in prison. I need to stop Jeremy."

"Why do you care?"

"Because James, he's an addict not a fucking convict."

She bangs on Jeremy's door with her free hand but doesn't wait and barges in. Mike is sitting on the couch with his head in his hand. Jeremy is pacing back and forth with his phone in his hand, clearly debating with himself on what to do.

"Julia. Not a good time. Go." The doctor shakes his head. I sit down with my food but watch it all play out

"Here. Finish eating." Julia gently puts a piece of toast in my hand. Like I want to eat right now. I want to watch them spill the tea is what I want. I watch Julia swipe the doctor's phone right out of his hand. "Bold Julia" has been activated.

"Julia!" Jeremy has a shocked look on his face.

"He made a mistake."

"He's high as a kite."

"He MADE a MISTAKE! Don't do this, Jeremy."

"Jule, I have to. By law I-"

"By law? Fuck the law Jeremy! You raped me twice and you're still standing here a free man. Mike has an addiction problem! Just like me! He doesn't belong in prison, and you know it."  Mike lifts his head, and we all see the tears streaming down his face. The guy realizes he fucked up.

"Will you put me in jail too if I slip up??" Julia asks.

"Julia, this is different. He's a convict."

"He's a PERSON!!" 

"I need to report this. I'm sorry." Jeremy reaches for his phone but Julia isn't having it.

"I thought you were changing. I thought you were getting help and trying to do better. You're so full of shit, you know that?! You have a choice. Let this one mistake slide. Do your job and help a patient with his addiction in a FUCKING REHAB FACILITY. Or make the call and ruin his life forever. But I swear to God, Jeremy. If you choose to make that phone call I'm done. I'm out of here and I'm not coming back. So you can send him to jail and fucking send me to my grave because you KNOW what will happen if I don't get the help I need. I'm one foot in the grave already, and you know it. Is that what you want? Wanna ruin my life, too?"

"Jule..." Jeremy says softly with sympathetic eyes. "I have to do what's right."

"Do you? What's right is to show compassion. I will help him detox, ok? You don't even have to do anything. I will. Just please......let this one go."

I watch the doctor's shoulders fall. He is actually listening to Julia right now. He's contemplating and actually thinking about letting the drug addict off the hook because Julia asked him to. He's THAT obsessed with her that he will do anything to please her. That's fucking messed up. 

"I can't believe I'm doing this." Jeremy shakes his head in disbelief. "Fine. This is it, though, Michael. You get one chance. You can thank Julia for saving your ass."

 He's giving Mike a second chance. Julia did it. She just saved this guy's life.

"But I need to know one thing and you have to answer. I can already tell what you took, so don't deny it. How did you get heroin in here. Or access to a syringe?"

Mike's eyes widen.

"I- I can't tell you that." He's still high but sobering up fast.

"You need to. Right here and now." Jeremy glares at him.

"No.... you don't understand..."

"Michael. Last chance."

"Mike, just tell him..." Julia throws her hands in the air.

"Jule....." Tears form in his eyes again. "I really can't."

"Julia, give me my phone." Jeremy demands and shakes his head at Mike. "I told you I needed to know how you got the heroin. I needed to know right here and right now. I'm not playing games."

"MIKE!" Julia's eyes are wide and desperate. He's throwing his life away. Whoever gave him these drugs is going to get in a ton of trouble.

"FINE!" He stands to his feet and begins pacing. "FUCK!

Mike scratches his arm where he injected the drug and continues nervously pacing. Everyone's eyes are on him. 

"I got it from.. Jesus, Julia I can't...."

"I'm trying to help you!!! Where did you get it? Or, who did you get it from??"

There's another long pause. Mike stops pacing and swallows hard.

"Cara Hollan."

Oh snap...

********

*Trisha*

After the Zoom call, Nate lays back down while I make fucking Evan his damn pancakes. I make enough for everyone- including Jonah's tapeworm. Casey is awake now...barely, and flipping through the channels on the TV aimlessly. She's like a teenager sometimes, I forget she's only 26.

"Half an hour. Rest for a half hour, and then I will help you get ready." Jonah tells Nate.

"I've already let the hospital know you are coming today. They will have security ready." I let them know. It's the first thing I did once Jonah told me Nate would be going in today.

"And Paul will have your own security team there as well." Evan adds.

"It's just a cold. Mom and Dad are overreacting." Nate coughs.

"Maybe we are, but better to be on top of this." Jonah continues. But then Nate coughs. It's hard and loud and he doesn't stop after just one time. He continues to cough, unable to catch his breath and we all stop what we're doing and look over at him alarmed.

"Shit. Jonah!" Casey jumps up. I look over the side of the couch and see blood spattered on Nate's hand. I disregard the pancakes and rush to his side before Jonah can even comprehend it yet, and Evan turns off the stove.

"Nate." 

"Ok. That's too much. Time to go." Jonah jumps up.

"I'm fine. I'm too tired."

"Don't care. It's you walk in on your own two feet or I call a rescue. I'm not kidding."

Jonah is serious. Nate gives in, and the nurse helps him to his feet. But Nate is too weak. I've never seen him like this over a cold. This is more. So much more. He has to sit back down on the couch. He hunches over coughing again and blood splatters on the hardwood floor.

"Oh my God!" I freak.

Next thing we know- 911 is called and the EMT's are in the apartment taking unconscious Nate out on a stretcher.

******