TW: I'm not sure how to put it into words tho, just like mention of some stuff, and anxiety.

Alex's POV:

"What's going on here?"

I look up from Andre's arms and see Thomas standing in the middle of the front room, looking at us questionably and glaring at Andre. I sit up and inch away from Andre, sniffling and hugging my arms around myself.

"N-nothing."

"Why are you crying? Did he hurt you? What the fuck is going on here?"

Andre looks over at me with pleading eyes. I swallow my guilt and look up to meet eyes with Thomas. "No. He didn't- he didn't hurt me. I was just having a bad day." I respond slowly, pulling at the sleeves of my hoodie.

"Do you wanna talk about it?" Jefferson offers, taking a seat next to me on the couch. "No! No, it's fine. I'm gonna go lay down. Could you two...just, just stay out here?" I ask softly. Thomas nods understandingly and gives me a little side hug and Andre just nods stiffly. I sigh and sit up.

I trudge over to the shared bedroom door, my socks making a soft thudding noise on the hardwood floor. I grab the knob and twist it, walking into the grey-painted room and sit on my bed after locking the door.

I sit there, just breathing. In and out, in and out. The whole situation comes back to me. Andre touching me. In and...out. Me crying. In and- and out. The scratching. In...in and out. The blood. In...in...

My breathing becomes more quick and fast-paced and I feel myself getting lightheaded. I try to do what John taught me, that night with the storm.

"What do you hear?"

My panting, the television playing softly from the next room, a car horn honking from outside.

"What do you see?"

I look down. The blue comforter, my hand tapping rapidly against my thigh, my notebook open from a late night writing session.

"What do you feel?"

My breath slowing down and evening out. The fingers against my thigh slowly coming to a halt. The soft sheets twisted into my free hand. Better. I feel better.

I take one more deep breath and run a hand through my silky hair, shaking the hair tie loose. I sigh and lay down on my pillows, closing my eyes and finally having some sort of peace after this terrible day. My last thought being about John.

———————————————————————

Laf's POV:

"Laffy, darling, could you bring me my- my-"

My mom starts, but gets cut off my a scratchy cough. I attempt to approach her bed, only to have her hold up her free hand saying no. "Sorry about that, itchy throat. Could you bring me a glass of water?"

I nod worriedly and make my way to the kitchen. I return after a bit and hands the glass to my sick mother. "Are you okay, maman?" I questions, sitting on the edge of her bed.

The brunette haired woman rolls her eyes with a smile. "I'm okay, Gilbert. A little flu can't-" A cough cuts her off. "-bring me down." Mama Marie boasts with a small grin. I chuckle reluctantly and nod. "If you say so, mama." I stand up from the bed and fluffs up my high bun.

"Can 'ercules come over?" I ask hopefully, making little praying hands towards my mom. She fake ponders for a second before responding. "Of course! I love 'ercules, he's such a sweet boy. And I'm sure he treats you well? He's not, how you say, taken your virginity has he?"

I flush and scoff. "No, mama! Can we not talk about this?" I lie, blushing red. "You know if you want to, just wear protection-" I turn even redder and cover my ears dramatically. "Stop, gross. Why am I talking about this to my mom." I complain, making my way to her bedroom door. "Be safe!" She calls out as I shut the door.

I sigh, exasperated before giggling to myself quietly.

Me: Hi mon amour :) do you want to come over?

Upinitlovinit: sure love <3 how's mama marie?

Me: She's been getting worse I think, coughing a lot

Upinitlovinit: aw nooo did you go to the hospital and get it checked out?

Me: We can't

Upinitlovinit: why?

Me: She's illegal

Upinitlovinit: oh shit rly?

Me: Mhm, the only reason she got here is because she dressed up as a pregnant lady and got on the boat

Upinitlovinit: badass

Me: Yup, then she met my dad and had me

Upinitlovinit: well thanks for that or else I wouldn't have my laffy

Me: You're so corny

Upinitlovinit: mmmm is it corny, or sweet?

Me: Corny.

Upinitlovinit: ouch

Me: Are you on the way yet? ☹️

Upinitlovinit: yes love be patient

Me: You know I can't do that

Upinitlovinit: shush I'll see you soon

Me: okay love you <3

Upinitlovinit: love you too

A/N: this chapter is so short I'm gonna cry