In the Dark ~ j.m¹

Chapter Twelve: Plotting

She opens her mouth to say something, but she doesn't wanna wake John B by calling out.

I'm so confused...

He appears in the living room a few seconds later, wearing a grey shirt and flip flops.

"You sure?" Abby asks, fiddling with her own rings. "I feel bad, it's early."

He looks at her, chuckling. "Don't, it's cool." He grabs the keys from the hook, gesturing to the door. "Let's go."

She smiles at the boy, following him out of the house, towards the Twinkie.

The two ride in silence, the radio playing in the background. JJ taps his fingers on the steering wheel to the beat, which brings a small smile on her lips.

Her feet are up on the dash, as her arm leans on the open window, the breeze hitting her as they drive down the empty roads.

JJ keeps is eyes on the road, with an occasional glance over in her direction.

When they turn down her street, he parks two houses down, so they don't see the van, and blow her cover. He turns to her as she unbuckles her seatbelt. "We've arrived at your destination. I accept tips in the form of cash, food, or kisses." He jokes, pointing to his cheek.

She pushes her hand against his cheek, as they both chuckle.

"Well, if you're cool with waiting, I could actually sneak you out some breakfast. I don't plan on staying long." Abby explains.

He shrugs. "Got nothing better to do, and I do love free food."

She rolls her eyes, opening the van door. "So, you'll wait?" He nods, as she closes the door. "I won't be long."

"Take your time, pretty girl, it's still early." He smiles, as she walks away.

She's grateful that she was already turned around, and he can't see her blush.

Abigail sneaks quietly up to her window, pushing it open and climbing inside. She places her bag down, and turning to close the window.

She pulls her covers off, messing up her bed to make it seem like she slept in it, before pulling JJ's shirt over her head and tossing it on the bed. She opens her dresser, pulling out a new bikini, before walking towards her closet to grab new clothes.

Once she's dressed, she quickly washes up in the bathroom, before stepping out of her room.

"Morning." She calls as she exits her room. Gram and MJ share a confused look as they see her enter the kitchen. Abigail stops in her tracks when she notices their gaze on her.

Shit, they know.

"What?" She asks, feigning confusion.

"Just surprised to see you awake this early two days in a row." MJ says, chuckling as he sips his coffee.

"It's summer, MJ. Gotta soak up every second of sunshine." She says, smiling.

"What time did you get in last night?" Gram speaks up.

Abigail continues to play dumb, pausing for a moment to think about her answer. "Around midnight." She decides on, as she opens her pantry, in search for food. "I tried to call and let you know, but there was no service."

"What'd you do yesterday?" Gram asks. "You never came by the store."

Fuck.

Abigail lifts her head from the cabinet. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry." She says quickly.

"It's fine, Abby, really." MJ says, shaking his head at the girl. "The shop was fine."

Abigail sighs in relief. "No, MJ, it's not fine. She said she'd come by, and she didn't. And then she didn't stroll in til after midnight." Gram argues.