「 RICOCHET 」JM ³

021 can't argue with science

Cleo tutted, "You guys are getting ahead of yourselves per usual. We don't have a way to transport the cross. What you think? On JJ's motorcycle?"

JJ pulled the cap off his head with a groan, "That's not my fault."

"No one said it was your fault," Bianca's eyebrows drew together.

"Okay, so, other options..." Pope trailed off, glancing between the group. His eyes landed on Bianca whose gaze was firmly planted on the table in front of them.

She hardly said a word to him since they got on this ferry, or even since the Chateau. Bianca was usually the first to pitch an idea to the group or concoct a mastermind plan but lately, she seemed so hollow. Lifeless, almost.

Guilt crept up from beneath the collar of Pope's shirt and made him all bothered. He hadn't even asked how she was doing since he found out the cross was back on the island.

Pope missed her. He missed his best friend and found himself wondering if, maybe, she missed him too.

"Oh my god," Sarah's breath hitched, drawing him out of his thoughts. She straightened her back and hid behind Kiara's frame.

"Oh my god, what? Cleo deadpanned.

They all followed her gaze to where Topper leaned lazily against the bar with a drink in his hand. Bianca couldn't help but think he looked exactly the same, with his frosted tips and aqua shorts, like every other polo-wearing, trust-fund baby.

But then again, it had only been a little over a month since she last saw him. She couldn't have expected things to be that different. Maybe, it was her that changed.

"Is that Topper?" Pope scoffed.

"Why... is he everywhere?" Kiara reared her head back.

"Perfect," Pope nodded with a smile, surprising the group. "Hey, Jayj-"

"What?"

"Bet you Topper has a way to transport the cross," He challenged.

JJ hesitated, "Actually, Pope's right. He does have a rig."

"No," Sarah interjected immediately.

"Yes," JJ argued.

"No. Absolutely not."

"Yes- come on!"

"No, it's perfect," Bianca lifted her head to meet her best friend's eyes. "Sarah makes him weak. And penis-dumb."

"Penis...dumb?" JJ's eyebrows furrowed.

"No, I get it," Kiara nodded. "Like JJ when Bianca ties her hair up."

"What are you talking about?" JJ frowned.

"You know," Kiara began. "Like, for example, when guys associate a girl tying their hair up with..." She trailed off.

"Kie, don't tell him!" Bianca shot her a look.

"So, next time you ask for something or want to get something done," Cleo explained instead, pretending to tie her hair up in a ponytail. "Pope, I have an appointment at the salon but I don't have a ride there, do you mind picking me up at five?" She faked an American accent.

"That was good," Sarah hummed and ignored the still confused expression plastered on JJ's face.

"Thank you, thank you," Cleo grinned.

Pope's mouth parted before directing an accusatory gaze at Bianca, "Have you been classical conditioning him?" He pointed to the said boy.

"Um," Bianca pursed her lips, pretending to think. "...No?"