Point Of View 2 [*Do not read until you've read the same chapter of ATW]

Chapter 113 & 114 We Can't Leave Us Behind/ I Can See Clearly Now

*James*

Nate was so upset that he didn't walk back to Julia's apartment with us. He called his driver and decided to go home, which surprised me a little. It's like he's waving the white surrender flag and giving up the fight for Julia. All because she is finally thinking about her own future? Grow up, my man.

Things didn't calm down when we returned to the apartment like I thought they would, though. Julia has locked herself in her bedroom, which is something that worries us all. Not that I think she would do anything to harm herself, but this IS Julia. You just don't know for sure some days.

"Julia, can you please open the door?" Trevor Tremont bangs on her door while I begin pacing up and down the hallway. 

"Julia... you need to open this door." Jeremy bangs with more desperation than Trevor does and then uses me to see if that'll work. "James is freaking out, Julia. Open the door."

I smirk when I hear the door unlocking moments later and slip in before Julia changes her mind. I close the door behind me so we can talk in private.

"Works every time." I chuckle.  God, if only Julia knew how many times I played that card when I couldn't speak. Doing little things here and there like being difficult when it was time to eat until I saw Julia take a few bites first. The things I did and games I played. But hey, they worked, and that's what matters.

"Jerk."

"What's got you all riled up today?"  I embrace her, and she hugs me back.

"I'm not having some manic episode. I don't know what I'm having, but it's not that. You can check for yourself." Julia waves her hand towards the bathroom, and I can't resist laughing more and hugging her a little harder. Julia is of sound mind. Her bipolar is not part of what's bothering her.

"Did something specific happen? You've been all over the place in that head of yours these last few days." I admit.

"Yes. I mean- no. But-"

"You know you can talk to me. We're best friends. You can tell me anything." I kiss the top of her head and try to make another joke to lighten up the atmosphere. "Is it because you want to marry me now but can't get that damn ring off your finger? Is that the problem?"

I do get a laugh and an eyeroll out of her before she backs away and sits on the bed. I sit down next to her, ready to listen like she needs me to.

"I need a plan." She starts opening up to me.

"What kind of plan are we talking about. An escape plan? Cuz I can't drive anymore, babe."

"I'm serious, James." 

"Ok ok ok. I'm done." I stop with the jokes and rub her back. "What kind of plan?"

"I don't know!" She cries. "There's so much going on in my head right now."

"I can tell. Julia, talk to me." My voice is now more of a serious tone. All jokes aside, she's having a hard time with something.

But I get nothing out of her. Instead, she hugs me and doesn't let go. All she wants from me right now is to comfort her, not try to fix her problems. I understand and respect that so say no more. I give her what she needs and embrace her for as long as she needs.

*****

*Trisha*

"Are you two fighting or something?" Evan asks while driving me back home. Whatever is going on with Paul, it's affecting our relationship - if there is one. "Sorry if I'm overstepping. Part of being a bodyguard is observing people. Whatever the hell that was -"