Holding On
As the sun began to rise, Emily finally felt comfortable enough to head back to her own dorm. She hugged JJ tightly, promising to check in on her later in the day.
Emily's mind raced as she drove back to her dorm, still reeling from the events of the previous night. She couldn't help but think about JJ, and how much she had come to care for her. But she also couldn't shake the feeling that things were about to get more complicated.
Later that day, Emily received a call from JJ. She could hear the fear in her friend's voice as JJ explained that her boyfriend had come back. Emily's heart sank as she realized that JJ was in danger.
Without hesitation, Emily rushed to JJ's dorm, determined to protect her friend. She arrived just in time to see JJ's boyfriend storming out of the building, looking angrier than ever.
Emily quickly walked up to JJs dorm and knocked on the door. When JJ opened Emily wrapped her arms around JJ, holding her tight. "You don't have to be afraid anymore," she whispered. "I'm here for you, and I'll always protect you."
JJ let out a shuddering breath and leaned into Emily's embrace. "Thank you," she said softly. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
Emily held JJ for a few more minutes before pulling back. "Do you want to talk about what happened?" she asked gently.
JJ hesitated before shaking her head. "no," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "But can I stay with you for a bit?"
Emily nodded, understanding JJ's fear all too well. "Of course." she said softly.
JJ looked up at Emily, her eyes full of gratitude. "Thank you," she said again.
Emily smiled weakly. "Let's get your things packed."
They worked quickly, gathering JJ's most essential items and stuffing them into a backpack. Emily kept a watchful eye out the window, scanning for any sign of JJ's boyfriend.
Once they had everything they needed, Emily took JJ's hand and led her out of the dorm, while JJ kept a tight grip on her backpack.
As they made their way across campus, they walked quickly, keeping their heads down, and avoiding anyone who looked like they might be following them. JJ's nerves were on edge, and she kept looking over her shoulder, but Emily squeezed JJs hand and she relaxed a bit.
Finally, they arrived at Emily's Dorm, she fished her keys out of her pocket and unlocked the door, gesturing for JJ to go inside.
"Make yourself at home," she said, smiling warmly. "Do you want a cup of tea?"
JJ nodded, feeling grateful and overwhelmed all at once. She had never had a friend like Emily before, someone who was so kind and caring, and who seemed to understand her in a way that no one else did.
As Emily bustled around, making tea and pulling out a few snacks, while JJ looked around the Dorm. It was neat and tidy, with a few pictures on the walls and a bookshelf stacked with novels and poetry collections.
"I don't know why I haven't told you yet, but I really love your place, it is so lovely," she said, feeling a little shy.
"Thanks," Emily replied, setting a steaming mug of tea in front of her. "It's not much, but it's home."
They sipped their tea and talked some more, about everything and nothing, just enjoying each other's company. JJ felt herself relaxing, her fear and anxiety fading away in the warmth of Emily's presence.
As the night wore on, they settled down on Emilys bed, with JJ's head in Emily's lap. Emily stroked her hair, and they talked about their hopes and dreams, their fears and doubts.
Finally, as the night grew late, JJ yawned and stretched. "I should probably get some sleep," she said, sitting up.
"Of course," Emily replied, feeling a bit guilty for not realizing how tired her friend was.
"Thanks," JJ said, feeling a lump in her throat. "Emily, I don't know how to thank you for everything you've done for me. You've been amazing, and I don't think I would have made it this far without you."
Emily smiled, taking JJ's hand. "You don't have to thank me. I'm just glad I could help. And I promise, I'll be here for you, no matter what."
JJ nodded, feeling tears prick at the corners of her eyes. She hugged Emily tight, feeling a sense of gratitude and love that was almost overwhelming.
"Goodnight, Em," she whispered, as Emily hugged her back.
"Goodnight, JJ," Emily replied, as they broke away from the hug.
After they got comfortable in bed and Emily turned the light of Emily was fast asleep, but JJs thoughts were racing and even though she was very tired her thoughts kept her up. After she rolled around for a bit she found herself snuggling up to Emily and finally get her well deserved sleep.
+++
The next morning, Emily woke up to find JJ still fast asleep beside her. She quietly got out of bed and got dressed, trying not to wake her. Emily couldn't help but smile as she watched JJ sleep peacefully, feeling grateful for her presence in her life.
As the day went on, Emily and JJ went about their normal routine of attending classes and hanging out together. They laughed, talked, and just enjoyed each other's company.
However, as Emily was walking to her next class, she saw a familiar figure standing in the hallway. It was Ian Doyle, her ex-boyfriend. Emily's heart dropped as she tried to walk past him, but he grabbed her arm and spun her around to face him.
"Emily, I've missed you so much," he said, his voice dripping with false sweetness.
Emily's heart raced as she tried to pull her arm away from him. "Let go of me, Ian," she said through gritted teeth.
Ian ignored her and pulled her closer to him. "Come on, baby, just give me another chance," he pleaded.
Emily shook her head, trying to push him away. "No, Ian, it's over between us. You need to let me go," she said firmly.
Ian's face twisted into a sneer as he tightened his grip on her arm. "You think you're too good for me now, don't you? Well, I'll show you that you can't just walk away from me," he said, his voice menacing.
Emily felt a surge of fear run through her body as Ian's grip on her arm grew even tighter. She knew she needed to get away from him before things got any worse.
"Let go of me, Ian," she said, her voice shaking.
Just then, JJ appeared in the hallway, and her eyes widened as she saw Ian's hold on Emily. Without hesitation, she ran over and pulled him off of her.
"Get away from her, you asshole!" JJ yelled, her voice filled with anger.
Ian stumbled backwards, taken aback by JJ's sudden appearance and forcefulness. Emily quickly pulled away and the two girls ran off together, not looking back.
As they ran, Emily's mind was racing. She couldn't believe that Ian had the audacity to show up like that, and she felt a mixture of fear, anger, and disgust. She knew she needed to talk to someone about what had just happened, but she didn't want to burden JJ with her problems.
They eventually slowed down to catch their breath, and Emily turned to JJ. "Thank you," she said, her voice shaking slightly. "I don't know what I would have done without you there."
JJ gave her a small smile. "Of course, Em. I'm here for you if you want to talk."
Emily appreciated JJ's offer, but she didn't want to burden anyone with her problems. She had always been the strong one, the protector, and she didn't want to be seen as weak.
"Thanks, JJ," Emily said, forcing a smile. "But I don't think I want to talk about it right now"
JJ nodded understandingly. "I get it. Just know that I'm here whenever you're ready to talk."
They walked in comfortable silence for a few minutes, enjoying the warm sun on their faces and the sound of birds chirping in the trees.
As they approached their next class, JJ turned to Emily. "I'll see you later, okay?"
"Okay," Emily replied, grateful for the excuse to be alone with her thoughts.
Throughout the day, Emily found it hard to focus on anything other than the encounter with Ian. She kept replaying the scene over and over in her head, trying to make sense of it all.
By the time she got back to her dorm, Emily was exhausted both physically and emotionally. She collapsed onto her bed, feeling overwhelmed and vulnerable.
As much as she wanted to push the thoughts of Ian out of her head, they kept creeping back in, like a monster lurking in the shadows.
Emily knew that she couldn't keep it bottled up forever, but the idea of opening up to someone about it still scared her. She didn't want anyone to see her as weak or damaged.
For now, Emily decided to just take some time for herself, to sort through her feelings and figure out what to do next.