JJ Maybank

You were a Pogue through and through, and it drove your kook parents mad. You’d had yet another fight about your behaviour - sneaking out to hang with the Pogues, lying, getting into trouble, and disappearing for days at a time. Finally fed up, your parents announced they were sending you to a wilderness summer camp over an hour away. Furious, you stormed out of the house, jumped into your car, and drove off. You were Hellbent on not going to that stupid camp for ‘troubled teens’ with ‘behavioural problems’.

As you drove, your anger simmered, giving way to a creeping sadness. Tears blurred your vision as the reality of your situation set in. You didn’t want to leave the Pogues, your best friends, your life.

You pulled up to the Chateau, expecting it to be empty. John B’s Twinkie wasn’t out front, Kiara’s car was nowhere to be seen, JJ’s dirt bike was absent, and there was no sign of Pope and Sarah. Assuming you were alone, you walked onto the veranda, your heart heavy and chest tight.

Suddenly, JJ emerged from the house with his lopsided grin but it quickly faded as he noticed your distress. Concern etched across his face, he rushed over.

“What happened?” he asked, his voice soft but urgent.

Seeing his worry, you couldn’t hold back any longer. Your tears spilled over as you choked. Your breaths became shallow and rapid, your chest tightening as the overwhelming emotions took over. Tears streamed down your face uncontrollably.

“Hey, hey, it’s okay,” JJ said gently, but his facial features signalled he was quite alarmed.

JJ hesitated for a moment, his hands hovering awkwardly as he watched you. He wanted to comfort you but he wasn’t sure if you’d reciprocate the physical contact. His concern for you overrode his uncertainty, and he gently pulled you closer, hugging you and patting your back softly.