Nothing was the same after Julie told JC everything. They did concerts, came back to the bus and slept on the way to the next city. Julie had pleaded with Johnny and she had gotten her own bus. Facing JC was almost impossible and they avoided each other as much as possible. Julie was sitting in a chair watching a movie when there was a knock on the bus door. Julie got up, opened it, and let Justin in.
“Are you okay?” Justin asked, concerned.
“Yeah I guess. I’m used to people shutting me out. JC’s no different.”
“He’s been hurt before and he’s afraid to let somebody get close to him. You get to him and he can’t figure out how you could get through his barrier.” Julie thought about this for a moment.
“He put up that barrier so women couldn’t get through and make him love them. He basically shuts down emotionally.” Julie nodded her head in understanding.
“But you’re different Julie. You get to him and his analytical brain can’t figure out how. It took a lot to admit what you did last night and it’s a step.”
“How can I get him to let this barrier down?” Julie asked, talking for the first time. “I don’t know Julie. I honestly don’t know.” Julie had absolutely no idea what to do.
*********************
Eventually, Julie figured out a plan. In about ten minutes, all of Chris’ stuff would be moved into her bus and her stuff in the guy’s bus. Justin came up to her.
“All done. Chris was happy that he got a bus all to himself.” Julie laughed although she was nervous and tense.
“He’s alone. Go for it Julie.” Julie took a deep breath and walked into the bus. JC turned and looked at her.
“What do you want Miss Porter?” JC asked, narrowing his eyes at her.
“I’m staying on this bus. Chris wanted to trade with me.” JC continued adding to the song in front of him.
“I don’t know what your ex girlfriend did to you but I’m really sorry.” JC looked at her with pained cerulean eyes and opened his mouth to say something. Julie looked up when somebody threw open the door.
“Julie, I’m here!” Julie cringed at the oily voice and JC turned away from her.
“Who are you?” JC demanded in a cold, hard voice.
“Julie’s boyfriend.” Brian proudly replied.
“In your dreams.” Julie muttered. Brian looked at her.
“What was that dear?”
“I am not your girlfriend and I have told you so many times.”
“Julie let’s talk about this outside.” Julie walked off the bus and Brian followed. When they were off the bus, Brian roughly grabbed her arm and when Julie tried to pull away, he viciously slapped her.
“No matter what, you’ll always be my girl. Do you understand?” Julie nodded and put a hand to her aching cheek. Brian stormed off and Julie slowly climbed the stairs and went inside the bus. Hoping against hope, she cautiously stepped inside, praying JC was somewhere else. But he was there and he turned when she entered. He stood up quickly when he saw the bright hand print across her cheek and the tears streaming down her face.
“What happened?”
“Brian slapped me because I said I wasn’t his girlfriend.” She paused. “Hey, you’re being civil to me.”
“Yeah well abuse is a serious matter, whether I’m civil to you or not.” Julie smiled sadly.
“I told you that he did this and you didn’t listen.” she started crying again and JC sat down next to her.
“Why do you have to shut me out? Why can’t you trust me?” Julie looked up at him with watery eyes and JC took a deep breath.
“Because I know I’ll fall in love with you.” JC got up and quietly left the bus.
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