The Unwanted Runaway

Stitches

Annas POV

As EJ and I make our way back to his house, the scene of the massive fiasco that just played out is still fresh in our minds. The air is thick with tension and my heart is racing as I hand EJ my favorite hoodie, urging him to hold it over his nose to block out the smell of blood and sweat. As we approach his house, I can't help but feel a sense of relief knowing that he will finally be safe.

But as we enter, the sight of Mia sitting at the kitchen island with Brooke immediately reminds me of the chaos that just unfolded. My anxiety spikes as I watch Mia jump up and run to EJ, frantically asking what happened and checking him for any injuries. She starts kissing him, her anger and worry evident as she demands to know who did this to him.

I can see the pain and fear in EJ's eyes as he looks at me, silently pleading for me to answer Mia's question. My voice trembling, I meet Mia's gaze and reveal the name that has caused all of this turmoil - Seth. Without missing a beat, Mia curses and calls him a "little motherfucker", her protective instincts for EJ kicking in.

As we all process the events of the night, I can't help but feel grateful for the strong connection between our group. We may have our ups and downs, but in moments like these, our bond is unbreakable.

Brooke advises me to move so she can assist with the situation involving EJ. I step back as instructed and Mia inquires about what happened. I begin to explain when Evan arrives and asks about EJ's condition, specifically if he needs stitches. Mia informs him that Brooke is currently attending to EJ and Jason is on his way with her medical bag, so she can properly assess and treat the injuries.

Brooke then provides a thorough description of EJ's injuries, mentioning that he has four dislocated fingers, likely caused by Seth trying to hold him down. Additionally, he has two sprained wrists, a bruised rib, a bloody black eye, and a broken nose. She notes that she will be able to reset the nose and do what she can to address the other injuries once Jason brings her the medical bag. However, she advises that EJ should still go to the hospital for further evaluation and to have documentation of Seth's actions.

Evan expresses his frustration with Seth's behavior, noting that they couldn't see the extent of EJ's injuries when they were out in the field due to the dirt. But now that he is cleaned up, the injuries are more apparent. Mia, unable to contain her anger and tears, expresses her frustration and declares that she's had enough of Sarah and her son's behavior. She believes that Denton needs to take action.

Brooke then asks how the situation started and I explain that Seth accused EJ of breaking his drone. Brooke recalls the incident with the drone hovering near their bedroom window and Jason shutting it down. Evan interjects, mentioning that Sarah used Denton's money to buy Seth another drone, which was subsequently destroyed by Jason. Mia interrupts, reminding them that there was another drone that caused a hole in Evan's truck tire.

I share that I overheard Denton and Sarah arguing about her using his debit card without permission for a charge over $2000. Mia expresses her concern for EJ's safety and instructs him to run the other way if Seth ever comes near him. She also comments that she wishes Denton would finally be done with Sarah.

Evan then reveals that Denton finally told Sarah to leave and take Seth with her. Both Brooke and Mia chime in, relieved that Denton has finally taken action.

Jason confidently enters the room, carrying Brooke's medical bag that is fully stocked with a first aid kit and all necessary items. As he walks in, he can't help but sing the catchy tune of "Hit the Road Jack" with enthusiasm. "Hit the road Jack, don't ya come back no more, no more. Hit the road Jack, don't ya come back no more," he belts out, putting a smile on everyone's face.

As I hear Jason's singing, I can't help but burst into laughter, causing me to snort loudly. My face instantly turns red with embarrassment, but the rest of the group joins in on the laughter. Trying to regain my composure, I excuse myself and make my way towards the door. However, Brooke interrupts my escape with a suggestion.

"How about we go shopping tomorrow, Anna?" she proposes. "Mrs. First can take us to her store and get you a whole new wardrobe on the house."

Looking down at my current outfit of red and blue jeans, my trusty vans, and my Van Halen t-shirt, I hold up my bloody hoodie in confusion. "What's wrong with what I'm wearing?" I ask.

Mia chimes in, "Well, Anna, you've been working and living on this ranch for quite some time now. It's time to start dressing like us, which means more comfortable attire."

Feeling content in my current outfit, I protest, "But I am comfortable."

With a chuckle, Mia responds, "Trust me, once you try on some of ranch attire, clothes , you'll never want to go back to your old wardrobe."besides, that’s the least I can do I mean my son literally bloody up your hoodie

Broke looks down on my feet and says you have not worn your boots once since you got them and your vans look like they’ve been through hell and back.

Then I reply well, they’re super uncomfortable and you’re all talking to uncomfortable ability but those boots hurt like a b***h .

He looks at me and says that’s the point of new boots you get a break him in then they’ll be comfortable.

As Jason gazes at me with a mischievous glint in his eye, he declares, "That's the whole point of new boots, you gotta break 'em in before they become your sole-mates." His deadpan delivery is met with a snort of laughter from me.

But Jason doesn't stop there, oh no. He continues, "Remember that show Reno 911? Well, that's basically me when I get new boots .All the sudden I’m lieutenant Jim Dangle, .It's a whole new level of goofing."

I can't help but burst into a fit of giggles as he demonstrates some ridiculous dance moves, pretending to be a cop in oversized boots jumping around saying “ Just new boot goofing.

Brooke, not one to miss out on the fun, chimes in with a mock-serious tone, "You really need to lay off the Netflix, Jason." To which he confidently responds, "Nah, it's all about Paramount+ now, babe." We all erupt into laughter, the absurdity of the situation making it hard to breathe.

But Brooke quickly brings us back to reality, scolding Jason with a playful eye-roll, "Seriously, you're so weird sometimes." And with a sly grin, he replies, "That's why you love me, right?" She playfully retorts, "Occasionally, Jason. Only occasionally." But when he leans in for a kiss, she can't resist and gives in, playfully tapping his chest and saying, "Maybe."

Brooke says” So what do you say Anna ?

Well, all right, but I also need to get some stuff to apologize to someone for upsetting them earlier as well.

Brooke and Mia both were happy that I decided to go.