[Juliette's Hospital Room]
Noa entered the room slowly, her heart pounding in her chest. Juliette laid there, still and silent, her face pale against the stark white sheets. The rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor was the only indication that she was still with them.
Noa approached the bed, her eyes filling with tears as she took in the sight of her best friend lying so vulnerable and fragile. She reached out, gently taking Juliette's hand in hers, squeezing it lightly as if willing her to wake up.
"Lettie" She whispered, "You have to pull through this. You can't leave us. You can't leave me"
She sat down on the chair beside the bed, her eyes never leaving Juliette's face, "I don't know what I'd do without you" She continued, "I can't lose you, Lettie. Not now, not ever"
"What you whispered before...before you were shot, it's been replaying in my mind" Noa took a deep breath, trying to find the right words, "I've been so scared to admit it, but...I think I have feelings for you too. So you have to wake up, okay? We can talk and figure out what this truly means...for us"
As she spoke, the heart monitor began to beep faster, the sound growing more frantic. Noa's eyes widened in panic as she glanced at the monitor, then back at Juliette, "No, no, no" She murmured, fear coursing through her veins, "Please, Juliette, don't do this"
The door burst open as nurses and doctors rushed into the room, "Step back, miss" One of the nurses said firmly, guiding Noa away from the bed.
"No, please!" Tears fell down her face, "You have to save her!" Noa begged
The room was a blur of activity as the medical team worked to stabilize Juliette. Noa watched in horror as the heart monitor flatlined, the sound of the continuous beep echoing in her ears, "She's coding!" One of the nurses shouted, and the team sprang into action, performing chest compressions as they prepared to move Juliette
Before Noa could fully comprehend what was happening, Juliette was being wheeled out of the room, a nurse on top of her doing compressions. The sight was too much for Noa to bear. She slid down the wall, her legs giving out as sobs racked her body. Tears soaked her cheeks as she prayed silently, her hands clasped together tightly.
"Please, please, let her be okay" She whispered through her tears, "I can't lose her. Not like this"
The hallway seemed to close in around her, the sterile white walls and the distant sounds of the hospital fading into the background as Noa's world centered on one single hope: that Juliette would come back to her.
[Cemetery: One Week Later]
The four girls walked up to Imogen, who had her baby girl in her arms. Imogen was standing at her mother's grave, "You okay?" Faran asked
Imogen nodded, "I know who my mom was in high school. But I also know who she became. And which version of her I'm gonna hold in my heart for the rest of my life" She glanced at each of her friends,"Come here" She said
They all moved in for a hug, arms wrapping around each other in a tight embrace, "Doing a group hug without me?" Juliette called out
The girls turned, faces lighting up as they noticed Juliette being wheeled up in her wheelchair by her father, "I'll give you girls some space" Her father murmured softly, giving Juliette's shoulder a reassuring squeeze before stepping away
The girls rushed over, smiles wide and eyes bright. Faran reached Juliette first, pulling her into a careful hug, "I thought you weren't being released yet" She said
"Yeah, well, I managed to convince the doctors I was ready" Juliette replied with a grin, though the ache in her chest told a different story. Hopefully, the wheelchair wouldn't be needed for long.
![What Lies Beneath The Lips(girlxgirl) [Completed] de kaity290](https://img.wattpad.com/cover/141882137-80-k713689.jpg)
Imogen placed a gentle hand on Juliette's arm, "We missed you so much, Jules"
"I missed you all too" Juliette said
Mouse knelt beside her, taking Juliette's hand in hers, "We were so worried about you"
"I know. I was worried too. But I'm here now, and I'm not going anywhere" Juliette assured her, squeezing her hand
Tabby stepped forward, "You look great, Romeo"
Juliette chuckled at the nickname, "Thanks, Tabs"
Noa lingered at the back, her gaze fixed on Juliette. Finally, she stepped forward and bent down to hug Juliette, "You had us scared there for a while, Lettie" She whispered
"I'm sorry" Juliette whispered back, "But I'm okay now. We're all okay"
[Haworthe House]
Gathered at the Haworthe's were the six friends, Kelly, Greg, Shawn, all the girl's moms, even Kelly's mom, Juliette's dad, Faran's dad, Henry, and Ash. They all wanted to be around each other for the holidays, trying to forget the horrific events that happened only a short time ago.
Since Juliette was shot, her mom had surprisingly been kinder to her daughter, as if her brush with death had finally reminded Hadley of their bond. Yet, Juliette couldn't shake the fear of how fleeting this newfound warmth might be.
Juliette hadn't had a chance to speak privately with Noa since the incident. There were things they needed to address, especially after overhearing her emotional confession in the hospital room when Noa thought Juliette couldn't hear her.
On the other hand, Atlas had visited Juliette several times, but her thoughts had been consumed not by him but by a certain brunette girl. Juliette had to have tough conversation with him which went better than she could've expected...
[Flashback: Hospital Room]
Juliette closed her eyes, seeking relief from the persistent pain in her chest, "Hey, Juliette" Atlas greeted softly, stepping inside
He held a small bouquet of flowers, "Hi, Atlas" She managed, her voice weak but grateful for his visit
He placed the flowers on the bedside table and pulled up a chair, "How are you feeling?" He asked
"It's been tough, but I'm getting better" She replied, attempting a smile, "Thank you for coming"
"Of course" He nodded, "I wanted to make sure you're okay"
There was a moment of silence, the weight of her decision hanging in the air. She looked down at her hands, gathering courage, "Atlas, I've been thinking" She began, "And I realize that...I just want us to be friends"
He nodded slowly, "I suspected that might be the case" He said softly
"I'm sorry" She said, "You've been amazing, and I didn't want to hurt you. It's just a lot has happened" She gestured to her surroundings, "Obviously and I'm just not ready for..." She rambled
He reached out, taking her hand gently in his, "Hey, don't apologize, Juliette. It's okay. I'd rather have you in my life as a friend than not at all"
"Are you sure?" She asked, searching his eyes
"Absolutely" He smiled faintly, "You mean a lot to me, and I just want you to be happy. If being friends is what makes you happy, then that's enough for me"
She squeezed his hand gratefully, "Thank you, Atlas. You're a really great guy"
"And you're a really great girl" He replied, "Now, focus on getting better, okay? I'll be here for you, no matter what"
She nodded, "Thanks, Atlas. You're the best"
He squeezed her hand once more before letting go, "I'll let you rest. But I'll be back to check on you, promise" He said before leaving the room
[End of Flashback]
Juliette returned to the present as everyone gathered in the living room. She was out of the wheelchair now, her arm in a sling to aid her recovery. It would be a long road back to full health, but she hoped to be okay by summer.
Noa sat on Shawn's lap nearby, and Juliette fought to hide any hint of jealousy. Just weeks ago, Noa had confessed her feelings for Juliette, but now she seemed content with Shawn.
Tabby and Imogen sat down beside her, "Okay, favorite Christmas movie ever. Mine's Gremlins" Tabby declared
"I know this game...Home Alone" Kelly chimed in
"Home Alone 2" Noa added
"A Christmas Story" Juliette offered
"Oh, a classic" Tabby nodded
"Uh, Muppets Family Christmas" Imogen grinned
"Does anything actually beat The Nightmare Before Christmas?" Mouse questioned
"Love Actually?" Faran suggested
They all smiled, enjoying the camaraderie of the moment, "Uh...there's something I wanted to share with you all" Marjorie began, drawing their attention, "I'm going to check into rehab. I just wanted to spend the holidays with Noa before going in"
"I'm so proud of you, Mom" Noa said
"You're welcome to stay with us while your mom's in recovery" Sidney offered
"The more the merrier" Tabby added
"We'll take care of her, Marjorie" Juliette's dad assured her
"Me included. Looks like I'm staying in Millwood... permanently" Corey announced
"That's gonna make it harder for me to sneak into your room" Henry teased
"I heard that, Prince Charming" Corey shot back
"We'll figure it out" Faran whispered to Henry
"Well, since everyone's making announcements, Elodie and I are going to couples therapy next week" Shirley shared
"So, no more Red Ranch Motel for me" Elodie added with a smile
Noa cuddled closer to Shawn, and Juliette couldn't help but roll her eyes internally, "Or me. Ever again. Like ever. I have everything I want...IRL" Mouse declared
"Can we finally declare that MASH is canon?" Ash asked, earning a kiss from Mouse
The other couples followed suit, sharing affectionate moments. Tabby, Imogen, and Juliette exchanged knowing glances, linking hands.
As the evening winded down, Juliette found a moment to pull Noa aside into a quiet hallway, "Lettie, what the hell?" Noa whispered
"We need to talk" Juliette insisted softly
Noa raised an eyebrow, "About what?"
"What you said to me at the hospital" Juliette began, her expression serious, revealing that she had heard Noa's confession after all
A/N:
End of episode 10
That's a wrap on season one! Hope you all enjoyed so far!
