𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘵 || 𝘫𝘫 𝘮𝘢𝘺𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘬

𝐅 𝐈 𝐕 𝐄

Aleena's POV:

I rummage through my suitcase and try to find something through my stuff that would look cute for the kegger.

A short skirt? Nope. A basic t-shirt? Nope.

Eventually, I find a lace crop top and a long skirt with a slit on my left leg. After a moment's hesitation, I decide to add an oversized grey zip-up hoodie to my outfit in case it gets chilly later on.

Once I'm dressed, I sit down on the carpet in front of the full-length mirror. Despite the perfectly good vanity table nearby, I've always preferred to do my hair and makeup on the floor in front of a big-ass mirror. I determine what I should do with my hair, hating my exploded curls. My mother has them too, and if I could change them, I would.

After much deliberation, I finally leave my hair as it is since it already looks semi-alright. I then apply natural makeup, accentuating my features with some brown eyeliner, mascara, and a touch of blush.

As I begin to tidy up my clothes and put them back in my suitcase, my phone suddenly starts ringing. I quickly pick it up and glance at the screen. An unknown number? Hesitant but curious, I decide to answer it.

"Hello?" I inquire.

"Hi, Aleena!" I immediately recognize Sarah's voice.

"Sarah? How did you get my number?" I ask, surprised.

"I looked through your phone back at the beach," she giggles.

I can't help but giggle along with her. "Why did you call me?" I ask, still chuckling.

"Oh, because I wanted to pick you up, but Topper is such a dick, you know. He doesn't want to pick you up and..." Sarah rambles on.

"Sarah, it's okay," I say soothingly.

I hear her relieved sigh. "Really?"

"Really," I reassure her.

"Okay, see you there!" she says quickly before hanging up the phone.

I've never met such an excited person. Sarah literally lives on clouds, and I can only dream of living without worrying all the time.

I grab my phone and climb out the window of my room, eager to head to the kegger. Sarah said it was at the Boneyard. I don't even know where the Boneyard is.

Follow the road pictures then?

I hope I'm not gonna face John B and his friends. I don't want to cause a scene or attract any unwanted attention.

The sun is already beginning to set, and I remember reading about how it settles very gradually here in the Outer Banks. Back in Colorado, those were the only things I ever read about. I dreamt about living here, escaping from the dirty air and endless buildings of Colorado. We always had enough money back then, but since... since then, I've always had to work and save up every penny. I finally managed to buy an airplane ticket with my last bit of savings.

I really have to look for a job tomorrow since I have no money left.

After a long walk, I finally arrive at the boneyard. Damn, it's busy in here. It seems like every teenager from the Outer Banks is gathered here. Walking along the sandy beach, I take in the surroundings. I see a group of people sitting on tree stumps, while others are gathered close to the sea. As I scan the area further, I spot Sarah's unmistakable blonde hair. She's standing next to her boyfriend, and I make my way towards them, my feet sinking into the heavy granular substance.

"Hey, Sarah!" I yell enthusiastically, and she turns to look at me.

A smile spreads across her face as she lets go of Topper's hand and pulls me into a quick embrace. "Hey, Aleena," she whispers. "You're late."