¥showing a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks¥
In which Jackie Routledge and her group of friends from the south side of Outer Banks try to have the summer of their lives, but end up it being filled with mystery, tragedy, risks, adventure...
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{Feels Like Home}
As the four of us strolled through the park toward the movie screening, Kie smiled, saying, "I'm glad they're still doing this." She and Pope walked ahead, hauling the chairs, while JJ and I followed, lugging the cooler and blankets. "Keep calm, carry on—the OBX life. Aren't you glad I convinced you to come?" she asked. "Ecstatic," Pope replied dryly, clearing his throat. "Honestly, I was pretty cozy back in bed with Jackie," JJ added, winking my way as I grinned.
When Kie went to grab drinks, Pope leaned toward us. "We're in the green zone here, man," he whispered. "Dude, just chill, okay?" JJ said, but Pope sighed. "We're in the heart of Kooklandia," he muttered, setting down the chairs. "Last place I wanted to be." JJ rolled his eyes. "Pope, relax."
Kie returned with the drinks, her face curious. "Just ran into Rafe," she said. "He told me to tell you guys, 'We know what you did.' What's that about?" We all froze as Pope shot a look of dread at JJ.
"Where is he?" JJ demanded, Kie pointing him out. We all turned, spotting Topper, who met my gaze with a smug grin, lifting his cup as I flipped him off. "Great," Pope groaned, "the death squad." JJ quickly whispered, "Don't stare," nudging Pope to look away. "Heads-up, if they try anything, I'm swinging," JJ warned, shooting me a serious look. "Stay close. None of us are getting separated." He gently tapped the bag at his side, flashing us a glimpse of his gun. "Keep it together," Pope said as I sighed.
Just then, Kie raised an eyebrow, watching us. "Like a school of fish," JJ added with a grin. "Stay in the school," Pope muttered, drumming his fingers on the chair in anxious rhythm. Kie, noticing something off, frowned. "JJ, tell me you didn't bring a gun here," she said. JJ shook his head with a quick "No, I didn't," trying to reassure her as the movie began.
"Founding principles, you guys," Kie muttered, sighing. "No secrets among Pogues." We glanced at each other awkwardly. "C'mon, Kie—" I began, but she cut me off. "No, seriously. What did Rafe mean?" She asked, eyes fixed on me. JJ muttered to us, "Deny, deny, deny," as Kie sighed in exasperation, sensing the wall we'd put up.
Kie, frustrated, leaned back, focusing on the screen. I noticed Rafe, Kelce, and Topper watching us, my heartbeat picking up. Sensing my tension, JJ took my hand, squeezing gently and leaning in to whisper, "I'm here." I rested my head on his shoulder, grateful for the comfort.
After a bit, Pope nudged JJ. "I need the bathroom," he whispered. JJ looked over at the crowd, murmuring, "Can't risk it; they're blocking the way." Pope shot back, "I can't wait." JJ shook his head. "Alright, but stay low."
As they slipped off, I glanced back, noticing the Kooks moving. My pulse spiked. "Shit," I hissed, bolting up, racing toward them with Kie following, carrying JJ's bag. I rounded the corner just as Topper swung at Pope. Kelce held JJ while Rafe pummeled him, fury in his eyes. "JJ!" I screamed, diving onto Rafe, trying to pull him off, but his elbow struck my jaw, sending me sprawling to the ground.
Just as Rafe turned back to JJ, a flash of flames lit up the screen. Kie held up JJ's lighter, and Rafe shouted, "Fire!" before he and his crew scattered. Hurriedly, I helped JJ up, guiding him to the van as he winced in pain.
Back at the Chateau, I helped JJ to the couch, grabbing a cloth to clean him up. "I can manage," he mumbled, but I shook my head. "Let me. I'm worried," I whispered, carefully dabbing his bruised knuckles and leaning in, gently kissing them.
"Thanks," he said softly, his cheeks turning pink. "You're family, JJ," I replied with a warm smile. "I'd do anything for you." He smiled back, pulling me close as we headed to my room. We lay together, his hand around my waist, feeling more at peace than I had all day.
I couldn't help but think about how much he meant to me. JJ was my world, and I knew I'd do anything to keep him safe, even if it meant giving up the treasure hunt that had brought us all together. After a while, JJ slowly drifted off to sleep as I was still wide awake thinking about what happened today. It made me think a lot about my relationship with JJ. I was so scared and worried something bad was going to happen to him and when I saw him fall to the ground and spit out blood, I thought I'd lost him but being here with him, right now. Cuddled up together as he snores lightly beside me with his hand around my stomach, I was at peace.
