REDEMPTION / rafe cameron

tessa

I wasn't to sure how to go about my day, I had just unpacked my bags in the guest room of Aunt Cynthia's house. How was I to go about my day? How could I, with everything that just happened with my parents? They're gone and i'm just going to have to accept that.

The kooks house wasn't new territory for me. I had been down a few different weeks every summer to stay over. I was familiar with some people. Sarah Cameron was and has always been my friend. But most of the weeks spent down here as a kid would show me riding my bike with the pogues. John B, JJ Maybank, Pope Heyward, and Kiara Carrera. Kie was always a pogue, although her mom expects her to be the best kook princess out there. This was a bit far fetched because you knew she always belonged with the pogues.

Once I had settled in the big room, wallpaper from wall to wall. It smelled like fresh linen and citrus. The hardwood floors were beautiful. This was a bit different for me. Once I moved out of my parents estate, they tore it down. I walked over to the big window checking out the damage hurricane Agatha did to Figure Eight. Trees were knocked down and one was hanging over Toppers boat. I could hear the screams of frustration coming out of him as he kicked a tree branch unable to get it off the boat. The marsh was covered in plastic and waste. Agatha did some real littering.

I changed into a sweatshirt and shorts, it was starting to get chilly in Obx. Walking out of my room I looked around for anyone in sight. Taking baby steps down the stairs not wanting to make noise. If Topper knew you were heading to hang out with the pogues he would never let you go. Heck, I don't know how he would try to stop me. After all, I am older.

Scurrying out of the house that was now home I started my jeep and pulled out of the driveway quickly. It was about a 7 minute drive from Toppers to John B's. When I arrived, Kie, JJ, and John B were sitting on the screened in porch. They didn't even know I was in town. I usually came during the summers and spring break. The group of pogues were too busy laughing their asses off to hear your engine turn off. I ran up over the broken tree branches from the hurricane and snuck up on them.

"SURPRISE" I cheered as I swung the door open. Kie ran over to me and embraced me in her arms. "OH MY GOSH TESS WHEN DID YOU GET IN TOWN." JJ and John B joined in for the hug. "Well after what happened with my parents I moved in with Topper." Their smiles grew in to sad frowns. "But its okay because now i'll be here all the time!!" This was my way of coping, saying shit that seemed so fun to cover up the face about what really happened that day on the Pier. "Well i'm glad your back Miss Mischief." JJ said as he softly punched me in the shoulder. I grinned at him real wide. This was his nickname for me ever since I stole Toppers boat once and took it to drink with the Pogues. FYI.. Topper still doesn't know.

After a few drinks I decided to head back home.. or whatever it was. Starting my car and driving back listening to the radio. I pulled into the driveway to be greeted by Cynthia and her suitcase. I stepped out of the car and held my purse. "Aunt Cynthia.. is it another business trip?" She smiled at me and gave me a great big hug accompanied by a kiss on the cheek. "Yes darling, i'll be back very soon." I smiled and waved. Aunt Cynthia was the closest adult I have talked to. I walked inside to hear Topper and his friends in the kitchen. I sat on the couch and turned on the TV.

A few minutes into my TV show, Topper, Rafe and Kelce walk in and mutter. I lock eyes with Rafe who looks me up and down. "Damn Thornton you have changed." I scoff at Rafes comment rolling my eyes. "And you.. Cameron haven't changed one bit." I make a face at him as if it reads I hate you. But I don't a part of me has liked Rafe my whole childhood. I couldn't cave in though. He was sensitive and kiddish. The boys all come sit next to me as if peace and quiet never existed. Rafe comes and sits right next to me. While Topper and Kelce sit on the other couches. Rafe grabs a hold of my hand and starts messing with the bracelets I have on. "Seriously Rafe have you ever heard of personal space?" I yank my hand away from his touch. He looked so offended when I said this. I liked it. His hands on mine. Rafe looked over to me as if he could read my mind, his expression followed with a grin. I rolled my eyes and got up. I've never met anyone more confusing.

He watched me get up and go up the stairs. Rafe follows me and I turn around. He kept walking towards me. We were inches away from each other when he walked so far my back hit the door.

"Where you running off to there Tess? Rafe said standing over me.

"No where Rafe.. no where. I'm tired." I said as I opened up my door breaking eye contact.