¥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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{Back To School}
The next morning, I wake up to the relentless sound of my alarm clock ringing five times at 5:30 am. Groggily, I drag myself out of bed, shuffle to the bathroom, and turn on the tap, filling the bathtub with lukewarm water. I quickly strip off my pyjamas, tossing them into the laundry basket before stepping into the bath.
After twenty minutes of soaking in the quiet warmth, I turn off the tap and step out, wrapping a towel around my hair and another around my body. As I glance at my reflection in the mirror, I hardly recognize the seventeen-year-old girl staring back at me. What happened to the carefree, adventurous girl I used to be? Has losing my brother really changed me that much? Will I ever be happy again—in Outer Banks, or anywhere?
I let out a shaky breath. "Stop it, Jackie," I whisper, looking away from the mirror and walking to my bedroom. I pull on a pair of high-waisted ripped jeans and a purple tank hoodie, tie my hair up in a messy bun, and put on some light makeup.
"Breakfast is ready," Greta's voice calls out from the kitchen.
"Coming," I reply, grabbing my bag and phone, then heading downstairs.
"Morning," I say with a small smile, walking into the kitchen and grabbing an apple, taking a bite as I sit on the counter.
"How was the party last night?" Greta asks, flipping pancakes in the pan.
I hesitate, remembering the fight with JJ. "Alright," I sigh, taking another bite of my apple.
"That's good. You excited to go back to school?" she asks as she sets the pancakes and syrup in front of me.
"Nope," I reply flatly, and she sighs in frustration.
"It'll be okay. If anything happens, just call me, and I'll pick you up," she says, pressing her hand gently to my cheek and kissing my forehead.
"Anyways, I've got to get to work. See you later, love you," she says, grabbing her bag and heading out the door.
"Bye, love you too," I call after her, finishing my pancakes and coffee before grabbing the car keys and heading to the garage.
Thank goodness Greta and Vivian let me get my own car a week ago. It's my first big purchase, and I'm beyond grateful to them. I promised I'd pay them back once I finish school and get a job.
I quickly drive out of the driveway and head over to Topper's house, just a five-minute drive from mine. I pull up outside, honk the horn twice, and wait. He jogs down from his front door, hops into the passenger seat, and waves.
