¥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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{The Angel}
'"Guys, we're coming up on Freedman's Church," Pope says, his voice a mix of reverence and excitement. "The church Denmark built for all the slaves he freed."
As we drive past the church, I can't help but glance out the window. A smile pulls at my lips as I take in the beauty of the old building, its stone walls standing tall against the surrounding landscape.
"There it is, Angel Oak," Kie points excitedly, her eyes focused on a massive tree looming in the distance. Its limbs stretch out like ancient arms, twisting through the sky.
"Oh, shit! Tide's coming in," John B mutters, his face tight as he slows the van, nearing the muddy water. "Hey, wait a second. Look. They already came through here. This has to be Limbrey's tire tracks." Pope's voice cuts through the tension as he spots the marks in the mud beside me.
"What do you think, chief?" JJ asks John B, as the van crawls up to the edge of the mud, ready to stop before it gets stuck.
"I'm thinking it's looking a little dicey," my brother says, his hands gripping the wheel tightly.
"Yeah, I'm gonna have to agree with that," JJ nods, his voice steady but concerned.
"Yeah, me too," I raise my hand from the back seat, earning a shared look and smile from John B and JJ.
"Okay, clearly they made it. No?" Kie asks, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
"In a two-wheel drive? I don't know about that," JJ shakes his head, glancing at the muddy terrain ahead.
"Why are y'all acting like you're not gonna do it anyways?" Sarah speaks up from beside me, her gaze shifting from me to the others. "Like when have y'all ever done the safe thing?"
I smile at her, knowing she's right.
"She's got a point," I shrug, exchanging looks with JJ and John B, who both nod in agreement. John B turns the wheel and shifts the van into gear.
"Speed is your friend here, okay? So, put her down in second and hammer down, brother," JJ encourages, giving John B a firm slap on the back as we all brace ourselves.
We all adjust our positions, holding onto anything we can as the van lurches forward.
"Stick to the ground in the middle," Pope instructs from beside me.
John B floors the pedal, the van picking up speed as we start to slide through the mud. "Come on. Punch it. Speed is your friend! You're not going fast enough," JJ urges, his voice rising with adrenaline.
"I'm in second!" my brother shouts back, trying to maintain control of the vehicle.
"It's gonna slide!" Kie yells, her voice filled with panic as the back of the van fishtails dangerously.
