JJ's biggest flaw was his recklessness, and his bad ideas. Honestly, that didn't seem that bad to Bexley.
Rafe's biggest flaw? Jealousy. Pure, uncontrolled jealousy.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
tw: mentions of drug abuse
There was a moment of strained silence.
Bexley's rattled breathing bounced through the car, displaying her obvious fear.
"Mr. Cameron?"
The back door opened. She whipped around, watching as Rafe got in the back seat. His eyes were casted down, humiliation drawn on his face. He didn't look at Bexley, not at all.
"W-What's going on?"
"Sorry to catch you guys by surprise," Ward said, lowly. "Got a call from Sheriff Peterkins. She told me that Bexley James was missing, and her mother believed she was at my house, with my son."
The older man usually had a friendly demeanor when around her. Now, all she saw was anger. Calm, controlled angry.
Bexley looked back at Rafe, who glared down at the floor.
"Told her it wasn't possible," Ward continued. "My son hasn't seen her in a month."
Her breathing felt rigid.
"Then, I learn that, actually, he's been over there quite often. So often that Maddie wants a damn restraining order because of it." Ward's voice Rose with each word.
How could she possibly defend herself? "Mr. Cameron-"
He just continued, "I come home to make sure everything's alright, and what do I find? My son trying to steal thousand of dollars from me."
Glancing back again, Bexley saw Rafe cringe. "Dad, I-"
"Shut the hell up!" Ward yelled at him. Rafe flinched, moving further back into the seat, like he thought his father would reach out to hurt him. He looked down at his hands in his lap. Bexley felt panicked.
Clearly his throat, Ward regained his calm voice, "Bexley, you're gonna drive us to Barry's. I figure you know where it is. I'm sure Rafe's taken you before. If not, Rafe'll give you directions."
She hated his calm voice. She hated not knowing the full extent of someone's anger. It was unsettling. That's the good thing about Rafe. When he's angry, he can't hide it.
"Let me drive," Rafe tried to say, leaning forward. "She doesn't-"
"What the fuck did I just say to you?! Shut up!"
Rafe's flew back in an instant, pressing himself as far as he could against the back of his seat.
Bexley stifled another gasp. She reversed, pulling away from the house. Her hands shook as she did so. She didn't need directions to Barry's house. She'd walked there before, she knew the way.
The drive was restless. Silent.
It was dark by the time they arrived.
Bexley parked, turning off the car. The atmosphere was tense.
