Last Summer

Rafe

I woke up the next morning in bed, sun shining through the windows on both sides of the room. I sat up, rubbing the sleep out of my eyes.

Today's the day... I thought.

I more hoped that River was ready. Could she do something like what we had planned? I wanted to be with her but in order to execute the plan, she had to have Topper wrapped around her finger. I laid back against my pillows. I hated that she was in the position she was in. I hated that I trusted Topper with not only her but with my sister. We're putting an end to all of this, today.

Finally.

I grabbed my phone and dialed her number, it rang twice then her angelic voice filled my ear.

"Why hello, dear." I could hear the nerves in her voice that she was desperately trying to hide.

"Did you sleep okay?" I picked at the rogue string on my pillow.

"Oh yeah, definitely. Like a rock." She tried so hard but she was the worst liar.

"We don't have to do this, River."

She cleared her throat then spoke, "Yes, we do." I could hear waves hitting the shore in the background.

"Babe, it's seven in the morning and you're already at the beach?" I chuckled, trying to change the subject.

"I wanted to watch the sunrise." River's voice was soft. I could see her in my mind, sitting on the beach, close enough to the water where it only touched her toes when the tide rolled in. Her hair was probably in a messy bun and she was most likely wearing the same shorts and tank top from the night before.

"I stole your sweatshirt out of your car." She laughed.

"Which one?" I laughed at my sneaky girlfriend.

"The maroon one. It's massive on me. I'm basically swimming in it."

"It looks better on you anyway." I sat back up and walked towards my bathroom.

"You haven't seen me in it, silly." She giggled, and my heart fluttered.

"I don't have to." I pulled the knob of the door and walked across the cold tile to the sink.

"I have to go over to Topper's for breakfast."

"I'm a phone call away. I love you, River. Everything will be okay." I looked at my reflection in the dirty mirror above the marble sink. I couldn't tell if I was reassuring her or myself.

"I love you. I'll update Sarah and have her update you."

And with that, she hung up the phone.

......................................................

The day seemed to last forever as I impatiently waited for the sun to set. My phone buzzed as I paced around my room, Sarah sitting on my bed, bouncing her knee. Cameron patience is very thin, clearly.

River:

he's on his way now. you and kiara should head down to the boneyard.

Me: 

I love you.

River:

i love you <3

I pulled out my phone and called Kiara.

"You ready?" I asked, grabbing my keys as Sarah and I headed for the door.

"Ready as I'll ever be." Kiara replied and hung up the phone. 

I slipped my phone into my pocket as we raced to the car. I couldn't tell if it was adrenaline or anxiety rushing through my body but I was fully prepared for what was about to happen. This would change everything forever. The whole dynamic of the island was going to drastically change, forever. 

"Operation full Pogue?" Kiara joked as she slid in the backseat. 

I smirked, "Right."