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CHAPTER 4: ' de•ni•al / noun — the action of declaring something to be untrue '
Hayley had spent the rest of the day with Pope and JJ, since they hadn't heard from anyone since the lighthouse, and just as she was about to leave, John B pulled up.
"Let's ride." The blond says.
"This better be good." Pope tells him.
"I better not die." Hayley glares as they all climb into the vehicle. "And if I do, and you're still alive, I will haunt you for the rest of your life."
"Please do." John B smiles.
The ride was pretty quiet besides Hayley talking to John B about the island, and Pope and JJ talking about whatever they talk about. When they pulled into The Wreck, Pope hopped out to go get Kie. But in a matter of seconds, he was back out.
"She said she's not coming." Pope informs the group.
"Why not?" JJ questions before looking at his brunette friend. "What'd you do to her, John B?"
"Shit." He groans before opening his door. "Hang on. I'll deal with it."
"Poor Kie." Hayley frowns as she lies her head against the window, watching customers come in and out of the restaurant.
"Hey," JJ taps her leg. "You okay?"
"Yeah. I'm fine." She answers, giving him a smile, but JJ wasn't convinced.
"What's going on?" He turns to her fully, giving her all his attention.
"I... I'm just dreading going home." She shrugs. "My dad got mad I didn't come home the other day, and then said the only reason we moved to Outer Banks is because I was immature in New York."
"Wait— I thought you guys moved out here because he got job." JJ said confused.
"Me too." She sighs. "And now, I have to go home and hear the apology my mom made him recite. And then... I just have to act like everything is okay, like I always do."
"It could be worse." JJ tells her.
Hayley rolls her eyes. "Don't do that."
"Do what?" He asks.
"Invalidate my situation and how I feel just because others have it worse." She explains. "I know others have it worse! But to me, this is bad. My father hurts me over and over and over again, and then my mother forces him to apologize because God knows he would never do it himself, then he gets me a present or money, and I have to act like everything is okay. I have to forgive him. But everything isn't okay! And I don't forgive him! I— I don't... nothing about what we do is okay."
"Okay. Okay." JJ says, pulling the girl into his arms as she begins to get worked up. "I understand. I get it. Calm down, Hayley. I know... I know."
Hayley sighs before moving out of his arms. "I'm— I'm sorry. I didn't mean to get all... emotional." She pressed her palms against her eyes as she felt tears began to prick them. "God, this is embarrassing."
