Tidal Wave. | obx szn 1

Harrison.

Aurora dropped Kiara off at her house, and JJ at the chateau.

"Hey, Pope, you wanna spend the night at my house tonight?" Aurora asks.

John B smiles proudly from the backseat. He's glad the two are friends again. The friendship of Aurora and Pope is practically his source of happiness.

"What?"

"I'm pretty sure my dad is making ham and those cheesy potatoes that you love. Interested?"

"Of course, Rory."

"Cool." Aurora smiles and nods happily. She's got her Pope back.

༄

Aurora and Pope sneak through the back door of the Minerva home. Lucca and August are watching tv in the living room.

"Hey, guys." Aurora says.

"Jesus Christ, Rory." Lucca gasps. "I didn't even hear you come in."

"Yeah, the front door was locked. Didn't care to bother you guys." Aurora explains. "What the hell are you guys watching?"

"The Bachelor." August answers. "I've got Lucca hooked."

Aurora shakes her head and laughs. She goes to the fridge to find leftovers.

The Tupperware is still warm when she takes it out. She puts it in the microwave to heat it up for her and Pope. Pope grabs two forks, and gives one to Aurora.

"Where's dad?" Aurora asks. Lucca and August shrug in response.

"Right here." Harrison Minerva answers as he walks into the kitchen.

"Hey, Dad." Aurora smiles. Harrison kisses her on the head.

"Hey, sweetheart." Harrison replies. "Hey, Pope. I haven't seen you since midsummers. Good to see you, son."

"It's nice to see you too, sir." Pope smiles and nods. He takes a forkful of cheesy potatoes and shoves it into his mouth.

"Where were you guys tonight?"

Aurora and Pope look back and forth between each other. "Martha's." Aurora answers.

Harrison pushes his lips together and nods. "Still hungry?"

"Oh, we didn't get anything. Just hung out with the pogues."

"Sure."

"Where were you?" Aurora jokingly asks. She doesn't expect a real answer form him.

"I had a meeting with Ward Cameron."

"Gross." Aurora mumbles.

"I second that!" Lucca says from the couch.

"I hate the Camerons!" August adds. He raises his fist in the air as if he's protesting. His eyes still don't leave the tv screen while two women yell at each other.

Pope listens to the Minerva children complain about the Camerons and laughs.

"He's a business partner and a close friend. Be kind please." Harrison begs. Harrison runs his hand through his hair. He leans against the island table and sighs. He tries to come up with a strong way to explain what's going on. He looks down at his shoes. They're the ones he wore on his wedding day, somehow they still fit.