𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐆 𝐃𝐔𝐌𝐁 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐁𝐑𝐎𝐊𝐄|𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐊𝐒

𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘆:𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆???

Esme felt her entire body go numb as the boat that Kie had stole pulled up into the OBX. A couple weeks ago she would've never saw herself in this position, returning to the place that she once called home. But here she was, leaned against the boat was the familiar tiny houses and docks were now in view. Esme chewed on the inside of her cheek, trying to downplay her emotions as much as possible. The truth was she never wanted to come back to OBX, for there was nothing for her back home. Her mom was in prison, her dad was dead, restitution, eviction. As soon as she stepped foot back on The Cut DCFS would most likely be banging on her door, swooping her away and throwing her into foster care without a care in the world.

But when Esme glanced up at Pope, who had a look of pure excitement on his face, she knew that she had to push her distaste aside and at least be a little happy for her boyfriend who was about to be reunited with his family. The Lopez girl walked over to him, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Ready to go back?" She softly asked, staring straight ahead.

"Believe it or not I am," Pope nodded, grabbing onto Esme's shoulders and turning her so she was now facing him. "Hey, don't worry. I'll talk to my pops, and I'm sure he'll let you live with us. Just like how it was before."

"Nah, amor. I did enough to your family. I'll be fine on my own."

"Esme, I can't let you be all alone. Especially now. Just come back and live with us." Pope pleaded. Esme stared down at her worn out boots, shaking her head once more. She had already dashed so much trouble for Popes family, involving their son in her many scandalous missions and adventures. She couldn't just show up and expect to be able to live in their house with no sort for repercussions. It was better to just stay away.

Pope frowned, opening his mouth to argue once more. However the boat came to a stop, everyone waking up from their short nap and climbing off of the boat. Pope grabbed onto Esme's waist, gently lifting her up and making sure that she landed safely. The Lopez girl locked eyes with JJ, who was staring at the ground and occasionally running his hands through his hair in an act of frustration.

"Welcome to the Outer Banks, Cleo." Pope stated, now walking beside Cleo.

"You're crazy, Pope," Cleo replied. "Your parents are not gonna appreciate me shacking up."

"Of course they will. Are you kidding? Heyward might put you to work, but we could always use the help."

"I don't know man, are you sure?"

Pope nodded, placing a hand on Cleo's shoulder causing Esme's eyes to widen. "Yeah, look, he might squawk a little bit, but let me talk to him. We'll figure it out."

Esme ran a hand through her hair just like JJ did moments ago, wanting to do nothing more then scream and cry. The group walked up to Kie's house, ran familiar property causing Esme's stomach to churn.

"Damn, Kiara. You live here? This is like the White House, man." Cleo exclaimed, Esme trying to failing miserably to hold back her smile.

"How bad do you think it's gonna be?" Pope questioned.

"Scale of one to ten? Twenty?" Kie shrugged.

"Do you want us to hold up here?"

"No, I—I gotta take this. Thanks for walking me," Kie had paused to turn towards JJ. "Bye Jayj."

JJ saluted Kie, his own little way of saying goodbye.

"Yeah, bye Jayj." Esme taunted, holding to see her blonde best friend smile. It worked, because he snorted and playfully shoved her away moments later.

Popes house was the next destination, and Esme refused to stand anywhere near the front of the boat. She lingered towards the back beside JJ, her hands beginning to shake and tremble.