ISSUES 2 II OUTERBANKS S3/S4

time to leave

"Know when the time is right to be in this exact position."

"Say something", JJ mumbles after we haven't spoken for the past ten minutes while driving back to the chateau. Well, let's say we're trying to drive back because who knows what might happen? Baracuda Mike could kidnap us or just fire a bullet as soon as he finds us. I ignore him for a moment. It's not about him particularly. It's not about John B or Topper either. I'm thinking of Sarah. Does she wants to know what's happened? Is she with Topper?

I mean I would definitely tell her but when and how? Hey, he freaked out last night and now he's in jail, get him out. That's not the best way. Whatever I think of, deep down I know she would wants to know as soon as possible. I have to tell her first. "Iz-" "J, just.. I need a quiet moment, alright?" JJ nods making me sigh relieved. This time, he understands when he needs to keep his mouth shut.

Dad

where are you now?

Isabella

on the road back home

from where?

it doesn't matter

I'm safe, dad

Isabella, where are you?

I'm fine. That's all you need to know

you can't come back to obx

and expect me to give you updates

after you would have sent me away

without blinking may I add

I know and I've apologized

I'm trying to take more care, Isabella

this is just the wrong way

is Rafe home?

no he's not and I hope that

you won't look for him

please come home

I'll be home soon

just need to take care of things

Dad knows better than to dig deeper. Thank god. I would be home soon, that's true. After I've seen Rafe, I would go home. There's no risk for me and dad is worried for nothing. "Can you drop me off at the country club?", I ask JJ hoping that he wouldn't freak out about the place. Luckily, he simply nods. "Sure."

I finally arrive at the country club. A few hours ago, I didn't even expect to be back here at all. Baracuda Mike could have killed us, Shoupe could have arrested the three of us. I also need to talk to Sarah soon but she didn't answer my call. We need to get John B out as soon as possible.

I greet a few of the kooks as I enter the club but my smile drops when I see Rafe stading in front of the bar at which Sofia serves. So I was right. He didn't just want to make me feel bad. He's into her. And earlier he told me to wait for him to be back while he's out doing god knows what. He's making me furious. It's not like I did something to him.

I had a reason for being mad at him but since our conversation on the boat with Barry about the cross he seems even more different. He's here partying with the kooks as if he's never been away. He's looking at Sofia as if he never had a chance with me. Rafe Cameron, you little piece of annoying asshole. I can't believe I would fall for him. Wow, if John B was here he would laugh at me. I can literally hear him say 'I've told you so'.

"Bella!", Becca, one of the kooks greets me happily due to probably five vodka sodas, "Oh my god. It's you. Really. The others told me you're back but I couldn't believe them. I've heard you're back with Rafe? God, I knew you two are inseperable. I told you so!" Drunk kooks are the definition of annoying. They're loud and clumsy.

"Hey, Becs-" "You need to have a drink with me, for real!" Becca raises her hand and I find another vodka soda in her hand. Uh, did she already order two or am I confused? Weird.. "Hey, Becca. Timmy asked for you", Topper appears in front of me and Becca looks at him with wide eyes running away to probably be around Timmy. Topper is my personal hero for tonight.

"Thanks for the help", I sigh luckily and take the glass that Topper offers me. He's a much better company to have a drink with. "You look bad", I comment his face but Topper chuckles. "And I thought we were friends." "We're too close to be lying." "Hey, have you heard of Sarah?" "No, I'm sorry. I wanted to call her but I first had to come here and.. have a drink."

"Oh, Iz. We both know exactly why you're here and we also know why you're not standing over there." "Yeah, I mean how could he?" "He's been watching you the second you came in." "Okay, let's have a drink instead.. or five", I reply frustratedly when even Topper makes me think about Rafe. Without thinking about where I go, I walk over to the bar. "Two tequilas-" Sure, of course it's Sofia in front of me. "Two tequilas please. On Scott."

I wouldn't show Sofia that she gets on my nerves. She would think that I'm jealous which I'm not. She can easily fuck Rafe and I'd be fine. Completely fine. "Make three and on Cameron", I hear Rafe next to me coming closer, "Bella." "Rafe." "You didn't stay with the pogues like I've told you." "I did, you just looked the wrong way", I reply harshly hoping that he gets the message.

"For you, Rafe", Sofia adds charmingly. God, I could vomit. This girl.. "No, I don't need to watch this. It's disgusting", I complain frustratedly and push myself forward to leave but Rafe holds me back by his arm and makes me follow him so no one can listen to our conversation. "Don't touch me right after you've seen her", I stress disgustedly, "Keep your hands to yourself."

"I didn't see her today." "So what did you do the whole day after you made me stay away from you? Change? Become a better person? Make compensation to Pope's family? Ah, right. You wouldn't do that. Instead, you've been here having fun with her. You wouldn't even let me talk to someone else let alone be alone with a guy but you expect me to tolerate this?!" "I wasn't with her, Bella. Please, trust me. Just this one time", Rafe tried to convince me once more but I've heard this too many times no matter the circumstances.

"Tell me.. How could I ever believe you again, Rafe? You complained about John B's behaviour but where have you been? I wanted you to join me that day but you threw your damn party and invited her over. She was laying in your bed half naked, Rafe.. I know what that means." "No, Bella, that's not-" "I'll see you around", I interrupt Rafe wishing to be as far away as possible so I walk back to Topper. "It's time for me to leave so.. I'll see you around." I hope the pogues are in a better mood than me tonight.