The Sinner

95

Being back in the Outer Banks felt like a tidal wave.

I was overwhelmed from the familiar feeling of being home again. The metaphorical wave represented many things. Memories, feelings, emotions that have been sitting deep inside of me for weeks, all to come out at the same time.

We haven't been to the island in a month, leaving our parents, our homes, our lives here. The last time I was here, Rafe had no idea of what happened with Rose, and they got me onto that ship.

What the hell do I say to Maggie and my dad? Sorry that my ex boyfriend's family kidnapped me and I couldn't come to your wedding?

Fuck, how did I let my life get so complicated?

I find my way back to my house on figure eight. My car untouched for the time being was sitting in the driveway where I had left it last. The light on my balcony that was normally on, was off. It felt like I was returning home to a place that had gotten used to me not being here. It was weird.

I push the front door open, the chime from the alarm going off like I knew it would. A head pokes its way around the corner, and I instantly recognize Maggie. The pan she was holding drops, hitting the ground with a loud bang.

"Oh my god."

"Hi," I say, unsure of what else to.

"Mike!" She shouts, ripping my mom's old apron off of her. It hits the floor, and she comes running around the corner to me. "Michael! Dammit! Get in here!"

She wraps her arms around me in a bone crushing hug. I could hear the sobs starting to leave her lips, her arms squeezing me tightly like she never wanted to let me go.

"Oh my god," She says in disbelief. "You're here. You're okay, I-I— Mike!"

"What Maggie? I heard you drop something—" My dad stops mid sentence. "Corrine?"

"Hi," I say softly, tears filling my eyes uncontrollably.

He quickly walks over, his arms wrap around the both of us tightly. Maggie continues to sob in my ear, unable to form any words. She begins to say something, but was unable to. Her breath was uneven, desperately trying to catch it before she said something.

"Take a breath, Maggie," My father soothes her.

"Do you d-dare leave like t-that again," She cries out, "Corrine you scared me half to death!"

"I'm sorry," I whisper out, "I'm so sorry."

"We'll talk about that later," My dad says, letting go of me. He gives me a quick look. "Are you okay?"

"Yes I'm fine," I explain. "I'm sorry I didn't call, I didn't mean to scare you guys."

Maggie continued to hold me, even as my father let go. I think he might have to pry her arms off of me, in order for her to let go.

"I can't believe you're actually here," He says, "I knew you were with them. Rafe called and explained, but, God, a month is way too long for you to be gone."

"I'm sorry," I say again, "I'm really sorry dad."

He hugs me, "I was so worried about you. What happened? Why, did you leave like that?"

"The Cameron's were leaving town," I whisper, "I told them I couldn't leave, your wedding was coming up. I...I don't know."

"Rafe said that you two got in a fight? And you went to go make up with him on the boat but the captain had already taken off?" My father says, "Is that true honey?"