Last night unfolded at Barry's place in a way that defied the tumultuous history I shared with Rafe. Laughter, conversation, and shared jokes created an atmosphere that, despite the complexities, felt strangely normal. The familiarity of being around Rafe, despite everything that had transpired, tugged at the edges of my consciousness.
Rafe had shared his intention to refrain from beating up my friends, a promise that carried both relief and skepticism. In turn, I had pledged to be more understanding, a commitment that felt like navigating a delicate balance between loyalty to my friends and the shared history with Rafe.
The decision to spend the night at Barry's was a deliberate choice, a step into the unknown that held both promise and uncertainty. The laughter echoed in the room, a reminder of the shared connection we once had, and I couldn't help but wonder if, against all odds, a new chapter was unfolding — one where Rafe and I could redefine our relationship beyond the shadows of the past.
"Sorry, you're staying where?" Kiara's annoyance cut through the air like a knife.
"Tannyhill," John B's responded.
"You should've seen him..." I scoffed. "He didn't even hesitate to accept the offer," I continued, not able to suppress the daggers in my eyes aimed at him.
"The only reason I'm staying there is because it's way better than foster care. Which, by the way, is where I was about to go if Sarah didn't—"
"So, do you have a membership to the Clubs now?" Pope's curiosity cut John B off, attempting to diffuse the mounting tension.
JJ followed suit, adding his own touch of sarcasm, "What about those golf carts they drive around? Do you get one of them? Does it come with a sweater-vest, or do you have to buy one of those on your own?"
"I don't know," John B responded, a note of confusion in his voice.
"You promised," Kiara's words were direct, a reproachful gaze fixed on John B.
"You looked into my eyes and lied," my voice joined the chorus. "With no hesitation," I added with a firmness that mirrored the weight of betrayal.
"Bro, just own it," JJ shrugged, "She got you."
"Look, if you wanna hang out with her, that's fine," I declared, my tone leaving no room for ambiguity. "But I'm letting you know right now that I'm not doing anything with Sarah."
"Do you guys see her here?" John B's frustration was evident, but it did little to assuage the tension in the room. "No, right? A little focus would be fantastic then," John B continued, attempting to steer the conversation back to the task at hand. "We've got the map, right?" he asked, trying to regain control of the situation.
JJ's comment about the map being drawn while someone was under the influence of ganja elicited a chuckle from me. I couldn't help but appreciate the brief respite from the tension.
"It's because the coast has changed," I clarified, offering a nugget of information to help the cause. JJ's glance my way carried an 'I knew that' expression.
"We just have to look for landmarks that haven't changed," Pope chimed in, redirecting the focus towards finding a solution.
"What about the Old Ford's?" John B quickly threw out a question.
"Battery Jasper," Kiara added.
───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────
"Not the Crain House," Kiara sighed, and as we disembarked from the van.
I couldn't help but mutter to myself, "Are you kidding me?"
YOU ARE READING
Rogue | outer banks
FanfictionAmelia Thornton was born into wealth, her childhood filled with all the luxuries money could buy. But when tragedy struck and her parents were involved in a devastating accident, her family fell apart at the seams. The once-close bond she shared wit...
