One Stupid Thing

3:4:86

It took us over 24 hours to make the rest of the trip home. The sun was just barely rising for the third time since we left Barbados by the time we dropped Sarah off at the Chateau. I had tried to convince her to let me stay there with her, but she insisted that she was fine and that John B would hopefully arrive sooner rather than later.

"Welcome to the Outer Banks, Cleo," Pope says, gesturing to the mass of land ahead of us. We had parked the boat at the marina and are now walking down the boardwalk towards Kiara's house on Figure Eight. The rising sun casts its blinding light behind us.

"You're crazy, Pope. Your parents are not going to appreciate me shacking up," Cleo replies with a disbelieving laugh.

"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. You sure?"

"Yeah, look, he might squawk a little bit, but let me talk to him," he assures her, placing a hand on the girl's shoulder. "We'll figure it out."

As we approach the Carrera home, Kie takes the lead and walks up to the white picket fence gate that surrounds the property. "This is me. Home sweet home," she says sarcastically, unlocking the latch and stepping onto the perfectly groomed lawn.

"Damn, Kiara. You live here? This is like the White House, man," Cleo gawks.

"Wait till you see my place," I joke, very obviously dreading my return.

"How bad you think it's gonna be?" Pope asks Kiara.

"Scale of one to ten? Twenty," she replies, halting at the bottom of the stairs that lead up to the main entryway.

"Do you want us to hold up here?" Cleo inquires.

"No, I... I gotta take this. Thanks for walking me." Kiara turns back to the stairwell and sighs, gathering her courage, before climbing it.

Our next stop is the Heyward household. When we arrived, Pope's parents were completely overjoyed to see him. Cleo stayed behind with him and JJ and I awkwardly went on our way, not wanting to disturb the happy moment.

JJ and I walk down the sidewalk in silence. I kick a loose pebble down the concrete path as we make our way across the island. We aren't even sure where to go. The two of us don't have loving families to go home to.

"Um," I start, slowing to a stop. JJ halts and turns to face me. "I should probably stop at Tannyhill. I doubt anyone will be there, but even if they are I should gather some things. I'll meet you at the Chat later, okay?"

JJ nods. "Okay, yeah. I should check my old place too. Get a shower in, change my clothes. You know."

"Yeah," I reply awkwardly. After spending so much time together it feels wrong to separate. "So, I'll see you later?"

"Yeah. See you later." JJ leans down and plants a farewell kiss on my lips. "I love you."

"I love you, too."

—

The mansion that is Tannyhill Plantation stands tall in front of me. I stand at the end of the long driveway and sigh. I don't see anyone, at least not yet. It better stay that way. I'm not looking to have a little reunion. I had enough of that when I was stuck with Rafe at Singh's place.

The gravel crunches beneath my sandals. Every step brings me closer and closer to the only home I had ever really known before I became a Pogue. Still, no cars are parked in the driveway so I can assume that the place is completely empty.

I climb the short staircase up to the front door, pluck the house key from the potted plant on the left, and open the door. I slip inside and close it behind me. Standing in the ginormous foyer brings back so many emotions and memories. Both good and bad. This place used to feel like the only place I belonged, and now I don't even recognize myself when I'm here.