ᴍʏ ᴘᴀʀᴀᴍᴏᴜʀ | ꜱ.ᴄᴀᴍᴇʀᴏɴ

fourteen.

      Marley could strangle John B at this very moment, and part of her was glad the boy wasn't near her so she couldn't commit on the act. She got why John B paired her with Sarah—to give them time together and avoid doing it himself. But she hated it. All she wanted was to be back home, chilling with JJ. She couldn't shake off the thought of him, wondering if he was wondering where she was.

JJ would definitely get a kick out of seeing Marley paired up with Sarah Cameron. And, as much as Marley hated to admit it, she found herself strangely enjoying the kook's company.

But she'd never confess to that. It felt too real, too vulnerable. She feared she might not measure up, or worse, end up hurt. the thought made her stomach churn as she walked down the pier with Sarah, hands buried in her pockets.

The dock was swarming with people, all eager to board the boat that stood ready to depart. Marley realised they had missed their chance to buy tickets for the Chapel Hill boat, and the next one was too late. with time running out, Marley's mind raced to find a solution, and she came up with a plan.

"Follow me." Marley said, breaking the silence since Sarah had dragged her out of Tannyhill. she removed her hands from her pockets and surveyed their surroundings. however, she paused when she noticed Sarah hadn't followed. the girl stood behind her, hands on her hips, eyebrows raised in question, "What?" Marley deadpanned.

"Are you not going to tell me what kinda of absurd plan you're coming up with?" Sarah asked, a small laugh leaving her mouth as she looked around, feigning astonishment.

"No." Marley flashed a smile at her, then turned and headed towards the boat as raindrops started to patter down around them, "Follow me."

Marley smirked when she heard Sarah groan behind her, the rhythmic click of her sandals punctuated by the occasional splash as they hit a puddle. Marley bypassed the line of people, snatching a yellow rain jacket from the side.

A guy nearby watched them, and Marley exchanged a nod with him before moving on. She grabbed another rain jacket and handed it to Sarah, feeling her footsteps behind her as she reached down to pick up a keg.

Marley quickly grabbed Sarah's hand while balancing the keg in her other, leading them across the gap from the pier to the boat. They reached a set of stairs to avoid detection, with Sarah taking the lead to find a secluded room for them to wait in until reaching Chapel Hill. Inside the room, bathed in a warm red glow, Marley took in her surroundings, feeling an uncomfortable heat wash over her as she entered.

"Okay, now this is my worst nightmare." Marley groaned, quoting John b and dropping the keg onto the floor as she peeled off her hoodie. Sarah quickly locked the door to the room, sealing them in.

"Could be worse." Sarah shrugged before gasping as the boat suddenly jolted, throwing off her balance. Marley swiftly reached out to grab her, both hands firmly gripping Sarah's waist to steady her.

"Careful, princess." Marley smirked down at her, her eyes alight with amusement as she effortlessly held Sarah steady. With their proximity, Marley's voice lowered subconsciously, causing Sarah to find herself captivated by the taller girl's mouth, unable to tear her gaze away.

"We're moving." Sarah then grinned up at her, moving away from Marley as she held up her hand. Marley tilted her head, raising an eyebrow at her before she raised her hand to give Sarah a high-five.

Marley huffed as she turned on her feet, her eyes taking in the little details of the room to pass the time. She moved over to where Sarah was sitting and sat next to her, leaning her back against the wall with a groan as the heat in the room intensified.