SUNBURN | JOHN B ROUTLEDGE

026

Gabriella glided down the street on her skateboard, the rhythmic clack of the wheels against the pavement resonating beneath her.

It was 10:23 PM, and she could feel the subtle tension of being slightly late weighing on her. She kept a keen eye on the Google Maps app on her phone. The app's glowing screen provided steady guidance, showing her the quickest route to the wreck.

The night air was cool and refreshing as she skated, and the soft hum of city lights accompanied her. Street lamps cast elongated shadows that danced with her movements, while the occasional gust of wind ruffled her hair. She maneuvered around a corner, expertly navigating the uneven pavement, her sense of urgency propelling her forward.

Her phone buzzed with a text notification from Kiara.

kie
where are you ????
i got you food.
jj is eating ur fries, be quick or
they'll be none left !!!

Gabriella glanced at the screen, her fingers quickly typing a reply.

gabriella
omw! omw!
tell jj if he eats more of my
fries i'll break his vape.

She hit send, tucking her phone back into her pocket.

As she approached The Wreck, the dilapidated structure stood against the backdrop of the dark sky, its silhouette lit intermittently by the streetlights nearby. Gabriella hopped off her skateboard, cradling it under her arm as she approached the entrance.

Upon entering, she was greeted by what seemed to be Kiara's dad, who was standing near the entrance, directing people. He gave her a warm smile. "Hey, you must be Gabriella! Lovely to meet you! Finally, a girlfriend for my baby girl." he said.

"Lovely to meet you too, Mr Carrera." She smiled.

"Oh, please. Call me Mike. The troublemakers are over there," gesturing towards a cluster of figures huddled around a makeshift table.

Gabriella returned the smile, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. She made her way toward the group, her skateboard still tucked under her arm. John B had pulled out a chair next to him, "Why hello, sunshine. What have you been up to today?" he said, his heart strings tugging for the girl he hadn't seen all day .

Gabriella was unsure whether she should mention the party, in her mind, she voted against it. "How about you tell me what I missed?" She asked as she took her seat beside him.

"Anyways," Kiara began, "We found the co-ordinated of where the Royal Merchant might've sunk and managed to salvage a drone," Gabriella began to dig deep into her burger and fries, starving from being in the hot sun.

"It's not a drone. It's an ROV," Pope added on.

"Oh shut up with your fancy language. Making me feel stupid." Gabriella laughed.

"Yeah, I almost got killed by a rabid dog for that but do I hear a thank you? No." JJ said and John B laughed.

The Wreck buzzed with energy as Kiara played "It's Never Enough" by Audiodub through the speakers. The upbeat tune filled the air, blending with the scent of fried food and salty sea breeze. Kiara, always the caretaker, nudged JJ's feet off the table and refilled his water glass, earning a playful grumble from him. She laughed, giving him a mock stern look before turning back to check on the others.

JJ, feeling a bit mischievous, pulled out a deck of cards and suggested a game of blackjack. He dealt the cards swiftly, but Pope was barely paying attention, his eyes constantly drifting towards Kiara.

He watched her move around The Wreck, her presence a constant pull. His heart thudded with unspoken words and hidden feelings, the unyielding Pogue-on-Pogue macking rule looming large over his thoughts. He was terrified that admitting his feelings would only reinforce the rule and leave him embarrassed and more distant from her.

Pope tried to focus on his cards, but the sight of Kiara and the sounds of John B and Gabriella's laughter made it impossible. JJ, noticing Pope's distraction, chuckled and gave him a nudge.

"Hey, Earth to Pope. You gonna play or what?" JJ teased, though his tone was light.

Pope blinked, shaking himself out of his reverie. "Yeah, yeah, I'm in," he muttered, trying to refocus, but his heart remained tethered to Kiara who seemed oblivious to his growing feelings.

Meanwhile, Gabriella, unable to resist the catchy beat, started to dance. She moved with grace and a carefree spirit, her body swaying to the rhythm. Catching John B's eye, she signaled for him to join her with a playful beckon of her index finger. At first, he pointed to himself in mock disbelief, but her enthusiastic "Come on, I love this song!" making him smile.

John B stood up and joined Gabriella on the makeshift dance floor. As they danced together, Gabriella felt a rush of excitement when he placed his hand on her waist. She held his hand up, twirling around him gracefully, their movements synchronized as if they had been dancing together for years. They swayed side to side, their gazes locked, the world around them fading into a hazy background.

Kiara looked over at her friends and smiled, feeling a warm sense of happiness for them. Moments like these were a reminder of why they stuck together. Moments like this proved when her dad was wrong, she could never stop hanging around them. They were more than just friends—they were family.

The song continued to play.

"You're a good dancer, JB," Gabriella said, her voice soft yet filled with admiration.

John B's eyes sparkled with affection as he replied, "You're the only girl I'd dance for, sunshine."

In that moment, everything else ceased to exist. It was just the two of them, connected by the music and the unspoken feelings that hung in the air. The bond they shared felt electric, every touch and glance igniting sparks that coursed through Gabriella's body.

Their smiles mirrored each other's, the joy and simplicity of being together, being alive, shining through.