The Lines We've Crossed

FIFTEEN

The sky was a brilliant blue, and the sun hung high as Heather found herself at JJ's house, surrounded by the sounds of engines and the scent of motor oil. It had been a few days since Heather had decided to step away from the complex dynamics with Rafe and the Kooks, seeking solace in the simplicity of her old friends.

John B and JJ were hard at work, tinkering with dirt bikes that had seen better days. Heather busied herself by handing them wrenches, screwdrivers, and other tools they requested, her mind slowly unwinding with each task. JJ's garage was a mess of parts and grease, but it was a comforting chaos compared to the entangled mess of her recent interactions with the Kooks.

After a few hours of working, Heather decided to take one of the bikes for a test ride. She straddled a sleek, modified dirt bike, her heart racing with excitement as she revved the engine. The rumble beneath her felt like a small escape, a moment of freedom from the tangled web of her thoughts.

She took off down the strip of the Cut, the wind whipping through her hair as she navigated the familiar terrain. It was exhilarating, the open air and speed momentarily clearing her mind. But as she rounded a bend, she spotted something that made her heart skip a beat—a dirt bike parked beside the local drug dealer of the OBX. The sight was jarring, stirring up a familiar wave of concern and confusion.

Instinctively, Heather veered away and headed back toward JJ's house. She parked the bike and hopped off, trying to shake off the unsettling sight she had just seen. She joined John B and JJ, who were finishing up their work.

"This one's good," Heather said, giving the bike a final check and a thumbs up.

John B looked up from his work, wiping his hands on a rag. "You seem a little off today. Everything alright?"

Heather sighed, sitting down on the curb. "Just got a lot on my mind, you know?"

JJ, always perceptive despite his laid-back exterior, nodded. "You wanna talk about it?"

Heather hesitated, glancing at the two of them. "It's just... things with Rafe and the Kooks have been a lot. I'm feeling kinda lost with everything."

John B and JJ exchanged a look, both sensing that this was more than just the usual teenage drama. John B leaned in, his expression serious. "You know, Heather, we've all seen how things are with Rafe. He's got his issues, and sometimes it's hard to tell what's real and what's just...messing around."

JJ chimed in, his tone more cautious. "Yeah, I know Rafe can be charming and all, but he's got a lot of stuff going on. It's not always easy to see through his façade. Just be careful, okay? We don't want to see you getting hurt."

Heather felt a pang of unease but nodded. "I appreciate the concern. I guess I've just been trying to figure things out and it's all been a bit overwhelming."

John B placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You're not alone in this, Heather. We're here for you. And if you need to step away from the drama or just need a break, that's okay too. Sometimes you need to clear your head and focus on what makes you feel grounded."

JJ added with a grin, trying to lighten the mood. "Plus, there's nothing like a good dirt bike ride to get your mind off things. You should come out with us more often. It's not all bad out here."

Heather managed a small smile, feeling comforted by their support. "Thanks, guys. I'll keep that in mind. And for now, I think I need to get my head straight before diving back into the chaos."

As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, casting a golden hue over the Cut, Heather felt a bit more at ease. Spending time with her Pogue friends had reminded her of simpler times, and their heartfelt conversation had given her a bit of clarity. She watched as John B and JJ continued to work on the bikes, grateful for the break and the chance to reset.