P4L | Outer Banks | JJ Maybank

The Camerons

Cory had never been happier to be left alone.

When Rafe finally left the room, locking it behind himself, Cory was finally able to breathe.

She didn't know what was going on anymore.

Cory kind of understood why Rafe kidnapped her. He knew that she was the only witness to the murder that wasn't dealt with in some other way. His insane mind immediately thought that he had to handle her.

But she wasn't sure what Rafe was planning on doing with her.

It didn't make sense for him to keep her. He could be arrested for holding her against her will. But if he hurt her, or even killed her, he could also be arrested. There wasn't a good option for Rafe in this situation.

When Rafe returned to the bathroom, Cory hadn't moved.

He entered, looking up at her as he shut the door behind him.

Rafe approached cautiously, and Cory recognized his psychotic demeanor taking over everything, including how he walked.

He kneeled in front of her, holding out a plate of food.

Cory glared up at him, but he had pulled down the towel covering her mouth, and so she allowed him to feed her a piece of the food.

Rafe lowered himself all the way to the ground. He glanced around.

"You know," he began. "I always liked you, Cory."

Cory didn't say anything, or even look at him.

He sighed. "I never understood why you went with those Pogues."

"Because they're the truest friends I have ever had," Cory mumbled.

Rafe scoffed. "I could have been your friend, Cory. We were friends!"

"We were never friends," Cory said.

"Yes, we were," Rafe said, rambling. "When Paris and Kelce first met as kids... Remember when we hung out at Kelce's for that end of summer pool party?"

Cory rolled her eyes, knowing exactly where this story was going.

Rafe slowly grinned, but there was nothing behind his eyes. "Remember when we were swimming in the pool? And I said 'hey, Delia, let's play marco polo!'."

Cory scoffed. "You know I don't go by that name anymore."

"I do," Rafe said. "I don't get why... it's a beautiful name, and it goes so well with your beautiful face."

Cory's eyes raised to look at Rafe, who was looking at her like she was his next meal. Cory wanted to back away, but she was already stuck in the corner, with nowhere to go.

"I remember you agreed to play marco polo," Rafe chuckled. "And then while you had your eyes shut, somehow you got trapped underneath me." Rafe laughed like it was a funny memory they both shared.

"Stop," Cory mumbled.

"What?" Rafe asked.

"I said stop," Cory repeated.

"Why?" Rafe asked.

"I don't wanna hear any more," Cory said.

"Why not?" Rafe asked. "It's one of my favorite memories."

"I don't like it," Cory snapped.

Rafe rolled his eyes, pulling the plate of food away from Cory, who couldn't have eaten it without his help anyway.