The Lines We've Crossed

TWENTY-ONE

The sun was setting in the distance as the boys dropped me off at the dock. Despite my arguments, they told me repeatedly that they had another errand and I couldn't help them. Of course, I was offended, but whatever it was, I knew it didn't involve me and I didn't want to push.

So, I figured I'd change into my bikini and make my way down to the marsh to meet up with the others. John B, JJ, Pope, and Kie said they'd be hanging out there later, no treasure hunt today—just friends, some laughs, and maybe a few drinks. I grabbed my things and headed towards the familiar marsh.

As I walked through the tall grass, the sun slowly dipped closer to the horizon, painting the sky in soft shades of pink and orange. When I finally reached the water, I could see the crew lounging on the boat, floating in the middle of the marsh. I waved at them, and JJ waved back with exaggerated enthusiasm.

"Heather! Get over here!" JJ called out, grinning like always. The sound of his voice made me smile despite the heavy thoughts swirling in my mind.

I stripped down to my bikini, leaving my towel and sandals behind as I waded through the cool marsh water. I swam up to the side of the boat, and Pope helped pull me aboard.

"How's it going?" Kie asked, handing me a can of soda as I settled into the boat with them.

"Uh, I've been better," I admitted, forcing a small smile. Kie raised her eyebrows knowingly. "Rafe stuff?" she asked gently.

I nodded, glancing down at my hands. The thing about my friends was that they always knew when something was up. And right now, the last thing I wanted to talk about was Rafe, especially after what happened last night. Waking up in his bed this morning had only added to my confusion.

Before I could speak, Pope brought up the topic I'd been dreading. "Speaking of Rafe... what's going on between you two?"

I sighed, feeling a knot form in my stomach. "I don't know, Pope. I really don't. One second, he's... I don't know... kind of sweet? And the next second, he's attacking you."

"Yeah, that whole 'attacking me' thing doesn't really scream sweet," Pope said sarcastically, rubbing his shoulder where Rafe had shoved him earlier.

"Look," I said, feeling defensive, "I don't agree with what he did. I don't! It's just... things between us have been... complicated. I don't even know how to explain it."

Kie looked at me with sympathy. "You don't have to choose sides, you know."

But did I? It felt like I did. With what had happened between us last night and this morning—waking up beside him in his bed—everything felt even messier. I still hadn't wrapped my head around it.

I leaned back, closing my eyes as the boat swayed slightly. "It's just... it's like every time I think I know where we stand, Rafe does something that throws me off balance again. And now... after what he did to Pope? I don't know how to feel."

John B, sitting at the front of the boat, gave me a long look. "Rafe's trouble, Heather. You know that, right?"

"I know," I muttered. "But I can't just switch off my feelings. We have a lot of history... and I guess I keep hoping there's something good left in him."

JJ snorted, taking a sip from his drink. "Good luck with that."

I shot him a glare, but he just shrugged. "I'm just saying, you know. The guy's a loose cannon. Even if he's got a soft spot for you, it's dangerous."

"I'm not stupid, JJ," I shot back. "I know he's messed up. I just... I need to figure things out."

Kie gave me a supportive smile. "You don't have to figure everything out right now. Just... take it slow."

Pope added, "But whatever happens, just make sure you don't get caught up in his mess. That guy brings destruction wherever he goes."

A heavy silence fell over the boat as I absorbed their words. I knew they were right. Rafe was chaos—chaos that I couldn't afford to be swept into. But part of me still wanted to believe that beneath it all, the Rafe I once knew was still there.

"I'm gonna have to talk to him," I said finally, breaking the silence. "The next time I see him, I'm going to get some answers. I can't keep doing this."

John B nodded in agreement. "Good. You deserve some clarity."

Just then, JJ broke the tension by splashing me with water. "Enough with the heavy stuff! We're supposed to be chilling!"

I splashed him back, laughing despite myself. For a moment, it felt like everything was okay. We were just a bunch of friends hanging out on a boat, no drama, no complications.

But as the sun continued to set and the night crept in, I knew that my talk with Rafe was coming sooner rather than later. And with all the confusion swirling inside me, I wasn't sure I was ready for it.