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18 months later
"An expedition of one man, John Routledge, and a group of teenagers, who are with us today. Locals, who grew up here and who succeeded where centuries of conquistadors, explorers, and admirals failed." Shoupe says
The Pogues sat together on stage as the locals of OBX looked back at them. The teens dressed as nicely as they could be while being recognized for their achievements in finding El Dorado.
"Today, we come together to celebrate these teens, friends from both sides of the island who came together to solve this 500-year-old mystery. Let's hear it for them!" Shoupe says. The teens stand as the people cheer for them. Estrella smiles as she looks down at the Heyward's who sat in the front row.
Estrella looks up to JJ who looked out at the crowd. She knew this whole celebration was a lot for him. And while she could sympathize, she also knew if anyone deserved to be recognized for their sacrifices, it was JJ.
She looks down and gently pulls his hand from his pocket. JJ looks over to her as she intertwines their fingers. She looks up and gives him a soft smile earning one back from him. His eyes linger on her as she turns back toward everyone.
•••
"Okay, I need a reset." JJ says pulling out his vape, "I need a reset right now. This is a lot. It's time to celebrate."
"I'll take one hit." Pope says as they walk off stage, "One."
"Bad man now." Cleo jokes while Estrella laughs shaking her head
"Estrella."
The girl stops and turns. Her mother stands behind her in a nice dress and her purse in her hands. Estrella brows furrow lightly as she takes small steps toward the woman, "Mom."
"You look amazing." Pamela says
Estrella looks down at herself. She had on a black dress with ruffled sleeves and sleek black heels. Estrella looks back up, "Thank you. Did you need something?"
"I just wanted to talk." Pamela says, "I haven't seen you in a while."
"Talk about what?"
"Estrella, I'm sorry." Pamela says, "For everything. I thought I was doing what was right for you. I just wanted the girl that I knew back."
"Mom, the girl that you knew never left." Estrella chuckles, "If you thought that I was the type of girl who wouldn't do whatever I needed to help the people I cared about, then you didn't know me at all."
"I'm sorry." Pamela repeats
Estrella looks off. Her mind was as clear as it had ever been as she watched the locals laughing and holding conversations. Some looking at the different exhibits the town put up, "I forgive you." Pamela's face lights up as Estrella turns to her, "But that doesn't mean that anything is coming out of it."
