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The Outer Banks, paradise on earth.
The feeling of the salty coastal air surrounded me as I entered the Outer Banks on the ferry - finally, I was home. The water seemed slightly rough today, probably due to the storm from last night. I'm surprised they ran the ferry to be honest, but I'm glad they did.
It's been a year I was last here in the Outer Banks. I've been living with my Mom and my Stepdad, who by the way is a complete ass, in Colorado, until they left without a word, which honestly isn't really a shock. I'm 16 now. Which according to my 'Mom', means that I'm no longer her problem. Charming, right? That theory of hers wasn't the case with John B though, she packed up and left him and Dad when he was two. Going back and forth between Colorado and the OBX wasn't ideal, but I always looked forward to escaping the company of my Mom and Stepdad.
As we approached closer to the island, an announcement came over the speakers that we would be docking in a few moments, and for everyone to get back into their cars, and get ready to drive off of the ferry once it was secured.
As we pull up in the dock, the boat starts to rock side to side, bumping against the wooden pillars. One of the dock workers secured the boat, and I pulled open the door of my beat-up light blue SUV, which was packed up with my clothes and possessions. I sat down, stuck my keys in the ignition and started the engine. I reversed off of the ferry, giving the driver and the dock workers a wave goodbye, and started to drive through the island.
I headed south on the only highway we had in the Outer Banks, towards the house, or the Château, as we call it. The closer I get, the more excited I am to see John B and Dad. I tried calling the both of them a handful of times, but neither one of them answered my calls, or even my texts. So, in the end I just decided to leave my overdue return a surprise.
A year away from the Outer Banks is way too long.
As I was driving, I became lost in my thoughts. Taking in the sights of the island. God, I've missed this place. I've missed the Pogues.
Around twenty minutes later, I arrived at the Château. I pulled into the drive, my SUV was bouncing against the gravel. I parked and secured the car, and switched off the engine. For a moment, I just stared at the Château.
Home.
I took a deep breath and got out of the car, leaving my stuff in the back for now. Honestly, I'm kinda' hoping John B will come and grab it for me, it's really heavy.
I made my way up to the porch, and knocked on the front door. But, there was no answer. I knocked again. Still no answer.
"Mm." I mumbled, looking out over the water. Once I did, it all made sense. The HMS Pogue wasn't there, meaning that John B and Pogue's must be out.
I let myself into the house, made my way through it, my face immediately turned up in disgust seeing the state the house was in. Empty beer cans scattered here there and everywhere, ash-trays absolutely full to the brim with cigarette butts, and not to mention the piles of dirty clothes that were just tossed onto the floor. "Well, I might as well make myself useful." I mumbled out, making my over to the kitchen, grabbing a trash bag from the cabinet under the sink.
