welcome to obx

𓇼 chapter four 𓇼

The SUV rumbled down the narrow road, windows down to let in the warm ocean breeze. Belly leaned her head against the window, watching as the beach came into view. The sky was streaked with pinks and oranges, and the sound of seagulls filled the air. They had finally made it to the Outer Banks.

Taylor: "I still can't believe Sky picked this random island for vacation. There's literally nothing here."

Taylor sat up in the backseat, her sunglasses pushed up on her head, giving Sky a side-eye from across the car. Sky just laughed, unfazed by the playful jab.

Sky: "Are you kidding me? This place is perfect. Quiet beaches, cute shops, and way less crowded than Cousins. Plus, it's an adventure."

Steven: "Adventure, huh? More like the middle of nowhere."

Steven grinned from the driver's seat, but his eyes flicked to the rearview mirror, catching Taylor's reflection. She smirked back, their silent flirting so obvious that it almost made Belly want to laugh.

Belly sat beside Jeremiah, who was driving, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. It was her first summer away from Cousins Beach, and though she had Jeremiah, everything felt a little different this year. She glanced over at Conrad, who sat quietly in the front passenger seat, staring straight ahead. He hadn't said much the entire drive, and the tension between him and Jeremiah was palpable.

Jeremiah: "You guys are gonna love it here. I scoped it out online—there's this spot we should definitely check out tomorrow. It's got killer views of the sunset."

Jeremiah flashed a bright smile at Belly, his hand casually resting on the steering wheel. She smiled back, but she could feel Conrad's eyes on her from the front seat.

Taylor: "Well, I'm just glad we're finally here. I don't think I could've handled another hour in this car."

Cam Cameron: "Don't be dramatic, Taylor. It wasn't that bad."

Sky: "Yeah, and you have no sense of adventure. Trust me, this place is gonna be great. It's got everything we need for a good time."

Conrad (muttering): "We'll see about that."

Jeremiah shot him a look, but before he could say anything, they pulled into the lot of the motel. It wasn't anything fancy, but it had a charm to it—white walls with blue shutters, a small pool out front, and the beach only a short walk away.

Jeremiah: "Here we are, gang. Home sweet home."

They all piled out of the car, stretching after the long drive. Steven tossed his arm over Taylor's shoulder, playfully leaning into her.

Steven: "What do you think, Tay? Cozy enough for you?"

Taylor rolled her eyes but didn't pull away.

Taylor: "It's... fine. But don't get too comfortable. We're hitting the beach tonight, right?"

Sky: "Definitely. I already scoped out a spot earlier. Bonfire, music—it's gonna be a vibe."

Belly: "I'm down for that."

She smiled, glancing over at Conrad, who was standing by the car with his hands shoved into his pockets. His usual brooding expression was firmly in place, and Belly felt the familiar ache in her chest. She quickly looked away, focusing on the others.

Jeremiah: "Sounds perfect. Let's get our stuff inside and meet back here in twenty?"

They all agreed and headed to their rooms, the group splitting up. As they unpacked, Taylor and Steven continued their light banter, with Steven making jokes about how long it took Taylor to pick an outfit, while Taylor rolled her eyes and swatted at him with a t-shirt.

Meanwhile, Jeremiah was helping Belly with her bags, his hand brushing against hers as he handed her her suitcase. The touch made her heart skip a beat, though she quickly tried to shake it off.

Belly: "Thanks."

Jeremiah: "No problem."

He smiled at her, and for a moment, things felt normal again, like they used to. But then, out of the corner of her eye, Belly saw Conrad walking past their door, his shoulders tense, and the moment between her and Jeremiah faded.

Later, when they were all gathered back outside, Sky made a joke about both Conrad and Jeremiah being single, trying to lighten the mood.

Sky: "You know, it's funny how both of you are single now. Who's gonna find a summer romance first?"

Jeremiah laughed lightly, but Conrad just rolled his eyes, clearly not in the mood for Sky's teasing.

Conrad: "Yeah, hilarious."

Sky: "Come on, lighten up. This trip is supposed to be fun."

Conrad didn't respond, and the group felt the awkward tension settle for a moment. But Jeremiah, ever the peacekeeper, quickly changed the subject.

Jeremiah: "Alright, let's hit the beach. Bonfire time, right?"

Everyone cheered in agreement, grabbing towels and heading out. As they walked toward the beach, Belly couldn't help but notice how close Taylor and Steven were walking—shoulders brushing, smiles exchanged. And beside her, Jeremiah stayed close, his presence warm and steady, even as she caught glimpses of Conrad's figure further ahead.

It was going to be an interesting summer, that much she knew.