welcome to obx

𓇼 chapter eight 𓇼

The group sat on the sand, the last of the sunset casting a warm glow across the horizon. The breeze carried the distant sound of music from somewhere further down the beach, and the night felt alive with possibilities.

Taylor: "So...  should we actually go to that
bonfire tonight?" She said it casually, glancing over at everyone, that guy had mentioned it earlier.

Sky nodded, still watching the waves.

Sky: "Yeah, seems like the locals do it every summer. Might be worth checking out, right? Could be fun."

Steven leaned back on his elbows, smirking at Taylor.

Steven: "Sounds like we're crashing a party we weren't invited to. My specialty."

Taylor rolled her eyes, but there was a hint of a smile on her lips.

Taylor: "Yeah, because nothing screams 'fun' like getting chased off by a bunch of angry locals."

Jeremiah: "Come on, Tay. What's the worst that could happen? We go, we hang out, we make some new friends."

Belly sat cross-legged next to Jeremiah, feeling the slight tension in the group. She wasn't opposed to the idea, but after that strange encounter with the guy offering Taylor a drink earlier, she was a little wary.

Belly: "Do you think we'll even fit in? They probably know we're not from here."

Conrad, who had been quiet most of the evening, finally spoke up, his voice low but clear.

Conrad: "It's a bonfire. No one cares where you're from at those things. You just show up, drink, and have a good time."

His words were casual, but there was an edge to his tone that made Belly glance at him. He'd been acting strange since they'd arrived—more withdrawn than usual—and she wasn't sure if it was because of her and Jeremiah, or just because of everything else going on with him.

Sky: "Plus, I hear these things get wild. I mean, if we're here, might as well see what the hype's about."

Taylor: "And by 'wild,' you mean we'll probably end up running away from some drunk guys trying to pick a fight. Sounds like a blast."

Steven: "Don't worry, I'll protect you." He gave Taylor a teasing grin, and she lightly shoved him.

Taylor: "I don't need your protection, Steven."

Jeremiah: "Look, it's our first night here. We should do something fun, right? If this bonfire is the big event, let's go."

Belly hesitated, feeling the growing excitement among her friends, but something tugged at her instincts.

Belly: "What if it's just a bunch of locals who don't want us there?"

Conrad looked at her, his expression hard to read.

Conrad: "We'll blend in. Just don't overthink it."

She frowned slightly but nodded, not wanting to argue. Jeremiah gave her a reassuring smile and squeezed her hand.

Jeremiah: "It's gonna be fine, Bells. We'll hang out for a bit, see how it goes, and if it's lame, we can leave."

Sky got to their feet, brushing the sand off their jeans.

Sky: "Okay, so we're doing this. Bonfire party. Let's go see if these islanders know how to throw down."

The group exchanged looks, some more enthusiastic than others, but they all seemed to silently agree. Why not give it a shot?

Steven: "I mean, if it turns out to be a disaster, at least we'll have a story."

Taylor: "Yeah, 'Remember that time we got stranded on some random island and went to a bonfire with a bunch of weirdos?'"

Belly stood up with the others, still feeling a little unsure. Conrad caught her eye as he stood up, his face unreadable. Before she could say anything, though, Jeremiah threw an arm around her shoulders, his easy smile calming her nerves.

Jeremiah: "Come on, Belly. Let's have some fun."

With their decision made, the group started heading down the beach toward the distant glow of the bonfire. The tension hung in the air, but the night was young, and they were ready for whatever adventure awaited.