The Fine Line - Rafe Cameron

Chapter One

The cheerful laughter of children echoed around the sprawling Cameron estate as Alexandra, Rafe, and Sarah raced through the grounds. Sunlight danced through the trees, casting playful shadows across the perfectly manicured lawn.

"You can't catch me!" Rafe taunted, sprinting ahead of the two girls giggling behind him.

"Wait up, Rafe!" Sarah called, her pigtails bouncing as she chased her older brother. Alexandra followed closely, her heart racing. In those moments, the world felt limitless, and their only concerns were what to play next and how far they could roam before the sun set.

They darted around the side of the house, past Rose's garden where they'd spent lazy afternoons collecting seashells and making up stories about magical lands. Rafe swung around a tree, laughing as he called out, "Bet you can't find me now!" With that, he disappeared into the bushes, a mischievous grin etched on his face.

"Let's split up! We'll corner him!" Alexandra suggested, eyes sparkling with excitement. They giggled as they searched, the North Carolina sun shining on their youthful innocence, unaware of the divisions that would soon tear them apart.

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Ten years later, Alexandra sat on the beach, the sun dipping low in the sky, casting long shadows over the sand. She watched the pogues surf, their shouts of laughter echoing against the waves.

Alexandra took a long sip of her cold beer and shouted, "Yes, JJ!"

With a wide grin on his face, JJ threw his arms in the air and hollered as he rode a massive wave, sending John B and Kiara tumbling into the water.

JJ's laughter echoed as he paddled back, clearly savoring the moment. Spotting his friends on the beach, he threw his fists in the air, dancing his way toward the group like it was his greatest achievement.

As Sarah leaned back, a smile spread across her face at the sight before her. Her boyfriend, John B, was trudging back to the shore, his eyes rolling dramatically. "Of course, he has to make a scene," he muttered, shaking his head while trying to rid himself of the salty water.

Pope walked up, balancing a pile of driftwood he had gathered from the beach to add to the bonfire. "You know he lives for this stuff," he said with a chuckle.

Kiara dropped her board in the sand and reached for the cooler to grab a beer. "I'm never going to hear the end of this," she sighed, settling herself near the flames.

While Sarah and Alexandra shared a laugh at John B and Kiara's exasperation, JJ continued to whoop and holler as he made his way back to the group, clearly in no rush to end his celebration.

Snatching Kiara's beer from her hand, JJ took a long sip and let out a satisfied sigh. "What happened, guys? Did Alex teach you how to surf?"

With a teasing expression, Alexandra flipped JJ off as he settled down beside her, draping his wet arm around her shoulders.

"Ha! Real original," Kiara retorted, rolling her eyes but unable to hide her smile. "Some of us just aren't as naturally gifted as you, JJ."

Alexandra gasped playfully, laughing to herself. Despite living by the beach her entire life, surfing was never her strong suit.

"I'd take an epic wipeout over those dance moves any day. Seriously, JJ, please don't ever dance again," John B joked, cracking open his can of beer.

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, Alexandra rested her head on JJ's shoulder, letting out a contented sigh. Sunset was her favorite time of day, watching the blue sky transform into shades of orange and pink.