The Outer Outer banks//Rafe Cameron

Dad

July 3rd

"Thank you again Tops for letting me stay so long." I sighed as i zipped up my backpack.

"Seriously stop thanking me its getting weird." He laughed as he opened his front door.

"Right." I laughed too.

"Are you sure you're ready to go home?" He asked sincerely.

"I think its time, and i feel like i may have overstayed my visit." I put my backpack on one arm.

"My casa su casa." Topper rambled in a terrible American accent.

"Ill see you tomorrow then." I smiled as i walked out the door.

"See you!" He waved as i walked out his door.

I haven't spoken to my mom for a few days, to let off some steam. Shes called me several times and texted but i let her know i was at Toppers and left it that. I needed some time away, so we could talk without anger.

I loved walking, the last time i did was for graduation. And yet again i was alone, but i never truly was this alone. And scared. The unknown never spooked me out but knowing, knowing is what scared the living fuck out of me.

Finally i was home. I don't know if i can even call it that anymore, it was a placeholder for college and everything after that.

As i walked up to the door loud jazz music played and laughter filled the air.

"Mom?" I called out.

As i walked in the front door people chattered around me. All wearing blue and white suits, ladies wearing red.

Moms 4th of July Business party.

Quickly I ran to my room and shut the door.

Shit i forgot. Every Year since i could remember my mom had a business party the day before fourth of July, formal attire and everything you would expect lawyers would enjoy. How am i supposed to talk to my mom?

*Phone buzzing*

Who could it be now.

I walked over to my bed and laid down. I wonder who could be calling me.

"Wyatt?"

"Hey Z, Do you need? Im mobile right now." He asked.

"Oh uh, im trying to cut back right now." Now since my mom knows i don't want to continue if it worsens our relationship.

"Z, Be for real, the shit i got is gas. Best on the market and i have some bills to pay. I could really use it right now." Wyatt wasn't a rich kid, he was a pogue. A really damn smart one.

"Fine, but my moms having a Party so sneak it to my window." I whispered.

"This is why i love you Z, See you soon." He laughed in excitement.

Maybe this wont be bad. Last buy for the summer.

Suddenly my door swung open and my mom walked in slowly, she couldn't see me on my bed. Her eyes were tearing and no matter the fancy dress she had on and makeup, you could tell how upset she was.

"Mom?"

"Oh Zoya." She exclaimed as she looked my way.

"I just got back, i didn't want to bother you." I looked down at my bed as i fiddled with my hands.

"I've been worried sick about you!" She said sternly as she walked over to my bed and sat next to me.

"I thought we needed some space.. To cool down." I said still looking down.

"Oh Zoya," She paused.

"Look at me." She asked calmly. And i looked up.

"What i said. What i said was terrible and no mother should say any of those nasty things." Her voice cracked.

"You're father for one, He isn't a terrible man. He wasn't good to me but he's a good father. And i made it about me Mija. He's doing his best, And i haven't been the best mother and i blamed my doings on you. I should have been there for you. I mean i didn't even go to my only child's Graduation." She said as she started visibly sobbing.

"Mama, dad isn't a good father. You raised me and he didn't show up either. Mom i've been alone this past year, completely alone." I cried with her.

"Zoya im so sorry, I hope you can forgive me. I want you to stay, i want you to stay until you're done college and ready to move out. You have all the time in the world Mija, I can't imagine coming home without you here again." She smiled as tears rolled down her cheeks.

"I love you so much mama." I cried as i went in for a hug.

She never held me so tight ever.

"Alright well i have to go clean up my face, Please come down and eat or mingle or even just stay up here. I love you hun."She smiled as she wiped her tears away. And then she was gone.

*Crackling sounds*

Is that a rock?

as i walked over to my window i saw wyatt getting ready to throw a huge rock.

"WYATT NO" I screamed.

"Oh shit!" He started laughing.

"Why don't you just climb, its not your first time." I laughed.

"You right im coming up."

Wyatt climbed the fence up-to my window and hopped in.

"So what do you have for me?" I asked. But as i looked closer he didn't have his backpack, and he was wearing shorts and a crewneck.

"I actually lied." He said as he walked over to my bed.

"Wait what?"

"Sit with me." He asked as he picked up a pillow and laid it on his lap.

"What is this about Wyatt?"

"I've been thinking alot, since the last time i was here."

"What do you mean?"

"Well for starters i didn't like how those guys were looking at you." He said in a annoyed tone.

"I mean John b was probably rolling his eyes here and there but Rafe was pretty chill-"

"No Zoy, i didn't like how they were lusting over you." He interrupted.

"What are you a feminist now?" I laughed. But he looked serious. "What are you going on about?" I questioned.

"I don't want to play games anymore with you. "

"Wyatt what games? This convo is going nowhere."

"I want to be official. I want you to think about it. I realized how good i felt when everyone thought we were together, i thought maybe because of the thrill. But you're the thrill im looking for."

What the fuck.