CARPE DIEM - rafe cameron

019.

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑
[19]
Cinamon Girl. | Lana Del Rey.

☼

       𝓣he next day unfolded like a familiar routine, with Arabella keeping herself busy through books, painting, and music. She again took some naps, the soft sound of her dog Kaia's breathing providing comfort. Still, she felt the weight of missing her friends pressing down on her, and after some deliberation, she picked up her phone to call Sarah.

"Come on, pick up," She murmurs, glancing at the screen with hopeful anticipation. But Sarah was too wrapped up in her own plans with the Pogues, chasing after the elusive treasure they sought, so she didn't reply.

But as she was about to turned her phone down, it rang, and a smile spread across her face.

"Hey, Ale?" She answers, excitement bubbling in her voice.

"Princess, haven't seen you in a while. What are you up to?" Alejandro's voice came through, warm and familiar.

Arabella's smile faltered as she remembered her confinement. "Grounded." She whispers, the word tasting bitter.

"Really? Shit, man." Alejandro replies, his tone filled with concern. She could hear the background chatter, the playful teasing of their friends.

"Who are you with?" She asks, curiosity piquing.

"My cousin—Kelce—and Topp." He says, and she could almost picture the scene at The Wreck, sunlit and carefree.

"Oh. What are you guys doing?" She continues, wanting to stay connected.

"Just having some drinks." He replies casually.
"We miss ya' Bell," Kelce's voice chimed in from the background.

A warmth spread through her at their words. "Miss you too," She says, smiling.

"We'll order some margaritas and martinis in your name!" Topper jokes, fully aware that those were Arabella's favorites, even if the boys preferred their whiskey straight.

"You definitely should. They're the best," She answers, a hint of laughter in her voice. She loved how they tried to include her, even from afar.

"Are you sure you can't sneak out to see us?" Kelce asked, and for a moment, hope flickered in her chest. But Alejandro cut in, understanding the reality of her situation all too well.

"No. I'm sorry," She says, absentmindedly caressing Kaia as the dog rested her head on her lap.

"What if we come visit you?" Lucas suggested, his voice softer than the others.

He didn't dislike the Beaulieu girl; in fact, it was quite the opposite—Lucas still had feelings for her. Despite Alejandro's warnings about Rafe and the pressure he felt to date Isabella Miller, his eye always leaned toward the brunette. She was sweet and kind, and every interaction with her felt almost like a platonic crush. But the Esposito boy knew he couldn't compete with someone like Rafe Cameron, who the girl had a lot of history before he came to the island.

Though as far as he knew, the girl hadn't seen Rafe since Midsummers, and he was blissfully unaware that they had been talking—and even kissing—since then.

"I'll ask my dad. Maybe he'll let me," Uncertainty creeping in as she thought about her father's strictness.

"K' Bell, let us know," Topper said, and they hung up, leaving her with a mix of hope and dread.

In reality, she didn't plan to ask her dad at all. The thought of angering him felt too risky, and she already knew his answer would be a firm no.

As night fell, she returned to her painting, strokes of color reflecting her mood. Meanwhile, the Kooks gathered at The Wreck, laughing and drinking, teasing Topper about his recent breakup with Sarah Cameron.