I Can Fix Him (no really I can) || Rafe Cameron

07. Collision Course

The moon casts a silver sheen over the water, illuminating the pier where Rafe stands, laughing with a girl who isn't Penelope. It feels wrong, watching them share the same space that had once belonged to him and her. The pier was a sanctuary, a haven filled with whispers and secrets, now tainted by the sight of Rafe and someone else enjoying it.

Pope feels the anger boiling inside him as he approaches, determined to confront Rafe about his blatant disregard for Penelope's feelings. He can't stand by while Rafe moves on so effortlessly. Not after everything they shared.

"Rafe!" Pope calls out, his voice cutting through the laughter. Rafe turns, a mix of surprise and annoyance flickering across his face.

"What do you want, Pope?" Rafe replies, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

"What the hell are you doing?" Pope asks, stepping closer, frustration spilling over. "You think it's cool to bring some new girl to yours and Pen's spot?"

Rafe raises an eyebrow, clearly unfazed. "And what is it to you? It's just a pier, man. You think you own this place?"

"It's not just a pier!" Pope snaps, the heat rising in his chest. "It's sacred to you! You and Pen- this was your place. And now you're just throwing it away?"

The girl glances nervously between them, sensing the escalating tension. Rafe smirks, crossing his arms. "Maybe it's time she got over it. Not my problem if she can't move on."

"Stop actin like an ass," Pope shoots back, anger fueling him. "She cared about you- she still does! This isn't just some game for her."

"Cared? She's the one who left," Rafe retorts, taking a step forward, challenge written all over his face. "Don't act like she's the victim here."

Pope steps closer, fists clenching at his sides. "You don't get to say that! You broke her heart, Rafe! She trusted you."

Rafe's expression hardens, eyes narrowing. "You don't know anything about us, Pope. Stop pretending to be her knight in shining armor. It's pathetic."

In a flash, Pope's temper ignites. "You're the pathetic one, Rafe! Acting like this doesn't affect anyone but you. You're so wrapped up in yourself that you can't even see how your actions hurt Pen."

The tension crackles between them like static electricity, both men standing toe-to-to, poised for a fight. But before it can escalate further I walk over.

"Guys, what's going on?" I call out, stepping toward them, my heart racing.

"Pen, stay back," Pope warns, his gaze locked on Rafe.

"Why? I want to know why he's here with her!" I demand, glancing at the girl who seems more uncomfortable with each passing moment. "Rafe, why would you bring someone else here?"

"Because it's just a pier!" Rafe snaps, frustration evident in his voice. "I'm done pretending it's some sacred spot. You think it's just yours?"

"No, but it meant something to us!" I argue, hurt spilling out with each word. "You can't just-"

Suddenly, Rafe steps closer, throwing his hands up in exasperation. "Maybe you should stop acting like I owe you something!"

Something in Pope snapped as he saw Rafe raise his hands up. All i can do is watch in horror as Pope lunges forward, wailing his fists at Rafe like a mad man. To which Rafe manages to dodge the attempt and push Pope back.

Pope, losing his balance and stumbles towards me.

"Pen, watch out!" Pope yells, but it's too late. I can't move fast enough to avoid the collision.

I feel the impact as he knocks into me, and i stumble back, nearly stumbling over the railing, but managing to steady myself.

I gasp, feeling the shock run through me, knocking all the air out of my body completely.

"Pen!" Rafe exclaims, panic flooding his voice as he rushes to my side.

"I'm fine," I snap, shaking off the sting of pain. I turn to Pope, who looks horrified. "I didn't mean to- are you okay?" he asks, guilt written all over his face.

"I'm fine," I say again, though my voice wavers. "This is ridiculous. You both need to stop this!"

Rafe's eyes dart between us, his expression shifting from anger to genuine concern. "I didn't mean to hit you, Pen. I-"

"Just leave me alone," I say sharply, my voice trembling with emotion. "Both of you. I can't deal with this right now."

As i turn away, I feel a rush of disappointment, not just in Rafe and Pope, but in the situation we've all created. The pier, our sanctuary, now feels tainted. I storm off, leaving them behind, the weight of the moment heavy on my shoulders.