Whispers || Rafe Cameron

Chapter one

The salty breeze swept through my hair as i stood on the edge of the dock, gazing out at the vast expanse of ocean that stretched endlessly. The sun was beginning to set, painting the sky in streaks of orange and pink, a familiar view i could appreciate.

Outer Banks. A name that sounded like a promise of adventure, freedom, and mystery. To me, it was a just question mark-a place i didn't ask for but now had to make my home.

my family had moved here from Australia a few days ago, chasing my father's dream of opening a marina. my mum had called it a fresh start. my older brother, Malakai, had called it a mistake. And me? i just missed home.

The island felt foreign, like it belonged in a postcard rather than my life. Australia was beautiful but Everything moved slower here-the people, the time, even the air seemed to linger longer on my skin. It was beautiful, sure, but beauty didn't fill the hollow ache of leaving my whole life behind.

"Still staring at the water like it's gonna talk back?" Malakai's voice broke my thoughts as he stepped onto the dock, hands shoved into the pockets of his shorts. He was taller than me by over a foot, with nearly identical features to mine, but his attitude had hardened since the move. He was protective, yes, but he also had a knack for pointing out every reason why this wasn't home.

"Maybe it's got more to say than you," i quipped, glancing at him with a smirk.

"Doubt it," he muttered, his gaze following mine toward the horizon. "Dad's still talking about repainting the house, like that's gonna fix anything."

I sighed. I understood Malakai's frustration-leaving behind out friends, our schools, and everything that had made life feel normal wasn't easy. But part of me hoped, deep down, that Outer Banks held something unexpected for us, something that might make the move worth it.

"Give it a chance, Mal," i said softly. "We might surprise ourselves."

"Yeah, we'll see," he replied with uncertainty. He turned and headed back toward the house, leaving me alone with my rapid thoughts.

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The sun was warm, making the sand burn beneath my feet as i wandered along the shoreline. I didn't know where i was going, but that was kind of the point-i wasn't ready to face another awkward family breakfast or my brother's endless complaints about our move. The beach seemed like the only place to escape. I still think the beaches at home were better but i can settle for less populated beaches.

The soft hum of distant voices carried on the breeze, catching my attention, i swung my head around. A couple of girls chasing eachother in the shallow water of the ocean. One looked about my age with blond hair and the other looked significantly younger with brown curls. Their laughter broke the rhythmic sound of the waves. They looked like they belonged here-tan skin, carefree smiles, and that easy confidence that came with familiarity.

I slowed my steps, should i walk past or just go home? Before i could decide, one of the girls glanced my way.

"Hey!" The blonde called out, her voice clear and welcoming. "You lost or just exploring?"

Caught off guard, I hesitated. "Uh... just exploring, I guess."

The girl stepped slowly toward me with a practiced grace, the corners of her mouth stretched into a friendly smile. She wore cutoff shorts and a loose tank top, her sun-bleached hair falling in waves past her shoulders.

"I'm Sarah," she said, offering her hand like they were meeting in a coffee shop instead of on the sand.

"Alana," I replied, shaking it in return

"Australian and new," Sarah said, more of a statement than a question.

"How'd you guess?" i giggled.

Sarah smirked. "You've got that 'I don't know what to do with myself' vibe, plus the accent. Don't worry, the Outer Banks can be... a lot at first but you learn to love it."

I crossed my arms, suddenly self-conscious. "Is it that obvious?"

"A little," Sarah admitted with a shrug. "But it's not a bad thing. Fresh faces keep this place interesting." She tilted her head toward the young girl still perched running through the ocean.

"That's my sister, Wheezie," Sarah said, nodding toward the younger girl as she splashed through the waves. "She's got endless energy. Sometimes I think she's more dolphin than human."

I smiled, watching Wheezie laugh as she splashed around through the water. "She seems like fun."

"She is. Most of the time," Sarah said with a playful eye roll. "But enough about her. So, what brings you all the way to the Outer Banks? You don't exactly sound like a local."

"My dad wanted a change," I said, shrugging. "He's opening a marina, and the rest of us got dragged along for the ride."

Sarah raised an eyebrow. "A marina? That's ambitious. Does he know what he's getting into?"

"Probably not," I admitted letting out a laugh. "But he's happy, so I guess thats enough for me"

"It is," Sarah said with a nod. "And hey, you're lucky you landed here. The Outer Banks is like one big soap opera, you'll never get bored."

I tilted my head. "Soap opera? That doesn't sound promising."

"Depends on your perspective," she said with a grin. "There's always something happening. Wild parties, rivalries, secrets. It's a small island, but it feels huge when you're in the middle of it all. Speaking of which..." She glanced over her shoulder toward Wheezie before turning back to me. "You should come hang out tonight. A bunch of us are meeting at The boneyard. It's just a casual spot on the beach, but it's a good way to meet people."

Her invitation caught me off guard, and I hesitated. "I don't know. I just got here."

Sarah held up a hand, cutting me off. "No pressure. But trust me, it'll be fun. Consider it your initiation to the Outer Banks."

I studied her for a moment, trying to figure out her intentions. She seemed genuine, and there was something disarming about her easy confidence.

"Okay," I decided. "Why not? Only if i can bring my brother, Mal. I have a feeling he could use some friends"

"Ofcourse, the more the merrier!" Sarah's smile widened. "Seven o'clock. Ill pick you up! just down the street right?"

Before I could give a response, Sarah gave me a quick wave and jogged back toward Wheezie, who was now knee-deep in the water. I watched them for a moment before turning back the way I'd come.

For the first time since we'd arrived, I felt a spark of possibility. Maybe Sarah Cameron was right, maybe this place wasn't so bad after all.

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AUTHORS NOTE:

OKAY i know your all bored rn but you know what the say, the calm before the storm, or some stupid shit like that, whatever just be mindful that the first few chapters aren't going to be the most climactic but the drama will build up through time 😉

I would just like to say though that if you are reading this thankyou sososo much i really appreciate it.