With The Tide (Outerbanks JJ Maybank x OC)

Chapter 20 - Changing Tides

Keep in mind this is not the last time you will see Rowyn and the Pogues. Season 2 will be out shortly. Look for "Caught in the Current" This one will follow Season 2 and the Pogues as they navigate through their losses and a new enemy.

Hope you enjoy and will continue reading :)

I woke up the next morning pillowed on JJ's chest, to the radio. "Good News for residents of the Outer Banks. Dominion power says the underwater transmission line, which will restore power to 90% of the area should be functional in the next 24 hours."

JJ startling momentarily as a cop car rushed by in front of the place we were hiding. Placing my hand on his shoulder I felt him relax a bit as we watched the cops pass in front of us. "And still no arrest in the shooting death of Sheriff Susan Peterkin. The state police have issued a statement regarding a local person of interest, a juvenile from..." Kie quickly shut the radio off.

"Maybe you guys can help, being the smart ones an all but... who are the cops going to believe? Ward Cameron or us?" JJ asked. "So, the accuser is a bigshot developer, kinda lord of the island, got governor on speed dial kinda person... no offense Sarah... and the accused is John B. who is, pretty much of a homeless 16-year-old boy at the moment?"

"Thanks." John B breathed out and I sat up, stretching my neck out. My hand went to my side as I slid from JJ's embrace. Luckily the bleeding seemed to have stopped or at least slowed.

"What about Sarah and I?" I asked pulling everyone's attention. "We were both there."

"At this point, my dad will have spouted some lie about being unstable, or that John B convinced us or threatened us..." Sarah whispered. I bit my lower lip nodding.

"We've gotta get you off the island man." Pope commented from the back of the car.

"Where would I go Pope? I have nothing man." John B asked frustrated.

"I... I have a one-way ticket in my safe deposit box at the bank on the mainland." I say quietly which again took the conversation from the vehicle, everyone turning to look at me. Keeping my eyes averted to the ground I anxiously fiddled with the frayed end of my shorts.

"Care to explain?" Kie asked turning in her seat to look at me and I just shrugged. Next to me JJ nudge my arm and I rolled my eyes looking up.

"Before you guys... I... I was in a dark place alright; I didn't see a reason to stay. I didn't have many other options." I spoke. "I decided I needed out and started to plan my 'escape' I guess. I bought a one-way ticket to the west coast and put a bunch of cash away to start over." I looked at JJ who scowled, I had never told him this and I could see the betrayal in his eyes. "Once I met you guys, I just sort of forgot about it."

"Why didn't you tell us before?" Sarah asked.

"I haven't thought of it for a while." I shrugged. "It was never a secret from anyone, but I haven't been in that dark space for a while, I didn't really want to go back to it."

"Okay so the ferry, that's the only way." Pope said sitting up.

"Yeah, before the entire island gets locked down." JJ nodded.

We agreed to get to the ferry. I got out to stretch my legs as we waited for Pope to get the ticket for the ferry. Leaning on the car, making sure to obscure any obvious view of John B, who had reclined the seat back as far as it would go, JJ came out and stood beside me. Hands in his pocket he leaned on the car beside me.

"Why didn't you ever tell me?" he finally asked.

I gave a big sigh looking out at the ferry and the crowds of people. "When I met you guys, I gave myself a month longer and then I was going to leave. I knew with everything I couldn't stay in that house with my dad, I couldn't take it, couldn't continue doing it alone. As cliché as it sounds, it all changed when I met you guys, even if you didn't like me at the time." I turned to look at him, but he was scuffing his boot on the ground avoiding my gaze. "It was at such a low point in my life that it's just... The money for the restitution, or actually the money I gave Topper, it came from the money I put away to leave."