teenage dream. (rafe cameron)

Chapter 1: Welcome to Outer Banks

Andi's POV :

Coming to Outer Banks after a storm just hit the island might not be the smartest idea but it sure is the best decision I've made in a long time.

I'm reminded of summers spent here where I was just a kid, scraping my knees climbing up trees and crashing against the waves attempting to surf.

I used to love coming here. Knowing it only held happy memories but now it just feels like an escape from the life I messed up.

The airport is not as loud as I remember it being. But it makes sense considering nobody wants to be here after the hurricane that just hit.

My pace is fast, as a drag my suitcase behind me.

I consider getting a coffee but all I want is to find my cousin, head home and wash off the travel sweat.

I make it to the exit he told me to meet him at, looking around at all the unfamiliar faces.

I spot him, with his blonde hair,  tight Polo shirt and kaki shorts. The pure image of a rich kid who never had to work a day in his life.

I snort at his attire before making my way over to him. "Hey Topper!" I yell out, grabbing his attention. He finds me, smiling, walking towards me.

"Andi ! Long time! I'm so glad you're here". He pulls me in for a hug as soon as he reaches me.

"I'm happy to be here" I reply, though I wonder if I actually mean it.

He grabs my suitcase and bag, telling me his Jeep is parked out front. 

By the time we're in his car, I remove my hoodie, already feeling the heat.

"It feels like I haven't been here in so long". I tell him. He looks over and smiles , starting the drive to his house.

"You haven't, I mean last time we saw each other you were fourteen, moody and complaining about period cramps" he laughs.

I punch him in the arm. "I was not moody". I respond laughing.

He's not wrong. The last time I was in Outer Banks I was 14. Nearly four years ago. A time which feels like forever ago.

"Pretty sure you were. I remember you threatened to cut my hair in my sleep if I stole another sip of your drink". He reminds me.

Topper and I basically grew up together. Since we're both an only child I always thought of him as my older brother. And he did all the things an older brother would do like threaten boys when they would compliment me or steal sips of my Dr Pepper when he thought I wasn't looking.

I laugh, deciding not to respond.

I watch as he shifts uncomfortably for a second and before he can speak I already know what he's going to say.

"How's your mom doing?" He asks the question I dread.

Answering this should be easy but it's not because if I tell him how she's really doing, I would have to explain all the other shit going on in my life and I really do not want to talk about that.

"She's doing good" I lie.

He seems satisfied with that answer and doesn't push any further.

"So I'm excited for you to meet Sarah" he changes the topic.

"Ah the girlfriend. She's not one of those bitchy blondes is she ?" I joke.

"You mean like you?" He snorts, earning another punch to the arm. "But seriously no, she's perfect. You'll love her".

I don't comment on the fact that he called her perfect because I'll literally be the judge of that.

"Can't wait to meet her Top" I tell him, really meaning it.