𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐎𝐆𝐔𝐄𝐒
and the Kooks
have no other choice than
living together, sharing
the same island. But this summer,
rivalries reached a peak, and
there's no going back.
In which Margot Maybank tries to fix her brother's mistakes, but not everyt...
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Outer Banks, Figure-Eight June 12th, 2020 3:35pm
The dress suddenly felt too tight, the veil impossibly long, my nails not polished enough, and my makeup too light. I sighed as I stared at my reflection in the mirror. My brother, JJ, placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder, grounding me silently. We exchanged a glance, both knowing these were the last moments we'd share the same last name.
I had asked him to help me get ready, even though Kiara, Sarah, and Wheezie had all offered. As much as I loved them, JJ was my rock, the person who had been there for me through everything. Meanwhile, Rafe was at his dad's house, getting ready with his family, so we wouldn't see each other before the ceremony. It was a silly tradition, but I wanted that first look to feel special, unhurried.
This was supposed to be the best day of my life. And it would be, because it wasn't just a wedding, even though nobody else knew that yet. But something still felt off. My chest tightened, and tears threatened to spill, though I knew I couldn't ruin my makeup. I started fanning my eyes with my hands, trying to keep it together. JJ noticed and frowned slightly.
"Hey, you good? You seem a little stressed," he asked softly.
"I just wish he was here," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.
"Yeah, I get it. But maybe it's for the best. Think about how he might've acted in front of everyone," JJ sighed and nodded knowingly.
I knew he was right, but it didn't make it hurt any less. My father wasn't here because he was locked away in a prison cell and it broke my heart. Even though he deserved to be there for everything he'd done to JJ and me, it was strange not having him here. Despite all the pain, a part of me still wished he could walk me down the aisle.
"Yeah, I guess," I murmured, my voice heavy with sadness.
A single tear rolled down my cheek. I wiped it away quickly, careful not to smudge my makeup. JJ pulled me into a hug, warming my heart with his rare display of affection. I stayed in his arms, comforted by his presence, until he cleared his throat and shifted awkwardly. Even after all these years, physical touch wasn't his thing.
"You're a beautiful bride, Margot," he whispered before stepping back.
"Thank you, Double J, Just give me a few minutes, I need to fix my hair," I lied, needing a moment alone.
He nodded and left the room, closing the door softly behind him. As soon as he was gone, I sank onto the edge of the bed Rafe and I shared, taking deep, shaky breaths. I wanted to be Rafe's wife more than anything. I loved him with everything I had, and I couldn't wait to take his last name. But I couldn't ignore how terrifying it all felt. My life was about to change in ways I couldn't fully grasp yet.
Once I felt a little calmer, I stood up and adjusted my hair in the mirror. I practiced my smile for walking down the aisle, willing myself to keep it together. Just as I started to feel steady again, the bedroom door swung open without warning, startling me. I spun around, and my eyes went wide when I saw Rafe standing there, a panicked look on his face.
