P4L | Outer Banks | JJ Maybank

Island Adventures

Cory smiled softly at the wave rolling over her legs. She picked up a shell nearby–something perfect and beautiful, untouched by man. It was rare to find a shell at any American beach that wasn't damaged in some way. But out on these islands? There were hidden treasures everywhere.

Behind her, Kiara and JJ were speaking in hushed whispers.

She continued to look at the shell, allowing the water to run over it and brush off all the sand.

"Do it," Kiara ordered.

JJ took a deep breath, and then he was walking down the beach to Cory.

"Hey there," JJ said, pulling up next to her.

Cory looked up with a soft smile. "Hey, Jay." She patted the sand next to her, and JJ lowered himself down.

JJ watched her silently for a moment, trying to stop his stomach from churning nervously.

He briefly looked back at Kie, who had gathered some of the other Pogues to watch. She gave him a thumbs up.

He turned back, reaching for the shell in Cory's hands.

"This is pretty," he said softly.

Cory looked over at him, furrowing her brows.

"What's wrong?"

"Huh?" JJ feigned confusion. "What do you mean?"

Cory made a face. "What's wrong with you?"

"N-nothing's wrong with me," JJ said, glancing at the shell in his hands. He reached over, placing it gently against Cory's chest. He examined her for a moment. "Y'know, it would look real good right there."

Cory's face exploded with pink. She grabbed the shell from him.

"Oh yeah?" she asked.

"Yeah," JJ nodded with a smile. "I could... uh, find some like... weeds and make you a necklace."

"Ahh," Cory chuckled.

Silence settled over them.

Cory could hear whispers from behind them.

She turned around quickly, furrowing her brows at the Pogues standing over at their camp.

Simultaneously, they all pretended to be doing something else.

But then JJ's hand was on her chin, pulling her back to look at him.

"Hey, Cory," he said suddenly, his fingers lingering for a second too long before he dropped his hand. "Wanna get out of here?"

"Where is there to go?" she joked.

JJ glanced back at the Pogues. "I meant just away from those vultures."

Cory chuckled. "Why not?"

JJ stood quickly, reaching a hand down to help Cory to her feet.

Then, the two were making their way down the beach.

JJ briefly looked back, only to see each Pogue giving him a different variation of support.

He turned forward, taking in a deep breath.

Cory looked at him oddly.

"Seriously, dude," she mumbled. "What's with you? You're not, like, yourself."

"Yes I am," he argued.

"No, you're not," Cory said through a laugh. "Just tell me."

JJ rolled his eyes. "Just wait one more minute."