Moments

[1] Welcome to the Outerbanks

Rosie

I stood out on the deck with the wind blowing in my hair. The smell of the ocean filling my lungs, and for the first time in weeks I was beginning to get that feeling of content. As the sun kissed my skin I closed my eyes wanting to savour the moment. 

As the ferry pulled up to the harbour I grabbed my duffle bag and headed for the dock in search of that tall, dark haired boy. My cousin. 

I saw a warm smile ahead, but it was not JohnB. Instead it was Sarah whom I had learned was his girlfriend, rather than wife or fiancé. I smiled as she pulled me into an embrace. "It's so good to see you!" Sarah spoke genuinely.

"It's great to see you two too!" I said laughing and letting little Betty hold my finger. 

I followed them up the dock as she asked about my journey here. I noticed people looking, turning to say things to people quietly. Maybe I was imagining things, but it was hard to tell if these looks we were getting, were good or bad. It didn't seem to bother Sarah so I followed suit. 

When we arrived at their house it took me by surprise. Having googled Outerbanks, I assumed they lived in a huge estate, but instead they lived in a modest sized house. It was beautiful and picturesque, without being overwhelmingly huge and fancy. "Welcome to our home" Sarah smiled, almost not believing it herself. 

"It's beautiful, and wow, the ocean is right there. I don't think you could get a better view." As I got out the car and walked towards their garden leading down to the water, I stood and understood how people could learn to love this place. 

Sarah kindly showed me around the house before excusing herself to take a phone call. I stood holding Betty and cooed at her, saying she had gorgeous curls. 

"Hey, you made it!" I heard a voice behind me. Johnb pulled me and Betty in for a hug and kissed my cheek. 

"Thank you so much for letting me stay, are you sure you're okay with me here whilst you guys are away?" I queried. 

Johnb smiled and nodded, giving Betty a kiss on the cheek. "Of course, we'll only be gone for a few days and it's much nicer knowing our house isn't empty."

"I mean I could have just stayed at my dads beach shack." I suggested. 

Johnb laughed, shaking his head. He took Betty from me and bounced her around. "I don't think you'd wanna sleep in that place in the current state it's in. Besides, it's safer if you stay here." 

I raised an eyebrow, "safer?" Surely this is just a vacation zone, how is it unsafe.

"Ah yeah, well the cut: which is where your dads place is; is kinda not the best part of town & with the history of the place, you get people turning up from time to time." He was smiling down at Betty bouncing her on his hip. If I hadn't of known better I would say he wasn't telling me something. He looked back at me and could sense my confusion. "But I mean it's not unsafe, just the doors don't lock very well and there's some drug dealers down the street, so as a beautiful girl on your own, you're much safer here." He reassured. 

I nodded, not entirely convinced but I didn't want to spoil the moment. 

Johnb, Sarah and Betty were jetting off to the Bahamas the next day, so they had to catch the last ferry across to the mainland. Apparently there had been an emergency with a business they had over there. I didn't pry as I was still new on the scene. 

Before the day was up I was keen to hit the water. I walked down the road with one of Johnbs surf boards under my arm. I smiled and said hello to anyone I passed. The summer break had started and clearly families were moving here for the summer months - who could blame them.