PROMISE-ME ☼ outerbanks

chapter 9

"He said that?" I called out as I ran up to his front door. "Yep" he laughed, shaking his head at me. "well good, maybe you'll listen to him" I teased him about my dad's threat. Which honestly surprised me, we've began to speak more like we used to, now that I actually like going home and being there.

I threw myself on the couch, I had changed into a hoodie and shorts of mine that I found in the truck. He laid down next to me, getting all cuddled up. "I'm so sleepy" I yawned, closing my eyes. I felt him press a kiss to my temple, "goodnight baby." I smiled to myself, falling asleep right away.

-

"You've got to be kidding me" I heard a whisper yell, "you're fucking stupid, what do I say" a voice woke me up, I opened my eyes groggily. I woke up half asleep. "Baby" I rubbed my eyes, "hey" he whispered, hanging up his phone, "Topp just called me and I'm going to take you to the hospital" "What happened?" My heart dropped, "Uh there was an accident involving John B" "What.." I said standing up, "He was pushed from the hawk's nest and landed on the ground below" "oh my god" I breathed out, tears formed in my eyes.

I was stressing the way to the hospital, but I spoke no words. "Chloe, don't stress, Sarah said that he was okay" I kept my head leaned against the window, not paying attention to him. He huffed and moved his arm on the center counsel. Whenever he did that it was our code for me to grab his hand, I moved my hand into his, squeezing it for reassurance.

"I'm sorry" I sat next to his bed, they left me alone with him, "I'm fine, Chlo. It could've been worse" He smiled slightly, "I feel like an asshole for not being there for you and Topper can suck it" I wiped my tears, "yeah he can" he chuckled at my words.

Rafe stood outside talking with Topper. When I saw him the anger in me bubbling to the surface, I walked right up to them and punch him in the jaw. "Hey" Rafe wrapped his arms around me, pulling me back away from him. "You're a dick" I yelled at him, "why the fuck couldn't you leave them alone Topper, huh?" I continued as I was dragged to the waiting room.

"Here, calm down" Rafe handed me a water, pulling me into him. "I should've been there to help or even stop him" I sniffed, "this is on Topper, don't think you had anything to do with this" He hugged me to him tighter. I talked with the pogues and Sarah about what happened, apparently Ward Cameron is going to take custody of John B, so he doesn't go into foster care. If I'm being honest, it's a little weird but he's helping John B stay at his home, The Outer Banks.

It was around 5 in the morning when we left, the drive back had me slumped. I fell asleep against the window, my arms wrapped around the seatbelt.

I heard the faint beep of his truck as he turned his car off. "Chlo" he spoke, "hm?" I groaned out, not opening my eyes, "you want me to carry you?" I nodded my head, yawning.

I wrapped my arms around his neck and cuddled into him.
"Don't drop me" I mumbled as he walked up the stairs to his room, "no promises" he joked, making me open my eyes. I saw his small smile as he payed attention to his steps, not wanting to hurt either of us if he missed a step.

"It's so cold, I love him" I said, cuddling into his blankets, "I thought you were almost asleep" he said, getting in next to me, "I am" I pretended to snore lightly, earning a low laugh from him.

"Thank you for Midsummers, I loved it" I said playing with the ring on his finger. "I didn't want to spend it with anyone else, Chloe. You're the one" he kissed the top of my head, "does your dad hate me?" I asked, he was quiet for a bit, assuming trying to find the right words. "I don't know, I'm hoping that he'll see you're good for me and that I can earn his respect back" "by dating a Pogue?" I laughed, "maybe, I'll let you know" he joked, making me laugh.