One Of A Kind |JJ Maybank|

Chapter 2 - Pogue Life

warning: strong language and I think that's it. 

Chapter 2 here we go!

"Thank you very much, but you didn't have to do that" the old man, who only a few minutes ago advised me that I should finally get off the ferry, now helped me carry my bags onto the dock.

"You seem a bit nervous, child. I just wanted to make sure that your bags land here on the dock and not in the water because you are distracted. That would only mean more work for us and I always try to avoid that," the man assured me and I slightly laugh at the statement. 

"Thanks anyway." I give him a smile. 

"You're welcome. I hope you find what you're looking for!" he shouts to me before the ferry sets off with new travelers.

"What do you mean?" but the old, strange man had already disappeared. What the hell was that about?  I thought to myself.

With my backpack over my right shoulder and my purse and suitcase in my hands, I made my way towards the hotel, which was about 200 meters from the harbor. The other passengers were probably already scattered all over the island and spread the news that a new face had appeared on the Outer Banks. 

That would probably never change. Everything spread very fast in this place. I had to know.

I was probably the last person to know that my parents were dead. When I came back from the beach on my bike, people had looked at me so fucking weird. They were just staring. Some looked sad and others, by that I mean the Kooks, looked at me with disgust, apparently because they thought that another pogue had entered the foster system. 

Fucking Kooks.

Due to the summer break, the harbor was packed with the most beautiful yachts you can imagine. Each one nobler than the other. I spent a lot of time on these luxury things over the last couple of years. 

I like boats and yachts. Not all the fuss about the price and showing off to others, but the power behind it and the manufacturing. You appreciate these mighty devices more when you know what goes into it. 

You would think I was afraid of boats and water for the obvious reason that my parents lost their lives because of both of these components, but this is the complete opposite. I have great respect for the deep blue but I am not afraid. Water is my sanctuary and the sea is like a safety shield. 

My father had always claimed that I could swim before I could walk. My mother then always rolled her eyes because my father shouldn't put such nonsense into my brain, but she always had to agree with him in the end.

My parents.

With every thought of them follows a deep stab in the heart a short time later. How I missed them and this place didn't make it any easier.

My father and I used to go fishing and watch the sunrise in the early morning hours on weekends. After that, we would always make our way here to the harbor to have a look at the new and expensive purchases of the rich and beautiful, before they were awake and would give us annoyed looks. My dad taught me everything about the different models and what made each individually special. 

Afterward, we drove the narrow stream to our house and my father drove very slowly past the reeds so I could watch the dragonflies.

That was our ritual and I loved it. We loved it. 

After a short walk, I reached my destination, the Sanderling Resort.

Of course, my aunt had insisted on me staying in the most expensive hotel on the Outer Banks. I mean I'm not complaining. Almost every room has a fucking jacuzzi with an amazing view of the water, a friend of my aunt had told me euphorically.

Apparently, the first-class flight wasn't enough. Don't be such a brat, Jo!

When I tried to convince my aunt that a regular flight would be enough, all I got was a shocked look and the statements "You have to remember where you're from during the trip," and that's the point, I'm from here, the Outer Banks, and I don't mean the rich and carefree side, I mean the pogue life. 

In the end, I had given in and accepted her so-called 3rd birthday present with a forced smile. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate everything that my aunt does for me, but sometimes it's a bit much. 

Now I am standing here in the middle of the incredibly glamorous lobby of the probably most stuck-up hotel of the whole region. The woman at the reception looks at me briefly from top to bottom and then focuses her gaze again on my face, which shows a forced big smile.

Always making sure that no pogue gets lost in here, aren't you? I thought to myself and tried to keep the smile up. 

"Welcome to Sanderling Resort. My name is Stacy. How can I help you?"

"Hello, Stacy, I have a reservation for Jacobson, Josefine."

She types on the keyboard for a few seconds and then turns to me again. This time her smile seems not so forced anymore.

"Ah, there you are, Ms. Jacobson. You have been given the sunrise suite. It's our special suite... a little upgrade for our special guests." She lets me know and gives me a little wink. Ahhh...She smelled the money...therefore the smile. Got it. You want a raise now?

I'm trying to suppress the gag that comes up inside me from that comment as best I can.

Keep it friendly, Josefine. It's her job. Don't be an asshole. 

So I squeeze out another sweet smile and say "Oh wow, thank you very much. May I ask you what makes it so special?"

"Besides the incredible view of the sunrise and sea, the suite comes with its own pool in addition to the usual Jacuzzi and you will get only the best room service.  It is also further away from the other rooms so that you will not be disturbed by other guests or staff throughout your stay and can relax completely." Stacy explains to me proudly. 

"So, an extra pool even though the ocean is less than 100 meters from my room. That's what I call special." Especially pointless, more like.  I fail miserably to hide the sarcasm in my voice.

The smile of the receptionist falls a short time after she noticed the sarcasm. 

Great Jo. You are an asshole!

"Anyway, thanks for the upgrade. These are my keys I guess", I quickly grab the keys that are lying on the counter next to the still somewhat shocked woman. "I'll carry my own bags up. Thanks again" and off I go.

In quick steps, I make my way to the elevator to escape the awkward situation but am abruptly stopped when I run into something or more like someone. My bags fall out of my hand due to the collision and the contents of my handbag are spread out in the lobby.

"Wow. Hey, why so fast on the move, beautiful?" 

A/N

Ohhh. Who could it be? Any idea? 

3rd Chapter will be up soon!

Spread Love. 

-S.