Left Behind - Outer Banks

You had me at hello.

Kiara POV

The next morning I woke up in JJ's bed. I sat up to find myself alone in his room. I went to the bathroom and looked in the mirror to see my face stained with mascara.  It must have been from the crying I did last night. I went downstairs to find the boys watching Saturday cartoons in the living room. I sat next to JJ.

He turned to me. "How are you?" He said softly.

"Uh, I'm okay." I replied.

"Do you want to talk about what happened last night." He offered.

"I got arrested with Luisa and some other girls, then had a fight with my parents." I blurted. Pope and JJ looked at each other shocked. 

"can I ask why you got arrested?" Pope said.

"We spray painted some kid's car. But don't worry it was washable so we weren't charged." I explained.

"Trust me, from experience wrecking vehicles is a bad idea." JJ laughed. JJ had sold the hot tub and got enough money to pay restitution. Which was good since none of us wanted a hot tub.

We talked a bit longer about that night and my parents. I decided I best go and talk to my parents. I kissed JJ goodbye and took Pope's bike back to my house. When I got there my mom was home, but  my dad was still at the restaurant. As soon as I walked into the kitchen my mom ran and hugged me.

"Oh Kiara I'm so happy you're home."  She cheered. I sat down at the kitchen counter. "I made oatmeal do you want some?" She offered. I nodded.

As I started eating she sat next to me. "I know you went to JJ's place. I called him last night." She said. So JJ already knew, he probably wanted to hear my side before he said anything. 

She placed her hand on my cheek. "Your father and I didn't mean anything we said. We were just scared, that's all." 

"I know mom. I shouldn't have gotten arrested, or run away from the car."

"I love you honey." She said. As she kissed my head I closed my eyes.

"I love you to mom." 

I finished my breakfast, went to my room and sat at my desk. I realized I had a shit ton of homework. I started on english. 

I felt a buzz in my pocket. I picked up my phone. I got a message from an unknown number in the Bahamas. "Is this Kiara?" It read. Weird I thought, kinda creepy. I blocked the number, it was probably some spam number. I went back to my homework.

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A few weeks had gone by since I was arrested. Luisa, Maya, Rory, and I had become close friends. We hung out most weekends. Pope and Luisa were officially dating. But out of all JJ made me the happiest. I haven't told him yet, but I think I loved him. 

It was December 17. Today was my annual Christmas party. And when I mean party, I mean having a bonfire with my closest friends. The girls, Pope JJ and I were cuddled at the beach. It was a little chilly, but being snuggled up to JJ made me warm. The group of us had become really close friends.

"Well I just wanted to say thanks for coming, and Merry Christmas." I said to everyone.

"Oh that reminds me. I brought gifts." JJ said. He pulled out his backpack and had gave Luisa, Maya, and Rory, each a joint. "Rolled by your's truly." He handed Pope a nice baseball cap. His favorite.

"Wow thanks man." Pope responded.

JJ turned my way handing me a small white box. I opened it to reveal a locket. Inside was a picture of Pope, JJ, John B and I.

"Oh I love it!" I said. We hugged. He clipped it on me, and I held it in my fingers. 

later everyone left except JJ and I. 

"I got you something too." I gave him red bandana. On each side had a different name sown in. Kiara, JJ, Pope, and John B.

"This was John B's." He smiled. I held his hand. "This means a lot. I love it. I love you." He said.

I smiled at him in shock. "JJ, I love you too." I said softly. We spent the rest of the night cuddling by the dying fire.