𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞- 𝐣𝐣 𝐦𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐤

13.

🦋☀ 🌊 - 13

John B jumped into the water with Kiara following close behind, her laughter echoing across the dock as droplets of seawater glistened in the sunlight. Pope and JJ stood behind the drone controls, their hands busy while the wind ruffled their hair, and Olivia sat on the ledge, her feet dangling just above the water. The salty breeze teased her skin, but even with JJ beside her, the unease from the party lingered. She didn't want to go to Midsummers. The thought alone made her stomach twist, though knowing Kiara, Sarah, and even Pope would be there was a small comfort.

"What would we do without you controlling the drones?" JJ said, patting Pope on the shoulder before leaning back against the dock's ledge, squinting toward the horizon.

"Technically, it's not a drone," Pope corrected, smirking, but JJ just shushed him, rolling his eyes.

Kiara and John B resurfaced, water dripping off their hair, and John B shook his head like a dog, sending droplets flying. Kiara grinned up at Olivia. "You should come in-it's nice."

Olivia shook her head, eyes catching on the silver bracelet her mom had bought her years ago, the one with her name engraved across it. "It's fine. I didn't bring my bikini today."

"Hey, look, once we get footage of the wreck, we'll bring it to a lawyer in town," John B called from the water, his voice carrying across the waves.

"Bullshit why we have to do that," JJ complained again, crossing his arms.

"There's a law. You can't just go to the ocean floor and scoop stuff up," Pope explained, leaning on the ledge next to JJ.

"Lawyers aren't cheap, bro," JJ squinted at John B.

"Once they see the footage, they'll work with us," John B replied calmly.

"How do you know all that?" Kiara asked, swimming closer.

"Because my dad has a million times," John B answered without hesitation.

Olivia stood as Kiara climbed the ladder, the storm clouds above rolling in ominously. She let out a soft sigh, the wind tugging at her hair.

"So now we gotta wait for the right weather," Pope observed, pointing to the gray horizon.

"And today is not that day," Olivia said, glancing back at her friends.

She started for JJ's bike, the plan to hang out at the beach still intact, even if the storm ruined it. Only the two of them were going since she didn't want to go back home.

"You okay?" JJ asked, passing her an extra helmet.

"I'm fine. Let's go." Olivia forced a smile, pushing away the lingering sorrow from the party.

"Hey, JJ," Pope called out, jogging toward them. "Can you help me with the groceries? My pops needs me today, and there are so many deliveries."

JJ looked like he was about to turn him down, but Olivia intervened. "Go help him out."

"Wait, Liv-"

"It's fine, JJ. I'll help John B with the map or something. Pope needs your extra help." She handed the helmet back, her voice gentle but firm.

"I'm sorry, guys. I didn't know," Pope said, stepping back, clearly uncomfortable.

"It's going to storm anyway. Maybe another day," Olivia nodded, walking over to John B, who sat by his house with the map. She let out a long, weary sigh as she sat across from him.

"Long day?" John B chuckled, his eyes softening.

"Long night, long day," Olivia replied, leaning over to examine the map. "Did you guys find the coordinates?"