Rules [JJ Maybank x OC] OBX

Chapter 1

Ellie walked up the steps of her home, avoiding the squeaky stairs so as to not wake her father up. She knew he was in a bad mood - as per usual - and he hated when she came home late, always preaching that 'sneaking around in those skimpy clothes so late at night means you're practically asking for trouble'. Maybe if men like her father knew how to keep their hands to themselves, she wouldn't have to worry about that.

She tiptoed towards her room and snuck inside, falling onto her bed with a sigh. It wasn't like she had any friends to go on late night escapades with. No, she just snuck out to watch the sun set over the Outer Banks. It seemed boring, but to Ellie, it was magical. Watching the sunset made her feel calmer and happier, temporarily erasing the awful reminders of her messed-up life.

Ellie sat up, taking off her clothes and pulling on some pajamas. As she finished up her nightly routine, her eyes fell upon the framed picture on her bedside table. Her mother and brother. Their smiles were so bright, so happy, so unknowing of the fate that would fall upon them. Ellie quickly shook off the torturous memory and climbed into bed, pulling the covers over herself. She needed to sleep.

In what felt like a matter of moments later, Ellie was greeted with the soft glow of morning sunlight pouring through her bedroom window. She rubbed her eyes groggily, trying to rid herself of the drowsy feeling of waking up. She didn't need to rub for long, being fully startled awake by the sound of her father's angry yells from the other room.

"Ellie?!"

"Good morning to you too." Ellie muttered, climbing out of bed and rushing in the direction of her father's voice.

She froze as she saw him standing in front of the door. On the other side was none other than JJ Maybank.

"This kid says he knows you." her father growled, sending a threatening glare towards JJ, who waved awkwardly at Ellie.

"Uh..."

"Hi El. How ya doing?" JJ greeted, a sincere grin spread across his face.

"This bozo drove into the lawn, and ruined the gate. The new one I put up. He says you'll vouch for him." Ellie's dad explained, ignoring JJ's greeting.

"Oh really? Is that so?" Ellie teased, walking closer to the doorway and looking up at JJ.

"Yeah. Y'know. Since we're friends." JJ elaborated, returning Ellie's stare.

"Oh yeah. We're friends. Right." Ellie retorted. Did JJ really think he could decide when they were friends or not?

"Look, I don't know what's going on between you two, but I need you to answer the question." Ellie's dad said, starting to look annoyed.

"Right. Yeah. He's my friend. He won't do it again, I'm sure. Trust me, dad." Ellie finally said, crossing her arms and sending JJ a 'you-owe-me' kind of look.

"Alright.... I won't press charges. But y'all are going to fix it. Both of you." her father said. "Now change out of your pajamas Ellie and go put some decent clothes on."

Ellie looked down at her pajamas, finally noticing how messy she looked. "Right."