Chapter Text
“I grew up in Outer Banks. The warm brackish air and the lapping waves felt like home. When I was eight, my mother passed away and I was adopted by the Blake’s. I never got the chance to meet my father. I moved back to Outer Banks this year as an emancipated minor, with their entire Outer Banks fortune and the deed to their mansion. My adoptive parents gave me Outer Banks, and gave my adoptive sister New York.” I cleared my throat, my fingers resting on the edges of the page. I looked at the boy sitting on my floor.
“So, how was that, Topper?”
“For a family history report, you basically nailed it.” I smiled at him and put down my notebook, drawing in another long breath.
“Now that that’s all out of the way, what do you want to do, Lena?”
“It’s one in the morning, Top. What are we gonna do?”
“Meet my girlfriend.” My eyes widened and my mouth dropped open.
“Topper Thornton finally got a girl. Color me shocked.” He slapped my arm, and got up off the floor.
“Wait, we’re actually going?” He gave me a look, and I put my hands up.
“Lead the way macho.” I followed him as he ran down the stairs and went out the front door. Pulling my key from my pocket, I locked the door behind us.
“You’re going to love her.” I rolled my eyes. Of course I was going to love her. The first girl Topper dates must be a keeper; no one has caught his eye before.
I fell into step next to him, my eyes following the trees with each step. We walked through backyards until we came to a familiar house.
“This is the Cameron’s house, Top.” I looked up, my eyes going to Sarah’s bedroom window.
“I’m with Sarah, Lena.” My eyes went back down to him. My jaw dropped open again as he crouched to the ground. He picked up a stone, and threw it at her window. Sarah opened her window and saw both of us. I saw her smile before she left the window. A few seconds later we saw her opening the backdoor. She waved at us, then opened the door more so we could walk in. She didn’t look behind her as we followed her up the stairs, our shoes making small sounds. We tried our best to be as quiet as possible. I let out a sigh as Sarah closed her bedroom door behind us.
“Elena.” She said, her breath coming out sharply.
“Sarah. I haven’t seen you in forever.” She glanced down at her feet.
“It’s been too long. I’ve missed you.” She pulled me into a hug and I immediately smiled, hugging her back.
“And it seems you guys are already friends.” Topper said.
“Something like that.” Sarah and I did our signature elementary school handshake while Topper stood there with his hands in his pockets.
“So, you and Topper, huh?” I teased, looking around her room. It was bigger than I remembered.
“Yep.” Sarah wrapped her arms around Topper.
“You guys are really cute together.” Sarah grinned, and they both sat down on her bed. I sprawled out on the floor. Sarah rested her head on his shoulder as he pulled her into his side.
“I got a job.” I said, watching the ceiling fan spin.
“Really?” Sarah asked.
“Yeah, at The Wreck.” I replied.
“Lucky.” She said.
“You’re the lucky one. Try working for Carrera.” Sarah and I glanced at each other, and we both burst out laughing.
“I have work in the morning, so I gotta go.” Sarah got up from the bed, but I had already opened her window.
“You’re gonna go that way?”
“How else am I supposed to leave undetected?” We chuckled, and I climbed out the window. I moved to my left, my hand on the sill and shut the window. I pivoted, standing up on their roof. I almost fell off the roof when I heard someone cough behind me.
“What the hell are you doing up here?” I asked the sitting stranger, my hand on my chest.
“I could ask you the same thing, Pogue.” He said, shifting his weight to lean forward. His face was shadowed by the moonlight so I could only make out that he had a face.
“I’m not a Pogue, Kook.” I replied, slightly offended. I looked down at what I was wearing, a crop top and jean shorts. Totally Kook-like.
“Kooks don’t call each other Kooks.” He told me, staring at my face. With the moon behind him, he could most likely see my face.
“I’ll make note of that..” I paused, waiting for his name.
“Guess, princess.” I raised an eyebrow, holding back a scoff; guys and their games.
“You’re a Cameron, the only reason to be sitting on their roof.” He continued staring at me. I was staring right back at him, trying to figure out if I had met him before. Of course I wouldn't have figured it out. It had been eleven years since I had seen anyone on this island.
“I won’t be able to guess your name, so just tell me.” I sighed, and looked around, my eyes finding a spot on their roof where I could jump down easily.
“Rafe.” So this was Sarah’s older brother who had been obsessed with motorbikes. He looked different. Good different.
“Interesting. Well, good night.” The only way off the roof was towards him. I slowly went around him, not looking at where I was walking. I tripped on a loose shingle.
“You okay, princess?” He had grabbed my arms, and my hands had ended up on his chest. My eyes tracked across his face. With the proximity, I could see him more clearly now. And my god, was he handsome. My breath caught in my throat.
“I’m fine, Rafe.” I pulled myself out of his hold. I looked behind me, taking note of where the ground and the edge of the roof were. Looking back at Rafe, I winked, and flipped off the roof. I landed on my feet, and sprinted away. I, in fact, did not leave undetected.