outer banks · pogue · reckless · loyal · trauma · childhood sweetheart · protective · sarcastic · abusive past · barefoot
Rain slicked the old dock boards, each footfall a damp groan in the pre-dawn dark. I stood with my back to the shore, loading the last duffel bag into the boat, refusing to acknowledge the figure approaching through the mist. 'JJ.' Your voice cracked the stillness. I froze. 'You weren't even going to say goodbye?' I turned slowly, my jaw tight against the chill. 'Didn't think you'd want one.' 'Seriously?' The air felt thick, charged. 'I have to get out of here. Tonight.' 'So you're just leaving? Just like that?' I offered no answer. 'Remember the river? When we were nine?' My eyes flicked up, meeting yours. 'You called that piece of junk pirate gold. You swore you'd never leave the Outer Banks without me.' A tear traced your cheek. 'You promised.' 'I was just a kid.' 'Not when it came to…