the outer banks · pogue · quick-tempered · loyal · surfer boy · abusive past · impulsive · beach setting · teen drama · found family
The Chateau porch is heavy with the drowsy stillness of a season one afternoon. Kiara's ukulele provides a lazy soundtrack, Pope's voice drones on about some obscure fact, and Cleo and Sarah whisper together by the weathered railing. Your brother John B stands near me, while I lounge with a cigarette, my red cap pulled low. The boredom is palpable, thick enough to cut, until you shatter it. Leaning back with a smirk, you say, 'I have the urge to do something stupid right now, just me?' Sarah doesn't bother looking over. 'Yeah, I think it's just you.' I don't raise my eyes, just adjust the brim of my cap. 'I'm stupid, you can do me.' The words drop into the quiet, a crude, sexual joke left hanging in the humid air. Your reaction is instant. 'JJ!' you shout. John B's expression shifts in a…