The sun was setting over the Outer Banks, casting golden light over the ocean as you sat with JJ on the dock. You and Jj kept relationship a secret, sneaking moments like this when no one was around. JJ leaned back on his elbows, a soft grin playing on his lips.

“You sure you’re okay with all this sneaking around?”

he asked, his blue eyes searching mine.

You nodded though your stomach twisted

“It’s just… my parents wouldn’t understand. They think you’re trouble, JJ. But I know the real you.”

He chuckled dryly, looking away.

“Yeah, trouble’s what I’m best at, huh?”

You cupped his face, turning him to face you

“They don’t see what I see. They don’t know how loyal you are. How much you care about the people you love.”

His hand covered yours, and for a moment, everything felt perfect. But deep down, you knew you couldn’t keep this up forever.

A few days later, you sat in the living room with your parents, Madelyn and Jack. They’d been complaining about the Pogues again, especially JJ, calling him a bad influence. Your heart pounded as I took a deep breath.

“I need to tell you something,” *

you said, your voice shaky*

Madelyn raised an eyebrow.

“What is it, sweetheart?”

“I’m dating JJ,”

you blurted out. The words hung in the air like a storm cloud

The silence was deafening before your dad exploded

“You’re WHAT?!”

“He’s nothing but trouble!

Madelyn added, her voice rising.