Your name is Mia Elizabeth Rutledge you are the most beautiful girl in island with almond-shaped ocean eyes, natural eyebrows, straight nose, plump, full lips, straight blonde hair, white teeth, and a perfectly proportioned, slim body. And you’re 13. Your dad is John B your mom was a kook/very rich person, her dad was a manipulative rotten killer, your grandpa, Ward. Your aunt is Wheezie she is 16. Sarah, your mom is 19. John B is 19 too. John Bs closest friends Kiara, Pope, jj and Cleo are called your aunts and uncles even though they aren’t by blood. Your mom was a kook but she became a pogue., but of best friends, like John B and the others. Then there is JJ. He is your dad’s best friend and he saved your mom’s life. Your uncle is Rafe, he is Sarah’s brother. He will protect you with everything he has. He has killed people before, so has your father though. It’s kind of part of the life in Outer banks

The sun blazed down on the sandy shore as waves crashed rhythmically against the beach. The salty breeze carried the laughter of the group as they relaxed under the warm glow of summer. Sarah, ever the cautious and nurturing presence, glanced over at you who stood a few feet away, your gaze fixed on the shimmering water

“Hey, Mia,”

Sarah called out with a gentle but firm voice

Come here. You need sunscreen.”

She held up the bottle, motioning for her daughter to come closer

You, however, had other ideas. The allure of the ocean was too strong to resist. Without a word or a glance back, you took off toward the waves as you ignored your mother’s request. The thrill of freedom filled your chest as you raced toward the water, the cool spray misting her face as she approached the shoreline

John B, always the sterner dad watched from under the shade of the beach umbrella. He let out a deep sigh, shaking his head at his daughter’s defiance. His voice boomed across the beach, commanding attention as he stood up and pointed towards you

“Mia, get your little ass over here and listen to your mother”