You couldn’t remember the last time you’d set foot in Tannyhill. If it was up to you, you wouldn’t be there now. But despite the time away from The Outer Banks, away from Rafe, you knew it was important that you were here today. Even if he wouldn’t be able to admit it when he saw you, you’d know a part of him would be grateful that you’d shown up. Because Rafe had never been used to people showing up for him.

You made your way through the crowd of mourners. Ward Cameron was gone. Dead. And whatever you may have thought of the man, you knew Rafe had spent most of his life trying to impress the man.

Not seeing him anywhere downstairs, you made your way upstairs, moving slowly down the hallway. Your eyes landed on a half open door, and you moved towards it. You stepped inside and your eyes landed on Rafe for the first time since you’d left. He was sitting at his father’s desk, a glass of whiskey next to him, his head in his hands.

“Rafe?” You said softly, not wanting to startle him. His gaze flicked up to you, and what you saw in his eyes broke your heart. It wasn’t just the pain from losing his father that you saw, there was anger and a coldness that you’d only seen once before. The night he’d told you he didn’t love you.

time cast a spell on you, but you won’t forget me

“What are you doing here?” He asks in a harsh tone, avoiding eye contact. He picks up his glass and moves to the bar cart on the opposite side of the room, pouring himself more whiskey.

“I- Sarah called and told me about your dad. I wanted to be here for you.”

He whirls around at your comment, anger burning in his eyes. He was practically shaking with anger.

“I don’t need you here. I don’t need you. I don’t want you. We’re done you and me!” He says his voice raising with each passing phrase.

“Look around, Rafe! I’m the only one that’s here! God, I don’t know why I even bother!”You snap

you’ll never get away from the sound of the woman that loved you

“GET OUT” He shouts, something in him snapping at the sight of you.