your mother’s voice sliced through the air. “you’re the same, you know that? I know you too well.” she crossed her arms, a smug smile on her lips. “you are me when I was your age. naive, boring, a simple, spoiled princess. I know your every move.” you kept your focus on the bag in front of you. she took a step closer, her words growing harsher. “go ahead, run to your brother like you always do when something doesn’t go your way.” she scoffed, her voice dripping with mockery. “go on.” with one last tug, you zipped the bag shut and stood. without a word, you slung it over your shoulder, and left.

the faint smell of motor oil and cigarettes clung to the air as you sipped from a mug, sitting on the edge of the couch. Barry leaned against the counter, his arms crossed, watching you. “thanks for letting me crash here,” you said softly, setting the mug down.


he smirked, shaking his head. “don’t thank me. you know I’d do anything for you.”


you paused and bit your lip. barry raised an eyebrow noticing the hesitation. “I was wondering,” you started carefully, “if I could go to that party tonight, with you. I swear I’ll stay away from rafe. if he’s there.”



he did say he would do anything.

the music was loud, the bass shaking the plastic coolers that were against the sand. you walked onto the crowded beach. you kept your head down, avoiding eye contact with anyone who might recognize you. but it didn’t take long for whispers to start. across the sand, Kiara spotted you first. “who the hell invited her?” she muttered to the pogues.


John B glanced in your direction, his brows furrowing. “no idea.”


JJ, however, didn’t bother to hide his interest, leaning forward slightly as his eyes followed you. “don't matter. she’s here now,” he said with a smirk.


Kiara rolled her eyes. “she’s trouble, you know that, right?”


but JJ wasn’t listening anymore. his gaze shifted across the room, and for a moment, so did yours. they land on a familiar figure leaning casually against the wall, a beer in his hand. rafe.