SWEET NICOTINE | CHAPTER TWENTY TWO (WE'RE OKAY! GET BACK TO OBX...)
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AJ was the first to stand, looking back at John B as he took a deep breath in. She couldn't admit that she was just as hopeful as him, praying she could possibly get some answers. If it was his dad, he could tell her all about her mom.
AJ led the way, John B trailing every so slightly behind her. She shared a look with him as they slowed in front of the door. John B nodded, telling her without words to go in.
She nodded back and her hands laid on the door of the old church. Everything creaked as she pushed forward, birds squawking and flying away from the bush next to them.
"This is it" She breathed out, steeping on the creaking floorboards. The steps squeaked under her weight as she took the first step. She looked back at John B once more before continuing.
As they got to the top of the stairs they couldn't help but hide behind the doorframe as another door opened. They pushed themselves against the wall. Their bodies flush as they held their breaths.
John B nodded once again and they started to walk forward. AJ could see a man and she felt her breath hitch in her throat. This could be it. John Booker Routledge's dead dad could be alive and right in front of them.
John B went first this time, descending the stairs slowly at first. He stopped and AJ moved forward, unsure of what to do.
"Dad?" John B's voice almost broke "Is that really you?" The man turned and AJ watched the relief literally flood John B's body and she knew he was staring at his father.
"What took you so long bird? I've been ringing for hours" Big John shook his head and John B made his way down the rest of the stairs, hugging his dad tightly.
"I thought you were dead" John B let out.
"I'm sorry for the houdini act. It's a long story kid" As AJ started to walk down the stairs they creaked again and Big John pulled away from the hug. AJ watched as the man's face fell a smile ghosting his face.
"Amelia" The name came out in a hushed whisper and AJ let out a surprised breath at the immediate recognition. She took a few more steps, a million questions on her mind.
"I'd know my sister's girl from a mile away" Okay, a million and one.
John B turned to look back at the girl on the steps, he and her sharing a look of confusion. The pair, apparently cousins, looked back to Big John.
"sister?" AJ could not explain the emotions running through her body.
"I take it she didn't tell you, did she?" AJ shook her head no at the man's question, her uncle's question.
