Misunderstood - Rafe Cameron

6.

"He's such a dick. I'm going to kill him."

JJ yells out as he paces back and forth.

After work I had made my way over to John B.'s house for a fire. It was our summer tradition. We always ended our nights in John B.'s backyard swinging in hammocks, sitting by the fire, and drinking some beers.

"That's exactly what he wants you to do JJ..." Kiara explains back.

"I don't care. He's a fucking idiot." JJ says, grabbing another beer from the cooler.

I take a long sip of my beer and I feel as JJ falls into the empty seat next to me.

"Want me to kill him? Because I will Q, I'll do it for you. Just say the words." JJ leans in as if no one else around can hear him.

"No JJ, he's not worth it" I say as I laugh into my beer can, trying to take another sip.

I take a deep breath in, smelling the ocean air, and taking in the sounds of the water crashing against the dock.

This had to be one of my favorite spots on earth. John B.'s backyard. I feel safe here, surrounded by the people I love and care for the most.

"Ah shit, I forgot to bring my flashcards" Pope says as he shuffles through his backpack.

"Pope, it's summer. Let's chill on the school work, okay?" JJ says, now wrapping his arm around my shoulders.

"Easy for you to say. You don't care about school. I, however, need to pass my standardized tests with perfect scores if I even want to see college." Pope responds.

"I'll walk back and get them with you." Kiara says, standing up.

My eyes dart towards John B. and we exchange a glance.

We have had plenty of conversations about Pope and Kie and what is actually happening between them.

Pope nods in Kiara's direction and the pair begin to make their way to retrieve his flashcards.

"Remember, No Pouge on Pouge macking! It's a rule!" John B. yells out laughing.

We all hold back laughter as Kiara and Pope simultaneously hold up middle fingers to us without even turning back around.

"Maybe it's about time we change that rule" JJ says, taking another swig of his beer.

Sarah shoots me a glance and I can't help but blush at JJ's comment.

Have I thought about hooking up with JJ? Of course. Did I think we could without ruining our friendship? That, I don't know.

After a few moments of silence, John B. spoke up.

"I think there's supposed to be a storm rolling in tomorrow"

"Swell day?" JJ responded eagerly now sitting up on the edge of his seat.

Swell days were the best kind of days. They only happened every once in a while but they created the best surfing waves. It didn't matter what you had planned on doing that day, you hit the brake, no matter what, the beach was the place to be.

I could feel myself grinning from ear to ear. This is why I loved the Outer Banks.