Misunderstood - Rafe Cameron

18.

I had taken some time off from working at the country club because of everything that was happening with my mom.

But now that she is more settled, and getting better, I decided to return for some shifts.

I could surely use the extra money right now.

When I arrive, I begin my shift by loading my cart cooler with drinks from the bar. I pick out the known favorites, having those on top and readily available always leads to better tips.

After I load up, I make my way out onto the golf course.

It's a pretty steady day on the course and I am making decent tips. I had just finished handing drinks to a group of golfers when I spotted two familiar faces approaching my cart.

Topper and Rafe - of course.

"Hey Q" Topper says with a smile.

Rafe stays silent. We lock eyes for a split second but he immediately looks away.

I notice that the side of his face where his father hit him has a slight bruising to it.

I try not to stare and turn my direction back towards Topper.

"Once again, I cannot serve you Topper." I say, packing my cooler back up.

"I know, I know. I - we - come in peace" he says motioning between the two of them.

Rafe still doesn't speak, which is odd because he always seems to have something to say.

"Okay?" I asked confused.

"There's a party on the beach tonight, we thought we'd extend the invite."

Now I'm even more confused. Why would the Kooks invite me to their party?

I don't respond, and Topper must see the confusion in my face, so he continues.

"Think of it as a peace offering."

"Are my friends invited too?" I ask back.

"Well, here's the thing Q," Topper starts, "We really only want you there. You're the only cool one. I mean, the others, are kind of assholes - no offense"

"Offense taken." I say back, rolling my eyes.

"Then just say no and don't fucking come." Rafe finally says under his breath.

I shoot him a glare. What's his deal?

"Where and what time?" I ask, looking back to Topper.

"8pm, North beach." he says back smiling.

I don't say another word as I get back into the cart and drive away.

I leave feeling more confused than ever. What was going on lately and why was I suddenly being invited to a Kook party?

I could feel deep down that something was off about the whole situation, but at the same time I felt like I needed to go.

____________________

The Pogues:

John B.:

Bonfire tonight, my place.

JJ:

See ya assholes soon!

Pope:

Be there in 30.

Kie:

I'll bring the booze!

Sarah Cameron:

Yay! See you all soon

I stare at the texts lighting up my screen. I feel guilty not going to John B.'s and ditching my friends for a Kook party. But I also know that I'm only going for investigative purposes and I know they'd do the same.

I throw on my favorite pair of jean shorts, a floral tube top, slip into my birkenstocks, and tie my hair into two french braids.

I then pull out my phone and think of my response.

The Pogues:

Q:

Can't make it :( have to stay in with mom. Have a drink for me! <3

I lock my phone, turn off my location, and start to make my way to the north beach. It's not far from my house so I opted to walk. I don't mind walking anyways. The fresh air, wind in my hair, the smell of the ocean, it's quite peaceful actually.

As I get closer to the party site I can hear the music blaring.

I continue to make my way towards the beach. It's crowded, very crowded. I scan the party looking for someone I recognize and I can already feel the stares.

My stomach starts to knot.

Maybe this wasn't a good idea. Who did I think I was anyways? A Pogue showing up to a Kook party.

Just as I was about to turn back around and leave I heard a voice yell out my name.

"Q! You came!"

I turn and see Topper walking in my direction with a smile on his face.