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''Hell of a job melting it down, Dr. Frankenstein,''

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JOHN B GUIDED ME up the pristine stone path to the Cameron's sprawling house. Ward Cameron himself had asked to see me, and judging by the intimidatingly perfect hedges and polished porch, I couldn't help but feel a bit out of place. John B, however, kept things casual, tossing me a reassuring look as he pushed open the grand double doors and led me inside.

Ward stood waiting in the foyer. His suit was crisp, his smile impeccable, but something about his eyes made me uneasy. He extended his hand to me with a firm grip.

''Mavis, thank you for coming,'' Ward greeted, his gaze flicking briefly to John B, as if gauging his reaction. ''I know you're a friend of John B's, and he suggested you might be able to help us out. Wheezie, my daughter, could really use a tutor, and I'm sure she'd benefit from someone like you.''

I nodded, glancing over at John B, who gave me a slight smile, as if to say, ''You've got this.''

Ward continued, ''You'll be here during John B's shifts, of course, and if he needs any help, I'm sure he won't hesitate to ask.'' His words trailed off, and he looked at me for a moment as if he was about to say something more personal, but he seemed to think better of it. ''Anyway, I'm sure you two will get along.''

John B was soon off to work, and Ward led me down a long, gleaming corridor to Wheezie's room, opening the door with a polite knock. As I stepped inside, I took in the full view of her room—a wash of pink, fairy lights, posters of Justin Bieber plastered over every inch of wall space. It was the kind of room you could tell she spent hours decorating, one that fit a teenager perfectly.

Wheezie was sitting on her bed, her face twisting into a slight scowl when she saw me. She crossed her arms. ''So...you're my new tutor?'' she muttered, clearly unimpressed.

I smiled, pulling out a chair next to her desk and settling into it. ''Yep, that's me. Look, I know this isn't exactly your idea of fun, but I promise I'm chill. Just one thing—your dad did hire me, so we'll still need to get some work done.''

She gave a reluctant sigh. ''Fine. But can we not do math first?''

''Deal,'' I replied, flipping open her textbook. ''Let's start with whatever you feel the least confident in. Baby steps.''

Gradually, we worked through her questions. Wheezie was more willing to learn than she initially let on, and before long, she was actually asking me for help with some tricky problems. I walked her through each step carefully, explaining everything in a way that made her laugh or roll her eyes when I exaggerated something to make it stick. 

After about an hour, Wheezie closed her book and looked at me pleadingly. ''Can we go outside? Just for a bit?''

I leaned back, stretching. ''You know, a break is actually really good for your brain. Alright, let's go.''

We made our way downstairs and stepped out onto the sun-drenched patio, only to find Rafe sprawled on one of the outdoor couches, clearly in his own world. His eyes were glazed, his movements lazy, and I caught a sight of drugs on a table in front of him. The second he noticed me, his face twisted into an ugly scowl.

Rafe shot up from his slouched position, his eyes narrowing as he focused on me standing next to Wheezie. ''What the hell are you doing here?'' he spat. ''Why is a Pogue in my fucking house? With my sister?''

He was practically seething, his fists clenched at his sides as if ready to throw a punch. I tensed, but Wheezie stepped between us, her small figure trying to block his line of sight.

''Rafe, chill! She's just tutoring me. Dad hired her to help me with school,'' Wheezie protested, glancing nervously between us.

Rafe scoffed as he looked me up and down, clearly disgusted. ''Fine,'' he sneered, settling back onto the couch with a bitter smirk. ''But don't think you can just wander around here like you own the place.'' He cast me one last contemptuous look before turning away.

Once we were out of earshot, Wheezie sighed, her shoulders slumping a little. ''I'm sorry about him. Rafe...he's actually nice to me, believe it or not,'' she murmured, her eyes cast down as if embarrassed.

I shrugged, giving her a reassuring smile. ''It's fine, Wheezie. He just doesn't like me because I'm a Pogue. Don't worry about it.''

She looked up, her expression softening. ''Well, I don't mind that you're a Pogue. I think you're pretty cool. And smart.''

I laughed, genuinely touched. ''Thanks, Wheezie. That means a lot.''

After walking her back home, we headed upstairs to resume our studying. The afternoon sunlight streamed through her window as we settled back into her room, diving into the books with renewed focus. Wheezie's attitude had changed completely, and as we worked, she seemed genuinely interested, asking questions and absorbing the answers.

After about an hour, Wheezie said she's hungry and asked if we can go to the kitchen together. I wasn't in a position to even deny her anything, so I agreed. As Wheezie and I made our way downstairs, her stomach let out a loud grumble, and she flashed me an embarrassed grin. I followed her to the kitchen. Just as we reached the bottom step, loud voices from the patio shattered the peace. Wheezie paused, giving an eye roll like she was already used to it, while I stood frozen, feeling every nerve tense up.

Through the glass doors, I could see Ward and Rafe screaming at each other. Ward's voice was loud, I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but his words hit hard. ''You think you're good enough? This is what I get from you? You can't even do a single thing I ask without screwing it up!'' There was a sharp slap, and I flinched, instinctively looking away, but Wheezie kept her focus on making a sandwich, moving around the kitchen like nothing out of the ordinary was happening.

''It's fine,'' Wheezie murmured as if reading my mind. ''They do this all the time.''

I stayed silent, unable to shake the unease. My eyes drifted back to the patio just as Ward turned on his heel and stormed off, leaving Rafe standing there, his jaw tight, staring after him with a mixture of anger and something else—something defeated. Just then, he looked up, his gaze meeting mine through the glass. His eyes were stormy, bruised in a way I hadn't seen before. I quickly looked away, my stomach twisting.

Growing up around people who were more likely to punch first and ask questions later, I knew better than to stick around when someone like Rafe was in a mood. I had seen enough of JJ's dad, not to mention some of the junkies who drifted through my neighborhood, to recognize the signs. I half-expected Rafe to barge in, throw me out, anything to let out that anger he was carrying. But to my surprise, he just stalked to his car, revved the engine, and sped away, leaving a trail of dust.

Wheezie broke the silence, popping a sandwich into the toaster. ''Want my dad to give you a ride home?'' she offered casually, as if the screaming match and the slap were just background noise.

I shook my head, forcing a small smile. ''I'm good, but thanks, Wheezie. And thank your dad for me, too.''

Before heading out, I quickly went over a few exercises with her. ''Make sure you work on these so we don't lose our progress,'' I instructed, jotting down some notes on a sticky pad she could keep.

After saying a quick goodbye, I started the walk back through the Kook side of the island. That was when I spotted Ashley coming down the sidewalk, her beachy waves bouncing as she strolled, totally at ease. She noticed me, and I instinctively shifted to the side, hoping to just pass by without any fuss. But Ashley fell in step beside me, offering a bright smile.

''Hey, Mavis! Want a lift?'' she offered, tilting her head towards her bright pink car.

I hesitated but nodded. ''Sure, thanks.'' The walk back wasn't short, and a ride would save me some time and a load of awkward stares from passing Kooks.

Inside her car, the silence hung thick between us, the only sound coming from the faint radio hum. After a moment, Ashley cleared her throat, trying to break the ice. ''You know, if you're ever looking for a job, I could get you in at the country club. They're always hiring, and you could work the hours around your tutoring with Wheezie.''

I raised my eyebrows, surprised by the offer. Then I realized why she asked me that in the first place. I mean why else is a Pogue on this side of the island, if they're not looking for a job, right?

''I'll think about it,'' I replied.

As she parked in front of my house, I looked at her thoughtfully. ''Ashley, would you really do anything for me, like you said through these text messages?''

She turned to me, nodding her head. ''Of course. Mavis, you're still my best friend. I...I just feel awful about everything. I never wanted to hurt you, I swear.'' Her voice shook. ''I know I messed things up, made everyone talk. But I want to fix it. You didn't deserve any of that.''

Her words hit a nerve, but I kept my expression calm. ''Fine,'' I replied. ''Then every time I'm out, take care of my dog. If you get tired of watching him, just drop him off at my neighbor's place.''

Ashley nodded quickly, as if grateful for the chance to make it up to me. ''Of course, I can do that. I'll make sure he's taken care of!''

I didn't thank her. I didn't need to. I could feel the guilt already eating away at her, and I had no problem using it to my advantage. Without looking back, I stepped out of the car, feeling her eyes on me as I walked up to my door. Let her feel the weight of her apology; I didn't owe her anything.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

STANDING OUTSIDE KILDARE'S pawn shop, I glanced around at the others. JJ took the gold from Kiara, giving her a nod of approval for her amateur melting job.

''Hell of a job melting it down, Dr. Frankenstein,'' JJ teased, a smirk playing on his lips as he turned the gold over in his hands.

Kie shot him a look, clearly unimpressed. ''Like you could've done any better,'' she snapped, crossing her arms defensively.

JJ shrugged, lifting an eyebrow. ''Actually, I could have. I took a welding class.''

Kie scoffed, crossing her arms tighter. ''Since when?''

''Whoa, whoa,'' John B cut in, stepping between them with his hands up. ''Chill out, okay?'' He looked at Kie.

JJ rolled his eyes and scratched his head. ''Easy for you to say, man. I'm the one that has to pawn this piece of junk off.'' He held up the gold, frowning. ''How'd I get stuck with this job, anyway?''

Pope shrugged casually. ''You're the best liar,'' he replied.

JJ's mouth fell open in mock offense. ''What are you talking about?''

I raised an eyebrow, cutting in with a smirk. ''Do I need to remind you how we got the drone?''

JJ let out an exaggerated sigh. ''That was just once!''

''A lot of times,'' I corrected, fighting a grin.

He rolled his eyes but didn't argue, nodding in defeat. ''Fine, fine. Let's get this over with. How much should I ask for again?''

John B glanced at the pawnshop's neon sign flickering overhead. ''I called around, and ideally, we're looking at a solid 140, but they probably won't go that high here. Just don't take anything less than 70.''

Inside, we waited as the woman from the counter walked back over with a piece of paper, her eyes cool and assessing as she slid it toward JJ. He took one look and grimaced.

''Fifty thousand? Really? You think I just walked in here clueless? I know for a fact this is worth at least 140,'' JJ argued, pushing the gold forward as if the action would help convince her.

The woman just raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. ''Sweetheart, you're in a pawnshop. This ain't Zurich. Do I look Swiss to you?''

JJ's jaw clenched, but he wasn't giving up. ''Ninety, or I'm walking out of here right now.''

She sighed, clearly bored, but finally relented. ''Seventy. Take it or leave it... and I won't ask where it came from.''

JJ looked over at John B, then back at the woman. ''Fine, but I want cash. The sign says 'Cash for Gold,' so I expect exactly that.''

The woman's eyes narrowed. ''I don't have that much here, but I can send you to our warehouse if that works for you.''

JJ hesitated, glancing at the rest of us for a second before nodding. ''Where's the warehouse?''

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

THE VAN RATTLED as we drove down a dusty, narrow road toward the warehouse, surrounded by overgrown weeds and graffiti-streaked walls. Pope squinted out the window, clearly skeptical. ''So... they keep the cash out here? In this place?''

JJ just shrugged, slumping against his seat. ''That's what she said.'' He paused, then laughed. ''That's what she said.''

Pope threw him an unamused look. ''Seriously?''

Sarah, sitting in the passenger seat, turned to peer out the windshield. ''I've never even heard of Resurrection Drive,'' she remarked, sounding wary.

JJ rolled his eyes. ''Yeah, well, that's 'cause you're rich.''

Kie cut in, smirking. ''You haven't heard of it either.''

''Thank you,'' Sarah muttered with a slight smile, shaking her head.

Kiara glanced out the window, frowning. ''There's nothing but weeds out here.''

Just then, a flash of blue lights appeared behind us. I whipped around to see a cop car gaining on us, and my stomach dropped. JJ's face twisted with frustration. ''Are you kidding me?''

''What did we do?'' Sarah asked.

''Why are they pulling us over?'' Pope echoed, looking just as confused.

I shot JJ a look. ''Hide the weed.'' I said. ''And the gold,'' I added, feeling the tension building in my chest.

JJ cursed under his breath, shoving the gold under his seat and scrambling to hide anything else. John B shifted, opening his mouth as if ready to talk to the approaching officer, but his face fell when he looked out the window and saw the glint of metal. A gun. The man outside was no cop—just a guy with a cloth over his nose.

''Hands up!'' the man barked, jabbing the gun toward John B.

The six of us raised our hands, exchanging nervous looks as we climbed out of the van one by one, moving slowly to avoid setting him off. The man eyed each of us, his gaze settling on Sarah, Kiara and me. ''All right, pretty ladies, hands up where I can see them!''

''We're broke—'' JJ began, only for the man to shove the gun in his face.

''Shut up! All of you, get down in the ditch. Now!''

He pushed JJ down, forcing his face into the ground. I winced as JJ's head hit the dirt, but I couldn't look too long. ''Don't move. If I see any of you lookin' up, that's it,'' the man growled, digging the barrel of the gun into JJ's head.

As he rummaged through the van, Kiara muttered through gritted teeth, ''It's a setup. We've been screwed.''

JJ let out a low curse. ''That old bat shanked us. Dammit!''

From where I was crouched, I saw John B inching up. ''John B,'' I hissed, ''get your skanky ass back in this ditch.''

Ignoring us all, he lifted a finger to his lips, signalling for silence as he made his way toward the man's car. Somehow, by a miracle, he managed to grab the gun without the man noticing. With a shout, John B held it up. ''Guys, I've got the gun!''

In an instant, JJ bolted up, charging toward the man and landing a punch. ''I got the gold!'' Pope shouted, wrestling the bag from the man's grip. We piled on, each throwing a punch, taking our revenge.

Sarah bashed him with the car door, gritting her teeth. ''You son of a—''

I jumped in next to her, adding my own shove with the door. ''Hold up, girlie, let me get my revenge too!''

JJ yanked down the man's scarf, revealing Barry, the drug dealer. JJ's lip curled. ''I know this piece of trash. He's a basehead.''

Sarah raised an eyebrow. ''Probably knows my brother.''

JJ scoffed. ''He sells coke to my dad.''

Barry held up his hands, stumbling back. ''Hey, I wasn't gonna hurt any of y'all, I swear—'' He doubled over as JJ slammed the gun into his stomach.

''We using him as a punching bag now?'' I asked, crossing my arms as JJ fished through Barry's pocket for his ID.

JJ didn't look back. ''One more stop to make.'' He stalked toward the van, and without another word, we followed him. 

Barry was sprawled out on the ground, clutching his side and writhing in the dirt. ''I'm gonna remember this shit!'' he yelled. ''You can't hide from me! I know exactly who y'all are! Huh? You're gonna see me again!''

John B, without a second glance back, grabbed the car keys from Barry's outstretched hand, holding them up for a split second before winding up and tossing them deep into the woods. The keys vanished into the dense foliage. John B gave a quick, almost smug nod to himself and turned back toward us, striding to the van where we all waited, watching.

"Nice throw," I commented, raising an eyebrow at John B as he slid into the seat next to me..

He shot me a quick grin, just as we heard Barry's distant, muffled threats coming from somewhere in the dirt behind us.

Pope looked tense, brows pulled together as he shifted nervously in his seat, while Sarah glanced back toward the woods with a worried frown.

''Maybe now he'll think twice about setting people up,'' Kiara muttered, crossing her arms as she settled into her seat.

''You think that guy's ever gonna think twice?'' I scoffed, leaning back. Barry wasn't exactly the reflective type. I knew people like him – they didn't give up. Not easily.

''He's like a cockroach. You squish him, and he's still crawling,'' Pope added, looking out the window.

''Let him crawl,'' I muttered, watching Barry's silhouette shrink as JJ finally threw the van into gear, pulling away. ''Not like he'll be finding his way out of the woods anytime soon.''

''What a beautiful send-off,'' JJ chuckled as the wind whipped through the open window. ''Kinda poetic, really.''

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