"Goodmorning my beautiful girl!" My mom smiled with a cup of coffee in her hand as I walked downstairs and into the kitchen. I gave her a small smile and plopped down into a chair.

"Kenny, do you think you can do me a favor? I'll lend you my car." My aunt smiled knowing if I had a car i'd have the freedom to do whatever I wanted.

I sat up straight in my chair listening. "Absolutely anything."

"Would you mind going to the country club to drop off a donation? I would but I have some things I need to get done at the house today." My aunt smiled holding a small envelope in her hands.

I looked at my parents then back at my aunt slowly taking a hold of the envelope. "Where's Topper?"

"He's doing some volunteer work today. Do you mind?" She smiled hopeful i'd say yes.

"Not at all. Let me just go change." I took the note with me and headed back upstairs to change and attempt to look alive.

Once I was dressed I grabbed my backpack and slipped the envelope inside. I slipped the straps over my shoulder and jogged quickly downstairs. "See you guys later."

The best part about the Outer Banks was the difference in scenery. Back home there isn't much water. I only get to enjoy the waves when I'm here. It's peaceful and open for adventure. It's a place I could see myself planting roots and being happy at.

"Hi! Welcome to the country club. What can I help you with today?" An older lady smiled behind a desk as she sat in front of a computer.

I placed my backpack on the counter and dug for the envelope. "My Aunt Cynthia asked me to drop this off. It's a donation for something."

"Oh for the midsummers ball. Absolutely! Thank you! I'll take care of this for you." She slipped the envelope into her hands and walked away with it.

I could hear comotion going on outside by the bar as I stood inside. I slowly made my way out and pushed the double doors open. It was Rafe and his dealer from the other day. I could tell something was off between the two. Rafe was uneasy but attempted to calm the guy down.

If Topper were here I know he'd attempt to keep Rafe out of trouble, so I took matters into my own hands. And plus, i've been in the same position so I know the feeling.

"Rafe." I softly spoke hoping to avoid the stares he was already receiving. "Rafe!" My voice raised trying to get his attention.

"Oh god." Rafe looked at me annoyed.

"Is this your bitch country club? She here to save you?" He laughed. My height never helped any situation I had ever been in, not to mention I'm not the most intimidating person.

"Stay out of this Kennedy." Rafe angrily whispered.

I pushed Rafe back and kneeled down to reach into my backpack. The only money I had on me in cash was $200 that Zach had given me to spend.

"Hey you better not be playing me pretty girl." The guy put his hands on his hips yelling at me.

I looked up at him dumbfounded. "You seriously think I'd pull something? Here. $200, add it to his payoff. Go find someone else to deal drugs to, k?"

"Barry I swear I'll pay you okay?" Rafe grabbed his arm.

"Yeah you better." Barry barked back.

Rafe stood back as he watched Barry drive off. He turned around and glared at me. "Why would you even think about getting involved? I-I mean are you stupid?"

"It helped you a little bit, didn't it?" I threw my hands down to my side.

"I asked you why." His tone of voice changed. He wasn't angry but he wanted an answer.

"I-...because Topper would've helped you. Just be thankful okay?" I choked over my words. It's true. I helped Rafe because Topper would've helped him, but also because I wanted to.

"Where'd you get the money?" At this point we stood in front of each other. His frame towered over me by a head.

I looked down embarrassed of my answer. "Zach, my boyfriend."

Rafe bit his bottom laugh with a smile playing across his face. "I'll pay you back okay? I don't want his money."

"It's fine." I brushed it off. I didn't want Rafe to add to his plate or have Zach wonder later where I spent his $200. "Listen, you know you're always stressed? The days i've been around you, you're worried about something. I think you need to relax."

"And how should I do that? I don't have time to 'relax' with my dad being on my back." Rafe sighed.

"You don't always have to please your dad Rafe. Come on." I gestured my hand for him to follow me as I walked to the car.

I pulled into the driveway of my Aunts house. I knew they'd be home but I didn't want them knowing I was hanging out with Rafe alone. Parents and family always assume the worst.

Rafe started to unbuckle his belt. "Wait-I mean, just wait here. It won't take me long."

"Yeah. Okay." Rafe nodded buckling back up.

I got out of my aunts car and quietly opened the front door. Toppers jeep still wasn't outside so I knew he wasn't home yet.

"Hey! Did they get the donation." My aunt looked up from her laptop as she sat in the bar in the kitchen.

"Uh yeah! Yeah! All is taken care of. I'm just gonna go grab my surf board and head down to the beach. Do you think you can let my mom know?" I smiled.

"Absolutely!" She smiled back. "She's just taking a nap!"

RAFE'S POV

Kennedy was taking forever to get out of the house. I anxiously waited for her to walk out the door.

I leaned my head back but perked back up when I saw Top's jeep pull in. "Shit." I whispered under my breath.

"Rafe?" His voice was muffled from the rolled up window. "What are you doing in my moms car bro?"

"Um..."

KENNEDYS POV

I walked out onto the porch with my surfboard and backpack in my hands. "Hey...uh Top! How was the volunteer stuff?"

"It was good. Sarah and I hung out with Kelce and had some fun. What are you two doing?" Top looked between Rafe and I.

"He needs some stress relief." I held up my board in my hands.

"Okay...have fun I guess." His brows furrowed as I got in the car.

I waved as we back out. His face was priceless. I wasn't sure if he was mad or confused, maybe weirded out, I don't know.

We arrived at the beach and I opened the trunk pulling out my board. I took my clothes off revealing my bikini. I caught Rafe starring but he quickly looked away.

"So you want me to surf like i'm some pogue?" Rafe pointed at his chest.

I rolled my eyes. "Listen, I don't care about the pogues and kook thing. You need to relieve some stress."

"So buy me drugs." Rafe laughed. I kept my face straight. His drug jokes weren't funny. "I don't own a board alright?"

"I can arrange that." I smiled.

The two of us walked to the surf shop just nearby. I tossed a big t shirt over me so my body was covered.

"How can I help you two?" The cashier stood behind the counter as we walked in.

"He needs a board." I nodded.

"Came to the right place." The guy laughed.

My phone buzzed seeing the only name that calls me. Zach. "Rafe, i'll be outside." Rafe nodded. "Hey! I'm about to go surfing can I talk to you later?"

"Yeah sure! Just be careful, they said a storm was moving through your area." I held the phone to my ear not paying attention to the sky that was changing colors in front of me. "Oh yeah. Huh. Would you look at that." I looked up at the gray sky.

"Kennedy!" Rafe shouted.

"Who was that?" Zach asked.

"Just Topper. I'll let you know when I get home okay? Bye love you." I hung up and slipped the phone in my backpack.

"I think we should go back to my house. It's closer and the storm is moving in." Rafe yelled with a board in his hands. I nodded agreeing with him.

UH OHHH. DO WE THINK SOMETHING IS GOING ON BETWEEN RAFE AND KENNEDY?