My new room was empty and cold and it didn't feel very welcoming, but regardless I was completely jetlagged and needed a nap. So I unpacked a blanket and crashed on the bare mattress we managed to bring up stairs earlier for me to sleep on. When I got home I also unpacked some of my clothes for the bonfire tonight.

I was really procrastinating asking my parents to go since we just moved here and they would be very hesitant to let me go to a bonfire with a bunch of strangers. But it was worth a try. So, after my much needed nap I tossed the blanket aside and sat up thinking of a convincing argument that would let me go to a bonfire filled with complete strangers.

''Mom when I was out earlier looking around...I bumped into one of our new neighbors just two houses down. And he offered to take me to a bonfire tonight''

''What's his name?''

''I didn't catch his name but he offered to pick me up at 7.'' Wow. Really convincing. I didn't even know his name. I thought.

''Your asking me to let a stranger take you to a bonfire?''

''Well, I met him I just didn't get his name, and since he is picking me up you could meet him.''

''I'll meet him but this isn't yes or a no.'' Yes! Now I had to ask my dad which I was the least prepared for, but I decided to let my mom break the bad news. It was 6 and the pizza was here so I sat down and ate slice. When I was done I rushed up stairs to get ready. I threw on a pair of jean shorts, a nice halter red top, and pair of black shiny sandals. I figured we wouldn't really be swimming at the bonfire. As for my hair I slicked it back into a braid and put on my favorite pair of gold earrings.

It was now almost 7 so I sat anxiously at the end of my bed waiting for a knock at the door. Finally, I heard the echo of the doorbell and I jumped up excitedly. I ran quickly down the stairs trying to answer the door before my parents could. I got to the door and opened it as if expecting an actual stranger. He greeted me again with his polite smile and I returned it once again.

My dad stood behind me glancing over my shoulder impatiently. As if expecting this to happen the boy reached his hand out in the direction of my dad. So, I moved aside so my dad could shake his hand.

''I'm Rafe Cameron. I live just two houses down.''

''Cameron? As in Ward Cameron?'' I had no idea who either of those people were.

"Yes.'' Rafe assured him.

''Your dad referred me to the police department down here.'' They knew each other? Rafe looked just as confused as me. We shot each other a surprised glance.

"I'm sure you'll fit right in.'' He replied.

''Alright,'' My dad looked at me in defeat. ''you can go but be back by 10:30," He turned his attention to Rafe now. "And you show her the way back home by 10:30'' Rafe nodded. My dad stepped out of the doorway so I could pass through. Once I heard the door shut behind me I let out a sigh of relief. The hardest part was over. I got through to my parents.

"So, Rafe Cameron." I said playfully to break the silence.

"Yea, and what should I call you?''

"Sophia." He looked amused when I said it.

"What?''

''Nothing, Sophia." I loved the way he said my name. "Welcome to Figure Eight...you're an official Kook." A what? He looked down at my confused expression looking almost pleased. ''This island has two sides this side is called Figure Eight and everyone that lives here is a Kook. And on the other side are the Pogues."

"Sounds like a cult." I laughed.

"Yeah a really awesome one." He shrugged. We were now approaching the sand and I could already see the distant flames licking the night sky. And the embers descending slowly upward out of the fire.

"So, why did you invite me  to this bonfire?" I was truly curious in why he felt the need to show me around...not that I didn't need it.

"Well, you looked pretty lost earlier." He chuckled and I rolled my eyes. A few more minutes of walking and I could fully see the bonfire now. It was crowded with people and there was keg placed next to some old tree roots on the sand.

"So, which side of the island do these people live on?'' I asked him curiously.

"The cut. They're Pogues so stay close." His tone was serious this time and I saw his jaw clench a little. But I took his word for it and stuck close beside him. As we walked through the crowd of people with beers in their hand they all turned in our direction. My guess was that they were looking at Rafe, because nobody knew me here. He looked annoyed at the attention they were giving him. Finally, we got through the crowd but we were still surrounded by people.

There was a small line leading up to a blond boy passing out beers.

"You drink?" Rafe asked curiously.

"Beer, yes but nothing too strong." I winced a little at the thought of ever having to take a shot of Vodka for fun again.

"Low tolerance." He smirked amused at my expression.

"No," I scoffed "...I just don't like hard liquor." Which was true, but I also had a shamefully low alcohol tolerance.

"I'll take your word for it" He laughed. It sounded deep but musical. As we got closer to the boy passing out beers Rafe looked increasingly more annoyed. I wondered if it was something I said. I let my mind go over the conversation we just had looking for anything that would have possibly annoyed him but I couldn't think of anything. When I looked up from the ground we were now standing right in front of the boy. He looked just as annoyed as Rafe did now. Nope it wasn't me. I thought to myself.

The boy scoffed and handed Rafe a beer and then me. I wondered what their problem was. I hurriedly followed Rafe back through the crowd trying not to get lost, but he kept speeding up angrily. I finally caught up to him and looked up at him curiously. Trying to study his expression more carefully this time hoping it would give me clues to why he was pissed off.

"You know him?" I asked eagerly wanting some kind of explanation.

"Who?" He said trying to compose his expression into a calmer one.

"The blond boy back there." He scoffed and looked away from me not in the mood to explain.

"Yeah, he's some sketchy Pogue." This whole Kook and Pogue thing sounded so stupid to me, but I was new and had no right to judge yet. "But this one especially pisses me off." He continued. I didn't know what to say I didn't even know the boy. So, I just gave him a sympathetic look and waited for him to break the silence again. "Lets go sit on the beach," He said. "Too bad you couldn't put that bikini you had on earlier to good use." He smirked.

"Wow." I scoffed. "Well, it will make an appearance next time. Deal?" I giggled.

"Deal. Lets hope you can find your back here first."

"Not funny." I remarked playfully hitting his arm. We got to the sand and sat in it. I let it sprinkle over my legs as I shifted comfortably in it. We stayed there for awhile in silence, but it wasn't awkward it felt normal. It made me feel at ease like I was with an old friend rather than with someone I had just met hours ago.