CHAPTER ONE,
the welcome that wasn't.

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THE CRISP BREEZE GENTLY CARESSED Juliette's cheeks as her father drove over the bridge. The corners of her lips twitched into a small smile upon laying eyes on the big, welcoming sign into the Outer Banks. The familiar smell of salty water and the sound of waves crashing softly against the shores brought her a twinge of happiness. Finally, she was home.

As they continued driving further into town, her eyes fell upon many familiar figures, all tending to their jobs—stacking boxes from the ships, refilling a customer's drink. She missed this. Juliette missed the simplicity of the Outer Banks. She loved Boston and everything the city offered, but nothing could ever compare to the OBX.

Juliette placed her arm on the ledge of the open window and laid her cheek on it, continuing to take in the scenery of her home. Her heart churned at the sight of her old neighborhood, her lips pulling into a small frown as her father drove past it. The Cut—that side of the island belonged to the Pogues, people considered bottom of the food chain and poor. She never thought of them like that because she was one of them. Juliette and her family had simply been fortunate enough to gain a stable income and secure a beautiful home on the Kooks' side of the island, Figure Eight.

"Home sweet home, right?" her father, Andrew Liu, said in a humored voice, snapping her out of her thoughts. Juliette glanced away from the passing houses and gave him a tiny smile.

"Yeah," Juliette breathed out, returning to stare out the window. "Home sweet home."

Her mother, Josette Liu, chuckled and outstretched her hand behind her toward Juliette. "You sound a little down there, sweetheart. What's wrong?" Juliette trailed her gaze back inside and let out a quiet, breathy laugh. She noticed a singular Hershey's Kiss in the palm of her mother's hand. Josette loved giving Juliette Hershey's Kisses whenever her daughter looked upset or down.

"I'm good, Mom." Juliette grabbed the candy and began to unwrap it. Josette let out a small hum in response and pulled her hand back. "I'm just reminiscing a bit, taking in the scenery, y'know? I'm glad we've moved back because I missed it here a lot. As much as I love Boston, the OBX is home to me."

Josette smiled and slightly turned around so Juliette could see a somewhat clear view of her face. "I agree with you. I grew up here, so I'm really glad you'll get the chance to as well."

Juliette grinned, and her smile grew even wider at her mother's next sentence. "Plus, you'll get to hang out with Sarah whenever you want—no more flying back and forth."

"Thank god." Juliette joked, eliciting laughter from both of her parents. Her father took a left turn, and the sound of rocks rumbling under the tires echoed as they pulled into the driveway of their home. Juliette and her family had kept the house when they moved to Boston because, every summer, they would fly over to visit. Now, finally, they were staying for good.

"At last," Andrew hummed as he turned off the engine. Juliette felt a small smile grow on her face as her eyes took in the sight of her childhood home. Her parents exited the car, and she followed behind them. "You two can go inside and rest for a bit. I'll get the suitcases."

"Are you sure, Dad?" Juliette furrowed her eyebrows.

Her father waved a hand with a reassuring smile, silently nodding. Juliette pursed her lips together and sighed. She watched her mother place a small kiss on her father's cheek and playfully rolled her eyes.

"Alright, lovebirds, break it up," she said, earning laughter from her parents.

Juliette followed her mother inside. Taking in a deep breath, the familiar wispy, chilly air and the scent of fresh flowers engulfed her senses. She exhaled sharply, giving her mother a huge smile. "Can I run to Sarah's house? It's been so long, and I want to surprise her," Juliette pleaded, clasping her hands together.

Josette chuckled and brushed her fingers against Juliette's forehead, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Just make sure to come back for dinner," she said.

Juliette squealed softly and kissed her mother's cheek before running out of the house.

Her father, almost at the entrance, widened his eyes at her retreating figure. "Where are you going?!"

"To see my best friend!" Juliette grinned, hopping onto the bike near the garage. She pedaled as fast as she could, her excitement bubbling. Juliette had been waiting for this day since she learned they were moving back. She never told Sarah because she wanted it to be a surprise.

Only Juliette would be the one surprised.

         The breeze caressed Juliette's body as she pedaled toward Sarah's house, sending goosebumps across her arms and legs. It didn't bother her—she loved the crispy air and the coolness it brought. Anyone who lived in the Outer Banks would agree: summer here was dreadful. Yet, despite the unbearable heat, the scenery it brought was breathtaking.

          The birth of flowers bloomed everywhere—on bushes, through the cracks of sidewalks—it never failed to bring a smile to Juliette's face. Her love for flowers was unmistakable; she was always spotted with a freshly plucked bloom tucked behind her ear.

         The sound of seagulls calling from above also brought a sense of serenity, reminding her of the countless walks she had taken along the beach. Sitting on the sand, breathing in the salty ocean air, and listening to the birds' chirps always calmed her soul.

         Oh, how she loved the Outer Banks.

         Juliette's smile grew as Sarah's house came into view. She pedaled faster, swerving to the right and stopping in front of the gate. Pressing the intercom on the post, she waited as it dinged three times.

         "How may I help you?" Ward Cameron's familiar voice answered politely.

         Juliette chuckled, readjusting her position on the bike. "Mr. Cameron, it's me! Juliette!"

         "Juliette, oh my god!" Ward's tone shifted to one of pure joy. "Sweetheart, come in, come in!" The gate creaked open, and Juliette grinned as she pedaled toward the front door. She spotted Ward standing outside, his arms open wide.

         "Juliette! How have you been? It's been so long!" Ward exclaimed, pulling her into a warm hug as she hopped off her bike. "How are your parents? Are they doing well?"

         "I've been good, Mr. Cameron," Juliette said with a laugh. "My parents are good too."

         "Please." Ward waved his hand dismissively. "We've known each other for so long—you're practically like a daughter to me. Call me Ward. How many times do I have to tell you that?" A playful stern look was plastered on his face.

         Juliette smiled sheepishly. "My apologies, Ward." She paused, her smile faltering slightly. "Um, is Sarah home? I came by to say hi and surprise her."

         At her words, Ward's face fell. Juliette's heart dropped as she watched his expression change. His eyes flickered with an emotion she couldn't quite decipher.

         "I'm so sorry, Juliette," Ward said softly, his voice thick with emotions. "But Sarah's dead."

         Juliette froze. Her breath caught in her throat and her eyes widened in complete astonishment, "Sarah's what?" Her voice came out in a murmur, and her hands began to shake. "You're lying. She's not dead. Tell me you're lying."

         Ward's lips pulled into a deep frown, pity filling his gaze. "I'm sorry, sweetie. I wish I was." His voice cracked. "She died in a storm. . . with John B." At the mention of John B, Juliette's heart shattered further. Despite their fallout, she still considered him significant in her life. Two of the most important people in her world—gone.

         "No. No—I can't—" Juliette stammered, tears blurring her vision. "Please." Ward reached out to place a comforting hand on her shoulder, but Juliette pulled away. Scrambling back onto her bike, she muttered, "I'm so sorry, I have to go. I need to find someone." She pedaled away, her legs moving faster than ever before.

         Her mind raced with only one thought: to find her boys.

         When she reached her destination, Juliette nearly fell off her bike in her rush. Running toward the familiar, worn-out house, she cried out, "JJ! Pope!" Her feet came to a screeching halt as she rounded the corner of the Chateau and spotted the two people she was looking for.

         JJ Maybank and Pope Heyward.

         "Jules?" JJ whispered, his eyes wide with surprise.

         Juliette also noticed Kiara Carrera with them. She knew Kiara used to be friends with Sarah, but now she was part of John B's group.

         "Jay. . ." Juliette's voice broke as she moved closer to him. "John B. . ."

         JJ didn't respond. Instead, he closed the distance between them, pulling her into a tight embrace. Juliette heard him exhale shakily, and she tightened her hold on him. Her eyes drifted to Pope. She gave him a glance, and he immediately joined them, wrapping his arms around both her and JJ. Kiara stood quietly to the side, her expression solemn. She knew how much this moment meant to the trio and stayed silent.

         What Juliette didn't know was how desperate JJ and Pope had been clinging to the frayed edges of her presence since that tragic night. The night when everything fell apart. They needed her—just as they had when they were children. She was the one who always there to patch up their scraped knees and bruised egos. Now, she was here to mend their bleeding hearts.

         As JJ and Pope's arms tightened around her, they silently thanked whatever gods existed for this beacon of hope. A silent promise that maybe, just maybe, everything would be okay.

         Juliette pulled back slightly, her hands trembling as she wiped a stray tear from JJ's face. She offered them a sad smile, her voice steady yet fragile.

         "Tell me everything."

. . . . .

author's note! — so.... how we feeling guys...🤗🤗🤗

LMAO anyways i wanted to start off with something short and kind of a reunion between juliette, jj, & pope before i started writing about the show and getting into the plot of the show yknow, so next chap will prob be longer!!!

enough of my yapping, how was the first chapter? lmk your thoughts plsss!! :3

leave a comment/vote <33333