SUNSTRUCK | outer banks ¹

THIRTY ONE. (the ferry)

    "fuck!" I yelled out in pain and Sam's eyes widened before running towards me and the tree I had just punched. I was sure that the punch would hurt on its own but I had used my bad hand and was currently holding it to my chest as I cried out.

    "shit Laney" The boy sighed, rushing over to me and leading me to the truck. "what are you doing?" I asked as he got into the driver's side.

    "going to the hospital you idiot," He said as he opened the door for me to get in. I let out a frustrated sigh but got into the truck anyways, knowing Sam wouldn't give up.

    I was practically fuming in the spot next to Sam, and even though I punched the tree I still couldn't get over how upset and angry I was. I wasn't even sure why.

    "C'mon you, idiot," Sam told me as he parked, the boy turning his attention onto me. "Okay" I let out, climbing out of the truck and following him into the hospital.

    Sam went up to talk to the lady at the desk as I took a seat, my eyes glancing around the emergency room. Sam was dramatic, and this wasn't an emergency.

    It wasn't long before Sam came back and told me to follow him. I of course listened to him and he and a nurse led me to an empty exam room.

    "Elaine, how are you doing today?" One of the nurses asked as I came into the room, my chart in her hands. "I'm fine, just need my arm checked out," I said, my tone leaving no question in my feelings about being at the hospital.

    Once I had my arm scanned and the doctor came to tell me what was wrong it was nearly dark out, the sun was beginning to set and most of the afternoon had been spent in a hospital room.

    This time I had a new splint, due to the worsened wrist fracture and a strict warning not to try to take it off or punch any more trees, a comment that made me roll my eyes. It was what happened after we left the room that made the trip memorable.

    We didn't make it to the doors before jumping back to avoid the running staff. "they got you!" I heard someone yell and when I looked down the hall I saw Ward Cameron and officer Shoupe. I tapped on my brother's arm but his attention was focused on the woman on the gurney.

    When I followed his vision I gasped. What the hell happened? Once the hall was cleared I walked toward Officer Shoupe. "what's going on?" I asked and Ward chuckled sickly. "ask your buddy the next time you see him.

    "What?" I asked, looking at Ward and then down to his blood-soaked hands and clothing. "John B shot her" Ward let out and my face paled. "If you see him, send him to me. Got it?" Shoupe ordered and I nodded.

    I walked from the doors to the truck, my mind feeling too full. I looked numbly ahead as I sat in the seat, Sam driving me back to the house no matter how much I pleaded to go find the pogues.

    "Just go to sleep" He instructed me as he shut the bedroom door. I tossed and turned for a few hours, not being able to actually fall asleep. I kept dreaming of John B and the sheriff.

    It was morning when I finally gave up on trying to sleep. I couldn't help but think of what my brother had told me the night before, "listen, go to bed. Don't even think about sneaking out? okay? I want you here tomorrow, got it?"

    He didn't think I was really gonna listen, did he?

    I sat up in bed, grabbing a flannel from my closet. After a few minutes had passed, my bedroom window was sliding open and I was jumping out onto the soft grass that hadn't been cut in a few days. I had no clue where I was heading and I couldn't help but notice the police cars sitting outside of the Chateau.