❝SLUT❞ ‣ JJ MAYBANK ❪ OUTER BANKS. ❫

CHAPTER FOURTEEN.

Lana Bingham was selfless , compassionate and kind. Nothing could change that about her and she didn't want it to , either. She didn't need something set in stone in return for helping Rafe. She did
good things because she liked the act of doing it.

Lana placed the money in a small white envelope that was discarded on her dad's desk. She folded
it , and walked out to see Rafe standing there
with flushed cheeks , and beads of sweat dripping down his forehead... "Nobody can know I'm giving you this , Rafe. You said this was a secret and I
need you to promise that only me and you know
that I'm giving you this much money." She sighed.

Rafe gulped and nodded his head quickly.
Rafe was far too prideful to let any of his friends know he had to take a handout from a Pogue— especially , the Pogue being Lana Bingham.

"Please promise." Lana almost begged. "Say it."

"I—I promise!" Rafe stammered.

With a sour taste left in her mouth , Lana
handed Rafe Cameron an envelope with one thousand dollars inside of it. She knew that none
of the Pogue's could know— not even JJ.

Rafe hesitantly took it out of Lana's hand , the paper shaking as he did so. His eyes were glossed with tears and for a moment , Lana forgot what
Rafe really was... "I'm going to pay you back ,
Lana. Every penny. I promise." He whimpered.

Lana took a step forward , cautious not to make
a noise loud enough to set him off. She had dealt with her mother's withdrawals more times than she'd like to admit. With trembling hands , Lana hesitantly wrapped her arms around Rafe's shoulders. It took him no time to adjust , his body craving the physical affection. He embraced her back , soaking her shirt with his tears. Sobs racked his body and Lana knew that Rafe was going through something so much more than anyone would've realized. She hugged him back tightly , rubbing soothing circles onto his back. "Rafe... It's none of my business but I know what coke can do to you. Please pay Barry off and get some help."

   Gripping Lana tighter , he let out one last shaky breath before pulling away from her. He wiped
the back of his hand on his cheek , wiping away
the vulnerability and embarrassment he felt.
"I'll try—" he coughed. "Thank you , Lana... and–" Rafe rubbed the back of his neck uncomfortably , avoiding Lana's stare. "You aren't a slut."

   "Thanks , Rafe." Lana let go of the breath she didn't know she was holding and smiled.

   He sent her a weak one back before walking towards the door. He glanced back at her once more , giving her a tight nod before exiting her house... Lana stood there as he left , her actions replaying in her head like a movie.

   She had only hoped JJ would forgive her.

【☦︎】

          LANA HADN'T TALKED THE JJ ALL DAY. SHE HAD GOTTEN a call back from
Kiara who explained her absence. Although
Lana was proud of John B's accomplishment of getting the two girls to reconcile— she was still
upset that he hadn't included her in the plan.