between the raindrops ✫彡 outer banks

xxxx. "honey"

When she came back to the Wreck, John B and Sarah were already gone. Only Pope and Kie were still around, gathering a few things to take to the Chateau.

Isis told them all she knew. They seemed as shocked as she did. They soothed her when she started crying again.

It was dark outside when they came to the conclusion that they'd tell John B later, knowing how upset he'd be. Pope asked Isis to come with them at the Chateau. She couldn't refuse. She was lucky to have them.

On their way to John B's house, Isis didn't say a word. Sitting on the passenger seat, she was just looking through the window, trying to focus on something other than the many subjects that occupied her misty mind.

"We still gotta be done before my scholarship interview in the morning," said Pope as they arrived at the Chateau.

"Okay, well, we gotta focus."

"I know, I know. It's gonna be fine. We got Isis and John B inside the well, and JJ and I up top. And you and Sarah will be outside transporting."

"Yeah, we got this," assured Kie, getting out of the car. "Iz, are you okay?"

Isis looked up at her as she opened her door.

"Yeah, I'm fine."

She took the hand Kie was holding out to her, and stood on her feet.

"Uh, I got a winch," said Pope as they walked to the back of the pick-up. "That tin can hold over like... 200, 300 pounds."

"Thanks," Kie smiled.

"Uh, what for?"

"Stranding us. You know, making us make up."

"Yes, Pope, you're the best," added Isis.

He gave them a soft smile.

Suddenly, they heard a whirring sound and some bulbs hung in the trees lighted up. Isis frowned as she heard water bubbling.

"What the hell...?" whispered Pope.

"Who the hell is that?" said Kie.

Isis followed her to the noise. And there, surrounded by many light garlands, JJ was sitting in a hot tub, half-naked, his sunglasses on, and several glasses of champagne floating around him on small flamingos-shaped rubber rings.

And she froze.

"What did you do, JJ?" asked Pope, in shock.

"I got a jet going straight in my butt right now," he replied with a giggle. "Y'all should get in immediatly, you hear me? Come on, Isis, you're gonna love it."

But she couldn't say a word. She pursed her lips, her throat choked, and her eyes filled with tears. He was obviously drunk, and she didn't want to know what could've happened to get him to this point.

"How much did this cost?" inquired Pope.

"Uh... Well, with the generator, the petrol, and oh, hey, express delivery... pretty much all of it, yeah."

Isis felt her heart stop.

"All of it?!" asked Pope.

"Yeah, all of it."

"You spent all the money in one day??"

"Yeah, burned a hole right through my pocket. But, I mean, like, come on guys, like, look at this!" JJ exclaimed, overexcited. "Finest in jet-based massage therapy, that's what they told me."

Isis clenched her jaw, her eyes blurred. She blamed herself so much for that.

"Kie, what?" said JJ. "Can't a man have a little luxury in life? Come on," he said, taking off his sunglasses, his face tensed, "all this scrimpin' and scrapin'... I mean, like... guys, we-- You only live once, right?"