ofblemishwithin

[ofblemishwithin]

JJ was beyond complicated. He had walls, he was guarded. For as long as he could remember it had always been Luke, and himself, to others it was a father and son. The rumor mill if you caught wind of it; the towny people they read between the lines. It was no secret that Luke was a drug mule, he was addictive, he was barely holding himself together, any whim any remote kind of income he couldn’t help himself from buying off drugs, or beer getting high. And in those times when he was over that ledge, I was the one in the crossfire. I felt pain, I felt anger at him because I’ve never once felt an ounce of love. 

I was the punching bag, and one small move, my face got punched to a pulp. JJ was used to the scars, he was used to the bruises, he had come up with many cover stories. But this time felt deathly and his attitude, his insults especially with Maia was a way of covering himself up. He was ashamed of who he grew up with, he was embarrassed not that blonde said it. And a kook of all people walking into that; the dangerous situation, I was humiliated. And now I felt as if I owed her; and we all know how much I hate owing a kook. 

Sitting here in the car, he knew he had to be careful, she was a stranger, and she just never knew when to get a clue, now if I had been in her shoes gotten stood up, I would have looked the other way, but this girl was relentless. “ I mean, I do enjoy being a jackass, as for your bother I happen to not like him either so, his feelings don’t phase me.” That smirk of his as if his comment was a dig, it was common knowledge that the kooks and pogues didn’t get along. But JJ didn’t care what anyone thought about him. By now he was standing barely from the wounds on his body, his head was pounding. He normally would have objected to the help, but in this moment each step felt like a year off his life. His arm hung around her shoulders, as the pair made their way up to the porch. “ I appreciate that, but don’t get offended when I say I don’t trust you and time will tell on your word.” We all know how butt hurt Maia did get by my insults, so I decided to be nice and give a warning this time. I couldn’t seek out medical attention brows would be raised, whispers, and JJ didn’t want to be hulled out of the island, after what he witnessed John B was going through. Once we reached the door, the handle his hand wobbly took hold and pulled it open. “ Just help me to the couch.” To plop down, to lay down and no move for a bit.. That was the plan.

Paths intertwined

@thehellsakook 

Outer Banks; it was made up of two sides. The rich freaks that lived on figure 8 and the pogues which were known as the people that had to scrape by. JJ was neither; well he was a pogue; it was his known family. But he wasn’t the guy that had people looking out for him. He had a dad but he was far from the father figure you’d picture in your mind. He was the guy that scraped by, with working on boats; that helped the rich across the town in order to make the ends meet, but he was also the dirty guy that tended to feed off any person that was willing to toss him money. 

JJ witnessed it first hand; the poker nights growing up. The smell of beer that stayed within these walls. The lack of food provided. JJ knew he had to count on himself. It’s why John B, Pope, and kie and I all stuck together. We helped each other when we felt in a bind. Kie was able to help more considering she lived in the big house; she was a kook yet she liked slumming it with us. She didn’t care what her parents said, all the warnings based on the rumors. It was always kooks vs the pogues what could I say? JJ though he had to fend for himself; he was the one who walked around at night; waiting for the wreck to close up; and Kie would help hand out any extra food the restaurant had. He didn’t like asking for help nor would you hear him say the words. But the pogues knew; his dad he was unreliable, the only person he could count on was himself. 

It was another start to a another school year. One JJ was dreading, he knew in order to make it life you had to learn. YOu had to sit through each boring class. He was his own kind of smart. He could pick up on cues, he could pick up on the simple concepts; but when it came to applying himself he froze. He rather let Pope do the work; and he’d feed the notes of each subject to him. Pope was the brains of the pogues; he was the school scholar that wanted to go to an ivy league school, and I had no doubt in my mind he’d make it. But me; I was barely getting by. John B had the smarts like myself; his quick thinking. But would we amount to anything? Heck no. All that in mind; JJ had pushed the simple supplies of a notebook, a few pencils into his backpack. Using his hand he zipped it; as he heard the calling from the windows. 

“ JJ Man let’s go.” John b neither of his friends dared to stay inside especially when his dad’s truck was parked outside. He had pulled the strap of his bag over his shoulder. Taking his gray baseball cap he brought it to rest over his sandy blonde hair. A pair of shorts he wore; an an old white T-shirt, simple was all the teen did. He closed the door to his room and made his way through the small home. He paused when he saw his dad head facing down against the arm rest of the couch. Same old day; he was passed out probably from his work last night; or the money he managed to trick out of his so called buddies. I had to roll my eyes as I took the keys for the boat; for after school. Tucking the key into my shorts pocket. I had stepped through the swinging doors spotting Kie and Pope. Eyes moved to try to find our missing friend; the one I had heard inside. Ducking my head down; I had felt a pair of arms wrap around my neck from behind. “ Took you long enough.” John B, I had used my hands to push behind me; in order to push the male down. 

This was us; joking around; laughing on the walk to the dreadful day at school. I never cared what anyone thought; the pogues were my life. The only ones I truly cared about. The walk was a bit longer compared to figure 8, as we stepped onto the pavements we caught sight of the sport cars, of the fancy cars; you’d dream of riding in. I had to roll my eyes; just another day. Topper and Sarah and their crew were hanging out by the small wall before the stairs. We had shrugged our shoulders as we passed. Stepping one at a time on the stairs until we walked right into the building. 

Pope and Kie had walked the other way as John B and I did our hand shake an agreement to meet at next class; math my worse. I had science first; the male ducked his textbook under his arm as he walked the distance to the class. Cap blinding his eyes from making eye contact with anyone. He had found a spot in the third row; the desk in front of him as he placed his book down. His legs in front of him. Hand had moved to rest on the edge of the desk when he spotted the brunette from the sports car; a kook. Figures. To his surprise she was directed to sit next to him; oh great, cue the roll of his eyes. JJ had barely acknowledged her. “ Ah okay.” As if I was giving out my name to strangers; attention drawn to the teacher as if I intended on paying attention.

[ofblemishwithin]

@thehellsakook

[ofblemishwithin]

A royal pain in the ass as his father would say. It’s probably why he held all the beatings, why he was human punching bag. Why he had a swollen lip give or take. JJ was built for the pain, nor did he feel like he had the ability to care. To let someone in. Now John B and himself were a package deal. Our hand we’re dealt it forms bonds. And JJ could be real smug right now on a retort instead he coyly replied. “ You know what I take pride in it, its a special skill I have to be a grade A jackass, so nice for you to notice.” Humor on his lips. 

Because JJ was a human shield of pain, masking kindness with insults. He was never shown care, his dad hated me most of the time, his mother died, or left give or take. And Maia she annoyed the hell out of him because it’s like no attitude he gave had her walking in the other direction. Was he purposely pushing her buttons for sure! JJ was someone who had to protect himself, and even as he said the words Thank you, it was like his stomach turned and he felt sick, his face probably said the disdain on his features with her little remark now. “ I feel sick like I might need a bucket.. That’s how hard it was.” Was he sick? No not a chance but uttering the words thank you and to Maia was a tough call on him. Because it meant he was showing some appreciation towards her, and that scared him. It meant he was okay with her aid. A shake of his head now; as he faced the window, with a short minute the car had pulled up into the dirt near the porch. Chateau coming into view. A sigh of relief now; as he slowly reached to unbuckle himself. He was someone even in main wanted to tend to himself which was far from surprising for anyone; even Maia. With a hand reaching for the handle he pushed the door open as he attempted to lift his leg one by one onto the dirt, his rips stung like hell forcing him to freeze, forcing himself to stop in his tracks, he didn’t want to look at her, and he ask for help. 

But his options were slim to none. “ Don’t hold it against me if I need help..” A mutter of disappointment in himself.

Paths intertwined

@thehellsakook 

Outer Banks; it was made up of two sides. The rich freaks that lived on figure 8 and the pogues which were known as the people that had to scrape by. JJ was neither; well he was a pogue; it was his known family. But he wasn’t the guy that had people looking out for him. He had a dad but he was far from the father figure you’d picture in your mind. He was the guy that scraped by, with working on boats; that helped the rich across the town in order to make the ends meet, but he was also the dirty guy that tended to feed off any person that was willing to toss him money. 

JJ witnessed it first hand; the poker nights growing up. The smell of beer that stayed within these walls. The lack of food provided. JJ knew he had to count on himself. It’s why John B, Pope, and kie and I all stuck together. We helped each other when we felt in a bind. Kie was able to help more considering she lived in the big house; she was a kook yet she liked slumming it with us. She didn’t care what her parents said, all the warnings based on the rumors. It was always kooks vs the pogues what could I say? JJ though he had to fend for himself; he was the one who walked around at night; waiting for the wreck to close up; and Kie would help hand out any extra food the restaurant had. He didn’t like asking for help nor would you hear him say the words. But the pogues knew; his dad he was unreliable, the only person he could count on was himself. 

It was another start to a another school year. One JJ was dreading, he knew in order to make it life you had to learn. YOu had to sit through each boring class. He was his own kind of smart. He could pick up on cues, he could pick up on the simple concepts; but when it came to applying himself he froze. He rather let Pope do the work; and he’d feed the notes of each subject to him. Pope was the brains of the pogues; he was the school scholar that wanted to go to an ivy league school, and I had no doubt in my mind he’d make it. But me; I was barely getting by. John B had the smarts like myself; his quick thinking. But would we amount to anything? Heck no. All that in mind; JJ had pushed the simple supplies of a notebook, a few pencils into his backpack. Using his hand he zipped it; as he heard the calling from the windows. 

“ JJ Man let’s go.” John b neither of his friends dared to stay inside especially when his dad’s truck was parked outside. He had pulled the strap of his bag over his shoulder. Taking his gray baseball cap he brought it to rest over his sandy blonde hair. A pair of shorts he wore; an an old white T-shirt, simple was all the teen did. He closed the door to his room and made his way through the small home. He paused when he saw his dad head facing down against the arm rest of the couch. Same old day; he was passed out probably from his work last night; or the money he managed to trick out of his so called buddies. I had to roll my eyes as I took the keys for the boat; for after school. Tucking the key into my shorts pocket. I had stepped through the swinging doors spotting Kie and Pope. Eyes moved to try to find our missing friend; the one I had heard inside. Ducking my head down; I had felt a pair of arms wrap around my neck from behind. “ Took you long enough.” John B, I had used my hands to push behind me; in order to push the male down. 

This was us; joking around; laughing on the walk to the dreadful day at school. I never cared what anyone thought; the pogues were my life. The only ones I truly cared about. The walk was a bit longer compared to figure 8, as we stepped onto the pavements we caught sight of the sport cars, of the fancy cars; you’d dream of riding in. I had to roll my eyes; just another day. Topper and Sarah and their crew were hanging out by the small wall before the stairs. We had shrugged our shoulders as we passed. Stepping one at a time on the stairs until we walked right into the building. 

Pope and Kie had walked the other way as John B and I did our hand shake an agreement to meet at next class; math my worse. I had science first; the male ducked his textbook under his arm as he walked the distance to the class. Cap blinding his eyes from making eye contact with anyone. He had found a spot in the third row; the desk in front of him as he placed his book down. His legs in front of him. Hand had moved to rest on the edge of the desk when he spotted the brunette from the sports car; a kook. Figures. To his surprise she was directed to sit next to him; oh great, cue the roll of his eyes. JJ had barely acknowledged her. “ Ah okay.” As if I was giving out my name to strangers; attention drawn to the teacher as if I intended on paying attention.

[ofblemishwithin]

JJ didn’t care that Maia had just saved his ass, she came being nosey into his business at the wrong time, the wrong place. And a part of his chest banged with guilt if she hadn’t knocked his dad out. If he had put his hands on her, he’d feel guilty for putting her in harms way. Not that JJ cared because he didn’t. She was a know it all kook who wanted to be a part of his world his fucked up world from the looks of it. Maia didn’t know when to give up, him trusting her a scoff could be heard. “ You wish, just because you walked into the wrong place, the wrong time and are willing to keep this incident to yourself doesn’t mean I’ll trust you, but it’s cute to see that cocky attitude.” 

He aired out now with a sense of his lighthearted amusement. JJ wasn’t looking for someone to take him under their wing, or to give a damn about him. He was no charity project. But the male also felt as if he was under a microscope like he owed the brunette because she was trying to annoyingly help him. And Jj was never good at accepting help. Instead he gave off that attitude of his, he leaned down into the comfort of the seat, as she made her way to John B’s that was like a safe haven for us pogues. “ I mean I thought about tossing it out, you could’ve tried to poison me..” Pausing as he brought up his own courage now to glance in the brunette’s direction. “ But I kept it against my better judgment, I guess thank you.” was in order not that those words were ever in his vocabulary, but given the hassle he was giving Maia now, the hard time he probably owed her one thank you. “ Consider that the only thanks you’ll get so don’t let it go to your head.” 

A retort on his lips as he noticed the home coming into view, his ribs killing him now, as he shifted nearly uncomfortably in his seat.

Paths intertwined

@thehellsakook 

Outer Banks; it was made up of two sides. The rich freaks that lived on figure 8 and the pogues which were known as the people that had to scrape by. JJ was neither; well he was a pogue; it was his known family. But he wasn’t the guy that had people looking out for him. He had a dad but he was far from the father figure you’d picture in your mind. He was the guy that scraped by, with working on boats; that helped the rich across the town in order to make the ends meet, but he was also the dirty guy that tended to feed off any person that was willing to toss him money. 

JJ witnessed it first hand; the poker nights growing up. The smell of beer that stayed within these walls. The lack of food provided. JJ knew he had to count on himself. It’s why John B, Pope, and kie and I all stuck together. We helped each other when we felt in a bind. Kie was able to help more considering she lived in the big house; she was a kook yet she liked slumming it with us. She didn’t care what her parents said, all the warnings based on the rumors. It was always kooks vs the pogues what could I say? JJ though he had to fend for himself; he was the one who walked around at night; waiting for the wreck to close up; and Kie would help hand out any extra food the restaurant had. He didn’t like asking for help nor would you hear him say the words. But the pogues knew; his dad he was unreliable, the only person he could count on was himself. 

It was another start to a another school year. One JJ was dreading, he knew in order to make it life you had to learn. YOu had to sit through each boring class. He was his own kind of smart. He could pick up on cues, he could pick up on the simple concepts; but when it came to applying himself he froze. He rather let Pope do the work; and he’d feed the notes of each subject to him. Pope was the brains of the pogues; he was the school scholar that wanted to go to an ivy league school, and I had no doubt in my mind he’d make it. But me; I was barely getting by. John B had the smarts like myself; his quick thinking. But would we amount to anything? Heck no. All that in mind; JJ had pushed the simple supplies of a notebook, a few pencils into his backpack. Using his hand he zipped it; as he heard the calling from the windows. 

“ JJ Man let’s go.” John b neither of his friends dared to stay inside especially when his dad’s truck was parked outside. He had pulled the strap of his bag over his shoulder. Taking his gray baseball cap he brought it to rest over his sandy blonde hair. A pair of shorts he wore; an an old white T-shirt, simple was all the teen did. He closed the door to his room and made his way through the small home. He paused when he saw his dad head facing down against the arm rest of the couch. Same old day; he was passed out probably from his work last night; or the money he managed to trick out of his so called buddies. I had to roll my eyes as I took the keys for the boat; for after school. Tucking the key into my shorts pocket. I had stepped through the swinging doors spotting Kie and Pope. Eyes moved to try to find our missing friend; the one I had heard inside. Ducking my head down; I had felt a pair of arms wrap around my neck from behind. “ Took you long enough.” John B, I had used my hands to push behind me; in order to push the male down. 

This was us; joking around; laughing on the walk to the dreadful day at school. I never cared what anyone thought; the pogues were my life. The only ones I truly cared about. The walk was a bit longer compared to figure 8, as we stepped onto the pavements we caught sight of the sport cars, of the fancy cars; you’d dream of riding in. I had to roll my eyes; just another day. Topper and Sarah and their crew were hanging out by the small wall before the stairs. We had shrugged our shoulders as we passed. Stepping one at a time on the stairs until we walked right into the building. 

Pope and Kie had walked the other way as John B and I did our hand shake an agreement to meet at next class; math my worse. I had science first; the male ducked his textbook under his arm as he walked the distance to the class. Cap blinding his eyes from making eye contact with anyone. He had found a spot in the third row; the desk in front of him as he placed his book down. His legs in front of him. Hand had moved to rest on the edge of the desk when he spotted the brunette from the sports car; a kook. Figures. To his surprise she was directed to sit next to him; oh great, cue the roll of his eyes. JJ had barely acknowledged her. “ Ah okay.” As if I was giving out my name to strangers; attention drawn to the teacher as if I intended on paying attention.

[ofblemishwithin]

Jj didn’t ask for help. He was used to holding the weight of the abuse. Since the moment he realized his mom was dead, all he had was Luke, his dad who treated him like a punching bag. One wrong move, one talk back that JJ was skilled to do he’d end up with a blackeye. JJ didn’t tell the pogues, the scars he wore. The wounded skin under his clothing, because he didn’t want to see the sorrow in their eyes, the pity expressions. He was confident in himself, smug at times. JJ didn’t need anyone to pick up his broken pieces. He was vulnerable in the now, but it was more because a kook witnessed him at his lowest. 

Saw the torment the pain his father inflicted on him. I was ashamed, I was embarrassed to have  dad like Luke. Nor did I want to feel as if I owed Maia anything. She saved my ass, but I also wasn’t the type of guy to utter thank you, Instead I called her a stalker, now given the fact she’d been hounding me down. And as she explained I stood her up, oh the princess wasn’t used to being stood up, I could’ve been a cheeky retort now, but my energy was drained, and once I was going to attempt to keep my mouth shut. She was showing a remotely kind gesture, I could’ve knocked her down a peg, but instead I had kept it simple. “ I won’t chew you out for stalking me, if you promise to keep this incident to yourself.. It’s not always this horrible.” 

Or was it, sometimes my head knocked against the wall and I felt a tooth fall when the blood splattered, or the times I fell and couldn’t stand. But Maia she came from the other side of the island, no need to scare the poor girl, who walked in on my trashed up father beating me up, and for a second I convinced myself my pain was over because I’d take my last breath. By now I had lowered myself inside the car, I had leaned my head against the window my eyes darted closed the headache formed, it was easier to close my eyes now. Did Maia care about me? I caught on to the hint, and the fact it bothered her I hated her, and hate was a bit of a strong word, dislike, distaste for her, and her fancy homelife, oh yeah for sure. But I also wasn’t going to let her have the satisfaction of me admitting I don’t actually despise her, I despise what she represents. 

“ Hate is a big word, and just follow the main road, you’ll see the left on ocean ave, and all the way down in the Chateau,” I directed I picked up that Maia was trying to be funny tease to keep it light, And normally I’d be the one joking, inappropriately of course, but I was in pain, I wanted to sleep this bruising off. “ Even when I chew you out for being a kook, I’ve been a dick to you.” An obvious, and maybe just maybe JJ felt a wall lowering down.

Paths intertwined

@thehellsakook 

Outer Banks; it was made up of two sides. The rich freaks that lived on figure 8 and the pogues which were known as the people that had to scrape by. JJ was neither; well he was a pogue; it was his known family. But he wasn’t the guy that had people looking out for him. He had a dad but he was far from the father figure you’d picture in your mind. He was the guy that scraped by, with working on boats; that helped the rich across the town in order to make the ends meet, but he was also the dirty guy that tended to feed off any person that was willing to toss him money. 

JJ witnessed it first hand; the poker nights growing up. The smell of beer that stayed within these walls. The lack of food provided. JJ knew he had to count on himself. It’s why John B, Pope, and kie and I all stuck together. We helped each other when we felt in a bind. Kie was able to help more considering she lived in the big house; she was a kook yet she liked slumming it with us. She didn’t care what her parents said, all the warnings based on the rumors. It was always kooks vs the pogues what could I say? JJ though he had to fend for himself; he was the one who walked around at night; waiting for the wreck to close up; and Kie would help hand out any extra food the restaurant had. He didn’t like asking for help nor would you hear him say the words. But the pogues knew; his dad he was unreliable, the only person he could count on was himself. 

It was another start to a another school year. One JJ was dreading, he knew in order to make it life you had to learn. YOu had to sit through each boring class. He was his own kind of smart. He could pick up on cues, he could pick up on the simple concepts; but when it came to applying himself he froze. He rather let Pope do the work; and he’d feed the notes of each subject to him. Pope was the brains of the pogues; he was the school scholar that wanted to go to an ivy league school, and I had no doubt in my mind he’d make it. But me; I was barely getting by. John B had the smarts like myself; his quick thinking. But would we amount to anything? Heck no. All that in mind; JJ had pushed the simple supplies of a notebook, a few pencils into his backpack. Using his hand he zipped it; as he heard the calling from the windows. 

“ JJ Man let’s go.” John b neither of his friends dared to stay inside especially when his dad’s truck was parked outside. He had pulled the strap of his bag over his shoulder. Taking his gray baseball cap he brought it to rest over his sandy blonde hair. A pair of shorts he wore; an an old white T-shirt, simple was all the teen did. He closed the door to his room and made his way through the small home. He paused when he saw his dad head facing down against the arm rest of the couch. Same old day; he was passed out probably from his work last night; or the money he managed to trick out of his so called buddies. I had to roll my eyes as I took the keys for the boat; for after school. Tucking the key into my shorts pocket. I had stepped through the swinging doors spotting Kie and Pope. Eyes moved to try to find our missing friend; the one I had heard inside. Ducking my head down; I had felt a pair of arms wrap around my neck from behind. “ Took you long enough.” John B, I had used my hands to push behind me; in order to push the male down. 

This was us; joking around; laughing on the walk to the dreadful day at school. I never cared what anyone thought; the pogues were my life. The only ones I truly cared about. The walk was a bit longer compared to figure 8, as we stepped onto the pavements we caught sight of the sport cars, of the fancy cars; you’d dream of riding in. I had to roll my eyes; just another day. Topper and Sarah and their crew were hanging out by the small wall before the stairs. We had shrugged our shoulders as we passed. Stepping one at a time on the stairs until we walked right into the building. 

Pope and Kie had walked the other way as John B and I did our hand shake an agreement to meet at next class; math my worse. I had science first; the male ducked his textbook under his arm as he walked the distance to the class. Cap blinding his eyes from making eye contact with anyone. He had found a spot in the third row; the desk in front of him as he placed his book down. His legs in front of him. Hand had moved to rest on the edge of the desk when he spotted the brunette from the sports car; a kook. Figures. To his surprise she was directed to sit next to him; oh great, cue the roll of his eyes. JJ had barely acknowledged her. “ Ah okay.” As if I was giving out my name to strangers; attention drawn to the teacher as if I intended on paying attention.

[ofblemishwithin]

JJ had walls up. He was guarded, it was rare that he ever let his defenses down. Allowed anyone outside of the circle in. It was us pogues the rules we don’t allow outsiders in. Unfortunately JJ found himself struggling to breathe when Maia had stalked his ass here to his home because what? He didn’t meet her at the location as promised, needy much? But Jj kept that retort to himself. As she yet again wanted to chew him out for his insults, as if it didn’t bother her. He rolled his eyes as he aired out the obvious. “ You think you’re so smart, that smart wit of yours, you stalked me to my house, and we’re not friends. It kinda screams creepy vibes if you ask me. “ 

I added all in fun now, because as much as I despised the girl, I couldn’t be totally upset with her; because if she hadn’t showed up storming with an attitude and all, I’d be dead, or waiting for the first responders to come. She saved my ass, and as hard as it was to say, with a reluctant expression now I aired out. “ I’m sorry, But if you’re waiting for me to thank you, you know that won’t come.” And it wouldn’t, I was sorry for being a dick to her; an asshole, but I also wouldn’t change who I was for her or anyone. By now the male was standing on his own wobbly feet. The pain around his neck, the nail marks, the redness was visible. But the pain was in my lower abdomen. From the aggression, from the wounds, probably bruised. And the blonde was marching down the stairs heading towards her glamorous brother’s car, what a set of wheels I thought to myself. 

“ Are you always this, nice?” I asked as if disbelief was threaded over the features on my face, “ I’ll decide when we get to his place.” Judy was out if I’d trust her; or want her help. If I did Maia would probably hold it over my my head. And that was one trade I’d like to avoid at all cost. As we get to the car, I leaned my upper body against the car as I fiddled with the handle.

Paths intertwined

@thehellsakook 

Outer Banks; it was made up of two sides. The rich freaks that lived on figure 8 and the pogues which were known as the people that had to scrape by. JJ was neither; well he was a pogue; it was his known family. But he wasn’t the guy that had people looking out for him. He had a dad but he was far from the father figure you’d picture in your mind. He was the guy that scraped by, with working on boats; that helped the rich across the town in order to make the ends meet, but he was also the dirty guy that tended to feed off any person that was willing to toss him money. 

JJ witnessed it first hand; the poker nights growing up. The smell of beer that stayed within these walls. The lack of food provided. JJ knew he had to count on himself. It’s why John B, Pope, and kie and I all stuck together. We helped each other when we felt in a bind. Kie was able to help more considering she lived in the big house; she was a kook yet she liked slumming it with us. She didn’t care what her parents said, all the warnings based on the rumors. It was always kooks vs the pogues what could I say? JJ though he had to fend for himself; he was the one who walked around at night; waiting for the wreck to close up; and Kie would help hand out any extra food the restaurant had. He didn’t like asking for help nor would you hear him say the words. But the pogues knew; his dad he was unreliable, the only person he could count on was himself. 

It was another start to a another school year. One JJ was dreading, he knew in order to make it life you had to learn. YOu had to sit through each boring class. He was his own kind of smart. He could pick up on cues, he could pick up on the simple concepts; but when it came to applying himself he froze. He rather let Pope do the work; and he’d feed the notes of each subject to him. Pope was the brains of the pogues; he was the school scholar that wanted to go to an ivy league school, and I had no doubt in my mind he’d make it. But me; I was barely getting by. John B had the smarts like myself; his quick thinking. But would we amount to anything? Heck no. All that in mind; JJ had pushed the simple supplies of a notebook, a few pencils into his backpack. Using his hand he zipped it; as he heard the calling from the windows. 

“ JJ Man let’s go.” John b neither of his friends dared to stay inside especially when his dad’s truck was parked outside. He had pulled the strap of his bag over his shoulder. Taking his gray baseball cap he brought it to rest over his sandy blonde hair. A pair of shorts he wore; an an old white T-shirt, simple was all the teen did. He closed the door to his room and made his way through the small home. He paused when he saw his dad head facing down against the arm rest of the couch. Same old day; he was passed out probably from his work last night; or the money he managed to trick out of his so called buddies. I had to roll my eyes as I took the keys for the boat; for after school. Tucking the key into my shorts pocket. I had stepped through the swinging doors spotting Kie and Pope. Eyes moved to try to find our missing friend; the one I had heard inside. Ducking my head down; I had felt a pair of arms wrap around my neck from behind. “ Took you long enough.” John B, I had used my hands to push behind me; in order to push the male down. 

This was us; joking around; laughing on the walk to the dreadful day at school. I never cared what anyone thought; the pogues were my life. The only ones I truly cared about. The walk was a bit longer compared to figure 8, as we stepped onto the pavements we caught sight of the sport cars, of the fancy cars; you’d dream of riding in. I had to roll my eyes; just another day. Topper and Sarah and their crew were hanging out by the small wall before the stairs. We had shrugged our shoulders as we passed. Stepping one at a time on the stairs until we walked right into the building. 

Pope and Kie had walked the other way as John B and I did our hand shake an agreement to meet at next class; math my worse. I had science first; the male ducked his textbook under his arm as he walked the distance to the class. Cap blinding his eyes from making eye contact with anyone. He had found a spot in the third row; the desk in front of him as he placed his book down. His legs in front of him. Hand had moved to rest on the edge of the desk when he spotted the brunette from the sports car; a kook. Figures. To his surprise she was directed to sit next to him; oh great, cue the roll of his eyes. JJ had barely acknowledged her. “ Ah okay.” As if I was giving out my name to strangers; attention drawn to the teacher as if I intended on paying attention.

[ofblemishwithin]

JJ was processing the reality of this event. JJ was more then capable of handling his dad, of the abuse, of each time he talked back, each time he was the one to dare give the roll of an eyes, do stupid reckless shit, he’d be the one with a hit to the face, hand wrapped around his throat daring to fight for air. But this time he felt the painful marks on his neck, he felt the dizziness on his head. But as dier as this situation was; the only way JJ knew how to fight through the pain. Was to laugh it off; and of course the last person he wanted to be here, was the annoying one to never give up. He’d be chewing out Maia later; once he wasn’t on his own priority. Once they were safely miles away from his deadbeat dad, his little home. “ Trust me when I say these injuries are nothing new, nothing I can’t handle. As for you.. I can assume this is a little too intense for your kook princess ass.” There we go, a tease yet insult? Or was JJ simply putting up the mask to push Maia far enough off that edge. 

JJ didn’t like talking about the torment he dealt with; each time his dad drank, each time he was on his new set of drugs of the week. Luke could be a dad, when he was clean, but it was like he blamed me for what happened to my mom, and now JJ felt suffocated like he was trapped. As he slowly sat up, he did feel her hand on his back her lame attempt to be caring, I had to fight every urge not to brush her hand off me. I wasn’t a child, I didn’t need help standing. Well, considering the throbbing in my head I guess the jury was out on that one. I could tell Maia was shaken up, which is maybe why I was willing to not cuss her out yet. Placing his hands on the ground he brushed her touch off as he pushed his strength into his hands as he made his move to stand onto his feet. Slightly wobbly at first, but JJ was sure to dust himself off. Glancing to his dad who was more than passed out on the porch. Rightfully so. 

“ No, no even think just because you walked in on my ass of a father doing that, that it makes us friends.” Defenses, truth was JJ was kinda concerned Maia may open her smart mouth and spread it around, that a girl saved his ass. I couldn’t even say the words beating me up, because then I may threaten to care vulnerability. And Maia no way in hell was she getting my sensitive side yet. “ Considering I’m letting you come with me to John B’s I think that’s bone enough thrown your way.” I said with a set of raised brows now, as I slowly moved down to the steps I needed to get off this property if not for myself but for Maia before he woke up. “ And don’t worry, I know where the first aid stuff is, I’m not dumb. If you breathe a word of this to anyone you can forget me ever giving you a shot.” 

Or Maia truly will live up to the kook name. JJ was already the joke of figure 8 his dad, the drug addict but I was tougher than that shit; and this was me throwing a bone to the annoying pain in my ass.

Paths intertwined

@thehellsakook 

Outer Banks; it was made up of two sides. The rich freaks that lived on figure 8 and the pogues which were known as the people that had to scrape by. JJ was neither; well he was a pogue; it was his known family. But he wasn’t the guy that had people looking out for him. He had a dad but he was far from the father figure you’d picture in your mind. He was the guy that scraped by, with working on boats; that helped the rich across the town in order to make the ends meet, but he was also the dirty guy that tended to feed off any person that was willing to toss him money. 

JJ witnessed it first hand; the poker nights growing up. The smell of beer that stayed within these walls. The lack of food provided. JJ knew he had to count on himself. It’s why John B, Pope, and kie and I all stuck together. We helped each other when we felt in a bind. Kie was able to help more considering she lived in the big house; she was a kook yet she liked slumming it with us. She didn’t care what her parents said, all the warnings based on the rumors. It was always kooks vs the pogues what could I say? JJ though he had to fend for himself; he was the one who walked around at night; waiting for the wreck to close up; and Kie would help hand out any extra food the restaurant had. He didn’t like asking for help nor would you hear him say the words. But the pogues knew; his dad he was unreliable, the only person he could count on was himself. 

It was another start to a another school year. One JJ was dreading, he knew in order to make it life you had to learn. YOu had to sit through each boring class. He was his own kind of smart. He could pick up on cues, he could pick up on the simple concepts; but when it came to applying himself he froze. He rather let Pope do the work; and he’d feed the notes of each subject to him. Pope was the brains of the pogues; he was the school scholar that wanted to go to an ivy league school, and I had no doubt in my mind he’d make it. But me; I was barely getting by. John B had the smarts like myself; his quick thinking. But would we amount to anything? Heck no. All that in mind; JJ had pushed the simple supplies of a notebook, a few pencils into his backpack. Using his hand he zipped it; as he heard the calling from the windows. 

“ JJ Man let’s go.” John b neither of his friends dared to stay inside especially when his dad’s truck was parked outside. He had pulled the strap of his bag over his shoulder. Taking his gray baseball cap he brought it to rest over his sandy blonde hair. A pair of shorts he wore; an an old white T-shirt, simple was all the teen did. He closed the door to his room and made his way through the small home. He paused when he saw his dad head facing down against the arm rest of the couch. Same old day; he was passed out probably from his work last night; or the money he managed to trick out of his so called buddies. I had to roll my eyes as I took the keys for the boat; for after school. Tucking the key into my shorts pocket. I had stepped through the swinging doors spotting Kie and Pope. Eyes moved to try to find our missing friend; the one I had heard inside. Ducking my head down; I had felt a pair of arms wrap around my neck from behind. “ Took you long enough.” John B, I had used my hands to push behind me; in order to push the male down. 

This was us; joking around; laughing on the walk to the dreadful day at school. I never cared what anyone thought; the pogues were my life. The only ones I truly cared about. The walk was a bit longer compared to figure 8, as we stepped onto the pavements we caught sight of the sport cars, of the fancy cars; you’d dream of riding in. I had to roll my eyes; just another day. Topper and Sarah and their crew were hanging out by the small wall before the stairs. We had shrugged our shoulders as we passed. Stepping one at a time on the stairs until we walked right into the building. 

Pope and Kie had walked the other way as John B and I did our hand shake an agreement to meet at next class; math my worse. I had science first; the male ducked his textbook under his arm as he walked the distance to the class. Cap blinding his eyes from making eye contact with anyone. He had found a spot in the third row; the desk in front of him as he placed his book down. His legs in front of him. Hand had moved to rest on the edge of the desk when he spotted the brunette from the sports car; a kook. Figures. To his surprise she was directed to sit next to him; oh great, cue the roll of his eyes. JJ had barely acknowledged her. “ Ah okay.” As if I was giving out my name to strangers; attention drawn to the teacher as if I intended on paying attention.

[ofblemishwithin]

JJ had prime. He hated what his life had come to. The constant dread of when the hit would come, when the blood shatter would come his way. JJ had tried to be an honorable kid, well he knew the right ways the methods to piss off his dad, so in other words he knew the right buttons to push. But today wasn’t his fault. It was blur how the altercation happened, the blood, the pain he felt in his head now as he opened his eyes. He knew his dad was knocked out because he noticed his frame in the mirror. If JJ had the energy he’d chew Maia out; for coming here, for tracking his ass down. She had put herself in the crossfire? And for what? Because she wanted to know why I stood her up? 

Jj swore he was fighting that urge to roll his eyes now. Maia liked being right, she liked being in charge and it wasn’t awful, but in this case. I was ashamed of where i came from. I was ashamed that my deadbeat of a father had the upper hand. He had power over me, enough to where I felt frozen, and I didn’t know what to do, as I leaned my head up slightly and I instantly felt that spur of pain that dizziness that swung around my head. “ I kinda find it hot that you knocked him out, but once we’re not here I’ll be chewing you out.” A promise was it? To give Maia a new one for finding me, for showing up to my house as if she was stalking me now, was it a red flag? Boy had no idea. But in the moment it was hot; that she had the strength to ghost out Luke, knock him down a peg as you will. By now the male had lifted himself up enough to sit up. And he had held what she tossed at him on his head; from the wound his cut on his head. He was okay; he was conscious and breathing now. “ We can go to John B’s I know he isn’t home.” And it was a place I trusted, and i got the sense Maia wanted me to trust her, she wanted me to be okay with going to her house, but kook or not I didn’t trust easily. And John B was a friend, he knew my situation, meaning if I was going out for blood he’d have my back. 

When it got hard, who knows, too dangerous Maia may run for the hills.

Paths intertwined

@thehellsakook 

Outer Banks; it was made up of two sides. The rich freaks that lived on figure 8 and the pogues which were known as the people that had to scrape by. JJ was neither; well he was a pogue; it was his known family. But he wasn’t the guy that had people looking out for him. He had a dad but he was far from the father figure you’d picture in your mind. He was the guy that scraped by, with working on boats; that helped the rich across the town in order to make the ends meet, but he was also the dirty guy that tended to feed off any person that was willing to toss him money. 

JJ witnessed it first hand; the poker nights growing up. The smell of beer that stayed within these walls. The lack of food provided. JJ knew he had to count on himself. It’s why John B, Pope, and kie and I all stuck together. We helped each other when we felt in a bind. Kie was able to help more considering she lived in the big house; she was a kook yet she liked slumming it with us. She didn’t care what her parents said, all the warnings based on the rumors. It was always kooks vs the pogues what could I say? JJ though he had to fend for himself; he was the one who walked around at night; waiting for the wreck to close up; and Kie would help hand out any extra food the restaurant had. He didn’t like asking for help nor would you hear him say the words. But the pogues knew; his dad he was unreliable, the only person he could count on was himself. 

It was another start to a another school year. One JJ was dreading, he knew in order to make it life you had to learn. YOu had to sit through each boring class. He was his own kind of smart. He could pick up on cues, he could pick up on the simple concepts; but when it came to applying himself he froze. He rather let Pope do the work; and he’d feed the notes of each subject to him. Pope was the brains of the pogues; he was the school scholar that wanted to go to an ivy league school, and I had no doubt in my mind he’d make it. But me; I was barely getting by. John B had the smarts like myself; his quick thinking. But would we amount to anything? Heck no. All that in mind; JJ had pushed the simple supplies of a notebook, a few pencils into his backpack. Using his hand he zipped it; as he heard the calling from the windows. 

“ JJ Man let’s go.” John b neither of his friends dared to stay inside especially when his dad’s truck was parked outside. He had pulled the strap of his bag over his shoulder. Taking his gray baseball cap he brought it to rest over his sandy blonde hair. A pair of shorts he wore; an an old white T-shirt, simple was all the teen did. He closed the door to his room and made his way through the small home. He paused when he saw his dad head facing down against the arm rest of the couch. Same old day; he was passed out probably from his work last night; or the money he managed to trick out of his so called buddies. I had to roll my eyes as I took the keys for the boat; for after school. Tucking the key into my shorts pocket. I had stepped through the swinging doors spotting Kie and Pope. Eyes moved to try to find our missing friend; the one I had heard inside. Ducking my head down; I had felt a pair of arms wrap around my neck from behind. “ Took you long enough.” John B, I had used my hands to push behind me; in order to push the male down. 

This was us; joking around; laughing on the walk to the dreadful day at school. I never cared what anyone thought; the pogues were my life. The only ones I truly cared about. The walk was a bit longer compared to figure 8, as we stepped onto the pavements we caught sight of the sport cars, of the fancy cars; you’d dream of riding in. I had to roll my eyes; just another day. Topper and Sarah and their crew were hanging out by the small wall before the stairs. We had shrugged our shoulders as we passed. Stepping one at a time on the stairs until we walked right into the building. 

Pope and Kie had walked the other way as John B and I did our hand shake an agreement to meet at next class; math my worse. I had science first; the male ducked his textbook under his arm as he walked the distance to the class. Cap blinding his eyes from making eye contact with anyone. He had found a spot in the third row; the desk in front of him as he placed his book down. His legs in front of him. Hand had moved to rest on the edge of the desk when he spotted the brunette from the sports car; a kook. Figures. To his surprise she was directed to sit next to him; oh great, cue the roll of his eyes. JJ had barely acknowledged her. “ Ah okay.” As if I was giving out my name to strangers; attention drawn to the teacher as if I intended on paying attention.

[ofblemishwithin]

Vaguely recall passing out. JJ was never the kid to give up. Never the guy to walk away from a fight. His walls, his defenses were wired up now. As he tried his best to hold his wounded face together. The last memory the blonde boy had was his own father leaning over him. His own dad had nails digging into his skin. He had bruises layered over his face from the punches. The cut on his lip, the blood that was probably coming out of his mouth when his eyes shut. JJ had no recollection of where he was. If he was alive or dead. He barely was alert for the last punch that came his way. The last hit that knocked him out. He didn’t hear the roaring of a car coming up. He didn’t hear the footsteps or the ask of what was happening? Was it John B the pogues coming to save my ass again? 

Jj felt delusional now, he felt like he was hazy from the blood, from the shed of bruises pierced onto his skin now. At first he didn’t hear the voice speaking down to him. He was fully knocked out; enough to where was he even breathing now? It took a minute or 10 before his eyes blinked open and his mouth was cough up the blood from the cuts or from the impact of his wounds. He slowly lifted his head up leaning his arms down on his elbows. Not noting Maia how close she was to him, his forehead nearly knocked into her face. “ What are you doing here?” he asked in a whisper more irritated and annoyed because his dad, did he hurt her? Glancing violently along the porch he noted his dad was knocked out face down cold. “ You knocked the dumbass out?” I asked as if I was slightly amused down. “ He’s my dad..” Saying the words I felt humiliated, facing the fact my own dad was the one who inflicted pain continuingly upon me.

Paths intertwined

@thehellsakook 

Outer Banks; it was made up of two sides. The rich freaks that lived on figure 8 and the pogues which were known as the people that had to scrape by. JJ was neither; well he was a pogue; it was his known family. But he wasn’t the guy that had people looking out for him. He had a dad but he was far from the father figure you’d picture in your mind. He was the guy that scraped by, with working on boats; that helped the rich across the town in order to make the ends meet, but he was also the dirty guy that tended to feed off any person that was willing to toss him money. 

JJ witnessed it first hand; the poker nights growing up. The smell of beer that stayed within these walls. The lack of food provided. JJ knew he had to count on himself. It’s why John B, Pope, and kie and I all stuck together. We helped each other when we felt in a bind. Kie was able to help more considering she lived in the big house; she was a kook yet she liked slumming it with us. She didn’t care what her parents said, all the warnings based on the rumors. It was always kooks vs the pogues what could I say? JJ though he had to fend for himself; he was the one who walked around at night; waiting for the wreck to close up; and Kie would help hand out any extra food the restaurant had. He didn’t like asking for help nor would you hear him say the words. But the pogues knew; his dad he was unreliable, the only person he could count on was himself. 

It was another start to a another school year. One JJ was dreading, he knew in order to make it life you had to learn. YOu had to sit through each boring class. He was his own kind of smart. He could pick up on cues, he could pick up on the simple concepts; but when it came to applying himself he froze. He rather let Pope do the work; and he’d feed the notes of each subject to him. Pope was the brains of the pogues; he was the school scholar that wanted to go to an ivy league school, and I had no doubt in my mind he’d make it. But me; I was barely getting by. John B had the smarts like myself; his quick thinking. But would we amount to anything? Heck no. All that in mind; JJ had pushed the simple supplies of a notebook, a few pencils into his backpack. Using his hand he zipped it; as he heard the calling from the windows. 

“ JJ Man let’s go.” John b neither of his friends dared to stay inside especially when his dad’s truck was parked outside. He had pulled the strap of his bag over his shoulder. Taking his gray baseball cap he brought it to rest over his sandy blonde hair. A pair of shorts he wore; an an old white T-shirt, simple was all the teen did. He closed the door to his room and made his way through the small home. He paused when he saw his dad head facing down against the arm rest of the couch. Same old day; he was passed out probably from his work last night; or the money he managed to trick out of his so called buddies. I had to roll my eyes as I took the keys for the boat; for after school. Tucking the key into my shorts pocket. I had stepped through the swinging doors spotting Kie and Pope. Eyes moved to try to find our missing friend; the one I had heard inside. Ducking my head down; I had felt a pair of arms wrap around my neck from behind. “ Took you long enough.” John B, I had used my hands to push behind me; in order to push the male down. 

This was us; joking around; laughing on the walk to the dreadful day at school. I never cared what anyone thought; the pogues were my life. The only ones I truly cared about. The walk was a bit longer compared to figure 8, as we stepped onto the pavements we caught sight of the sport cars, of the fancy cars; you’d dream of riding in. I had to roll my eyes; just another day. Topper and Sarah and their crew were hanging out by the small wall before the stairs. We had shrugged our shoulders as we passed. Stepping one at a time on the stairs until we walked right into the building. 

Pope and Kie had walked the other way as John B and I did our hand shake an agreement to meet at next class; math my worse. I had science first; the male ducked his textbook under his arm as he walked the distance to the class. Cap blinding his eyes from making eye contact with anyone. He had found a spot in the third row; the desk in front of him as he placed his book down. His legs in front of him. Hand had moved to rest on the edge of the desk when he spotted the brunette from the sports car; a kook. Figures. To his surprise she was directed to sit next to him; oh great, cue the roll of his eyes. JJ had barely acknowledged her. “ Ah okay.” As if I was giving out my name to strangers; attention drawn to the teacher as if I intended on paying attention.

[ofblemishwithin]

She’d be there, the confirmation echoed in my head. As JJ had his shoulders defeated down as he made his way to the wreck counter where Kie stood. She had an order of extra fries ready for me. I felt that lingering glare from her dad from the corner where he stood. He had an issue with us pogues, as if us who cared about his daughter would tear her down. I didn’t pay mind. “ A kook?” She asked as he popped a fry into her mouth. “ Yes but she insists annoyingly that she doesn’t care about the island nonsense, She’s a friend of Sarah’s apparently..” Apparently was used loosely. Because did I trust Maia? No hell no. She came from money, her family was tight with the Camerons. Sarah was kinda one of us, we tossed out trust on behalf of John B who was whipped for the girl. I swear I’ve never seen my boy tight lipped under that spell. And it was like Kie read my mind because she whispered as she passed by to finish her shift. “ be careful.” Us pogues were tight, we eisk it all for each other. 

I had spent an hour more there, before I had dragged my feet home. Dread filled my body, because my dad could be home, or he was out buying the next drug, his aching of addiction that he had. Any money he won, or we spared he used for drugs. I had scrapped by with food, I had dug through trash cans, or I coned Kie into feeding me at the wreck. But i felt dread, because if my father had a few drinks in him he’d be moody, he’d be either passed out on the couch with my luck, he’d be awake and ready to start a fight. As i made my way up the porch stairs, I noticed he was out like a light, snoring and all. A relief had filled my body as I made my way to my bedroom. The small shoe box in the back of our chateau. 

The night I slept soundly, but that morning I overslept because I was tired. The morning I only woke because I heard my dad fall in the room, I may hate Luke but I also had my mother’s strength the ability to empathize and care for another human being. I had pulled a t-shirt over my head and was on my way to the outside area where my dad normally spent his time. And I was taken back, when he came aggressively towards me, and had his hand tight around my throat. I felt like I couldn’t breathe the air that once came out of my lungs had stopped. “ Da..” I started and he muttered comments of “ YOu such of a bitch, come home late, you deadbeat.” Muttered nonsense, and my hands pushed against his chest with any strength I had. No energy now, as I felt his nails dig into my skin enough to leave marks. My eyes blinked when he finally let go, I felt a punch to my eye, and I let my eyes close. I must of been knocked out for hours.. No recall of the day.

Paths intertwined

@thehellsakook 

Outer Banks; it was made up of two sides. The rich freaks that lived on figure 8 and the pogues which were known as the people that had to scrape by. JJ was neither; well he was a pogue; it was his known family. But he wasn’t the guy that had people looking out for him. He had a dad but he was far from the father figure you’d picture in your mind. He was the guy that scraped by, with working on boats; that helped the rich across the town in order to make the ends meet, but he was also the dirty guy that tended to feed off any person that was willing to toss him money. 

JJ witnessed it first hand; the poker nights growing up. The smell of beer that stayed within these walls. The lack of food provided. JJ knew he had to count on himself. It’s why John B, Pope, and kie and I all stuck together. We helped each other when we felt in a bind. Kie was able to help more considering she lived in the big house; she was a kook yet she liked slumming it with us. She didn’t care what her parents said, all the warnings based on the rumors. It was always kooks vs the pogues what could I say? JJ though he had to fend for himself; he was the one who walked around at night; waiting for the wreck to close up; and Kie would help hand out any extra food the restaurant had. He didn’t like asking for help nor would you hear him say the words. But the pogues knew; his dad he was unreliable, the only person he could count on was himself. 

It was another start to a another school year. One JJ was dreading, he knew in order to make it life you had to learn. YOu had to sit through each boring class. He was his own kind of smart. He could pick up on cues, he could pick up on the simple concepts; but when it came to applying himself he froze. He rather let Pope do the work; and he’d feed the notes of each subject to him. Pope was the brains of the pogues; he was the school scholar that wanted to go to an ivy league school, and I had no doubt in my mind he’d make it. But me; I was barely getting by. John B had the smarts like myself; his quick thinking. But would we amount to anything? Heck no. All that in mind; JJ had pushed the simple supplies of a notebook, a few pencils into his backpack. Using his hand he zipped it; as he heard the calling from the windows. 

“ JJ Man let’s go.” John b neither of his friends dared to stay inside especially when his dad’s truck was parked outside. He had pulled the strap of his bag over his shoulder. Taking his gray baseball cap he brought it to rest over his sandy blonde hair. A pair of shorts he wore; an an old white T-shirt, simple was all the teen did. He closed the door to his room and made his way through the small home. He paused when he saw his dad head facing down against the arm rest of the couch. Same old day; he was passed out probably from his work last night; or the money he managed to trick out of his so called buddies. I had to roll my eyes as I took the keys for the boat; for after school. Tucking the key into my shorts pocket. I had stepped through the swinging doors spotting Kie and Pope. Eyes moved to try to find our missing friend; the one I had heard inside. Ducking my head down; I had felt a pair of arms wrap around my neck from behind. “ Took you long enough.” John B, I had used my hands to push behind me; in order to push the male down. 

This was us; joking around; laughing on the walk to the dreadful day at school. I never cared what anyone thought; the pogues were my life. The only ones I truly cared about. The walk was a bit longer compared to figure 8, as we stepped onto the pavements we caught sight of the sport cars, of the fancy cars; you’d dream of riding in. I had to roll my eyes; just another day. Topper and Sarah and their crew were hanging out by the small wall before the stairs. We had shrugged our shoulders as we passed. Stepping one at a time on the stairs until we walked right into the building. 

Pope and Kie had walked the other way as John B and I did our hand shake an agreement to meet at next class; math my worse. I had science first; the male ducked his textbook under his arm as he walked the distance to the class. Cap blinding his eyes from making eye contact with anyone. He had found a spot in the third row; the desk in front of him as he placed his book down. His legs in front of him. Hand had moved to rest on the edge of the desk when he spotted the brunette from the sports car; a kook. Figures. To his surprise she was directed to sit next to him; oh great, cue the roll of his eyes. JJ had barely acknowledged her. “ Ah okay.” As if I was giving out my name to strangers; attention drawn to the teacher as if I intended on paying attention.

[ofblemishwithin]

JJ had his guards up constantly. Because he was dealt a shity hand. His mom gone, died when he was only a little baby, his dad, was a deadbeat. His dad rather shoot up on whatever drug of the day, spent our money getting high, drunk daily, he did hang out with the pot heads. When I messed up it reflected upon him, and i was the one that got punched in the face, in the ribs and so on. JJ hated the idea of going home which is why more times than not he’d crash out on the beach, or he’d end up on John B’s couch. His home life was a nightmare of living hell. Not that JJ ever said the words; his defenses now were at a means of protecting himself. Maia she was attempting to flower him with kindness. Attempting to pretend the labels of pogues and kooks don’t matter. It was sweet, but I didn’t need the charity, I knew the bruises existed, I knew my lip had a cut from the last roll around with my dad. 

I knew I was a jerk, I sent insults like it was candy. JJ didn’t need the brunette to like him. He didn’t even need her to tolerate him. He simply needed to get through one more day to get a decent grade so he didn’t follow in the paths of his dad. Sitting there with that smirk hitting the corners of his lips now. “ Thank you, I think that’s the nicest thing you’ve said all day.” I added with a bit of sarcasm myself. JJ wasn’t sweet, he wasn’t remotely kind to outsides. But he was the king of friendship when it came to the Pogues, and given both of us were feeling the heat for an escape, I caught the corner of my eye Kie eyeing us, she was prepared to talk once Maia was out of earshot. As I moved to stand up on my feet regaining my own balance. Maia had this kindness about her; she tried to phase it to where she wanted to genuinely help. And who knows the supply comment was her being nice. But JJ didn’t need hand outs, he didn’t need someone to get supplies for him, it was an accident us being paired up now. But JJ couldn’t put up much of a fight now. He stood his ground. He didn’t have a place, besides the wreck, but perhaps outside of school by the park tables. “ Fisher’s part, there’s tables we can use to work on the project. Meet me there after school say 4.” He was in control making the plans now. 

And Maia was simply set to follow. As he lifted his packback to his shoulder he dipped his cap to shield his eyes and made his way farther into the wreck, to the bar counters where Kie was standing. His pogues his friends; true friendship is how we survive.

Paths intertwined

@thehellsakook 

Outer Banks; it was made up of two sides. The rich freaks that lived on figure 8 and the pogues which were known as the people that had to scrape by. JJ was neither; well he was a pogue; it was his known family. But he wasn’t the guy that had people looking out for him. He had a dad but he was far from the father figure you’d picture in your mind. He was the guy that scraped by, with working on boats; that helped the rich across the town in order to make the ends meet, but he was also the dirty guy that tended to feed off any person that was willing to toss him money. 

JJ witnessed it first hand; the poker nights growing up. The smell of beer that stayed within these walls. The lack of food provided. JJ knew he had to count on himself. It’s why John B, Pope, and kie and I all stuck together. We helped each other when we felt in a bind. Kie was able to help more considering she lived in the big house; she was a kook yet she liked slumming it with us. She didn’t care what her parents said, all the warnings based on the rumors. It was always kooks vs the pogues what could I say? JJ though he had to fend for himself; he was the one who walked around at night; waiting for the wreck to close up; and Kie would help hand out any extra food the restaurant had. He didn’t like asking for help nor would you hear him say the words. But the pogues knew; his dad he was unreliable, the only person he could count on was himself. 

It was another start to a another school year. One JJ was dreading, he knew in order to make it life you had to learn. YOu had to sit through each boring class. He was his own kind of smart. He could pick up on cues, he could pick up on the simple concepts; but when it came to applying himself he froze. He rather let Pope do the work; and he’d feed the notes of each subject to him. Pope was the brains of the pogues; he was the school scholar that wanted to go to an ivy league school, and I had no doubt in my mind he’d make it. But me; I was barely getting by. John B had the smarts like myself; his quick thinking. But would we amount to anything? Heck no. All that in mind; JJ had pushed the simple supplies of a notebook, a few pencils into his backpack. Using his hand he zipped it; as he heard the calling from the windows. 

“ JJ Man let’s go.” John b neither of his friends dared to stay inside especially when his dad’s truck was parked outside. He had pulled the strap of his bag over his shoulder. Taking his gray baseball cap he brought it to rest over his sandy blonde hair. A pair of shorts he wore; an an old white T-shirt, simple was all the teen did. He closed the door to his room and made his way through the small home. He paused when he saw his dad head facing down against the arm rest of the couch. Same old day; he was passed out probably from his work last night; or the money he managed to trick out of his so called buddies. I had to roll my eyes as I took the keys for the boat; for after school. Tucking the key into my shorts pocket. I had stepped through the swinging doors spotting Kie and Pope. Eyes moved to try to find our missing friend; the one I had heard inside. Ducking my head down; I had felt a pair of arms wrap around my neck from behind. “ Took you long enough.” John B, I had used my hands to push behind me; in order to push the male down. 

This was us; joking around; laughing on the walk to the dreadful day at school. I never cared what anyone thought; the pogues were my life. The only ones I truly cared about. The walk was a bit longer compared to figure 8, as we stepped onto the pavements we caught sight of the sport cars, of the fancy cars; you’d dream of riding in. I had to roll my eyes; just another day. Topper and Sarah and their crew were hanging out by the small wall before the stairs. We had shrugged our shoulders as we passed. Stepping one at a time on the stairs until we walked right into the building. 

Pope and Kie had walked the other way as John B and I did our hand shake an agreement to meet at next class; math my worse. I had science first; the male ducked his textbook under his arm as he walked the distance to the class. Cap blinding his eyes from making eye contact with anyone. He had found a spot in the third row; the desk in front of him as he placed his book down. His legs in front of him. Hand had moved to rest on the edge of the desk when he spotted the brunette from the sports car; a kook. Figures. To his surprise she was directed to sit next to him; oh great, cue the roll of his eyes. JJ had barely acknowledged her. “ Ah okay.” As if I was giving out my name to strangers; attention drawn to the teacher as if I intended on paying attention.

[ofblemishwithin]

JJ wasn’t warming up to anyone. Maia was a means of not failing at least one class assignment. JJ had no intention of finishing school. No intention of wanting the lame straight A’s. Him cracking a joke was more of a means of distracting himself. Did he hate Maia? No she was a kook even if she didn’t buy into the constant wars of our halves of the island. But the first chance she got; she’d be the first to turn on me. JJ lacked trust unless you were within his group; the pogues; his made family. He didn’t want to give the energy into her bait of winning him over. He was a lost cause; he was more so attempting to apply himself now as a distraction. 

He’d never give the brunette her own satisfaction of him warming up. It was a project; no need to think too much of his laugher for one second. A roll of his eyes now; the male had reached for a fry to plop right into his mouth. Plus the more time he spent here; the less time he had to walk into the lion’s den. His dad; who would be drunk off his ass; or he’d be oddly awake at this hour and if I did piss him up it landed with a big old punch to my face. I was exhausted; putting up with this kook was better than the alternative. “ Please, I can’t wait for the day I’m rid of you, as I’m sure you won’t miss me. Although I do find amusement in messing with you Kook.” He aimed; as a sly grin dared to play at the corners of his lips. Right when he was only teasing her; right when he was sorta thinking she wasn’t all bad; look at Sarah she actually had our backs. She was a pogue now; not to say that offer was going to extend now because please. This girl would be running back to her rich rich daddy in a heartbeat. But here she was flaunting her money in my face. I didn’t partially want to go buy supplies for a project; but I didn’t need the idea I couldn’t afford to, to be thrown in my face. 

“ I can buy my own, stop the pity shit please.” And deep down I knew Maia wasn’t trying to flaunt the green bills, she had that pathetic helpful aspect to her; but my defenses went straight up. “ We can meet tomorrow after school, I’ll bring my own supplies. Okay” Defense in his tone; as he turned to the gated area where you took note of the waves hitting the shore. Again this was JJ; he was protective of himself; any sign of pity he lashed out; and Maia unfortunately got the ugly hand of it.

Paths intertwined

@thehellsakook 

Outer Banks; it was made up of two sides. The rich freaks that lived on figure 8 and the pogues which were known as the people that had to scrape by. JJ was neither; well he was a pogue; it was his known family. But he wasn’t the guy that had people looking out for him. He had a dad but he was far from the father figure you’d picture in your mind. He was the guy that scraped by, with working on boats; that helped the rich across the town in order to make the ends meet, but he was also the dirty guy that tended to feed off any person that was willing to toss him money. 

JJ witnessed it first hand; the poker nights growing up. The smell of beer that stayed within these walls. The lack of food provided. JJ knew he had to count on himself. It’s why John B, Pope, and kie and I all stuck together. We helped each other when we felt in a bind. Kie was able to help more considering she lived in the big house; she was a kook yet she liked slumming it with us. She didn’t care what her parents said, all the warnings based on the rumors. It was always kooks vs the pogues what could I say? JJ though he had to fend for himself; he was the one who walked around at night; waiting for the wreck to close up; and Kie would help hand out any extra food the restaurant had. He didn’t like asking for help nor would you hear him say the words. But the pogues knew; his dad he was unreliable, the only person he could count on was himself. 

It was another start to a another school year. One JJ was dreading, he knew in order to make it life you had to learn. YOu had to sit through each boring class. He was his own kind of smart. He could pick up on cues, he could pick up on the simple concepts; but when it came to applying himself he froze. He rather let Pope do the work; and he’d feed the notes of each subject to him. Pope was the brains of the pogues; he was the school scholar that wanted to go to an ivy league school, and I had no doubt in my mind he’d make it. But me; I was barely getting by. John B had the smarts like myself; his quick thinking. But would we amount to anything? Heck no. All that in mind; JJ had pushed the simple supplies of a notebook, a few pencils into his backpack. Using his hand he zipped it; as he heard the calling from the windows. 

“ JJ Man let’s go.” John b neither of his friends dared to stay inside especially when his dad’s truck was parked outside. He had pulled the strap of his bag over his shoulder. Taking his gray baseball cap he brought it to rest over his sandy blonde hair. A pair of shorts he wore; an an old white T-shirt, simple was all the teen did. He closed the door to his room and made his way through the small home. He paused when he saw his dad head facing down against the arm rest of the couch. Same old day; he was passed out probably from his work last night; or the money he managed to trick out of his so called buddies. I had to roll my eyes as I took the keys for the boat; for after school. Tucking the key into my shorts pocket. I had stepped through the swinging doors spotting Kie and Pope. Eyes moved to try to find our missing friend; the one I had heard inside. Ducking my head down; I had felt a pair of arms wrap around my neck from behind. “ Took you long enough.” John B, I had used my hands to push behind me; in order to push the male down. 

This was us; joking around; laughing on the walk to the dreadful day at school. I never cared what anyone thought; the pogues were my life. The only ones I truly cared about. The walk was a bit longer compared to figure 8, as we stepped onto the pavements we caught sight of the sport cars, of the fancy cars; you’d dream of riding in. I had to roll my eyes; just another day. Topper and Sarah and their crew were hanging out by the small wall before the stairs. We had shrugged our shoulders as we passed. Stepping one at a time on the stairs until we walked right into the building. 

Pope and Kie had walked the other way as John B and I did our hand shake an agreement to meet at next class; math my worse. I had science first; the male ducked his textbook under his arm as he walked the distance to the class. Cap blinding his eyes from making eye contact with anyone. He had found a spot in the third row; the desk in front of him as he placed his book down. His legs in front of him. Hand had moved to rest on the edge of the desk when he spotted the brunette from the sports car; a kook. Figures. To his surprise she was directed to sit next to him; oh great, cue the roll of his eyes. JJ had barely acknowledged her. “ Ah okay.” As if I was giving out my name to strangers; attention drawn to the teacher as if I intended on paying attention.

[ofblemishwithin]

JJ didn’t trust anyone. The person who he was suppose to count on, the one person who was supposed to display nurture, and care some may even say love was the person who hurt him the most. Why should JJ trust a stranger? He felt his walls craved up, he felt his guard that was a shield over himself. He was judgemental with reason. Besides the pogues; he wasn’t going to give trust where it wasn’t earned. Maia was a kook; she was breaded from that half of the island. Even if Maia wasn’t born and raised here. It came from name, the people you know. He did respect the fact that the brunette didn’t edge off; she still wanted to display respect and kindness towards him despite the constant digs he gave off to her. 

JJ just didn’t know how to express himself. He’s been burned countless times before. He didn’t want to risk of being burned again. Trust and lean on the wrong people; and let’s just say you tend to say shame on you. But all either of us had to do was get through this assignment, we had to get a good grade and then move on from each other; as if we never said two words to each other. 

The male swallowed down the water, as he dipped his hand into the basket of fries popping one into his mouth. He was actually envious of those who had the money the means to escape, and travel anywhere in the world. The goal was; if the pogues got the gold for JJ anyways was to leave the outer banks, go to Mexico and run those waves, leave the torture the pain behind, and be on his own with his friends the real family. Not that the female would remotely understand. She seemed like the opposite she hated moving around. Tilting his head to the side; letting his hues rank over her features; he listened without a retort that would have Maia rolling her eyes. 

“ Sometimes it’s nice, to be around, to be invisible a nobody.” A hum on his lips more so a pipedream on himself than to answer her; but those belief in your own. As she noted he’d be happy to see her go; he nodded eagerly now with amusement. “ Definitely, but yet again who else am I going to go head to head with?” He asked in amusement; for once a slight sense of humor on his part.

Paths intertwined

@thehellsakook 

Outer Banks; it was made up of two sides. The rich freaks that lived on figure 8 and the pogues which were known as the people that had to scrape by. JJ was neither; well he was a pogue; it was his known family. But he wasn’t the guy that had people looking out for him. He had a dad but he was far from the father figure you’d picture in your mind. He was the guy that scraped by, with working on boats; that helped the rich across the town in order to make the ends meet, but he was also the dirty guy that tended to feed off any person that was willing to toss him money. 

JJ witnessed it first hand; the poker nights growing up. The smell of beer that stayed within these walls. The lack of food provided. JJ knew he had to count on himself. It’s why John B, Pope, and kie and I all stuck together. We helped each other when we felt in a bind. Kie was able to help more considering she lived in the big house; she was a kook yet she liked slumming it with us. She didn’t care what her parents said, all the warnings based on the rumors. It was always kooks vs the pogues what could I say? JJ though he had to fend for himself; he was the one who walked around at night; waiting for the wreck to close up; and Kie would help hand out any extra food the restaurant had. He didn’t like asking for help nor would you hear him say the words. But the pogues knew; his dad he was unreliable, the only person he could count on was himself. 

It was another start to a another school year. One JJ was dreading, he knew in order to make it life you had to learn. YOu had to sit through each boring class. He was his own kind of smart. He could pick up on cues, he could pick up on the simple concepts; but when it came to applying himself he froze. He rather let Pope do the work; and he’d feed the notes of each subject to him. Pope was the brains of the pogues; he was the school scholar that wanted to go to an ivy league school, and I had no doubt in my mind he’d make it. But me; I was barely getting by. John B had the smarts like myself; his quick thinking. But would we amount to anything? Heck no. All that in mind; JJ had pushed the simple supplies of a notebook, a few pencils into his backpack. Using his hand he zipped it; as he heard the calling from the windows. 

“ JJ Man let’s go.” John b neither of his friends dared to stay inside especially when his dad’s truck was parked outside. He had pulled the strap of his bag over his shoulder. Taking his gray baseball cap he brought it to rest over his sandy blonde hair. A pair of shorts he wore; an an old white T-shirt, simple was all the teen did. He closed the door to his room and made his way through the small home. He paused when he saw his dad head facing down against the arm rest of the couch. Same old day; he was passed out probably from his work last night; or the money he managed to trick out of his so called buddies. I had to roll my eyes as I took the keys for the boat; for after school. Tucking the key into my shorts pocket. I had stepped through the swinging doors spotting Kie and Pope. Eyes moved to try to find our missing friend; the one I had heard inside. Ducking my head down; I had felt a pair of arms wrap around my neck from behind. “ Took you long enough.” John B, I had used my hands to push behind me; in order to push the male down. 

This was us; joking around; laughing on the walk to the dreadful day at school. I never cared what anyone thought; the pogues were my life. The only ones I truly cared about. The walk was a bit longer compared to figure 8, as we stepped onto the pavements we caught sight of the sport cars, of the fancy cars; you’d dream of riding in. I had to roll my eyes; just another day. Topper and Sarah and their crew were hanging out by the small wall before the stairs. We had shrugged our shoulders as we passed. Stepping one at a time on the stairs until we walked right into the building. 

Pope and Kie had walked the other way as John B and I did our hand shake an agreement to meet at next class; math my worse. I had science first; the male ducked his textbook under his arm as he walked the distance to the class. Cap blinding his eyes from making eye contact with anyone. He had found a spot in the third row; the desk in front of him as he placed his book down. His legs in front of him. Hand had moved to rest on the edge of the desk when he spotted the brunette from the sports car; a kook. Figures. To his surprise she was directed to sit next to him; oh great, cue the roll of his eyes. JJ had barely acknowledged her. “ Ah okay.” As if I was giving out my name to strangers; attention drawn to the teacher as if I intended on paying attention.

[ofblemishwithin]

JJ wasn’t one to ditch out advisement, to force others to feel as he did not only about the Kooks business but specifically about the Camerons; the known kooks, Cameron development was plastered all over the island. I was sick of looking at the name. Ward was what stood between us pogues and the gold. John B’s old man got killed by Ward, his own son was a manice of his own. He had guns blazing left and right. He wanted us to fold, to allow one of our own to go down for a crime the kooks committed. And let’s be honest I was wary of Sarah until she stood with us. The pogues over her own family; when her father came for us; he was willing to sacrifice a pogue name for his own dirty vanette. 

But Maia she had no idea she may be considered innocent in this mess of Kooks vs Pogue, and I could tell she wanted me to brush my anger at the kooks to the side, I had dug myself in when I mentioned trusting one. Maia she was trying; she didn’t want to be mixed up in the nonsense her sass said it all. A low hum left my lips in response to her comment. Not because I could deny she was starting to show kindness, she did put up with my pathetic ass now didn’t she? My witty retorts; the way I kept pushing a line between us. And she wanted to be friends? Did I trust her? No hell no. And I was feeling quite on edge now as I took the cream from her grasp. My bruises present, the black and blue marks I tried desperately to hide. I lied through gritted teeth, I lied to the Pogues my best friends. I didn’t want to  worry anyone. 

JJ was on his own, always had been. And no he wasn’t any girl’s charity case, nor was he going to be the kid John B and Pope saved. Pope would have insisted that he stay with him, but let’s be honest his pops tolerated me, he would’ve loved for my ass to wind up in a cell. I had nothing to lose if I went home and my dad decided to lay another punch on me. I wasn’t afraid of the forced blinks, of the way his fist felt against my skin. I went hallow, I went numb, slowly pushing the cream into my shorts pocket, I nodded along as I grabbed hold of the glass of water bringing the rim to my lips taking a long sip, Swallowing thickly before I mumbled “ Born and raised here, a honored Pogue. You’ve moved around a lot right for your dad?” I asked just because I didn’t particularly like Maia or trust her didn’t mean I zoned her out completely.. 

Perhaps I pegged her wrong; perhaps she could earn her keep, we gave Sarah the benefit of the doubt.

Paths intertwined

@thehellsakook 

Outer Banks; it was made up of two sides. The rich freaks that lived on figure 8 and the pogues which were known as the people that had to scrape by. JJ was neither; well he was a pogue; it was his known family. But he wasn’t the guy that had people looking out for him. He had a dad but he was far from the father figure you’d picture in your mind. He was the guy that scraped by, with working on boats; that helped the rich across the town in order to make the ends meet, but he was also the dirty guy that tended to feed off any person that was willing to toss him money. 

JJ witnessed it first hand; the poker nights growing up. The smell of beer that stayed within these walls. The lack of food provided. JJ knew he had to count on himself. It’s why John B, Pope, and kie and I all stuck together. We helped each other when we felt in a bind. Kie was able to help more considering she lived in the big house; she was a kook yet she liked slumming it with us. She didn’t care what her parents said, all the warnings based on the rumors. It was always kooks vs the pogues what could I say? JJ though he had to fend for himself; he was the one who walked around at night; waiting for the wreck to close up; and Kie would help hand out any extra food the restaurant had. He didn’t like asking for help nor would you hear him say the words. But the pogues knew; his dad he was unreliable, the only person he could count on was himself. 

It was another start to a another school year. One JJ was dreading, he knew in order to make it life you had to learn. YOu had to sit through each boring class. He was his own kind of smart. He could pick up on cues, he could pick up on the simple concepts; but when it came to applying himself he froze. He rather let Pope do the work; and he’d feed the notes of each subject to him. Pope was the brains of the pogues; he was the school scholar that wanted to go to an ivy league school, and I had no doubt in my mind he’d make it. But me; I was barely getting by. John B had the smarts like myself; his quick thinking. But would we amount to anything? Heck no. All that in mind; JJ had pushed the simple supplies of a notebook, a few pencils into his backpack. Using his hand he zipped it; as he heard the calling from the windows. 

“ JJ Man let’s go.” John b neither of his friends dared to stay inside especially when his dad’s truck was parked outside. He had pulled the strap of his bag over his shoulder. Taking his gray baseball cap he brought it to rest over his sandy blonde hair. A pair of shorts he wore; an an old white T-shirt, simple was all the teen did. He closed the door to his room and made his way through the small home. He paused when he saw his dad head facing down against the arm rest of the couch. Same old day; he was passed out probably from his work last night; or the money he managed to trick out of his so called buddies. I had to roll my eyes as I took the keys for the boat; for after school. Tucking the key into my shorts pocket. I had stepped through the swinging doors spotting Kie and Pope. Eyes moved to try to find our missing friend; the one I had heard inside. Ducking my head down; I had felt a pair of arms wrap around my neck from behind. “ Took you long enough.” John B, I had used my hands to push behind me; in order to push the male down. 

This was us; joking around; laughing on the walk to the dreadful day at school. I never cared what anyone thought; the pogues were my life. The only ones I truly cared about. The walk was a bit longer compared to figure 8, as we stepped onto the pavements we caught sight of the sport cars, of the fancy cars; you’d dream of riding in. I had to roll my eyes; just another day. Topper and Sarah and their crew were hanging out by the small wall before the stairs. We had shrugged our shoulders as we passed. Stepping one at a time on the stairs until we walked right into the building. 

Pope and Kie had walked the other way as John B and I did our hand shake an agreement to meet at next class; math my worse. I had science first; the male ducked his textbook under his arm as he walked the distance to the class. Cap blinding his eyes from making eye contact with anyone. He had found a spot in the third row; the desk in front of him as he placed his book down. His legs in front of him. Hand had moved to rest on the edge of the desk when he spotted the brunette from the sports car; a kook. Figures. To his surprise she was directed to sit next to him; oh great, cue the roll of his eyes. JJ had barely acknowledged her. “ Ah okay.” As if I was giving out my name to strangers; attention drawn to the teacher as if I intended on paying attention.

[ofblemishwithin]

Jj was a stubborn mule. He didn’t want to ask for help, he didn’t want to allure to the obvious. The only person he fully trusted was himself. He could only count on himself to survive. The pogues were his family; his father would rather use him  as a punching bag instead of asking a simple “ How was your day son? Or a Are you okay?’ He was used to the beats, used to the dragging of feet on his end. JJ didn’t let no kook take advantage of him. Ward Cameron was a money hungry asshole; who rather kill and get away with murder than to fess up to his own sins.  

JJ was angry at the world. Did he have the desire to warn Maia yes, because her family was in bed with the camerons. Rafe was a daddy pleaser; an idiot, he spent his time dealing off drugs, getting wrapped up in the drug mule just like someone else I knew. But I didn’t want to see Maia get messed up in the crossfire. Was that displaying a sense of care for the kook? Perhaps but I definitely wasn’t going to say the words, I don’t want you to get hurt. Pope was the voice of reason inside my head;  he urged me to do one kind action for this  Kook. As she spoke more about Rafe and the lack of attention  apparently her parents gave her dust. I had to relate in a sense, but I didn’t care enough to want to listen for more of her family issues. 

She’s a kook all she had to do was bat her eyes and her daddy would buy a new car to shut the whining up. “ Ward is a money hungry idiot, his son follows suit. And Rose all she does is drink wine, and talk shit. Trust me when I say there’s evidence of the dirty shit the Camerons do.”  The pogues the gold was back in business. JJ had the maps, Kie was in the back corner of the wreck, and she was watching me like a hawk why? Because she’s a pogue she wanted to ensure I wasn’t going to start acting like homeboy John B who was suddenly letting a kook into our business. Her brother was who beat Pope up; her brother was why we felt fear; and now we had to suddenly trust Sarah. Bird was nuts on his own. Shaking my head to myself; I reached for a fry and popped one into my mouth.I was playing nice; I felt like I had to. As for the mention of little blonde Cameron I had to roll my eyes; was she trustworthy? We had millions of dollars on the line, a bank of gold our adventure; and now it was paused until John B got his flipping shit together. “ Unfortunately my boy, is starting a infatuation with Sarah.. Apparently they have a thing, so I guess I have to try to trust one kook.” Or two; I screamed in my head. Because desired or not Maia and I had to work together; this project was part of the class, this was only meeting one for us. 

As I continued to pop each fry into my mouth, I listened and  I swore I had to stop my eyes from bugging out, Maia caught the bruises on my face, the pain I felt each time I moved my lips, the bruise now formed on the cheek, and her kind gesture of a cream. Was I suppose to come clean? Say Thank you? Or push that stupid cream back into her face. But my skin was aching, I felt it each time my nose lifted or my lips chewed, my dad did a banger on me.  As I forced a words from my lips. “ Thank you.” As if it was the end of the world; I had placed my hand on the small tap of cream and I  placed it by my water. 

JJ relax, she doesn’t know, your secret is still safe with you.

Paths intertwined

@thehellsakook 

Outer Banks; it was made up of two sides. The rich freaks that lived on figure 8 and the pogues which were known as the people that had to scrape by. JJ was neither; well he was a pogue; it was his known family. But he wasn’t the guy that had people looking out for him. He had a dad but he was far from the father figure you’d picture in your mind. He was the guy that scraped by, with working on boats; that helped the rich across the town in order to make the ends meet, but he was also the dirty guy that tended to feed off any person that was willing to toss him money. 

JJ witnessed it first hand; the poker nights growing up. The smell of beer that stayed within these walls. The lack of food provided. JJ knew he had to count on himself. It’s why John B, Pope, and kie and I all stuck together. We helped each other when we felt in a bind. Kie was able to help more considering she lived in the big house; she was a kook yet she liked slumming it with us. She didn’t care what her parents said, all the warnings based on the rumors. It was always kooks vs the pogues what could I say? JJ though he had to fend for himself; he was the one who walked around at night; waiting for the wreck to close up; and Kie would help hand out any extra food the restaurant had. He didn’t like asking for help nor would you hear him say the words. But the pogues knew; his dad he was unreliable, the only person he could count on was himself. 

It was another start to a another school year. One JJ was dreading, he knew in order to make it life you had to learn. YOu had to sit through each boring class. He was his own kind of smart. He could pick up on cues, he could pick up on the simple concepts; but when it came to applying himself he froze. He rather let Pope do the work; and he’d feed the notes of each subject to him. Pope was the brains of the pogues; he was the school scholar that wanted to go to an ivy league school, and I had no doubt in my mind he’d make it. But me; I was barely getting by. John B had the smarts like myself; his quick thinking. But would we amount to anything? Heck no. All that in mind; JJ had pushed the simple supplies of a notebook, a few pencils into his backpack. Using his hand he zipped it; as he heard the calling from the windows. 

“ JJ Man let’s go.” John b neither of his friends dared to stay inside especially when his dad’s truck was parked outside. He had pulled the strap of his bag over his shoulder. Taking his gray baseball cap he brought it to rest over his sandy blonde hair. A pair of shorts he wore; an an old white T-shirt, simple was all the teen did. He closed the door to his room and made his way through the small home. He paused when he saw his dad head facing down against the arm rest of the couch. Same old day; he was passed out probably from his work last night; or the money he managed to trick out of his so called buddies. I had to roll my eyes as I took the keys for the boat; for after school. Tucking the key into my shorts pocket. I had stepped through the swinging doors spotting Kie and Pope. Eyes moved to try to find our missing friend; the one I had heard inside. Ducking my head down; I had felt a pair of arms wrap around my neck from behind. “ Took you long enough.” John B, I had used my hands to push behind me; in order to push the male down. 

This was us; joking around; laughing on the walk to the dreadful day at school. I never cared what anyone thought; the pogues were my life. The only ones I truly cared about. The walk was a bit longer compared to figure 8, as we stepped onto the pavements we caught sight of the sport cars, of the fancy cars; you’d dream of riding in. I had to roll my eyes; just another day. Topper and Sarah and their crew were hanging out by the small wall before the stairs. We had shrugged our shoulders as we passed. Stepping one at a time on the stairs until we walked right into the building. 

Pope and Kie had walked the other way as John B and I did our hand shake an agreement to meet at next class; math my worse. I had science first; the male ducked his textbook under his arm as he walked the distance to the class. Cap blinding his eyes from making eye contact with anyone. He had found a spot in the third row; the desk in front of him as he placed his book down. His legs in front of him. Hand had moved to rest on the edge of the desk when he spotted the brunette from the sports car; a kook. Figures. To his surprise she was directed to sit next to him; oh great, cue the roll of his eyes. JJ had barely acknowledged her. “ Ah okay.” As if I was giving out my name to strangers; attention drawn to the teacher as if I intended on paying attention.

[ofblemishwithin]

JJ had his mind made up when it came to Ward and how the kooks operated. They were stuck up, felt like anyone under them was undeserving. JJ had his own set of trust issues. He didn’t feel like the kooks were deemed to be redeemable. Yeah he was learning to hold trust in Sarah simply because of John B’s devotion to her. But when it came to a new set of eyes, to a new person like Maia. Did he trust her? Hell no. But he also knew he’d rather be sitting her at his table than be strung along to his home. The place where he got hit after hit. 

JJ was the man who did nothing right. His dad was waiting to send a punch in his direction. His dad was provably waiting at the house to lay a hand on him. A sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. And Maia was nice despite her status as a kook. And I knew I had a escape route if needed because Kie was here. She was lingering waiting tables, as she was purposely waiting on ours. And JJ wasn’t out for blood, yeah Ward was a man of wanting to destroy us kooks mainly my boy’s John B’s name. But at the same time, I wasn’t writing Maia off. Her dad was in bed with Ward, and I meant when I gave her a warning because I knew whose hands would get bloody. It wasn’t us pogues. It wasn’t her but her own family. As he sat in debate in his head. His fingers tapped aimlessly against the edge of the table as he listened to her speak. 

“ Rafe is a idiot, he’s a man that hangs out with highschoolers thinking it’ll win him points. We all know the type of guy he is.” He aired out with venages? Honestly Rafe was going to have it coming. JJ knew he was out for blood, he wanted to steal everything from us. And JJ wasn’t afraid as he let his hand drop to the glass of water bringing the glass to his lips to take an innocent sip. “ It’s not about getting out of working with him, if he knows too much Ward will be out for blood, be careful.” Was he warning her? Yeah because she may be innocent but she was a kook blind from what stood in front of her. 

Ward was out for blood at the hands of Pogues; and JJ had handled him before; but now would Maia get roped into it?

Paths intertwined

@thehellsakook 

Outer Banks; it was made up of two sides. The rich freaks that lived on figure 8 and the pogues which were known as the people that had to scrape by. JJ was neither; well he was a pogue; it was his known family. But he wasn’t the guy that had people looking out for him. He had a dad but he was far from the father figure you’d picture in your mind. He was the guy that scraped by, with working on boats; that helped the rich across the town in order to make the ends meet, but he was also the dirty guy that tended to feed off any person that was willing to toss him money. 

JJ witnessed it first hand; the poker nights growing up. The smell of beer that stayed within these walls. The lack of food provided. JJ knew he had to count on himself. It’s why John B, Pope, and kie and I all stuck together. We helped each other when we felt in a bind. Kie was able to help more considering she lived in the big house; she was a kook yet she liked slumming it with us. She didn’t care what her parents said, all the warnings based on the rumors. It was always kooks vs the pogues what could I say? JJ though he had to fend for himself; he was the one who walked around at night; waiting for the wreck to close up; and Kie would help hand out any extra food the restaurant had. He didn’t like asking for help nor would you hear him say the words. But the pogues knew; his dad he was unreliable, the only person he could count on was himself. 

It was another start to a another school year. One JJ was dreading, he knew in order to make it life you had to learn. YOu had to sit through each boring class. He was his own kind of smart. He could pick up on cues, he could pick up on the simple concepts; but when it came to applying himself he froze. He rather let Pope do the work; and he’d feed the notes of each subject to him. Pope was the brains of the pogues; he was the school scholar that wanted to go to an ivy league school, and I had no doubt in my mind he’d make it. But me; I was barely getting by. John B had the smarts like myself; his quick thinking. But would we amount to anything? Heck no. All that in mind; JJ had pushed the simple supplies of a notebook, a few pencils into his backpack. Using his hand he zipped it; as he heard the calling from the windows. 

“ JJ Man let’s go.” John b neither of his friends dared to stay inside especially when his dad’s truck was parked outside. He had pulled the strap of his bag over his shoulder. Taking his gray baseball cap he brought it to rest over his sandy blonde hair. A pair of shorts he wore; an an old white T-shirt, simple was all the teen did. He closed the door to his room and made his way through the small home. He paused when he saw his dad head facing down against the arm rest of the couch. Same old day; he was passed out probably from his work last night; or the money he managed to trick out of his so called buddies. I had to roll my eyes as I took the keys for the boat; for after school. Tucking the key into my shorts pocket. I had stepped through the swinging doors spotting Kie and Pope. Eyes moved to try to find our missing friend; the one I had heard inside. Ducking my head down; I had felt a pair of arms wrap around my neck from behind. “ Took you long enough.” John B, I had used my hands to push behind me; in order to push the male down. 

This was us; joking around; laughing on the walk to the dreadful day at school. I never cared what anyone thought; the pogues were my life. The only ones I truly cared about. The walk was a bit longer compared to figure 8, as we stepped onto the pavements we caught sight of the sport cars, of the fancy cars; you’d dream of riding in. I had to roll my eyes; just another day. Topper and Sarah and their crew were hanging out by the small wall before the stairs. We had shrugged our shoulders as we passed. Stepping one at a time on the stairs until we walked right into the building. 

Pope and Kie had walked the other way as John B and I did our hand shake an agreement to meet at next class; math my worse. I had science first; the male ducked his textbook under his arm as he walked the distance to the class. Cap blinding his eyes from making eye contact with anyone. He had found a spot in the third row; the desk in front of him as he placed his book down. His legs in front of him. Hand had moved to rest on the edge of the desk when he spotted the brunette from the sports car; a kook. Figures. To his surprise she was directed to sit next to him; oh great, cue the roll of his eyes. JJ had barely acknowledged her. “ Ah okay.” As if I was giving out my name to strangers; attention drawn to the teacher as if I intended on paying attention.

[ofblemishwithin]

JJ had daddy issues. There was no denying that he didn’t trust easily. JJ practically raised himself, with all the ins and outs of his own father’s drug deals. All the wasted money that was earned. JJ vowed on the gold, on the mission when it came to the pogues he would put his name to rest. He would fend for himself it wasn’t anything new. His father was bitch baby who kept crawling back to those drug dealers. And then when he tended to get too drunk on his ass he felt the need to start a punching match with me. Scars on my face; I kept that information tight lipped. No need to air out my dirty laundry. 

But I knew Kie she was protective, she lived within the kook bubble, her parents lived on that side of the island, despised the fact their daughter rather chom it up with us Pogues, which is why I always felt the glares from her father each time I entered the Wreck. Which is why I opted for Maia and myself to sit outside. Kie was no stranger to me and my tenacity to deny; and I could tell she was sizing Maia up; she was threaten, she didn’t want me to pull a John B which to fall for a stuck up airhead, or in this sense the wealth which was like a kook. John B already had his hands full with his involvement with Sarah. But I wasn’t stupid I can appreciate the attraction, that Maia was pretty; but I would never have a soft spot for her. Besides it was obvious the only reason either of us sat at this table now was due to the stupid project. At her sarcastic retort regarding my comments on kooks, I had released a low chuckle, or snicker on my end. Jj liked to toss insults out; but he knew he had to try to put in the effort to getting to know Maia or these next few days or weeks depending on the project were going to be long and exhausting. He fully made his mind up about Maia she was another kook princess, which was only confirmed when she shared what brought her family to the Outer Banks, businessman working with Ward; the shittiest person of all. 

Does her dad know the type of man he’s working with? Greddy man, a man who kills when he doesn’t get what he wants; just look at Big John, JJ wasn’t looking out for Maia, but he care wonder if she felt her family was safe in the hands of Ward Camron. JJ hummed to himself as he took a sip from his water. He should’ve expected that retort egging him on to toss out an insult in her direction. He tried to muster up a genuine expression. “ I wasn’t..” I started before I couldn’t pull a serious expression as I laughed more to myself. ‘ Good work on your family, You truly are a stuck up kook.” I aired out in another insult before I calmed my laugher down knowing the two probably was keeping tabs on the pogues as of late; all the trouble we’ve gotten ourselves into. “ But i do feel shame for your dad, all the things he must have to endear to work for Ward, does he know who he’s working for? Look out.” I aired out as a one and final warning; why? I don’t know I just knew what it felt like to be on the run. 

My friends at the hands of Ward Cameron; just the cycle ever stop?

Paths intertwined

@thehellsakook 

Outer Banks; it was made up of two sides. The rich freaks that lived on figure 8 and the pogues which were known as the people that had to scrape by. JJ was neither; well he was a pogue; it was his known family. But he wasn’t the guy that had people looking out for him. He had a dad but he was far from the father figure you’d picture in your mind. He was the guy that scraped by, with working on boats; that helped the rich across the town in order to make the ends meet, but he was also the dirty guy that tended to feed off any person that was willing to toss him money. 

JJ witnessed it first hand; the poker nights growing up. The smell of beer that stayed within these walls. The lack of food provided. JJ knew he had to count on himself. It’s why John B, Pope, and kie and I all stuck together. We helped each other when we felt in a bind. Kie was able to help more considering she lived in the big house; she was a kook yet she liked slumming it with us. She didn’t care what her parents said, all the warnings based on the rumors. It was always kooks vs the pogues what could I say? JJ though he had to fend for himself; he was the one who walked around at night; waiting for the wreck to close up; and Kie would help hand out any extra food the restaurant had. He didn’t like asking for help nor would you hear him say the words. But the pogues knew; his dad he was unreliable, the only person he could count on was himself. 

It was another start to a another school year. One JJ was dreading, he knew in order to make it life you had to learn. YOu had to sit through each boring class. He was his own kind of smart. He could pick up on cues, he could pick up on the simple concepts; but when it came to applying himself he froze. He rather let Pope do the work; and he’d feed the notes of each subject to him. Pope was the brains of the pogues; he was the school scholar that wanted to go to an ivy league school, and I had no doubt in my mind he’d make it. But me; I was barely getting by. John B had the smarts like myself; his quick thinking. But would we amount to anything? Heck no. All that in mind; JJ had pushed the simple supplies of a notebook, a few pencils into his backpack. Using his hand he zipped it; as he heard the calling from the windows. 

“ JJ Man let’s go.” John b neither of his friends dared to stay inside especially when his dad’s truck was parked outside. He had pulled the strap of his bag over his shoulder. Taking his gray baseball cap he brought it to rest over his sandy blonde hair. A pair of shorts he wore; an an old white T-shirt, simple was all the teen did. He closed the door to his room and made his way through the small home. He paused when he saw his dad head facing down against the arm rest of the couch. Same old day; he was passed out probably from his work last night; or the money he managed to trick out of his so called buddies. I had to roll my eyes as I took the keys for the boat; for after school. Tucking the key into my shorts pocket. I had stepped through the swinging doors spotting Kie and Pope. Eyes moved to try to find our missing friend; the one I had heard inside. Ducking my head down; I had felt a pair of arms wrap around my neck from behind. “ Took you long enough.” John B, I had used my hands to push behind me; in order to push the male down. 

This was us; joking around; laughing on the walk to the dreadful day at school. I never cared what anyone thought; the pogues were my life. The only ones I truly cared about. The walk was a bit longer compared to figure 8, as we stepped onto the pavements we caught sight of the sport cars, of the fancy cars; you’d dream of riding in. I had to roll my eyes; just another day. Topper and Sarah and their crew were hanging out by the small wall before the stairs. We had shrugged our shoulders as we passed. Stepping one at a time on the stairs until we walked right into the building. 

Pope and Kie had walked the other way as John B and I did our hand shake an agreement to meet at next class; math my worse. I had science first; the male ducked his textbook under his arm as he walked the distance to the class. Cap blinding his eyes from making eye contact with anyone. He had found a spot in the third row; the desk in front of him as he placed his book down. His legs in front of him. Hand had moved to rest on the edge of the desk when he spotted the brunette from the sports car; a kook. Figures. To his surprise she was directed to sit next to him; oh great, cue the roll of his eyes. JJ had barely acknowledged her. “ Ah okay.” As if I was giving out my name to strangers; attention drawn to the teacher as if I intended on paying attention.