"Coral, wake up," Sarah whispered, shaking Coral's shoulder. Blinking awake she groaned as she sat up, "John B, I told you to wake me when it was my turn to drive," she chastised her brother looking up at the bright sun in the sky.
"I was okay. I figured I'd just let you sleep," he told her over his shoulder.
"Do you want me to take over now?" she asked standing from where she'd been laid out across the seats at the stern.
"No, we're coming into port," he replied, pointing towards the coast where she could see a city, "I think it's Charleston."
"Well, at least we'll be able to blend in there. How are you feelin Sarah? Did you sleep at all?" she asked.
"A little," Sarah replied.
Noticing a piece of John B's bandana tied around Sarah's neck Coral smiled, "Nice neckwear," she commented.
Fingering the bandana, Sarah smiled, "Thanks. It's my wedding band."
Laughing, Coral reached out and hugged her, "I'm so glad you're here."
"John B told me I have you to thank for that just as much as the doctor."
"Oh, no he performed, like, actual surgery on you. All I did was some chest compressions."
"Yeah, but when Doc gave up you're the one that kept going," John B spoke up as he steered the boat towards shore.
"Well, yeah, I would've done it for any of the Pogues."
Running aground John B had Coral take the wheel as he jumped overboard and sank the anchor into the beach. Taking the gas cans they'd found aboard Sarah handed them down to John B before letting him lift her off the boat.
Scoffing, Coral jumped down to the beach, "It's cool. I'll get down myself," she snarked as John B flipped her off.
Picking up one of the gas cans she followed behind John B and Sarah as they made their way up from the beach to the road, "Alright, we're gonna get some gas, find a phone, and get out of here," John B told them.
"And how exactly are we paying for gas?" Coral questioned.
"Don't worry about it. We'll figure it out," he answered.
Walking through the streets Coral was salivating over the sight and smell of food all around them, "John B, I'm so hungry right now."
Sighing, he nodded, "I know."
"There's an outdoor patio for that restaurant. Maybe we could get something there like at the hotel," Sarah suggested, pointing down the street.
Making their way to the patio John B told them to follow his lead before marching into the restaurant and knocking into one of the waiter's intentionally, "Oh gosh, I'm so sorry," John B apologized to the man the waiter spilled his drinks on.
Jumping to his feet the man immediately began to berate John B and the waiter for being clumsy.
Spotting the money clip sitting on the table Coral handed her gas can to Sarah before leaning over the table to speak to the woman with the man, "Oh my gosh, are you okay? My stupid brother didn't spill anything on you too, did he?" she questioned innocently.
"No, I'm fine," the woman snapped snottily.
Smiling Coral nodded, "Well, I'm glad and thank you. Have a blessed day," she told her before palming the money clip and turning back to Sarah.
Giving Saral a look the two girls headed out of the restaurant with John B not too far behind them as the man continued ranting about his $1700.00 jacket.
Once they were out of sight of the restaurant John B looked at Coral, "So?"
Pulling the money clip out of her pocket she smiled, "Was there any doubt I'd get it?"
Laughing, he took the money, "JJ, taught you well."
Stopping at a small gas station John B and Sarah placed their gas cans down, "You guys fill up. I'll get us food. How many hotdogs do you want?"
"I'll eat like ten," Coral responded as she pulled the gas nozzle out and stuck it into one of the gas containers.
"I could go for like a hundred," Sarah told him as she did the same with her own container.
Watching John B disappear inside Coral laughed, "You know I don't even like hotdogs but I swear I'd eat anything right now."
"I know. I don't think I've ever, shit," Sarah swore ducking behind the gas pump, "Get down," she whispered to Coral.
Ducking down Coral asked her what was wrong, "It's the couple from the restaurant," Sarah hissed pointing down the street.
"Shit! Mine's almost full," Coral whispered, putting her nozzle back and closing her container. "I'm almost there," Sarah told her as she continued to pump.
"Alright guys so they didn't have a hundred so I got," John B was saying as he came out of the store cutting himself off as he noticed the girls hiding and waving their arms at him pointing behind him.
Turning he made eye contact with the man from the restaurant, "Shit!" he swore as the man recognized him and started yelling.
Rushing to the gas pumps he handed two hotdogs to Coral before picking up her gas container and then Sarah's as she just finished screwing the cap on, "Run!" he exclaimed as they took off down the street with the man chasing after them.
"This man ain't giving up!" Coral yelled a few blocks into the chase.
"No shit! Come on!" John B yelled over his shoulder as they crossed another street.
Hearing tires screech she looked to the side to see a truck barreling around the corner towards them. Diving out of the way she managed to roll clear of the truck as it went flying past them.
Scrambling to her feet alongside Sarah and John B she looked down the street where the truck had gone, "I swear that was Heyward's truck."
"Maniac driver," Sarah said looking down the street.
"JJ," the twins said together.
"Hey, get back here!" the man from the restaurant yelled as he climbed to his feet from where another car behind the truck had almost hit him.
"Oh, okay, time to go," Sarah said as they took off running again.
Running a few more blocks Coral just about stumbled into John B as he made a sudden stop looking down the entrance of an alleyway, "What the fuck JB?" she questioned looking around him.
"Holy shit," she whispered, seeing Heyward's truck and JJ, Pope, and Kie running in the opposite direction.
"JJ!"
"Pope, Kie!"
"Guys!"
Not hearing them yelling they continued running the other way, "Come on we have to find them," John B told the girls glancing back at the man from the restaurant coming down the street towards them.
Nudging her brother Coral pointed out a tourist bike, used to take people around the city to show them the sights, parked on the sidewalk, "Get in," he told the girls as he climbed onto the bike and the girls got into the buggy.
"Hey, that's my bike!"
Speeding away from the owner of the bike and the man from the restaurant Coral called out, "Sorry!"
As John B drove the bike the girls yelled for Kie, Pope, and JJ, "Where did they go?"
"They can't be far," Coral replied.
And then suddenly they were there.
Running out in front of the bike from between two houses John B had just enough time to slam on the breaks before hitting them.
Seeing JJ's face again it was like time stood still as they stared at one another. She could feel her chest lighten up as tears sprang to her eyes. It was like everything was muted and all she could hear was his whispered, "Babygirl," before the rest of the world sprang back into focus.
"Come on!" John B yelled as they now had three people chasing them.
Squishing closer to Sarah Coral made room for Kie as JJ and Pope went behind the buggy and began pushing the bike to get it back to speed with so much weight on it now.
Once they were going fast enough the boys jumped onto the side of the buggy as John B steered them back to the beach where they'd left the boat.
As soon as John B stopped the bike on the road above the beach Coral was off and in JJ's arms laughing as he swung her around, "You're never going anywhere without me again," he told her, kissing her.
"Uhh, excuse me!" John B yelled, "As much as I love watching my little sister suck face in public, we're still running from people," he reminded them, handing the gas cans down to Pope on the beach.
Breaking away from JJ, Coral flipped him off, "Shut the hell up."
Laughing John B jumped down to the beach as JJ and Coral followed him.
After filling the boat with the gas, Pope and JJ pushed them off the beach back into the deeper water before climbing aboard. Steering the boat back out to the open water John B headed towards home.
"Why were you guys in Charleston?" John B questioned as he drove.
"Oh man, this Limbrey chick invited me to talk about the Merchant and then starts grilling me about some key," Pope told them.
"A key?"
"I don't know," he said, pulling out a piece of paper and handing it to Coral. Opening the paper she looked at the picture of an old key, "Did she say what it was for?"
"Just that it was Denmark Tanny's key and it leads to some cross. I think she said the cross of Santo Domingo. Then she said something about how the real treasure lies at the foot of the angel," he replied with a shrug taking the paper back from Coral.
"Weird," Kie muttered.
"She sounds crazy AF," JJ commented.
"Yeah, well crazy or not she has a tape that could exonerate John B."
"What?"
"Yeah, she has a tape of Gavin, the pilot, saying it was Rafe who killed Peterkin. So it may be a good idea to find this key and trade for it," Pope told them.
"It could clear you, JB."
Glancing at his sister, John B nodded, "We'll figure it out when we get home."
"So, uh, what happened to you three?" Kie questioned.
"Well we had the gold."
"And then we lost the gold."
"And then Rafe shot Sarah."
"Some sketchy doctor and Coral saved her life."
"I just did CPR."
"Then a local girl, Cleo, helped us escape."
"And here we are," Coral finished with a small shrug.
"I'm sorry. Did you say Rafe shot you?" Kie exclaimed.
"It's not the first time he's shot someone," JJ muttered as Sarah nodded.
"Thank you for that, JJ, but yes my brother shot me."
"Are you like, okay?" Pope asked.
"I mean it doesn't tickle," she responded, "It hurts like hell."
"Oh, I've got something for that," JJ announced, pulling the bag he had on his back off his shoulders.
"Is that my bookbag?" Coral asked.
"Yeah, I needed a new bag since you had mine," he told her as he dug through the bag, "Found it!" he exclaimed, pulling out his weed container.
"Lets light it up Pogue style!"
Later that night Coral sat curled with JJ up in the hawks nest of the boat as Pope took his turn driving through the night, "How have you really been?" JJ whispered.
"Tired, hungry, scared, missing you," she replied, kissing him.
"I got something for you," he told her while digging in his bag again, "Tommy was working so he let me fill them for you," he told her, pulling out a bottle and handing it to her.
Smiling at the bottle of her prescription of anxiety medicine she giggled, "You know girls prefer flowers over medication."
"I was worried about you not having it with everything going on."
"I've been okay. Sarah getting shot was a bit crazy. After the adrenaline wore off I pretty much cried till I fell asleep," she admitted, "This is helping," she told him lifting her hand with the ring he gave her.
Taking her hand he kissed her finger, "I thought you were dead," he whispered.
"I'm not. We still have our year and two months."
"I want it right now. I want to be married to you. I don't want to ever be without you again. You're it for me, Coralina."
Smiling, she kissed him, "You're it for me too JJ. Then we're married. You're my husband, my everything. We'll make it official the day you turn eighteen, but as far as we're concerned now I'm Coralina Maybank."
"Coralina Maybank? I like it," he said kissing her again, "You should get some sleep Mrs. Maybank," he told her.
Giggling she tucked herself into his chest laying her head on his shoulder, "Good night hubby," she teased.
Squeezing her he kissed her forehead, "Good night wifey," he whispered back.
"I'm freaking starving," Kie complained the next morning as they continued their way back home the next morning, "Maybe we could stop at one of these docks and see if there's like fruit trees or something?" she questioned hopefully.
"Worth a shot," John B decided, steering the boat towards the closest dock.
"We'll go see what we can find," Coral told the boys as she and Kie climbed out of the boat and jumped to the dock once JJ had tied them off. "I'll help," Sarah said as she too climbed out.
"You don't want us to help?"
"Nah, if we find someone, three innocent girls may have better luck scoring some food then you boys," Coral replied.
"Yeah, well, the innocent girls is what bothers me," JJ responded.
"I know how to take care of myself. You taught me how," she reminded him, blowing him a kiss, "Someone should probably wake Pope up before he burns in the sun," she called over her shoulder as the three girls walked off.
"So, what are we looking for?" Sarah questioned.
"Anything!" Kie and Coral exclaimed at the same time, "It just has to be edible," Coral added as they made their way through the tall grass.
"So, I heard you and JJ whispering to each other last night," Kie commented as they walked, "Heard something along the lines of Coralina Maybank."
Smiling, Coral nodded, "We'll make it official the day he turns eighteen, but yeah to us we're married. I think as soon as he gave me this," she said, holding up her hand flashing her ring, "Just like John B giving Sarah a piece of our dad's bandana. It's the symbolism."
"Wait, what?" Kie questioned, looking at Sarah.
Fingering the bandana around her neck Sarah smiled, "It's my wedding band," she confirmed.
"Guys, it looks like there's a garden or something over there," Coral said, hurrying towards an area fenced off.
Climbing over the fence Coral and Kie began gathering cherry tomatoes, popping them in their mouth as they plucked them, "Oh, my God they're so good," Coral moaned, dumping a handful into Sarah's hand.
"Oh, jackpot!" Kie exclaimed, bending over and lifting a watermelon into the air in triumph.
"Shit! Break that bitch open!"
"Holy shit," Sarah mumbled as she stuffed her face with watermelon. Sitting on the ground outside of the garden the girls were scooping watermelon out with their fingers.
"So, you guys got married too?" Kie questioned around a mouthful of watermelon.
"Well, it's not exactly legal either, but yeah," Sarah replied with a smile.
"How do you know? That you're gonna be together forever," Kie clarified.
Glancing at Sarah, Coral shrugged, "You just do."
"When you were gone JJ was bad," Kie said, looking at Coral, "Like I've seen him go off the rails before, but this was different. It was like a part of him died with you."
Blinking back tears Coral sighed, "I hate that I did that to him."
"You didn't do anything to him," Sarah said, "Ward caused all of this."
Nodding, Coral looked over at Kie, "So, is it me or am I picking up a vibe between you and Pope?"
"Nice subject change," Kie responded, sarcastically, "But, yeah, maybe," she answered with a shrug.
"That's not a no," Coral laughed as all three girls broke out in giggles.
Once they finished their own watermelon Coral and Kie carried a watermelon each back to the boat where the boys were waiting, "We got your breakfast," Kie declared handing over her watermelon to Pope.
While the boys ate Coral maneuvered the boat back out to the water and continued their journey home.
Catching sight of the familiar coastline Coral sniffled as she wiped tears from her cheeks, "There it is," she whispered, catching her brother's attention.
"We made it home," he said, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and giving her a squeeze.
"Welcome home, guys."
Pulling away from her brother Coral hugged JJ as John B pulled the boat up to the dock and Pope jumped out to tie them off, "I can't believe we made it," she said, stepping back and staring up at The Chateau.
Making their way out of the boat and up the dock Kie sighed, "You know I'm not exactly looking forward to a check in at home," she said, leaning against the dock railing, "My parents have probably already arranged my funeral."
"I also predict unpleasantries at the Heyward household after leaving the truck in Charleston," Pope added.
"Well, you know, no one knows we're here," JJ reminded them, "And you two aren't gonna get into any more trouble for showing up twelve hours later. Am I right?"
"You're not wrong," Pope admitted.
"So, that means we have twelve hours to do whatever we want. A little Pogue fellowship. How does that sound?"
"Let the shit hit the fan tomorrow," Coral agreed with a nod.
"The cops could be looking for us. It could be really stupid," Sarah spoke up, frowning.
"Sarah Cameron, you've heard of my philosophy right?" JJ questioned, slinging his arm around Coral, "Stupid things have good outcomes all the time," he and Coral said together, "So, who's with me? Let's get some beer!" he called over his shoulder as he and Coral headed up to the house.
"Before we do anything, I need a shower," Coral declared.
"Me too," Sarah spoke up.
"Me three," John B chimed in.
"So, what I'm hearing is we need to conserve water? Got it," JJ laughed, scooping Coral up in his arms and running into the house.
"I swear to God!" John B yelled, "Other people have to use that shower!" rolling his eyes when all he heard was his sister's laughter.
"As much as I've missed you," Coral laughed, "I need to get clean first," she told JJ as he set her down in the bathroom, "I haven't had a proper shower in almost two weeks. In fact, I'm gonna burn these clothes," she decided looking down at her dirty blood stained clothes.
"I know. We have all night for that," JJ replied as he started the shower, "I'm just gonna shower real quick and then let you to it. I'll take these clothes out to the fire pit," he told her as he slowly pulled her shirt over her head.
Stepping out of the shower, Coral sighed as she wrapped a towel around herself. It felt good to be clean again. Opening the door she yelled out for Sarah and John B that the shower was free before walking down the hall to her bedroom.
Smiling at the boy lounging on her bed she closed and locked her bedroom door before dropping her towel. Raising his eyebrow he smirked as she walked over to the bed and climbed on top of him straddling him, "I'm all clean," she told him.
Running a hand up her smooth thigh he grabbed her around the waist before clipping her to her back. Squealing, Coral laughed as he attacked her neck, "God, I missed you," he whispered against her ear.
"You know I feel like you're very overdressed for the welcome home party I had in mind," Coral told him as she grabbed at his t-shirt. Scrambling up he threw his t-shirt to one side before dropping his shorts, "Better?" he questioned.
"Getting there, but I think I'd feel the best if you were over here licking certain things if you know what I mean," she replied, laughing as he immediately jumped on the bed with her.
"Geez, you should think I'm dead more often," Coral muttered as she clung to JJ after her third orgasm. Pulling back to look down at her he shook his head, "Don't say that. You have no idea what that was like," he told her, pushing her sweaty hair off her face.
"Kie said it was bad for you."
Moving slowly off of her he shifted to her side wrapping her in his arms, "When Shoupe told us they'd lost you I flipped out and tried to hit him. I was so angry. It was like a part of me was ripped away and I didn't know what to do. Anytime I thought about you and John B it was like I couldn't breathe."
Stroking his face she leaned up and kissed him, "You can breathe now, Baby. I'm not going anywhere."
"Yo! If you're done being gross with my sister we voted on a surf trip to start off our day of debauchery!" John B yelled through the door as he banged on it.
"Our day of debauchery has already started!" Coral yelled back.
"That's disgusting!" her brother yelled back, "We leave in ten!"
Rolling out of bed Coral grabbed a bikini and shorts and dressed while JJ yanked his shorts on and picked up his shirt, "By the way you're cleaning this room," she told wrinkling her nose at the mess of beer bottles on her nightstand.
"Of course my love," he responded, opening the door, stopping short at Sarah on the other side getting ready to knock, "Well hello."
"Hi, uh, John B told me to ask you if you had, like, a bathing suit I could borrow."
"Oh, sure. Here, take your pick," Coral told her pointing to her basket of bathing suits, "We'll meet you outside," she said as she and JJ continued back outside.
Grabbing their boards Coral, JJ, Pope, and Kie headed off down to the beach while John B stayed back and waited for Sarah, "Does anyone know where the Twinkie is?" Coral asked as they walked.
"Pretty sure it's under police protection," Pope responded.
"We need to find a way to get it back because walking sucks."
Getting to the beach they dropped their towels and stripped down to just their bathing suits before taking off into the water with their boards. Straddling their boards the four sat waiting for John B and Sarah.
"You guys should've seen the rollers down in the Bahamas," Coral told them, "I'd love to go back under different circumstances of course."
"Pogue style family vacation," Kie laughed.
"Yes! I'm telling you the culture down there was everything. The street stands alone I could spend days exploring."
"We can go there on our honeymoon."
"I'd be down for that," Coral told JJ smiling.
"Yo, what are you doing just sitting there?" John B yelled from the shore as he and Sarah ran into the ocean.
After spending the day out on the water the group walked back to The Chateau. Dropping their boards off they took the HMS Pogue down into town to one of the island stores that looked the other way to underage drinking.
Pulling up to the dock JJ helped Coral out of the boat before they headed into Geechie's, "What should we get?" she questioned stopping to look at the cases of beer.
"Cheapest shit we can," he replied pointing to a case of Natural Light.
Grabbing two cases they took it up to pay, "Coral? Holy shit! We thought you were dead."
Smiling at Peeler behind the counter, Coral put her fingers to her lips, "Shhh, it's a secret. Don't tell anyone you saw me."
Handing JJ his change, Peeler nodded, "Of course. Pogues don't rat other Pogues out," she responded with a wink. Laughing, Coral waved over her shoulder, "Thanks Peeler," she called as they left the store.
"Probably not a good idea to be out in public," Coral said as they walked back down to the HMS where the others were waiting. "Too late now," JJ remarked before throwing his case of beer to John B.
Handing her case to Pope she jumped in while JJ untied them from the dock so they could head back to The Chateau. Turning the outside lantern lights on Kie cranked her bluetooth as JJ got the hot tub going.
Digging through JJ's bag, Coral pulled out his supply of weed and rolling papers, "You got that Babygirl?" he questioned walking over with a beer.
"You taught me how," she responded, licking it shut before putting it in her mouth and lighting it with his lighter. Inhaling she held the smoke in as she stood up and exhaled into his mouth.
Wrapping his arm around her waist he tugged her closer and kissed her, "You ready for round two of our welcome home celebration?" he muttered against her lips.
"Fuck yeah. Kie! Take this!" Coral yelled, holding out the joint. Taking it from Coral, Kie looked at her confused, "You don't want it?" she asked.
Squealing when JJ picked her up, throwing her over his shoulder Coral laughed, "Nah, I want something else right now," she called as JJ headed towards the house.
"Oh hell!" Kie groaned.
After a second round in the bedroom Coral and JJ headed back outside where the others were laughing in the hot tub together. Whooping JJ lifted her into the hot tub before jumping in beside her, "Pogue style!" he yelled, grabbing a beer and toasting John B.
"You're really gonna pretend like you weren't just in there doing unforgivable things to my sister?"
"Oh, John B, they're in love and married. Leave them alone," Sarah told the boy as she saluted JJ and Coral with her beer.
"So, it's official?"
Sitting down in the hot tub JJ pulled Coral onto his lap, "It is," he confirmed wrapping his arms around her.
"I guess congrats are in order then," John B conceded as he also toasted the couple.
"Right back at you," JJ said, looking between John B and Sarah.
"To marriage be it legal or not," Coral declared.
"To friendship," Pope toasted.
"To the Pogues!" Kie chimed in.
"To being home," John B added with a smile.
"Hallelujah!" JJ cried.
"It's like a weight has been lifted off of him," Kie commented later as she and Coral sat around the fire together as they watched JJ and Pope wrestling with each other.
"We're all gonna be okay as long as we stick together," Coral responded, "How bad is it gonna be, really, when you go home?"
"They;re talking boarding school," Kie admitted.
"Shit!"
"Yep."
"Alright, I'm out," Pope declared after wrestling JJ to the ground.
"Uh, oh, did you have one too many beers?" JJ teased as Pope walked off down towards the water.
Humming, Kie stood up, "Don't wait up," she told Coral before heading in the direction Pope went.
"Really!" Coral laughed.
"Way to be discreet!" JJ called.
"You're one to talk," John B said as Sarah laughed next to him.
"True," JJ conceded before pulling Coral up, "Let's dance Babygirl."
Dancing around the yard Coral was laughing hysterically at JJ's over exaggerated dance moves, "You're so ridiculous," she said as he twirled her around.
Catching sight of a carving on the tree Coral stopped and focused on the area that had been carved away with both John B and her name carved into the tree, "Did you do this?" she questioned when JJ stood next to her.
Staring at the memorial for the twins they'd made he nodded, "P4L, Pogues for life. I tattooed it on my ankle along with your name," he told her.
Tracing the lettering on the tree she turned and hugged him, "I love you."
"I love you too," he told her, wrapping his arms around her.
"Cute art project," John B commented walking up behind the two, "You probably killed the tree though."
Laughing, the three looked at the tree, "Yeah, probably," JJ agreed.
Looking at John B, JJ smiled, "I freaking missed you man," he admitted letting go of Coral and hugging his best friend,
"I missed you too," John B replied, squeezing JJ.
Sniffling the boys let go of each other; John B grabbing a beer and heading back to the fire with Sarah as JJ wrapped an arm back around Coral.
"You two are like my favorite bromance," she teased walking back to the fire with him.
"Shut up," he replied as she laughed. Hearing the HMS Pogue pulling away from the dock JJ let out a whoop, "All right!"
"Have a good time!" Sarah called, watching Kie and Pope driving away in the boat.
"He jacked your boat, bro."
"Probably learned that shit from you and Coral," John B replied, "Pope's poking in the Pogue," he muttered rolling his eyes.
Laughing, Coral cut herself off when she heard a car door, "Guys, guys," she shushed John B and JJ as she turned the Bluetooth off, "I swear I heard something," she told them looking out into the dark.
"All I hear are the chickens," JJ stated as he began to cluck. Putting her hand over his mouth she told him to be quiet, "JB, I heard something," she insisted.
Nodding, John B told JJ to help her and Sarah climb the tree as he kicked dirt over the fire pit. Hurrying to the tree, JJ gave her a boost up. Scrambling up into the branches Sarah followed her up with JJ right behind her.
Climbing up and around Sarah, JJ settled himself on the branch with Coral, "Who do you think it is?" he whispered as John B climbed up into the tree with them.
"Shhhh," she shushed him as Rafe stepped into the backyard. Sucking in a breath at the sight of the boy who had killed the sheriff holding a gun Coral grabbed JJ's hand.
"Where did you go?" Rafe questioned looking around the yard.
Flinching at the sound of glass breaking inside the house Coral bit her lip as Barry flung the porch door open and stomped his way into the backyard.
"Yo, you find anything?" Rafe asked.
"No, nothing," Barry responded.
"They were obviously just here based off the smoke!" Rafe yelled pointing to the fire pit.
"Great observation, Boy Scout."
"I'm just saying they're obviously not far. They're around here somewhere," Rafe said angrily as he circled the yard, stopping in front of the tree they hid in as he stared at the words carved into the tree.
"P4L," Barry read over Rafe's shoulder, "Yo, you need to let that girl go," he said, slapping Rafe on the shoulder, "And your sister looks like she's a Pogue for life too."
"Don't talk about Coralina," Rafe warned, lifting the gun he held.
Laughing, Barry rolled his eyes, "You think that girl is gonna give you the time of day? Shit, you're stupider than I thought, Country Club. Same with your sister."
From where Coral sat up in the tree she could see a noticeable change come over Rafe as he turned back to look once again at the tree with her, John B, and Sarah's names carved into it.
"Shit!" he yelled, raising the gun and firing at the tree.
Whimpering, Coral stared wide eyed at JJ when he put his hand over her mouth as Rafe continued firing at the tree.
"Yo, calm down, Bro!" Barry yelled, grabbing Rafe's arm causing bullets to fly in their direction.
Closing her eyes she felt JJ flinch back pulling her with him as a bullet hit the branch in front of them.
"Chill your shit out!" Barry was yelling below them, "You're gonna get our asses caught! Let's go!" he said, pushing Rafe out of the yard.
Breathing heavily, JJ shifted to look at the bullet hole in the branch not even a foot away from them, "Holy shit," he whispered, "Are you okay?" he questioned wiping Coral's tears away.
"I think so," she breathed out.
"What do we do?" Sarah whispered.
"They could come back," JJ said as John B began to climb down out of the tree.
"We'll stay in the work shed," he decided, helping Sarah down, "At least until Kie and Pope get back with the Pogue."
"They could be gone for a while. Kie said don't wait up," Coral told them as JJ helped her down.
"Great, Pope's finally getting some and we're getting shot at," JJ muttered.
Coral tried to sleep while JJ and John B said they'd stay awake waiting for Kie and Pope to get back or even for Barry and Rafe to return but it was near impossible. Every little sound from outside would make her jump awake.
Hearing a boat pull up early the next morning JJ peaked around the door, "It's Kie and Pope," he announced taking Coral's hand and leading her out of the shed, "Finally," he muttered as they hurried down the dock where Kie was tying the Pogue off.
"Yo, no! Don't tie up, we have to go!" JJ yelled down to Kie.
"What?"
"We're dipping," JJ replied. "Rafe knows we're here," Coral told them, jumping into the boat along with JJ.
"Where were you guys?" John B questioned as he helped Sarah down to the boat, "We were up all night waiting for you."
"We slept on the break," Pope answered.
"Yeah slept," JJ snorted.
Ignoring JJ, Pope questioned how Rafe knew they were there, "Don't know but we gotta get the hell out of here," John B replied, taking a hold of the wheel and steering the boat back the way Pope had come from.
Anchoring the Pogue the friends waded through the shallow water settling down on the grass around the break, "So, if Rafe and Barry know when it's only a matter of time before everyone knows," Kie reasoned out.
"I told you, we should've gone South," JJ said as paced.
"I know. I know," John B said, running his hands over his face tiredly.
"I have an idea," Sarah spoke up, "With me back my dad's gonna have to choose between me and Rafe."
"Sarah," John B began before she cut him off.
"He's gonna choose me," she insisted.
"Sarah, please listen," John B pleaded, "Ward keeps lying to you, Sarah."
"He's not gonna agree after everything that's happened," Coral spoke up.
"No, I know it sounds crazy."
"Yeah, it does," Coral snapped.
"I know!" Sarah cried, "But he's my dad and I know him. And I know that he loves me. I'm just asking for two hours," she told them, looking around at them all.
Getting to her feet when Kie shrugged Sarah walked towards where the Pogue was waiting. Throwing his hands in the air JJ walked away as John B called out to Sarah and jogged after her.
Getting to her feet, Coral followed after JJ, "Hey," she called after him.
Pausing to wait for her to catch up he took her hand and continued into the nearby trees, "This is a mistake," he said as they sat down against a tree together.
"I know, but he's her dad. She's not gonna see him the same way we do," Coral replied leaning her head against his shoulder.
"I know you didn't sleep last night," JJ whispered, "Take a nap, Babygirl." Laying down Coral placed her head in his lap drifting off to sleep as he stroked her hair.
"Guys, Sarah's back!" Kie called from the tree line causing Coral to blink awake.
"How long was she gone?"
"Not that long," JJ answered as he helped her up, "So, that either means it went really well or really bad," he said as they hurried back to the beach.
"Sarah!" Kie called waving.
"How did it go?" John B asked helping Sarah out of the boat as JJ anchored it to the beach.
"You guys were right," she admitted, "It didn't work."
"Well, then that settles it then. We need to load up in the paddy wagon and get the heck out of dodge right now," JJ said.
"Right, you'll need supplies and you'll have to split as soon as possible," Pope agreed.
"Guys, I think it's too late," Kie stated, staring out towards the water.
Whipping around at the sound of police sirens Coral gasped at the sight of several police boats coming their way, "They followed you here!"
"Stay on the beach with your hands in the air!"
Digging into his bookbag JJ pulled out his gun, "Let's go!" he yelled, grabbing Coral's hand and yanking her behind him.
Running through the surrounding woods Coral looked back to find her brother helping Sarah who was clutching her bullet wound.
"She can't run like this," she whispered as JJ pulled her through the marsh grass. Stumbling down an embankment they hit a body of marsh water, "Swim!" JJ told her as he let go of her hand to help Sarah down into the water.
Swimming after Kie and Pope, Coral could hear the others splashing behind her along with police yelling in the distance, "Come on!" Pope said, helping her out of the water when they made it to the other side.
Grabbing her hand Kie ran up the embankment and pulled her down behind a tree to wait for the others, "We're trapped," Coral realized as the police were following them across the marshwater and coming in from behind them too, "JB, what do we do?"
"We gotta make a stand," JJ said taking his bandana out he began wiping his gun off taking the clip out to get the water out of it.
Watching John B's face Coral knew what he was going to do, "No," she whispered, "No JB!"
Swallowing, John B looked at her, "I have to Coralina." Taking the gun from JJ, John B shook his head, dropping it to the ground, "It's gonna be alright. Take care of my sister," he told his best friend.
"Here we go," John B whispered, stepping away with his hands up as JJ kicked dirt over the fallen gun.
Crying Coralina let go of Kie and stood up next to JJ, "Don't Coral," John B warned her before he turned to face the police, "Shoupe, I want to testify," he called to the officer.
"It's about damn time. Get down and don't move," Shoupe ordered, "The rest of you don't move."
Going to his knees John B kept his hands raised, "I'm turning myself in. The other's had nothing to do with anything. My sister, Shoupe, she goes free. She didn't do anything wrong."
"Neither did he!" Coral cried, stepping forward, halting as several guns swung her way.
"Coralina, don't you move," Shoupe told her, "Thomas, cuff him and get him up."
Grabbing John B roughly, Officer Thomas yanked him up before throwing him back to the ground, "Stop!" Coral screamed alongside the rest of her friends. Watching as Thomas kicked her brother over and over Coralina rushed forward only to be caught by the arm by Officer Plumb.
Screaming Coral swung around balling her fist up and connecting with the officer's cheek. Grabbing her face Plumb let go of Coral who took that moment to charge Thomas and shove him away from her brother, "What the fuck is the matter with you! He's innocent!"
Feeling arms come around her she immediately started screaming as she was wrestled to the ground and handcuffed.
"Get the fuck off of her!"
"Let her go!"
"They didn't do anything!"
"You're just gonna let this shit go, Shoupe!"
Crying as she watched Thomas lift her brother to his feet and then punch him straight in the face Coral felt the bile rising in her throat. Not being able to get up with the knee pressing into her back she threw up out of the side of her mouth choking and gagging.
"Get off of her! She's fucking choking! Let her up!" JJ yelled as Coral continued to gag on the group, "Shoupe!"
"She's not faking! She's got anxiety!"
Feeling the person move off her back she was yanked up to her feet where she began to dry heave.
"I can help her! Damn it Shoupe!"
"Let him go! Let him go!" she heard Shoupe yelling and then JJ was there in front of her.
"Coral, Baby, I need you to breathe," he told her, grabbing her face and forcing her to look at him.
"He didn't do anything!" she cried.
"I know! I know, and we'll prove it, but I need you to calm down, you're making yourself sick," he said, using his shirt to wipe her face.
Feeling the handcuffs unlock from around her wrists Coral's knees buckled causing her to collapse into JJ's arms.
"Take her home," she heard Shoupe say from behind them.