Shadow_Writer

It's a long walk to the marina, especially during the heat of summer, and when your skateboard decides to snap right after paying your bills.

All the kooks are living it up in their fancy clubs with reliable air conditioning, pampered cushions, and specially made drinks makes me sick. They live a completely controlled life, knowing everything they want and having it all before they become a legal adult. They'd never know what a struggle is if it hit them in the face.

I wipe a bead of sweat as I get to the docks, giving a nod to Nigel, the owner, as I made my way inside the shack, giving a few hellos to those around me and disappearing behind the employees only door to get my shit together before I start my shift.

After setting my bag down and swapping my shoes out for an older pair, I head back onto the docs, it's mostly yachts but there are a few other boats around, mostly speed boats but we do have a couple fishermen docked. I looked at the list of boats we had, a lot of them still needed to be cleaned so I got to it.

I've spent most of my life on these docks, before I started school my dad would bring me here to watch me since we couldn't afford a sitter. He'd give me small tasks, so I'd feel helpful and stay out of his way while he did repairs. And after I turned 14, I was given a part-time position since I already had been doing the work forever.

Around 3 hours have past when I finished the last yacht, the owners, or more likely the owners' kids, had thrown a party on it and left the mess for someone else *cough* me, to clean up. Again.

The summer sun was beating down on my back as I threw the last bag of garbage away. Then I saw a familiar red and black boat at the far end of the docks. I rolled my eyes as Topper stepped off and looked around the marina. I turned my back to him and made my way to the next boat on my list.

I started scrubbing the hull when I felt a tug on my arm. I quickly looked up and saw Topper there, looking around quickly before pulling me along with him.

"What the hell" I said, attempting to pull myself away.

"Just shut up," he paused, getting quieter, "I need your help."

"You what?" I asked, pretending to not hear, those had to be the best words I've heard from a kook's mouth.

"I need your help." he said, stopping and looking at me, quickly looking over to where a group of people stood and pulling me further, so we were behind another boat. He dropped his arm and held his hands up. "Please, no tricks this time, I swear it."

"And what do I get out of this exchange? Hell, what is it you even want me to do." I said, crossing my arms and looking him up and down.

"I'll give you 2000 dollars." He sighs, running his fingers through his blonde hair. "Or more, I don't care, but I need your help and you can't let anyone else know."

I sighed, looking down and thinking about the offer, 2000 is a lot of money and there can't be much that he wants from me, and keeping a secret for him- a kook, oh this could be fun.

I smirked, "Ok, but make it 2200 or no deal." Topper looked down and shook his head, "Fine, whatever just c'mon." He grabbed my arm again.

"Hey- I can walk just fine." I said loudly. A hand quickly covered my mouth "Quiet, nobody else can know about this."

I threw his hand off my face quickly. "Fine whatever," I wiped my arm over my mouth, "ewh, did you even wash your hands today."

I received a scoff in return as we kept walking to his boat.

"Soooo, what's the issue" I asked.

"I don't know." Topper said, standing and crossing his arms. "Uhm, it can't really get on plane, I've only used it a few times."

I looked up at him and rolled my eyes, "Alright," I sighed, "I'll take a looksie."

"So, you fucked up the drive shaft for starters." I said, removing the cover, "At least that's most likely what you did if you can't get on plane."

"Yea okay so can you fix it." Topper asked, pacing slightly.

"Well yea, I'm not stupid but if I'm doing all this by myself then I may need to take it out the water, and you'll have to leave the marina since you're an unpaid guest." I looked around the engine block for any other issues. "And your temp gauge is broken so I'll have to fix that too."

I looked up to where Topper stood as he stared down at me, the sun behind him so it was hard to see his face.

He seemed to roll his eyes and turn his body away. "Yea ok, just meet me at my place tomorrow morning. I need this done before 3 p.m."

I nodded, "Sir yes sir" climbing out of the boat and walking back to the one I was cleaning before.

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I sat on my bed; my hair still wet from my shower as I attempted to towel dry it. After I stood up to put the towel away, I heard a knock on my door. Nobody really comes this deep into the cut so I wasn't sure who it could be.

I open the door to fine Kiara waiting for me.

"Hey y/n/n, we got a small bonfire tonight, you coming?" she asked.

"I dunno, I have a lot to do tomorrow." I sighed, leaning against the door. "And I'm comfy as fuck right now" I gestured to my loose top and shorts I sleep in.

"Well, you can come in that, it'll be fun~" she giggled, grabbing my arm. "And it's only a couple of people, and it'll be dark, so nobody cares."

I sighed, "Alright fine, fine, let me just grab my phone and shoes."

"Ok. We got the twinkie here, so hurry it up." she said while walking backwards to the van.

I threw on a pair of vans and grabbed my side bag, throwing my phone inside along with my wallet and keys before heading out the door, locking it behind me.

JJ was sitting in the back, having a blunt rolled already, leaving the twinkie filled with the smoke.

"Want a turn?" he asked.

"When have I smoked JJ." I asked

He rolled his eyes in return, "More for us then." and passed it to John B.

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It was just five of us around the fire, but I should've known that wasn't going to last. A large group of pouges showed up, filling the beach side within an hour.

And not long after we got the tourons, all the kids on their vacations trying to fit in with the locals. Bunch of dweebs and I don't know why they show up half the time.

It is surprising that no kooks have shown up, but I don't plan to speak that into existence just yet.

I sit with my back against some driftwood, a drink in my hand as I watch everyone mingle.

Kiara is talking with some tourons about plastic usage, John B is handing out the drinks and flirting with girls while Pope stands beside him, a couple of chicks attempt a conversation, but he mentions something about his autopsy dreams and they walk off and JJ is swarmed by women in small bikinis, his dream come true.

Pretty soon a couple of fancy trucks and jeeps are driving down the beach. A bunch of people start making random sounds as they park not far away.

I recognize most of them, Rafe, Kelce, Anthony, and others, and then I see the blonde from this afternoon, Topper, he looks at me before quickly looking away and grabbing a beer, joining his friends.

I take another sip from my drink when I feel someone stop Infront of me, sand being pushed onto my leg. I look up, seeing a face I've never seen before standing in front of me. A touron. Great.

"Hi" I said, giving him a fake smile as I finish what's left in my cup.

"You know, finishing your drink is typically a signal for 'I'm ready for my next bad decision.'" He spoke, "Names, Kaden."

I internally rolled my eyes, what a name. "Well, I thought it meant I'm done."

"Depends on who you're around, and now I'm here." he smirked, holding his arms out like he did something impressive. "I could get you another."

"I think I'm just fine." I nodded. Instead of giving up he moved beside me, leaning back on the log and looking over at me while I stayed looking forwards. "You're in my space." I said, looking over at him.

"Oh baby, I could be all in your space." He placed an arm over my shoulder, "Just stop playing so hard to get."

"Oh, believe me I would never." I looked back at the bonfire, everyone too focused on other things to notice what's going on over here. I felt a hand on my thigh, and he started playing with the edge of my shorts.

"So, you want to get away from here or what?" he leaned in, "We could start something tonight, make it until the morning."

"Ya'know I think I will take another drink," I stood up, allowing his hand to fall to the sand, and continued walking, hoping he either doesn't follow I'll lose him in the crowd.

But it seems that the latter is hopefully going to happen as I hear his footsteps approach, along with his voice.

"C'mon now, I could get it." He offered again, grabbing ahold of my wrist now.

Well, maybe I could lose him while he does that, John B does like to mess with people when handing out the drinks. I looked up into his eyes, giving my most sincere smile. "That actually sounds amazing," I placed my hand on his shoulder. "No ice please."

"I'll be right back then." He smirked, walking off. I rolled my eyes and quickly walked to the other side of the fire, people were in bigger groups here.

However tonight really isn't my night because not 5 minutes later I feel a tap on my shoulder. I shut my eyes tight before turning around and looking at Kaden, a drink in hand.

"Thanks" I nodded, grabbing the cup but before I could do anything else, someone bumped into my, making me spill the drink down my shirt.

"Oh god, I'm so sorry y/n." I looked up from my soaked chest and saw Topper looking back at me. "Here let me help with that." He took off the jacket he had on and wrapped it over my shoulders.

"Thanks." I said, trying not to be annoyed. that I was now soaked.

Topper then looked over at Kaden, who had a pissed off look on his face. "Sorry man, didn't realize that you guys were standing here."

"No hard feelings." Kaden said, trying not to sound upset, he was shorter than Topper, so he had to look up a little.

"Hey, I got an extra shirt in my jeep, let's go get it." Topper said, placing a hand on my lower back and guiding me towards the vehicles.

"What the hell was that." I whispered, continuing to walk.

"He put something in that drink." Topper responded, "and he seemed pushy when you were sitting over there."

My mind froze for a second, Topper, a golden boy kook, doing something nice, for me? A pouge? How surprising.

We got to his jeep, and he opened the back door, there was a shirt there, definitely worn before but it's not dirty. I looked over my shoulder, Topper was still standing there.

"Do you mind?" I asked, well not really asked, but I wasn't taking my shirt off in front of him.

"Right sorry." He turned around, looking back at the fire while I took my shirt off and I didn't have a bra on either. I grabbed the shirt, attempting to turn it the right way before I realized it was inside out.

"What the heck man." I mumbled to myself.

"What's wron-" Topper cut himself off, I giggled slightly, knowing he looked over his shoulder.

"Nothin." I laughed, sliding the shirt over my head, fixing it a little before turning around. It was long, almost covering my shorts entirely. "I'll bring you the shirt tomorrow. Thanks."

I walked off, deciding it would be best to just leave now instead of hanging around any longer.

"Hey, wait, let me take you home, it's dark and that creep might still be around."

I looked over at the fire, spotting Kaden immediately. "Yea, please." I nodded, turning back to the jeep. Topper opened the door and let me use his hand to get myself in. It might have surprised me more than anything tonight.

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The drive felt like forever, mostly because of the silence. Other than the few directions I gave, but Topper put my address on his gps which made it easier.

"After tomorrow this nicety nice stuff goes away, right?" I asked. Honestly, I'm not sure what I want the answer to be.

"Well, you stay in the cut, and I stay in figure 8 so, probably." Topper responded, looking at the map for a moment and making the last turn. He stopped Infront of my house, well, shack. I could feel his judgement but it's fine.

"See you in the morning then." I said, grabbing my soaked clothes and getting out. I grabbed the keys out my bag and unlocked the door, Topper was still parked Infront of my house, so I gave him a small wave and entered my house. Not long after I heard him drive off.

I sighed, noticing the, several, empty bottles of beer on the table before hearing the loud snores from my drunk mother. Great.

I quietly walk past and successfully get into my room without waking her like last time, I didn't leave my house for about a week after that, everyone just thought I had the flu.

I quickly changed my shorts into ones that didn't smell like beer and laid in bed, slowly falling asleep, ready for the morning that is to come.

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The alarm on my phone went off and I was quick to turn it off. I didn't hear any movement, and it was around 5 a.m. so I doubt anyone is up just yet.

I threw on my bikini, then a pair of shorts and a top I rather liked, then finished my morning routine and slowly walked to the door with a bag of tools and parts. I looked at the couch but only saw the bottles. There was some movement in the kitchen, so I quickly looked over. My mom was moving around, somewhat sluggishly, a mostly empty beer in her hand as she searched for a new one in the fridge.

"What are you staring at?" She slurred, her head not leaving the fridge.

"Nothing- sorry." I mumbled, quickly turning to the door.

"Dressed like a damn slut again." She spat. "How did I raise a daughter like you."

"Well for starters you didn't." I muttered, I figured she wouldn't have heard me, but I was wrong, as I felt a bottle hit the side of my head and break into pieces on the floor.

I got out the door before another one hit me and ran a block away. I placed my fingers where the bottle hit, there was a small piece of glass. I pulled it out and tossed it into someone's trash before continuing my walk.

The sun was fully up when I got about halfway to figure 8, the bleeding had stopped but there was definitely a noticeable cut. It's times like this I wish my board didn't give out on me.

I made it to Topper's place around 7:30, it seemed like nobody was home, so I headed straight to the back, where his boat was located. Since it was just me, I got immediately to work. I replaced the temperature gauge first since I wouldn't need to do much for that and then moved to get to the drive shaft, but I couldn't get a good enough angle from where I was.

I took my shirt off, along with my shorts, leaving them on the boat as I dropped myself into the water. It was about halfway up my ribcage, so I didn't have to struggle that much.

This was still going to be a bit of a struggle, especially since I didn't have access to some of my tools but not impossible.

After 2 hours I was close to halfway done. The boards of the dock started to creak as someone walked twords the end. I looked behind me and saw Topper carrying 2 bottles of water.

I lifted myself up so I was sitting on the dock now. "Thanks" I smiled, grabbing the bottle he held out for me.

"Yea," he nodded, staying standing beside me, "how much longer you think?"

I sighed "Not long, maybe another hour at most." Then took a long sip from the bottle before screwing the cap on.

"Great" Topper paused, looking down at me now. "Woah- is your head alright? That looks deep." He crouched beside me, moving some hair out of the way to look at the cut.

"Its fine, I dont even feel it" but I was proven wrong when he brushed his thumb over it, making me hiss slightly. "Unless you do that" I moved his arm away. "Its fine."

Topper stared at me for a moment. "Im grabbing a first aid kit. Its going to get infected." He stood and turned, walking back up to his house.

I shook my head, sliding back into the water. It was now chest high as the tides coming back in. Within the next 10 minutes Topper was back.

"C'mon, let me clean it for you." He said sitting down on the edge of the dock. I slightly rolled my eyes and moved closer, standing between his legs as he opened a disinfectant wipe.

Toppers hand grabbed my chin, forcing me to look up while his other wiped the cut, he looked so focused, so nice in this moment.

I found myself staring into his eyes for some reason, they were a greyish blue, something I never thought I'd notice. Until he turned away, grabbing a bandage, pushing my hair back so it wouldnt get caught in the adhesive.

"Ok, now get back to work." He motioned to the boat.

"Sir, yes sir" I said, backing up and standing by the motor again. He let out a laugh and stood up, about to walk back to his house.

"Hey, im ordering some takeout soon, want anything?" He stared at me as I turned to look at him.

"Uhm. No im alright thanks." I nodded, looking back at the motor and tightening a couple of bolts.

He soon walked away, leaving me in silence again.

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It was almost 11 when I finnaly finished, making my way to the back door, still in my bathing suit. I knocked on the glass door, unsure of where the blonde currently was but soon he appeared.

"Should be good to go now." I said, "If you drive like a normal person you wouldnt have broken it so soon."

"Yeah alright" he rolled his eyes, grabbing an envelope from a nearby table. "That should be all of it."

"Thanks" I mumbled opening it and quickly scanning the cash, it was alot, more than I've seen in a long time, and definitely more than ive ever held. "Great doin buisness with you." Looking up and smiling "See you around then."

"Yeah." Topper nodded.

I threw my shirt on and put the envelope in my bag as I walked since my bottoms were still wet and stuffed the envelope into my bag. A bunch of fancy cars were driving past as I walked back to my place.

I feel wrong taking this much money from him, I know the Thornton's have more than enough but I still dont think its right.

For now I shake the feeling away, I have awhile before I get home and I can't spend my time thinking about everything I should or shouldn't have done.

Soon I make it to town, passing alot of shops until I stop infront of a surf and skate shop, the windows has wide shots of girls and guys in their bathing suits standing with their boards and skaters doing tricks on theirs.

I immediately entered the shop, I had been eyeing a board in here for awhile and since my last one broke it was a good time for a new one.