⋆⁺｡˚⋆˙‧₊☽ kisses in the rain ☾₊‧˙⋆˚｡⁺⋆

PLEASE DONT BE A GHOST READER!
COMMENT AND VOTE! IT HELPS US WRITERS STAY MOTIVATED:)

the reason i always say "please don't be a ghost reader" this isnt just because i want votes, i mean i do, but ive been writing on this app for 3 almost 4 years and it helps me stay motivated because that means people are reading my stuff. and unlike other people, they have so many views on their books and i know my writing isnt the best but i love to write and it just helps me stay motivated. and i know i unpublish and republish my chapters and i get thats really annoying

【 SEASON EPISODE 4 PART 4 】

Sarah and Clara stepped out of the sleek, black luxury taxi, its polished surface gleaming under the soft glow of the street lamps. The faint hum of the city and the quiet sounds of crickets filled the night air as they took in the scene before them. Clara's gaze drifted over the sprawling college campus, her eyes widening at the sight of the grand buildings bathed in moonlight. The architecture was a blend of historic and modern designs, with ivy climbing up the old stone walls and glass windows reflecting the starry sky.

Sarah looked over at Clara, noticing her awe. "So, the library's on the other side of the student center," she said, her voice light but carrying a hint of excitement. "Have you ever been here before?"

Clara shook her head, her eyes still darting around, taking in every detail. "No, I haven't been inside a college before," she admitted, her voice soft with a mix of wonder and nervousness.

Sarah tilted her head, giving Clara a curious look. "That's a gap in your training. How do you like it?" she asked as they began walking down the sidewalk, the sound of their footsteps echoing lightly in the quiet.

Clara took a deep breath, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her jacket. "So far... okay," she said, pausing to let out a shaky laugh. "Nervous," she added, glancing sideways at Sarah.

Sarah smiled encouragingly. "My dad went here. And then his dad went here, and then his dad's dad went here," she explained, gesturing vaguely at the impressive buildings around them.

Clara nodded with a small smile, catching the hint of obligation in Sarah's tone. "Yeah, I know. He would probably have an absolute aneurysm if I didn't go here," Sarah continued, rolling her eyes in exasperation, though there was a fondness behind it. "Which is kind of annoying, but, you know, what can you do?" She shrugged, her voice carrying a hint of resignation. "What about you?"

Clara paused for a moment, her gaze drifting up to the towering, illuminated building in front of them. She took a deep breath. "I want to go to college for writing," she said, her voice soft yet filled with quiet determination.

As soon as Clara said this, a loud ringtone pierced the night air, and both girls looked down at Sarah's phone. Sarah's eyes widened, and she held up the screen with a dramatic expression. "Uh-oh. It's my handler," she announced, her voice taking on an exaggerated tone as she displayed her phone with her dad's name flashing across the screen.

Clara laughed, her lips curling into a smirk. "Oh..." she said, feigning surprise.

Sarah gave an exasperated sigh, her hand on her hip as she started walking backward, facing Clara. "I told him I was spending the night at Scarlet's," she said with a conspiratorial smile.

Clara raised an eyebrow, her smirk growing. "And what would he think if he knew you were with me, John B's adoptive little sister?" she asked, teasingly throwing in the fact that her brother, John B, had a complicated history with Sarah's family, especially after he got fired from his job working for Ward, Sarah's dad.

Sarah's smile grew wider, her eyes sparkling with a mischievous glint. "I'd be hanged for treason," she said with an exaggeratedly dramatic tone, her hand coming up to her forehead in a mock gesture of despair.

"As a Pogue sympathizer?" Clara continued, her voice filled with playful mockery as she embraced the silly act, her eyes never leaving Sarah's.

Sarah hummed in agreement, nodding as she played along. "Oh, my goodness," Clara added, her voice laced with mock horror as Sarah raised her phone to her ear, putting on a stern face and leaning casually against a nearby telephone booth.

Clara's voice dropped into a serious tone, taking on the role of an undercover agent. "You've gotta be careful fraternizing with the enemy, Valerie," she said, her eyes narrowing with mock suspicion. "Wait a minute... did she kidnap you? Or drug you?"

Sarah straightened up, adjusting her stance and adopting a faux French accent, her expression suddenly regal. "No, I came of my own recognizance, following a lead," she said, her voice dripping with exaggerated sophistication, drawing out each word with flair.

Clara's eyebrows shot up in amused surprise at the accent, a smile tugging at her lips. "Ohh. Do we know this enemy?" she asked, leaning in closer as though this was all top-secret information.

Sarah, still maintaining her French persona, gave a knowing nod. "You do. He used to work for you," she replied, her accent and expression perfect, like a character straight out of an espionage film.

Clara let out a dramatic gasp, covering her mouth with her hand, her eyes wide with feigned horror. "No, no, no! It's not the scuba thief, is it?" she asked, drawing out her words with mock shock.

Sarah's lips curled into a mischievous smile. "He is not what you think," she whispered conspiratorially, her voice filled with faux mystery.

Clara scratched her neck, her face filled with exaggerated concern. "Goodness gracious, she's working some good psyops on you, Val. She's a smooth operator," Clara said, shaking her head, fully committed to the act.

Sarah dropped the French accent for a moment, letting out a soft giggle. "No, she's not," she replied with a grin, her voice slipping back into her usual tone.

Clara dramatically put her imaginary phone down, her face full of exaggerated relief as though she had finally gotten some vital information. Sarah laughed, covering her mouth for a second before letting her hand fall to her side, her smile softening.

"She's really clumsy. She writes. And she has absolutely no idea when to make a move," Sarah said, her voice light and playful, but there was something genuine in her eyes as she spoke.

Clara felt her cheeks flush, a nervous smile tugging at the corners of her lips as she bit her lower lip. Her heart fluttered, confused and excited all at once. Sarah's words seemed to linger in the air, each one making Clara's chest tighten. She knew Sarah was with Topper, a reminder that dampened the thrill she felt. What did this mean? Was Sarah teasing her, or was there something more?

Sarah leaned in, her eyes meeting Clara's with an almost knowing look. "Virginia, I know you were the one who writes me those love letters," she said, her voice dropping to a whisper as she added, "You sign them with your initials... CLR."

Clara blinked, caught off guard, her mind racing. "I..." she stammered, trying to find the right words, but they seemed to evade her, slipping through her fingers like sand.

Sarah only winked, a playful sparkle in her eyes as she took Clara's arm, linking it with her own. She started leading her toward the entrance of the college building, her touch warm and grounding. "You're cute, Clara," she murmured softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I think they're cute."

Clara felt her heart skip a beat, her pulse racing as she looked over at Sarah, her cheeks flushing a deeper shade of pink. A small, shy smile crept onto her lips, unable to hide the happiness and nervousness bubbling up inside her.

As Sarah and Clara reached the top of the staircase, the quiet night added an almost reverent stillness to the college. Dim light from the overhead fixtures cast soft shadows along the polished floors, and the entire building seemed to hold its breath, as if aware of the secret mission the two girls were on. The campus buildings outside, which had looked inviting and vibrant from the outside, now felt like they belonged in another world entirely-a place reserved for whispered secrets and clandestine adventures.

Sarah cast a sidelong glance at Clara, her eyes glinting with intrigue. With a small smirk, she slowed her pace, falling in step beside Clara. She was clearly enjoying herself, playing up the role of the mysterious guide into forbidden territory.

"All right, Virginia, it's time to play the truth game," Sarah declared, her tone slightly teasing, but carrying an underlying note of command. She didn't just want Clara's story; she needed it.

Clara sighed, shoulders tensing. She'd been expecting this, but that didn't make it any easier. Her hand unconsciously went to the hem of her jacket, fingers fidgeting with the fabric as she kept her gaze focused straight ahead, refusing to meet Sarah's curious eyes.

"Why are we here?" Sarah pressed, her voice taking on a sharper edge. She wasn't going to let Clara off easily.

Clara hesitated, casting a quick glance around the dimly lit corridor as if worried someone might overhear. "I can't tell you, Sarah," she muttered, voice low but firm. The secrecy wasn't just for show; there was a genuine anxiety lurking behind her words.

But Sarah wasn't deterred. She crossed her arms and stopped, blocking Clara's path, her stance firm and unyielding. "Okay, well, intel on the mission is the price of the ticket, and I'm the only way you're getting in." Her voice was calm but held an unmistakable edge. "It's your choice."

Clara stopped, taking a steadying breath as Sarah's ultimatum hung in the air between them. The gentle hum of the college's fluorescent lights was the only sound around them. She stared at Sarah, realizing her friend wouldn't budge without answers. Taking one last deep breath, Clara leaned in, her expression serious, almost solemn.

"On pain of death?" she whispered, her voice barely audible, eyes searching Sarah's for a sign that she understood the weight of what she was about to share.

Sarah's face softened slightly, her playful demeanor slipping away. She nodded once, her expression mirroring Clara's seriousness, silently promising to keep the secret.

Clara took a quick glance around to make sure no one was near and lowered her voice to an almost conspiratorial whisper. "I'm on a treasure hunt," she admitted, her words hanging in the air like a forbidden truth. "My brother dragged me into it."

Sarah's eyebrows shot up in surprise, and she let out a laugh, disbelief flickering across her face. "What?" she laughed, assuming Clara was joking.

But Clara's gaze remained steady, unwavering. Her expression was deadly serious, and a chill ran down Sarah's spine as she realized this wasn't a joke. She swallowed, her smile fading, and she regarded Clara with new, cautious eyes.

"Oh, shit," Sarah murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "You're serious."

Clara nodded, her eyes glinting with determination and something darker-a mix of fear and excitement. "I have reason to believe that Denmark Tanny was the sole survivor of the Royal Merchant wreck," she explained, the words leaving her lips like a confession, each syllable weighted with a sense of history and mystery.

Sarah blinked, trying to process what Clara had just told her. "Denmark Tanny?" she repeated, almost as if saying it out loud would make sense of it.

"I know this sounds crazy," Clara continued, her tone quiet but intense, as though even the walls might be listening. "But I'm pretty sure he got away with 400 million in gold. That's how he would have been able to buy Tannyhill in the first place." Her voice trembled slightly with excitement, her gaze unwavering as she looked Sarah dead in the eyes. "And I think the location of that treasure is hidden in his papers. That's why we're here."

Sarah's jaw dropped slightly as the enormity of Clara's words settled over her. Her mind raced, piecing together the fragments of Clara's story, the history of Denmark Tanny, and the sheer impossibility of it all.

"You said... 400 million?" Sarah repeated, almost breathless. Her voice held a hint of awe, as if the very idea of such a fortune was beyond comprehension.

Clara nodded, a spark of excitement glinting in her eyes. "Yes. And it could still be out there, just waiting to be found."

Sarah looked down, taking a moment to process everything. This was bigger than anything she'd ever imagined. This wasn't just some school prank or rebellious adventure-this was history, legacy, and danger, all wrapped up in one.

After a moment, Sarah's face set with determination. She cast a quick glance at the front desk, where an older librarian was reading quietly, seemingly oblivious to the girls' presence.

"All right," Sarah said, nodding as if to reassure herself as much as Clara. She straightened up, squaring her shoulders with newfound resolve. "I'll talk to the librarian."

Clara watched her as she walked toward the desk, heart racing. She glanced around the library, the rows of shelves filled with old books and documents now holding a new allure-a promise of discovery, of secrets that had lain dormant for centuries.

Sarah approached the desk with a calm confidence, putting on her best polite smile. She leaned over slightly, capturing the librarian's attention. "Excuse me," she began, her voice soft and friendly, "we were hoping to take a look at some archival records. Specifically, anything you might have on Denmark Tanny?"

The librarian looked up, her gaze sharp as she scrutinized Sarah. "Denmark Tanny, you say?" she asked, a hint of suspicion in her tone. It was clear that not many people came asking for such specific, historical information.

Sarah nodded, unfazed. "Yes. I'm doing a research project on local history, and Tanny's story really fascinates me." She smiled, adding a touch of charm. "I was hoping you might have some original documents or letters?"

The librarian pursed her lips, considering Sarah's request for a long moment. Her gaze drifted to Clara, who tried her best to look innocent, despite her racing heart.

"Hmm," the librarian finally said, her gaze softening. "I suppose I can let you girls have a look. But I'll have to supervise. These are original documents, you understand."

Sarah beamed, nodding eagerly. "Of course! We wouldn't dream of mishandling anything."

With a slight nod, the librarian stood up and beckoned them to follow. Sarah glanced back at Clara, flashing a quick, triumphant grin as she gestured for her to come along. Clara's heart pounded with anticipation as she joined Sarah, and together they followed the librarian down the dimly lit rows of shelves toward the restricted area.

The girls exchanged a quick, excited look, barely containing their anticipation. This was it-the beginning of the hunt.

The librarian guided them down a narrow hallway, leading to a door marked "Archives." The air was cooler here, carrying that old-paper scent unique to ancient documents and forgotten histories. She unlocked the door, pushing it open to reveal a room lined with shelves and cabinets, each filled with meticulously labeled boxes. In the center of the room, a long wooden table stood waiting, bathed in the dim glow of a single overhead light.

"I can't tell you how grateful we are to receive the Tanny materials from your father," the librarian said, smiling at Sarah with an appreciative nod. Clara's eyebrows shot up, and she turned to Sarah, who merely returned a tight-lipped smile.

"Of course," Sarah replied smoothly, brushing off the comment as if it were nothing. Clara filed that little revelation away, deciding to ask Sarah about it later.

The librarian gestured to a series of boxes on a high shelf near the back of the room. "It's right up there," she said. Sarah and Clara exchanged a quick, excited glance before making their way over, their footsteps almost reverent in the quiet room. They climbed the narrow staircase up to the higher shelves, each step bringing them closer to the boxes that held Denmark Tanny's story.

Once seated at the table with the boxes in front of them, Clara let out a deep breath, both thrilled and a little daunted by the task ahead. She looked at Sarah, a glint of excitement in her eyes. "Down the rabbit hole," she murmured.

"Here we go," Sarah responded, her voice filled with equal parts excitement and trepidation as she carefully opened the first box, lifting the lid as though it contained priceless treasure. They both slipped on the white cotton gloves provided by the librarian, their fingers trembling slightly as they prepared to dive into the fragile history laid before them.

They began sifting through the documents, each piece of paper offering a glimpse into a past long buried beneath the dust of time. Sarah unfolded an old newspaper, the yellowed pages brittle beneath her fingers. She scanned the text, eyes narrowing as she read aloud.

"It says that Denmark used the money he made from Tannyhill to buy slaves and give them their freedom." Her voice softened as she continued, clearly impacted by the man's courage and vision. "It also says he was accused of inciting revolt. This was before the Civil War."

Clara's gaze dropped to the paper, her brows furrowing. "That must be why they hanged him," she murmured, feeling a pang of sorrow for the man who'd sacrificed so much.

Sarah nodded solemnly, then glanced down at a thick, worn book resting in the box. Clara noticed it too and reached for it. As she opened the cover, Sarah's eyes widened in recognition. "That's... the family Bible," Sarah whispered.

Inside, written in elegant but fading script, were names and dates-birthdays. Clara's breath caught as she traced her finger along the names, feeling like she was reaching back through the years to touch something sacred.

"Woah," Clara murmured, transfixed. "These are the birthdays..."

Sarah leaned in, reading the list. "Yeah... Denmark Tanny." She pointed at his name. "And then Cecilia, Robert, Lewis, and Abraham-his three sons."

They sat in silence for a moment, absorbing the names, the lineage laid out before them like a hidden history brought back to life. The air around them felt heavy, as though Denmark Tanny's spirit was watching, waiting to see if they were worthy of his secrets.

Clara's gaze drifted over the scattered papers, stopping when she saw something that looked familiar. She carefully lifted a fragile page with a faded illustration, her eyes widening as she realized what she was looking at. It was a sketch of gold coins stamped with a wheat symbol.

Sarah leaned over, her breath hitching. "Is that a picture of-"

"Gold," Clara whispered, her voice almost reverent. "This is how he bought the land... It's British gold. This is what was on the Merchant... apparently." She chuckled, trying to downplay the excitement bubbling inside her. "Haven't seen it myself, but my brother has."

Sarah grinned, eyes gleaming. "Bingo," she whispered triumphantly. She continued digging, picking up a small, folded letter tucked into the corner of the box.

"This... this is what we found when we first moved into Tannyhill," Sarah said, the nostalgia in her voice evident.

Clara nodded, feeling the weight of the letter as though it were a link to something far bigger than either of them. She glanced over and noticed another piece of folded paper, one that had gone overlooked. "What's that?" Clara asked, pointing.

Sarah picked it up carefully, unfolding it to reveal an intricately written letter, its ink smudged in places, but still legible. "This... this is the last correspondence," Sarah murmured, her voice tinged with awe.

Clara peered closer, her gaze sharpening as she examined the script. She recognized the strange, flowing language. "Wait, that's... that's in Gullah. The lost Creole language."

Sarah looked at her, eyebrows raised. "Can you read it?"

Clara shook her head, disappointed. "No... I wish I could."

Sarah let out a small laugh, shaking her head in bemusement. "Figures. Just when we find something crucial..."

Clara leaned forward, her eyes scanning the letter. "So Denmark finds out that the posse's coming for him..." Her voice trailed off as she squinted at the date scrawled on the corner. "Wait, what's the date on the letter?"

Sarah glanced down, her eyes widening as she read it aloud. "May 3rd, 1844."

Clara's eyes lit up, the pieces clicking into place. "Wait... that's-"

"The day he died," Sarah finished, her voice barely above a whisper. She looked down at the letter, her hands trembling slightly as the reality of the situation hit her.

Clara nodded, her mind racing. "And... and this is addressed to Robert," she said, her voice soft but filled with awe.

"So... on the day he dies, he writes a letter to his son?" Sarah's eyes filled with wonder as she tried to imagine the circumstances-Denmark's final hours, his desperation to communicate something crucial.

"In a language only they can understand," Clara whispered, her voice almost reverent. She traced her fingers along the inked words, feeling as though she were touching history itself.

The girls sat in silence, the weight of Denmark Tanny's final message hanging between them like a tangible presence.

The ferry's steady hum was the only sound that filled the air as Sarah and Clara sat in silence, gazing out at the darkening horizon. The night had crept up on them, and the once warm orange glow of the setting sun had faded into soft blues and purples, the ocean stretching endlessly in every direction. The air was cool now, the breeze tousling their hair as it whipped across the deck. For a moment, it felt like time itself had slowed down, the world around them fading into the background as both girls wrestled with their thoughts.

"My dad is going to kill me for being out all night," Sarah muttered, her voice tinged with a mix of exhaustion and anxiety. She rested her elbows on the metal railing of the ferry, staring at the water below. Her fingers absentmindedly traced circles on the cool surface, the weight of their actions in the last twenty-four hours sinking in. "But at least we completed the mission," she added, trying to convince herself more than anything else.

Clara, on the other hand, was quiet. She leaned against the railing as well but her focus wasn't on the ocean. It was elsewhere-far off, deep inside herself. She didn't want to face the reality that awaited her when they arrived back at the Outer Banks. Her heart was heavy with the knowledge that once they stepped off the ferry, everything would go back to the way it had been before. The group home. The constant feeling of being an outsider. The pain of being separated from John B, the one person who made her feel seen, made her feel like she mattered.

"I don't want it to be over," Clara finally admitted, the words slipping out of her mouth before she could stop them. Her voice was barely above a whisper, as though she feared saying it out loud would make it all the more real. Her gaze was fixed on the horizon, her eyes unfocused, lost in the vast emptiness of the sea. "I love being around you," she added, turning slightly to glance at Sarah out of the corner of her eye, her expression softening for just a moment. "But... when we get back... I'm going back to the group home."

Sarah, caught off guard, turned fully to face her. The weight of Clara's words hit her harder than she expected. She knew, on some level, that Clara had been struggling, but hearing her speak so openly about it, hearing the pain in her voice, made it all the more real.

"That's why you ran, isn't it?" Sarah asked gently, her voice almost too soft, as if she were treading carefully around Clara's vulnerability. She knew it wasn't just about the mission or the treasure. It wasn't even just about surviving the danger they'd been in. It was about escaping from a life that felt too small, too confining, too filled with things she couldn't control.

Clara met her gaze, and for a moment, neither of them spoke. Her lips parted as if to say something, but no words came. She just nodded. The silence between them was thick, laden with unspoken truths. "I didn't want to go back... to living with them," Clara said, her voice catching in her throat. She swallowed hard, forcing herself to look away from Sarah's intense gaze, her eyes trained on the water again. "I didn't want to be taken away from John B."

Sarah's heart clenched at the mention of John B. She understood. Clara had been running from a life that was suffocating her. From a life that didn't offer any real choices. Sarah had seen it in the way Clara moved, in the way she sometimes looked at the world like she was constantly searching for an escape, an out. Sarah had never truly understood what that felt like until now. But hearing it out loud-hearing Clara express it so plainly-felt like a punch to the gut.

For a moment, they both just stood there, the sound of the waves crashing gently against the ferry's hull filling the silence between them. The air between them was heavy, thick with unspoken words, but neither of them knew how to fill the void. Neither of them knew how to make things different, how to change what seemed inevitable.

Clara broke the silence, her tone teasing but with a hint of underlying anxiety. "So... what's it gonna be like when we get back?" She glanced at Sarah, but there was a vulnerability in her eyes that betrayed her casual words. "You know... after everything?"

Sarah blinked, unsure of how to answer. Her mind raced as she processed the question. She wasn't sure what Clara was asking, but she knew she was looking for something-some sign that things could be different, that their connection could mean more than just an adventure, more than just a fleeting moment.

"With what?" Sarah asked, pretending to be confused, though she already knew the answer. She raised an eyebrow, trying to keep her tone light, even though her heart wasn't in it. It was a defense mechanism. A way to deflect. A way to avoid the deeper conversation she knew was coming.

Clara's face softened as she searched Sarah's expression, but it wasn't enough to make her feel any more secure. "Well... uh..." She stammered, a faint blush creeping up her neck, and Sarah could tell she was struggling to find the right words. It was almost endearing, how Clara tried to mask her feelings with humor, but Sarah could see right through it. "You know... us? What's gonna happen with us?" Clara finally asked, her voice quieter now, her eyes meeting Sarah's with a mixture of hope and uncertainty.

Sarah swallowed, the weight of the question settling heavily in her chest. She turned away slightly, looking out at the ocean, her fingers gripping the edge of the railing tightly. "This?" she asked, gesturing between them. "I don't know," she admitted softly. "Nothing changes, I guess." The words came out reluctantly, like she was trying to convince herself as much as Clara. "We'll still be the same people, just... with more distance."

Clara's heart sank as she heard Sarah's response. She had hoped for something more-something different. A different reality. A different future. But Sarah's words felt final, like a door closing. Clara looked away, a lump forming in her throat. "Oh. Okay," she said, her voice barely a whisper, as if she were trying to make herself small, to shrink away from the truth.

Sarah turned to look at her, her expression softening. She could see the hurt on Clara's face, and it made her feel guilty, unsure of what she had said or done wrong. She reached out, placing a gentle hand on Clara's arm. "I'll go back to the bubble," Sarah said quietly, trying to lighten the mood. "You know... Topper back to the bubble?"

Clara let out a small laugh, though it sounded hollow, more like a breath than actual amusement. "Yeah," she said with a half-smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. "I guess that's how it goes, right?"

Sarah nodded slowly, her expression unreadable. "And, um... I guess you'll go back to being a... a fugitive," she said, her voice trailing off. The weight of her words felt heavier than she intended.

Clara laughed again, though it was dry. "Yeah," she said, the word a bitter reminder of the life she had been forced into. She glanced at Sarah, but there was no trace of the warmth they'd shared earlier.

"I had a really great day, though," Sarah said, trying to shift the mood. She offered a soft smile, hoping to salvage something from the day.

Clara nodded in return, but her eyes were distant. "Me too," she said, her voice quieter now, almost as if she was speaking to herself. She avoided making eye contact, her gaze lost in the distance.

The ferry cut through the dark water as they continued to sit side by side, both of them unsure of what came next. The future seemed as uncertain as the darkness on the horizon. Neither of them knew how to bridge the gap that had silently formed between them, but as the ferry slowly made its way toward the shore, they both understood that something had changed-whether they liked it or not.

The rain pounded the dock, soaking Clara and Sarah to the bone as they stepped off the boat, the sudden downpour turning the world around them into a blur of gray and water. Their clothes clung to their skin, but neither seemed to care. The only sound between them was the steady rush of the storm, and for a moment, it felt like the world had shifted-an electric current sparking between them that neither could escape.

"Okay, so..." Sarah trailed off, pushing her wet hair out of her face, her voice sounding distant as she stared ahead, not making eye contact with Clara.

"Yeah?" Clara asked, glancing at Sarah, unsure of what was coming next. She knew this was the moment-the one where everything could go back to normal, where they could go back to being who they were supposed to be. But Clara couldn't shake the feeling that something had changed in the hours they'd spent together. Something in Sarah's eyes. Something in the way they'd looked at each other when no one else was around.

"Now that we've returned to the motherland... we must revert to our real identities," Sarah said with a playful smirk, her voice tinged with a touch of humor. "So if you see me on the street-"

"Yes, of course, I will not talk to you," Clara interrupted, trying to keep it light, but her words felt heavier than she intended. She couldn't let go of the raw emotion she felt-couldn't let go of the connection that had built between them.

The two stopped in their tracks, facing each other now, the sound of the rain drowning out the rest of the world. For a moment, they just stood there, eyes locked. The tension between them was undeniable. It was like the storm had somehow made everything feel more urgent, more real.

"It's been a pleasure working with you, comrade," Sarah said, a mischievous grin tugging at her lips as she extended her hand. The playful, joking tone was Sarah's defense-her way of protecting herself from the deeper conversation that hung in the air. Sarah gave Clara a quick handshake, but it felt hollow, like a finality that neither of them was ready for. With a quick nod, Sarah started to walk away, her steps quickening as she made her way down the dock, as if to escape the weight of the moment.

Clara's heart thudded in her chest, her emotions spiraling as she watched Sarah walk away. The world around her was still drowned in rain, but in that moment, all she could focus on was Sarah disappearing from her life. This couldn't be how it ended. Not like this.

"Sarah!" Clara shouted, her voice cutting through the noise of the storm. The sound of her own voice startled her, but it was enough to get Sarah to stop and turn around.

Sarah spun around, her face a mix of confusion and disbelief. "Seriously? That's it?" Clara said with a shaky laugh, trying to hold back the lump in her throat.

Sarah raised an eyebrow, keeping her distance, still unsure of what Clara wanted. They stood six feet apart, but the gap felt like an ocean between them.

"You're just gonna walk away like this never happened?" Clara asked, disbelief in her voice, her words cracking slightly as her emotions threatened to spill over. Her heart was pounding. "After everything? After today?"

"Well, that's what professionals do, right?" Sarah replied, her tone light but laced with something more-something Clara couldn't quite place. She wasn't sure if Sarah was playing a game or if she was trying to convince herself that none of this mattered.

Clara stepped closer, her chest tightening. "Sarah, I just had the best day of my life!" Clara shouted over the rain, her voice raw. She wasn't going to hide it anymore. She wasn't going to pretend. "I don't care about the cover. I don't care about Topper or my brother or anyone else. Topper is toxic, and you know it. Yesterday, you were just my ex-best friend who didn't talk to me anymore. The one I wrote love letters to. And now..." Clara took a deep breath, her voice trembling with urgency, "Now, Sarah Cameron. This is rare. This is something-something real. I can't just pretend like it never happened!"

Sarah stared at her, her face softening for a moment. The words hit her harder than she expected. Clara's vulnerability was undeniable, and in the midst of the storm, Sarah felt herself wavering. She could see the rawness in Clara's eyes, the pain of everything she had kept inside for so long.

Then, without a word, Sarah marched over to Clara, a determined glint in her eyes, and before Clara could even process what was happening, Sarah's lips crashed onto hers.

The kiss was urgent, fierce. Sarah's lips were rough, demanding, but Clara met her with equal intensity, her own heart racing, her mind a whirl of emotions. She could feel the rain pouring down on them, soaking them both, but it didn't matter. Nothing else mattered in that moment except for the sensation of Sarah's lips pressed against hers.

Clara's chest tightened as she pressed back, feeling the heat between them despite the cold rain soaking through their clothes. Everything around them disappeared, the world narrowing to just the two of them, the crashing waves of the ocean, the soft thrum of her heartbeat in her ears.

Sarah pulled back, her breath heavy and uneven. She leaned her forehead against Clara's, her eyes meeting hers with a playful smile tugging at her lips. "Um..." Sarah began, her voice slightly breathless, a smirk playing at the corners of her mouth. "It's a... small island. So we have to be careful," she said, her tone teasing but with a trace of sincerity.

Clara nodded, her heart still racing, her hands trembling from the intensity of the kiss. She could barely process what had just happened-what it meant. Sarah's words seemed to settle into her chest like an echo.

Without another word, Sarah pressed a quick peck onto Clara's lips, her smile growing wider as she pulled away. "We'll figure this out," Sarah murmured, the playful tone back in her voice as she turned to walk away.

Clara stood frozen, her thoughts scattered as she watched Sarah retreat into the distance. Her mind was a mess, and her heart was still pounding in her chest. She didn't know what this meant, but one thing was clear-things were never going to be the same between them again.

Clara stumbled slightly, trying to process what had just happened, unsure of how to move forward from this moment. What had started as a stormy, chaotic day had ended with something she hadn't expected. Something that left her breathless, confused, and craving more.

ASH SPEAKS!

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN THEYRE FINALLY TOGETHER!!!

midsummers next chapter!!! i cant believe how this book is gonna be but im happy because this is by far one of my fav fics ive written:)

thank you for the support on this book!! i cant wait to continue claras story.

obx4 spoilers ahead....
but since sarah gets pregnant in s4, my plan is to add an oc in s2 to be john b's love interest:)

PLEASE DONT BE A GHOST READER!
COMMENT AND VOTE! IT HELPS US WRITERS STAY MOTIVATED:)