**Walking into the Storm**

As I followed my dad through the house, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was walking into a storm, one that would change my life forever. The air was electric with tension, and I could sense that this summer was going to be a lot more complicated than I'd initially thought. My dad led me to a large kitchen, where a sprawling breakfast spread was laid out on the table. There were pancakes, waffles, eggs, and even a few of my favorite pastries. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, and my stomach growled with hunger. "Take a seat, kiddo," my dad said, gesturing to the table. "Let's get something to eat." I hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to make of the warm welcome. But as I sat down, I couldn't help but notice JJ watching me from across the room, his eyes seeming to gleam with amusement. Michael took a seat beside me, and we both began to eat in silence. My dad sat down at the head of the table, his eyes fixed on me as he poured himself a cup of coffee. "So, Kristina," he said, his voice low and gravelly. "Tell me about yourself. What have you been up to since... since your mom and I split up?" I shrugged, unsure of how much to reveal. But as I glanced over at JJ, I sensed that he was waiting for me to slip up, to reveal some deep, dark secret that would give him leverage over me. "I've just been hanging out, I guess," I said, trying to keep my tone light. "School's been keeping me busy." My dad nodded, seeming to accept my response. But as we ate, I couldn't shake the feeling that JJ was watching me, waiting for me to make a wrong move. As the meal drew to a close, my dad stood up, his eyes locked onto mine. "I'll show you around the property," he said. "We have a pool, a gym, and even a private beach. You're welcome to use any of the facilities you like." I nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards him. Maybe this summer wouldn't be so bad after all. But as we walked out of the kitchen, I caught a glimpse of JJ's face, his eyes narrowed and his smile twisted. I had a feeling that this summer was going to be one for the books. As we walked through the house, my dad pointed out various rooms and amenities. But I couldn't shake the feeling that JJ was watching me, waiting for me to slip up. We eventually stopped in front of a large wooden door, which he pushed open to reveal a spacious room with a private balcony. "This is your room," he said, his voice low and gravelly. "You're welcome to stay here for as long as you like." I nodded, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside me. Part of me was grateful to be here, to have a chance to reconnect with my dad and my roots. But another part of me was wary, sensing that there was more to this story than met the eye. As I stepped into my room, I couldn't help but feel like I was walking into a trap. The walls seemed to close in around me, and I could feel JJ's eyes on me, watching my every move. I knew that I had to be careful, that one wrong move could set off a chain reaction of consequences. But I was determined to face whatever challenges lay ahead, head-on. As I looked around the room, I noticed a piece of paper on the nightstand. It was a note, scribbled in hasty handwriting. "Meet me at the beach at midnight," it read. "Come alone." I felt a shiver run down my spine as I realized that the note was from JJ. What did he want from me? And why did I get the feeling that this summer was going to be a lot more complicated than I'd initially thought?