The Marine

Chapter 5

"Well if i was to die, at least I am dying because of my one and only love.  The ocean didn't mean to hurt me.  The ocean was mad at Dean, the ocean was trying to protect me.  I feel so light and free.  My body is finally at rest" Payton thought as she started to drift out of  consciousness.  "why is my head killing me?"

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"I just don't understand what she would be doing in the water knowing a storm was coming in.  Why would she be that far out?" Payton's mom Emma whispers to someone in the room.

"She only had 2 drinks that i know of.  She left me and Brook to go get some water, when she didn't return after 10 minutes we went looking for her.  We had just finished checking inside when we saw the storm roll in and thats when I saw movement in the water." Lucas explains.  "We went running outside to see Payton trying to swim away from Dean, or at swim to shore.  A wave knocked her under and I just dove in.  I could see the fear in her eyes and knew she was scared."

"I found Sam and had him throw 2 life saving devices in the water for Payton and Dean.  Lucas grabbed Payton so I had some of the football players pull them out while Sam pulled Dean out." expresses Brook "Lucas started CPR while i applied pressure on the wound and yelled for someone to call 9-1-1."

"UGH..." a very weak Payton moans while grabbing her head.

"My baby!!!" Emma screams while running over to the hospital bed.

"I'll get the doctor," Lucas says while stepping out into the hall.

"Mom, can you keep it down my head is killing me," complains Payton while Brook laughs.

"Good morning Ms. Scott!  Glad to see you are awake and talking" explains the doctor.  "Do you remember anything about last night?"

"I uh, we were at a party.  Dean and I went for a swim... ugh  OH MY GOD!!!  Why would I go in the water knowing a storm was rolling in!!  Water is unpredictable during storms!!!" rambles Payton.

"Do you remember getting out of the water or your ambulance ride here?" questions the doctor.

"I remember seeing Lucas' face and being hit by a wave." she says while reaching for her head.

The doctor looks between Payton and Emma before explaining, "you came in with water in your lungs, a severe concussion and a deep laceration on your frontal lobe.  It took 7 stitches to close.  We would like to keep you for the day for observations."

Payton nods, "I'll stay with you" says Lucas.  "my dad is at work and wont be home and I was going to crash at your house anyways".  Payton just nods, not wanting to be alone.

After spending the afternoon and early evening at the hospital Emma and Brook said their goodbyes and left.

"Lucas?" Payton questions. Lucas looks at Payton with a questionable look.  "Why hasn't anyone said anything about Dean?"

"Oh, uumm...  I don't know how to say this nicely but Dean has been telling everyone that he f**ked you in the beach and that your o****m was so intense you passed out..."  Lucas says with out looking at Payton.

"WHAT!!!!  That lying asshole tried to r**e me before i kicked him and tried to swim away!!!!"  Payton screams.  "No one believes him right?  I mean come on, I've never done anything more than kiss someone, and that someone is you!"

Lucas doesn't respond which makes Payton even madder.  "The whole school believes him don't they?"

"Yea, when I pulled you out of the water you were only wearing your bra.  Your underwear was missing, and well the whole class was outside.  I tried covering you up before people could see but it all happened so fast," Lucas expresses.  "I never should have let you walk away.  We made a deal and i broke it.  I am so sorry Payton."

"Don't worry about it.  I thought I would have been safe with Dean, but I don't know why I went out to the water with him.  It's all kinda blurry after he handed me a water.." Payton recalls  "No matter the issue, I'll fix it on Monday.  For now could you ah, maybe help me shower?  I smell and don't trust myself to stand in the shower alone."