Escape my ruthless past.

Chapter Seven

Thank goodness people haven't commented, Rose keeps looking me up and down but doesn't ask questions. She does comment on my glasses, though, "Sunny is it," and laughs , I try and let a laugh with her and just say, "Bad migraine, the glasses help."

"Arghh, it's swimming next . The only good thing about it is seeing all those boys topless," she sighs

"Wait ...what ...swimming," I gasp

"Yes your be fine , you're fine. you're fine. You have a great figure. You don't need to be shy," she winks

"BALLS, BUGGER , s**t " I scream to myself , why of all days today. I can't show anyone my body. I'm covered in bruises that will definitely make people talk.

I'm going to have to make up an excuse and lie say I can't swim or something.

I'm snapped out of my thoughts by Rose calling my name. "Come on , next class," she says, ushering me with her.

Everyone is getting changed for swimming and my palms are sweaty, I take off my shoes and look for the teacher in the pool area , everyone starts entering. What am I going to do.

"Miss Nichols, why are you not changed for class?" the teacher asks.

"I'm so sorry , I totally forgot it was today and left my swim stuff at home." Few, that's a good excuse, I think.

"Because you're new. I will let this slide, but next time you will not get out of so lightly,"

"Thank you, I'm sorry again," I say

I take a seat out the outskirts of the pool and watch as everyone continues on the lesson. I try not to look at the male bodies , but damn it's hard not to.

Then end of the lesson draws near and I go to head of the pool area , 'splash' my mouth fills with water and I can't reach the top, my pain overtakes and stops me from pushing myself up. Jesus, is this how I die!

My body starts to spasm and I feel like I'm choking more until my body goes limp and calmness washes over me, just as I prepare to see my parents again I'm ripped from the water, slightly disorientated. I'm wrapped in a topless man's arms, I bury my face in his chest to hide from embarrassment. I continue to cough and splutter , f**k my glasses , I think, balls they must be in the pool somewhere. I try and adjust my hair over that one eye.

"Are you ok" a deep raspy voice tingles through me.

"Umm yes I think so , thank you for helping me" not looking up to meet the gaze of my hero, already guessed who it was.

"Look at me , I want to check you over" he says

Suddenly a sickly sweetened voice come out of nowhere "Miles... oh no is she ok?" I peer up and see Poppy the same girl who knocked me down.

That b***h I thought, I climbed to my feet and made sure not to hang around,

As I walked out of the pool area, I couldn't help but feel like I'd just escaped a near-death experience. I mean, dying from embarrassment wasn't exactly on my bucket list. I quickened my pace, eager to get out of there and find a quiet corner to collect myself.

I managed to snag a pass to go home, citing the need for clean clothes as an excuse. The teacher barely batted an eyelid, probably relieved to be rid of me for the day. I grabbed my stuff and made a beeline for the door, not daring to look back.

As I walked out into the cool afternoon air, I let out a deep breath and tried to process what had just happened. I'd almost drowned, been rescued by a hot guy, and then had to face the girl who'd been instrumental in my morning humiliation. Yeah, it was definitely time to go home and crawl under a rock.

As I made my way home after a long day, I decided to take the scenic route through the woods. The peaceful sound of the leaves crunching beneath my feet and the crisp smell of the forest always helped to clear my mind. However, today's walk was different. The sky had opened up and drenched me, leaving me shivering and dripping wet. I knew I needed to find a way to dry off before I reached home, or I would be in more trouble.

I searched for a suitable spot to build a fire, and eventually, I came across a small clearing. I started gathering sticks and twigs, remembering the lessons my father had taught me when I was younger. I created a small structure and placed some dry leaves and twigs in the center. I struck the match and gently blew on the embers until a small flame emerged.

As the fire grew, I began to feel the warmth radiating through my body, and I peeled off my wet clothes, hanging them above the fire to dry. While I waited, I couldn't help but think of my parents and how much I missed them, and I still felt their absence every day. My father had been an avid outdoorsman, and he had always made sure that I knew how to build a fire and survive in the wilderness. I held my heart, grateful for the memories and lessons he had left me with.

As I sit lost in my own thoughts, completely oblivious to the world around me, I am startled by a series of crunching sounds that seem to be getting closer and closer. My mind has been wandering for hours, but now I am abruptly brought back to reality. I glance around, trying to determine the source of the noise, but I am met with darkness. I had no idea that it had gotten so late, and the woods in front of me now seem ominous and foreboding.

My heart races as I strain my eyes, trying to see through the darkness. Suddenly, I think I see something – two glowing orbs in the distance. Panic sets in, and I quickly grab my clothes, pulling them on as I prepare to make a run for it. I have to get to the road, where there will be street lights and possibly other people.

The crunching sounds are getting louder, and I can feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins. I take off towards the road, my legs moving as fast as they can. I can hear branches snapping and leaves rustling behind me, but I don't dare look back. I have to keep going, have to get to safety.

As I reach the road, I finally feel a sense of relief. The street lights illuminate the area, and I can see that there is no one around. I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. But I can't help but think about what might have been lurking in those woods. Whatever it was, I'm just glad I made it out in one piece.