In One Year

Fear of water

Pulling up to one of the docks we got out and started making our way to the beach. There was already a huge amount of people spread across the beach which made me nervous. Some were sunbathing, others were in the water. There also seemed to be two ropes tied to some trees one with just notes and the other a tire. No thank you.

              Finding a good spot, we set up some of the public chairs and umbrellas. Storing my coverup I laid back and decided to people watch. I should have brought my book with me. Next to me Christine was doing the same and my dad was messing with something. On the other side I glanced at Jaiden and found him pulling off his shirt. He was deceptively thin, but the cut lines of muscle suggested he was solid. I am so glad I have my sunglasses on. Just then I felt someone lean closer,

“If you keep staring your eyes are going to pop out of your head. Close your mouth honey.” Christine was silently laughing at me. All I could do was blush a deep red. Which sent her into a fit of giggles.

“You youngsters have to learn to keep your inspections discreet. Don’t feel bad you’re not the only one I caught.” Confused I looked at her, leaned back in her chair with her shades on she discreetly gestured to her right. Leaning back, I did a quick scan of the beach and sure enough a group of guys near the water kept glancing at me and shoving each other. How did she even see them? Answering my unspoken question, she leaned back over and pointed gestured again.

“See that guy in the blue and white trunks in the water? I noticed the group of hooligans while looking at him.” I gave a shocked laugh. “Christine!”

“What I can appreciate the view just like you can, just can’t buy anything.” Smirking she went back to scanning the beach and I did the same trying to contain my giggles.

“What were you two laughing about?” Jaiden leaned over and whispered.

“Nothing just admiring the view.” Giving me an annoyed look as his mom snorted and laughed catching my dad’s attention. Wanting to be let in on the joke, Christine just patted his arm, gave him a peck on the cheek, and while linking hands settled back in. Looking overjoyed my dad did to and I could not help but feel a bit of envy but mostly happy that everything was going well for them.

“Well, I am going into the water, come on we can get closer to the view and admire it together.” Shaking his head, he tried to pull me up much to my protests.

“I’m good on the beach, I want to tan a bit.”

“But you were in the shade, common I don’t want to swim alone.”

“I really am good; I like being boring.”

“Nonsense.” Pulling me in to the water, panic set in I got to about knee height and refused to move any further.

“Ivy common, you like being difficult, don’t you?” Reaching out he tried to pull me in further, I narrowly avoided being dragged and moved along the shallow bank of the lake. Much to my disappointment he did the same.

“I’m good, see I’m in the water. There ‘ya go.” With a nervous laugh. If I could get away with just staying at two feet, I would be okay. Jaiden had other plans for me though, lunging he grabbed my waist laughed as he heard me shriek and pulled me in deeper. At this point I was gripping his neck in terror I could no longer stand, and he just kept swimming.

“Pl-Pl-Plea-eas St-Stop.” I was shaking so bad, my mind going a thousand directions a second. Seeing my panic, he treaded in place, and I tightened my hold.

“Hey, look at me. What is wrong? Your dad said you used to swim competitively I was thinking you were going to kick my but or something, not this.”

“I I I Cann-t anymore.” My only focus was on the bank, but it did not look like our parents were paying us any mind.

“No, look at me. Breathe I got you. What do you mean you don’t know how to anymore?” Putting one arm on my waist he pulls me in tighter as I focus on his eyes and taking a deep breath.

“I had an accident at school once and now anytime into water I can’t stand in I panic. I –“

“I get it you don’t have to go into detail, I’m sorry I thought you were just messing with me like before. Why doesn’t your dad know?”

“It would have upset him, and he already worries about me way too much.” Nodding he started making his way to the shallower part of the water. It was still chest deep, but I could stand.

“Thank you, I’m sorry.” I looked away ashamed.

“Don’t, I should have asked you first. Will you be alright?” we made our way out of the water grabbing our towels I wrapped mine around me feeling loads better.

“Yeah, no harm done.” But it was going to be a rough night and that last bit of fear in my voice caused him to look at me in disbelief.

“Well, come with me. We can get a smoothy or something form the snack shack.” Following behind him I noticed to number of stares he was drawing from the females on the beach and felt a bit annoyed at them.