Chapter 19: Jaws Pt. 2
1120 Words
BENNETT
It seemed as if everyone had shown up at the same time. They all flooded to the gates, their inner tubes slung over their shoulders.
“I’m sorry but we have to check bags tonight” Jade said to a group of teenage boys. “Seriously? Why?” One of the boys asked. “Policy and for safety reasons” she told him. I could see the uneasiness as he glanced between his friends. “I’ll take a look” I offered. Jade nodded and continued taking tickets.
I walked the boys to the side, “mind if I take a look?” I asked. “Yeah, I guess” the boy said, his voice filled with worry. I opened the bag and saw goggles and a fake shark fin. I couldn’t help but laugh, “really guys?” I asked. “We just thought it’d be a fun little prank to scare people during the movie” he said. I nodded, “well I didn’t see a thing. Just be careful and have a good night”. Patting the boys on their shoulders I let them walk away as I went back to taking tickets.
RILEY
The night had started and my nerves began to ease. Everything was going off without a hitch, aside from a minor speaker issue early on in the film. My eyes traveled around the pool. I was proud, proud of my staff. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. “This is seriously so much fun.” Olivia said standing next to me. “I agree, I think this could definitely become a yearly event” I told her, a smile spreading over my face.
“So Bennett?” She said, causing my smile to leave instantly. “Mhmm” I said trying not to indulge too much. “Why are you still so hung up on him? I thought you and Milo were supposed to go out” Olivia asked. My stomach twisted in my body, “yeah well he never asked me out. We had talked about it but maybe he just gave up. I don’t know”. Frustration flooded my voice. “OR maybe he thinks you’re into Bennett and doesn’t feel like trying to compete”. Letting out a deep sigh I shook my head. “Okay, so there’s a possibility that you may be right…” I told, bumping her with my elbow. “Mhmm, so let’s just put Bennett in the back of your mind and let’s just puuuuull Milo front and center.” Olivia said clicking her tongue with a wink. “Or, better yet…how about I put myself front and center” I told her raising an eyebrow. Olivia gasped, “brilliant, as always!” I couldn’t help but chuckle. What would I do without Olivia? It was hard not having Brynn around to bounce my thoughts and feelings off of. Olivia was one of a kind and always had my best interest at heart.
I couldn’t stop glancing over at Bennett. As wounded as I felt I couldn’t help but feel bad for how I’d treated him the last few weeks. Making sure my area was covered I slowly made my way across the pool. Without making eye contact I slowly shifted my weight from one foot to the other. My pride was so hard to swallow. Arms crossed and eyes wandering around the pool still I kept taking steps closer.
Finally, I worked up the courage to clear my throat. Bennett looked over at me but I just looked down at my feet, “so…” I said. My eyes finally made their way to his. Even in the dimmed lights around us I could see the warmth of his brown eyes. I could feel the warmth from them. Bennett wasn’t a prick, an asshole, or a womanizer like I had made him out to be in my head. He was genuine. He was kind. Regardless of what happened he was my friend. I could see his adams apple move in his throat as he swallowed. “I haven’t been kind to you, Bennett. And…I’m sorry” I said. Bennetts lips curled into a smile and I felt my knees wobble a bit. “I never meant to hurt you, Riley. Trust me when I say that it wasn’t you” Bennett started to say. I waved my hands to brush him off, “you don’t have to explain. It’s actually probably better if you don’t. Regardless, I took it way too personal.” I said. “Riley, you had every right to be upset with me. I never should’ve taken it further. I didn’t mean to confuse you. You mean a lot to me.” He said. My heart felt torn. His words were comforting but they stung. He regrets what we did. But he cares about me.
Bennett tried to meet my eyes, “friends?” He said putting his hand out. I rolled my eyes, “friends” I said shaking his. “Get back to work, Madden” I said walking back to my station.
I felt more free, as if a burden had been lifted. Sure, my memory was still clouded with Bennett. His body, his kisses, his touch still circled my brain. I needed to move on. I needed to figure this all out.
I glanced at Milo. Was I still even attracted to him? As I pondered my thoughts I realized I had been in a daze. I shook my thoughts and go back to the event at hand. “No running” I yelled to one do the guests. I glanced around noticing that some teens were getting a little loud and restless. It was understandable. Being in a pool and not being able to swim wasn’t the norm. If we could just get through the whole thing with no issues I would be happy. “Best part is coming!” I said, nudging Olivia. “Dun dun, dun dun…” she began. I giggled. “No running, guys!” Olivia yelled at a group of teenage boys who cruised past us. My eyes followed them. Something seemed off. “I’ll be back, I need to check on these boys” I said.
As I made my way to the other side of the pool all hell broke loose. “SHARK!” a girl yelled causing panic within the pool. I made my way to the edge of the pool as a handful of guests were climbing out. Out of the corner of my eye I could see a group running. “C’mon guys no ru…” and suddenly my world went black
- Writer
