Once Hazel emerged from the kitchen, she was greeted by an unusual sight. People were rushing towards the poolside, their frantic movements raising her curiosity. Concerned, she followed the crowd, her heart pounding in her chest.
As she reached the poolside, a gasp escaped her lips. There, in the water, someone was struggling, their movements growing weaker with each passing second. Hazel's eyes widened as she recognized the person in distress it was Ben
Without a second thought, Hazel sprung into action. She ran towards the pool's edge, desperate to save Ben from certain drowning. Adrenaline surged through her veins as she hesitated for a moment, questioning her ability to help. But determination pushed her forward.
With a deep breath, Hazel dove into the water. Her body cut through the surface, creating ripples that mirrored her intense emotions. Ignoring the water's chill, she swam towards Ben with all her strength.
As Hazel emerged from the water, pulling Ben's lifeless body with her, his mother rushed towards him, desperation etched on her face. Hazel, consumed by adrenaline and fear, pushed her aside,
“Somebody call 911” her voice filled with urgency as she screamed.
The poolside was a chaotic scene, filled with workers and guests frozen in shock or fumbling with their phones, unsure of what to do.
Panic overwhelmed her as she realized he wasn't breathing. Time seemed to stand still as she started performing CPR, the knowledge she had gathered from a first-aid course kicking in.
“Wake up Ben!! Please wake up” she muttered
Hazel's hands pressed rhythmically on Ben's chest while she simultaneously tilted his head back and sealed his mouth with her own, blowing air into his lungs. Her efforts continued, driven by the desperate hope of bringing him back from the edge of death.
Tears streamed down Hazel's face as she pleaded with Ben to wake up. Her voice mixed with cries of agony that echoed across the poolside, capturing the attention of everyone present. Their collective breaths held as they watched Hazel fight tirelessly to save Ben.
And then, like a miracle, Ben gasped for air. Hazel's heart skipped a beat as his eyelids fluttered open. A wave of relief washed over her, and she couldn't help but sob with joy as she brought him to her embrace. Ben coughed, water spilling from his mouth, but he was alive.
As the paramedics arrived, Ben’s mother guided the professionals through the situation, her focus unwavering. The love and care she exuded for Ben touched a nerve within hazel which made her realize that he was Benjamin Beckett.
When realization struck her, she covered her mouth in shock. Just then Mrs Beckett called out to her from the ambulance.
“Hazel, I’m gonna have to talk to you when I get back” she said.
While Mrs Beckett was inside the ambulance carrying her son to the hospital, her mind was filled with a whirlwind of emotions. She couldn't help but replay the events that had just unfolded at the poolside.
All the while, Rosie, stood on the sidelines, her heart torn between worry and anger.
“So this is the Ben she was talking about” The realization hit her like a tidal wave, crashing down on her with an overwhelming mix of anger and jealousy.
"Why do you always have to be the hero?" Rosie's voice quivered with a mix of frustration and vulnerability. "First Alex, and now Ben”
Hazel, caught off guard by her sister's outburst, took a step back. She saw the pain in Rosie's eyes. Emotions washed over Hazel, a blend of guilt and empathy.
"I'm sorry, Rosie," Hazel whispered, her voice filled with remorse. "I never meant to take away your chance with him. I didn't realize he was your Benjamin. Let's not let this come between us. Okay”
Rosie's anger could not withstand the genuine remorse in Hazel's words. The sisters, bound by love and shared experiences, embraced, tears mixing with their emotions.
As Hazel and Rosie pulled away from their tearful embrace, Hazel's mom approached them with a stern look on her face. Disapproval radiated from her gaze as she directed her attention towards Hazel.
"Hazel, what were you thinking?" her mom scolded, her voice filled with a mix of worry and frustration. "Jumping into the water like that without thinking! You scared me half to death!"
Hazel's shoulders slumped as she absorbed her mother's reprimand. She knew that her impulsive actions had caused distress, and guilt washed over her. She looked down, unable to meet her mom's gaze.
"I'm sorry, Mom," Hazel murmured, her voice tinged with remorse. "I just saw Ben struggling and... I couldn't just stand there. I had to do something."
Her mother let out a sigh, her expression softening slightly. "I understand that you were trying to help, and I admire your bravery. But, Hazel, life is precious, and I worry about you putting yourself in harm's way like that."
Tears welled up in Hazel's eyes as she nodded, a mixture of gratitude and sorrow flooding her heart. "I didn't intend to worry you, Mom. I promise I'll be more careful from now on."
Her mom's tone softened as she reached out and enveloped Hazel in a tight embrace. "Just remember to prioritize your own safety okay. It scared me to think about what could have happened."