Half the world away

Chapter 11

Sammy

I'd finished my shift about half an hour ago and was waiting on the sand for Ruby. I knew she was safe with Stevie, Gina and Rico. But it still didn't let up the strange feeling I had. My mind drifted over to the big scar I saw on Ruby's leg, I was tryna work out how she'd gotten it, it didn't look like a childhood injury it would've faded more by now. But Ruby wasn't the type of person to do anything that could leave a mark like that, but she did ride the longboard and I've seen loads of injuries from them but none like that. I wanted to ask her how she got it, but part of me knew she would tell me when she wanted to.

Finally glancing up I caught sight of Ruby walking down the sand alone. I smiled as I saw her coming but wondered where the others were, until I saw Stevie's Jeep roll down the promenade.

"Hey there." I said tenting my knees and smiling as she came and sat besides me.

"Busy day?" She asked looking out at the at the crowed water ahead.

"Yeah I had about 5 rescues and the boys are still going till 6pm." I said looking at Ruby's face, I'll never get tried of the look she gives me when I tell her about my day here.

"So what'd you get up to?" I asked leanings back on my arms.

"Well I was gonna come down and see you this morning but I ended up at Tamarama beach somehow. And then Stevie found me there and we did the costal walk." She said with a smile like she was remembering it.

"Yeah, what'd ya think of it?" I asked her.

"It's beautiful, all of it just beautiful." She said happily, the I got an idea.

"Wanna go further down? There's a small beach that I think you'll really like."

Ruby just smiled with a nod as I helped her off of the sand and over to my truck that was still by Saltys.

Putting it in gear I started the drive down the coast to Gordon's bay it was a short drive from here but unlike Bondi beach, it was a lot less crowded. More of a locals beach really, which is why I thought Ruby would like it.

"Come on this way." I said parking the truck on oak street holding my hand out to her.

Ruby smiled and slipped her small hand into mine as we walked down towards the wooden path to the beach. Her eyes stayed fixed on the large cliff like rocks around the beach almost like she was reminded of something. Giving her hand a squeeze she looked back at me.

"You weren't kidding when you said this place is quieter than the other beaches." She smiled looking at the boats banked on the sand by the end of the wooden deck.

"Locals secret, well more like a secret kept by Jesse." I said making her laugh as we sat in the sand by the surf letting the water roll over feet and ankles.

"I've missed this." Ruby whispered just loud enough for me to hear, but her face looked shocked as if she hadn't meant to say it out loud.

"Missed what?" I really wanted to know what she meant and how she got that scar, but I didn't want to push it out of her.

Ruby sighed and looked forward to the crashing waves.
"This, the calmness." Her eyes closed as her voice filled with wonder.

God she's beautiful.

"Not a lot of calm in London?" I asked putting my arm around her shoulders.

Ruby rested her head on me and sighed again.
"Hardly ever, why'd you think I stay indoors." She said with a small laugh.

"Guess I never thought about it."
Liar.

She didn't say anything for a moment as she tucked in closer to me.