At age 12, Maliah's twin brother Malik drowned. Eight years later, she's still coping with the trauma of her loss. Though she visits their favorite beach for fond memories, she is yet to enter the water.
When a familiar stranger offers to help comba...
"Eh hem..." I cleared my throat as I lifted my body upright. Though my back was a facing him, I could clearly sense his sudden movements.
"Are you ready?" Rion asked as he appeared beside me.
"Ready for what?"
"For your first swim."
"I thought today was only for relaxation. I can barely stand after those million steps. Much less swim?" I complained.
"But didn't you want me to teach you that in the first place? I believe you asked when we were at the beach last week."
I winced. Yes I did ask. But now, I just wanted to relax. It was a beautiful beach and a lovely scenery. I didn't want to ruin it with my fears. I just wanted time to enjoy it all. Plus it was my birthday. I definitely deserved it.
"Ok... Suits you." Rion shrugged.
Before I could blink, he took off his tee and pants and headed straight into the water. I swore... I swore this guy was a fish. He didn't make it better for me by showing off all his toned muscles and abs... and chiseled chest and... I squeezed my annoyance and headed towards my blanket. This certainly wasn't going to happen today.
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The sun was almost at its peak. The shade given by the trees were a blessing. I didn't dare sit out in the blazing sun for three hours. Yes three hours. I'd been sitting on the blanket reading my book for almost three hours. Rion, on the other hand, was out there in the water growing fins. He did exit the water at some times, but he didn't come fetch me. He just sat on the sand lost in his thoughts.
A few sprinkles of water landed on my skin and a page of my book. What the... I looked up to see Rion standing directly in front of me. Well he wasn't standing fully. He was bending over to avoid the low, shady branches from hitting his face.
"Get up." He said.
"Why?" I blinked.
"You've been lying on that blanket for hours. You'll get blanket sores."
"Ha-ha. Very funny." I mocked. "I'm not going anywhere. I'm perfectly fine right here."
"Did you come all the way here to not test the water?"
"I'll do that in a few." I pulled the book towards my face and continued to read. "What the..."
Rion snatched the book out of my hand and flung it far behind him. It landed on the shore. My eyes were fixated on it until the sea came and covered it with water.
I clenched my jaw as rage poisoned my veins. "YOU BUFFOON!!!" I kicked him straight in the shin.
"Ow!" He hopped on one foot.
"That was a good book!!" I rose to my feet and pummeled his back with my fists.
