Keep Me In | DR3 | BOOK 1

16 - How To Be Civil

Sighing, I grabbed a towel, throwing it down on the ground beside me as I leaned over to grab his outstretched hand. "I don't get why you guys must do these things. It's not like we're out at sea on a sunny day, mid-July. What's the poi-"

Daniel had pulled me in. Head first, into the unforgiving waters of Port Hercule in December.

—

All I could manage was stare at Daniel as I remained treading water. He was now sitting up on the platform, writhing in his own laughter. Rory came up behind him, curious as to what he was laughing at.

"Alexa! No way! I thought you weren't jumping in!" He exclaimed as he began laughing along with Daniel.

I was at a loss for words. I was overwhelmed with shock and anger, unable to muster up my thoughts. I swam up to the platform, ignoring Daniels hand, and hauled myself back up onto the yacht. I picked up the towel I had placed on the ground, initially for Daniel, and immediately began my best effort at drying off my soaked outfit. My hair was at least out of my way, already being styled in a ponytail. Though, I no doubt resembled anything less than a drowned rat at this point.

I threw the towel onto my shoulder dramatically as I stormed off to where Molly, Carlee, Olivia, and now Jocelyn had been standing, ignoring Rory and Daniel's garbled attempts at getting my attention as they were still laughing, following behind me.

"Holy shit dude, you went in?" Carlee questioned, her tone concerned, noticing my manner.

"He. Pulled. Me. In." I huffed out, the four girls around me all looking shocked.

"Rory?" Molly said, looking back at her boyfriend, daggers shooting from her eyes.

"Even he knows better," I responded, shaking my head. "Daniel."

"Why the fuck would he do that?" Jocelyn rubbed my arm sympathetically, looking back at him, shaking her head. I still couldn't form an answer, all I knew was I wanted to leave. I didn't want to cause a scene, and there was no way I would come back from this. Tears, either of embarrassment, or of anger, now began to well.

"Molly- my purse, please," I shook my head to stop the tears, reaching out to Molly for my belongings. If I was going to cry, it would not be here. She handed the purse to me warily as Carson approached.

"Lex, what happened?" He asked, his arm curling around Carlee's shoulders as she looked at him in anger.

"Daniel fucking pushed her into the water," Carlee explained explicitly.

Carson chuckled, "Oh Lex, c'mon. Lighten up, how many times have we pushed you off of things?" Carlee elbowed him in the ribs at his response, shaking his head. So much for defensive big brother.

"I'm going to go," I said as I pulled my phone out of my purse, turning away as my voice cracked to prevent anyone seeing should a tear roll down.

"Alexa! Oh man, you should've seen your f-" Daniel had chuckled as he began making his way over to the group, before slipping due to his own wetness and landing with a thud on the deck. I used this as my chance to make my escape.

"No Carl, Carson's right. I'll catch you guys at home later. Don't let this ruin the night for you too, alright? I'll be alright, just need to dry off and get into bed," I said, forcing a smile before walking away, giving the group a wave before heading to the exit. That wasn't how I actually felt, however I didn't want anyone following me. I needed some air, and the walk home sounded like an excellent way to process what had just happened. Alone. So, I downplayed the situation, and thankfully it worked as turning briefly proved that no one had followed me.