The Crash of the Waves

The Beach

He stiffened and got serious, "No, I don't like you, I love you. There's a reason that ring is on your finger and not Taylor's."

"YOU KNOW TAYLOR SWIFT?!?!?!?"

"Well, kinda. She texted me while you were in a coma. She was inspired by you and wanted to meet you so I set up a gig for you two."

"I HAVE A GIG WITH TAYLOR SWIFT AND YOU DIDN'T TELL ME?!"

"I didn't think I needed to, you influence people. Plus Taylor and I have been updating each other on things happening in each other's lives, I mostly talk about you. I actually talked to her last night."

"You did EVERYTHING last night."

"I know, aren't I wonderful?"

"Don't let that get to your head, Mason. Come on, let's go."

I slipped in the passenger side and Mason ran around the front of the car to get in to the driver's seat. My phone beeped just as he got in. "Why aren't we popular?"

"No, it's just Matt wondering when you'll be there, typical." Before every game Matt would text me, it was like if he didn't text me they would lose. I'm the boy's good luck charm, we all act like a family and they all love me like a sister (except Mason). I know personally that when Mason asked me out he got more than one death threat from the team. In my honor the boys have worn a wristband that says "Pray for Kelli" to every game since the accident (which is about 20 games).

"So you're cheering tonight?"

"Yep, should be fun. I'm the captain!"

"I can see why, I have a great taste in women."

"So you complimented me by complimenting yourself? Mason we may need to get you etiquiette lessons, you've been a bit... self-centered, lately."

"Oh! Before I forget, this is for you." He handed me a box and gestured for me to open it.

It was a pair of custom-made fins so I could swim normally.

"Does this mean we're going to the reef?!"

"Kind of, we're going to the beach and I'm taking you out on a surf board so you can see the reef, IF you behave you can dive in. I've got another surprise for you there!"

I had some physical therapy in a pool was in a pool so it's not like I hadn't gone in the water since my accident. The doctors didn't want me swimming in case I went too deep and couldn't surface, but it wouldn't be a problem with Mason, plus he can't bear to see me sad so I would most likely be able to jump in.

When we got out of the car Mason almost had to put me on a leash to stay close to him. He picked me up, walked into the water (we changed in the bathrooms), and calmed me down, knowing that I was having an anxiety attack because I couldn't REALLY swim.

"Ok, now that you're calm I'm going to go get the surfboard. Stay right here."

I saw a little boy on the shore and walked up to him; I love kids.

"Hello!" He seemed startled at my voice.

"Are you a mermaid?" The cute boy tentatively asked, eyes big as saucers. My eyes welled up with tears, he reminded me of little Mason.

"Not as far as I know! But why does everyone ask me that question?"

"You look like one." He said, turning his attention back to the sand castle he was making.

"A sandcastle."

"It's a very pretty sandcastle." It really was, not one of the ones you would expect to come from a 5 year old at all, I say an architect couldn't have done much better. The castle had at least 5 turrets and shells covered the whole of it.

I helped the little boy for at least 20 minutes before Mason came and stood behind me.

"Who's that?" The little boy, whose name I learned was Daniel, pointed at Mason.

"I'm Mason," Mason's deep voice came out velvety and soft. He might have a tough exterior but he was a big softy.

"I think I have to go, Mason's going to put me in time out." I pouted.

"Have fun!" Daniel yelled at me.

"Can we have kids?" I asked Mason as we walked away from Daniel and his sandcastle.

"Once we get married." Mason said, nonchalantly.

"No dip, Sherlock," I paused, "How many?"

"As many as you want, heck, we could run an orphanage and I'd be ok with it!"

"Thanks, you big softy."

"Don't EVER call me that again."

"Too bad. Do you want garlic bread?"

"Random question but ok. Yeah."

"Well, I'm making pasta and pesto so I was wondering if you wanted garlic bread.""

"Yeah, are you sure the pesto will be ready by 6?"

"Yes, I'm doing Gram's recipe." My grandmother was always looking for the easy way out of things. It's not that she was lazy; she just didn't really want to put effort into something that would eventually end. That's why she never got married, my mom was adopted.

"That makes sense. I'm glad you're taking up cooking. We'll need it later. Did you remember pasta was my favorite or did you think it was just quick and easy?"

"Both." We reached the water and the exhilarating feel of the coolness on my skin made me feel new. "Come on, let's go!"

"Hold your horses! Kalli calm down!" He put the surfboard in the water and waded out to it, I crawled, mostly because it was fun.

"Mason!" I screeched as I was pulled back to shore. He leaped at my screaming and ran out from chest-deep water, water dripping down his abs, making him look like a dark angel.

"Here, silly. He grabbed my hands and pulled me along with him. He picked me up like a glass doll and set me on the surfboard when we reached deep enough water.

"Mason why are you so careful with me now? You didn't used to be."

"I know. I just think you deserve to be treated like a lady."

"Why?" I hadn't been abused as a child and no one bullied me, I had Mason and Bethany protecting me from that.

"You deserve to be spoiled and loved because you haven't been spoiled enough. I am here to spoil you rotten," he paused and looked around as if he were telling me a secret; I leaned in and played along with Mason. "And even beyond." He whispered.

"Well then here's to our 6 month- 2 week- 3 day anniversary!"

"HA, nice try, princess, but I already gave you your gift."

"Can I have another one?"

"What, baby?" He smirked, knowing it would be something small.

My lips brushed past his ear, "A kiss, a special one." I quickly brushed my lips against his and felt the all-too-familiar-but-still-amazing fireworks.

****A/N****

For those of you who aren't my fans, I changed Kalli's nurse (formerly Bethany) to Allison.