16 Feet Under

chapter 3/ Sophie's pov

Turns out a lot can go wrong confined in a small stuffy car with Ben Smith. The small black learner's car makes me smile; it is so simple, yet I find Ben to be the most complex person I think I have ever met. "Something funny?" Ben clears his throat, then turns to face me.

I grip the handle of the car while my eyes bug even wider open. He is still looking at me! does he have a death wish? "Keep your eyes on the dam road you!" I breathe heavily

"Just trying to make some conversation, princess." He mutters while I wince at the pet name once when we were out for tea as young kids, with our parents, I did not end up liking what I had ordered, and he called me a brat and a princess as a joke. My eight-year-old heart broke. I didn't like the idea of anyone thinking I was a brat. eight-year-old me was so deeply hurt that she did not speak to little Ben for two days until he picked her a bunch of roses from his garden as an apology.

I looked back up at him, vexed "I shouldn't even be in this car!" I spit back at him. No matter how hard I try to avoid him throughout the past years we always seem to cross paths whether that be family or stupid swimming class.

His gaze is stone on the road. Good I do not want to die today, maybe tomorrow. his brows draw in question, and I can already guess said question before it spills out his mouth "Please can you come to this dam wedding with me." I internally growl at this does he always have to be such as nag I said I'd think about it give me time to dam think about it.

"I said I'd think about it I'll give you an answer later." there not a no but certainly not a yes "After swimming practice." I'm quick to add the last thing I need is him showing up at my house unannounced. I have no doubt that he would go to that extreme for me. "I can work with that answer. Not a clear yes yet but most certainly not a no." he almost beams.

"Good cause that's the only answer you're going to get right now!" I blurt out and sink back into the leather seat while he chuckles to himself something like some things never change. He parks in the collage car park while I quickly slip out of the door cautious not to hit the red car parked shit next to us.

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I changed into my black swimming costume, thanks to mum running to the store to pick up yesterday "You can't swim in a bikini." she insisted yesterday. She puts to much hope into me no matter how bad I want to swim. I used to somewhat like it I don't think I'll ever be able to swim again. I pull my brown hair into a top knot, shorter strands at the front spring out like a slinky toy framing my face a little. I checked the time on my phone greeted with a silly photo me and Maya took two weekends ago with Finn. Oh, and yes, they did get back together. Surprise! I am genuinely happy for them (by the way).

The indoor pool room is freezing as I walk cautiously to where Ben is standing. deep black trunks hang just on his tattooed hips while he notices me. Smiling he walks over

"My answer?" He demands with an arched brow. If anything, he is persistent.

"It doesn't seem like a promising idea." I pulse my fingers graze my lips. "Really it just seems like you are benefiting from this agreement. There is no way that I am getting any closer to that pool than I am now." I crane my neck up high enough to see him. He looks deep in thought.

"Do you trust me?" He gives me a week smile that does not meet his eyes

"Depends on what you are asking for." I state cocking my head to the side slightly. Truthy I could not give him an answer. Do I trust him? I used to but now it may be a different story.

"Can you give me just one percent of your trust?" he questions. I slowly nod my head. He holds out his pale hand. The quote 'art never comes from happiness' is inked on his wrist. I wonder why he got it. I assume he picked that quote for a reason he rarely does anything half-heartedly. Slowly my small hands reach and intertwine with his while he takes minor steps along the damp floor. Where are we going?

His emerald eyes never leave mine as he reads them like a book. My breathing hitches as my lip subtly trembles to a steady beat. Were about five inches away from the endless blue pit when the wave of dizziness hit me. I can't breathe. I want to scream but really who's going to listen? I can feel the fear creeping up on me as my eyes brim with tears. My joints start to shake. His eyes still haven't left mine. I can't.

"I can't!" I whisper

"Close your eyes." he whispers deeply into my ear. I reluctantly close them. The darkness is peaceful while the white dots fluctuate around me. His hand slips out of mine, and I am tense when I hear the splash that vibrates around the room signaling that he has dived in. "Open your eyes, Sophie." The light hits me like an electric current. I focus on his face grassy eyes, average nose bushy eyebrows. two deep set marks on his nose captivate my gaze. He has glasses when did that happen?

I lower my shaky pin legs to the floor crossing them as I dangle on the edge of the pool. Breathe I remind myself. I start to silently cry the water is so close. I wanna the earth to swallow me up and let me run until my lungs cave. His gaze lands on mine. "Uncross your legs." he utters his brows flying up when he realizes what he's just said, "shit I didn't mean it like that!" he smirks brightening the mood instantly. Did I mention I'm still shaking? His hand dominantly grips onto my now uncrossed right leg. He lowers my leg my toes skimming the water. Sophie breathes in

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breathe.

I exhale a shaky breath. This isn't like the movies I can't lose myself in his eyes. I just wanna scream! My feet didn't touch the water their practically bone dry well slightly clammy but that's down to stress. He places my slightly immobile leg next to me while I stand up and walk back to my safety zone (at least 6 inches away). He jumps out of the pool reaching on the sides to support running a hand through his wet hair.

"I'm proud of you!" he says assessing my mood.

Yeah, I'm proud of me too

Authors note: I cant believe we are already on chapter 3 I cant wait for you all to see what I have in store. How's everyone's day been? love you all so much. Remember to vote <33