Blindsided

Part 26

Melanie

After the events of today, all I want to do is curl up in a ball and never get up again. I want to check into my hotel room, and not see anyone for the rest of the night. I want a solid 8 hours to myself, whether it be to sleep or just to think, I need it. 

I'd put today on the list of 'Scariest days of my life'. Seeing Jamie again, and hearing his voice brought back too many memories, memories I'd like to forget about. And the fact that he actually showed up to where the meet was being held? That was just too much.

Although, it definitely could've been worse. He could've cornered me when I was alone, or actually gotten close enough to talk to me. Or hurt me. And, thanks to the incident, I had my own personal bodyguard escorting me everywhere I went for the rest of the day. 

I'd normally feel embarrassed for crying in front of people. For crying with my head pressed against someone's chest. But today, I didn't. It was relieving almost, not having to hide the emotions that were clawing at me to escape. It put me in a new sense of ease, even while I was scared and crying bucketloads of salty tears. Having someone there that I felt comfortable with, someone who I knew would never see me as weak, no matter the circumstances. Someone who understood why I was the feeling the way I was. 

Someone who'd shield me from everything if he could. Someone who did shield me, at all the right times.

"Melly, you there?" I snap straight out of my thoughts, sniffling a loose, tired tear. Bailey crouches down in front of me on the lush, cold grass, extending his right hand. I reluctantly untangle my own from around my legs, clasping our fingers together. He clutches mine tighter, pushing on his toes until he's standing again. He pulls me off of the ground, his eyes never once leaving me.

"Are you reading to go now?" I nod in response to his question, my mouth unable to form a word. I've struggled with that a lot today, finding words to say what I mean. 

Keeping my hand laced with his, Bailey leads us towards where the rest of the team is milling around, waiting for the last few stragglers to arrive. The qualifying round of the meet just finished, so now we're going out for dinner. Funny that. The first time I've ever not been hungry, and it's right after a meet. I never thought those words would leave my mouth in my long lifetime.

I take my place at the back of the group, next to a few other girls, ranging from Freshman to Seniors. I don't miss the stares they give both Bailey and I, their eyes overly suspicious as they glance at our conjoined hands. 

Whatever. They're the least of my problems right now. 

I feel a soft hand press against my shoulder, and to my surprise, when I look up, Coach is standing next to me. He nods towards me, a soft smile on his lips. I don't think I've ever seen him looking this... human.

"Who's hungry?" A loud cheer runs around the circle, and I can't help but laugh a little. I can only pray for whoever's working at the restaurant we're going to. Around 40 hungry swimmers all walking into one restaurant? Hide in your bomb shelter. This is your first and final warning. 

After Coach gives me one last reassuring look, our team descends upon the stationary bus sitting in the car park. 

"Are you okay Melly?" Bailey whispers, his mouth only inches above my ear. The sheer warmth radiating from his breath is enough make my heart skip a beat, let alone his deep, worn-out voice.

"Yeah, I just want to go to bed." I chuckle out a sigh, my bag feeling like it weighs a thousand tonnes as it perches itself on my shoulders. I hear Bailey grunt in response, but soon enough, the cool howling of the wind takes over all lingering communication. That is, until I feel my bag being pulled off of my shoulders.