ʟᴏᴠɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴇ ᴇɴᴇᴍʏ - ʙ.ʀ ғᴀɴғɪᴄ

14 | ꜰᴀɪɴᴛ

•June 24, 2021•

My eyes popped open and I was startled to see dozens of people surrounding me. Before I could fully process where I was, I felt cold liquid fill my mouth and slide down my throat.

It tasted sweet and kinda tangy. I quickly realized that it was apple juice.

"Good job, sweetheart." a charming voice echoed in my ear. It sounded like a woman but from all of the distant chatter, I couldn't tell that well.

My vision finally cleared and I could feel my body again. I realized that someone was holding my hand. I looked over and saw that it was Benny.

He smiled at me and gently smoothed my hair. I looked back at the lifeguard who was helping me.

She made me take another sip of juice. I looked around and felt suffocated by all of the people around me. I felt tears start to well up in my eyes.

"Okay, guys," the lifeguard stood up. "Let's back up. Give her some air."

The bystanders backed away and just watched me from afar.

"It's okay, Em," Benny reassured. "They're gone."

"What happened?" I mumbled while Benny wiped a tear that fell down my cheek.

"You fainted for a few minutes." the lifeguard replied. "You're okay though."

I groaned lightly and closed my eyes again. "Do I have to go to the hospital?"

I opened my eyes again to look at her. She looked down at what seemed like a phone.

"Your blood sugar is slowly rising again," she reassured. "So I think you'll be okay. But if you're worried about it, I can always call one."

I shook my head. "No, it's okay. But thank you."

She nodded and looked at my friends. "Make sure she drinks the rest of the juice, alright? I'll be in that post if you need me."

They all nodded and thanked her. She squeezed my hand lightly. "Take it easy, sweetie."

I slowly nodded. She walked away back to her post and I was sad to see her go. She kinda felt like a mom to me in a weird way.

"You doing okay, Em?" Benny asked.

I looked at him. "Yeah, I think so."

He handed me my apple juice. I took small sips now and then.

"Should I call Luke?" Benny asked. "He could pick us up if you're not comfortable walking."

"I think that's a good idea."

He nodded and grabbed his phone. He held it up to his ear after pressing some buttons.

"You have his number?" I asked.

He smiled. "Yeah, he gave it to me while you were changing earlier."

I laughed lightly. "Oh, Luke..."

Benny stood up and walked away from us. I heard his light chatter with Luke.

"Hey man," he said. "Yeah, everything's fine but Emmy..."

He quieted his voice down and I only heard occasional half sentences.

"Yeah, she's okay," he reassured. "We got her some juice and..."

A shadow suddenly blocked the sun from my eyes. I looked at the obstruction and saw it was Maddie.

"You okay, Em?" she asked.

"Go away, Maddie." Squints sassed. "She would be better if you were gone."

"I didn't even do anything!" she sassed.