Heathen Series - Changed

Chapter 11

Stephanie's Pov...

I woke up way earlier than I would have liked to and way earlier than the others. They probably wouldn't be up for another hour or two; perfect. I decided to head out for some fresh air; to enjoy the scenery. I stretched my still aching limbs and started walking to the tables that were put out in the middle of the campsite, where the sun kept it warm but not too hot that it burnt at the touch.

There was a fruit-bowl in the middle of this wobbly table filled with ripe apples, welcoming bananas, cheerful pears and a lot of other delicious and inviting fruit. Yummy.

I grabbed an apple that smiled in the sun light and decided to go for a stroll around the terrain to get a feel for the environment which might give me an edge in the training. Despite the reason for being there, I really enjoyed being out where nature thrived at its best.

True Freedom.

I had an hour, hour and a half at the most to spare and planned on using it to get ready for the day. The sun was not yet at its peak but could be seen over the horizon. There was a large water body straight ahead surrounded by few trees and many bushes. I smiled and looked around for any prying eyes. Seeing none, I stripped and took care to fold my clothes neatly while placing them softly on the log that lay lazily over the sand it protected below. I check to see that there was no wildlife hiding in the waters then readied myself and dove straight in.

I had no swimwear, so my black underwear was the next best thing; hopefully no one woke up early and decided to follow me.

The water was still, clear and felt cool against my skin; it calmed me. The heat of the day had already started to threaten in its early hours despite the low rising sun and it was a welcome feeling to have the water wash it away; wash it all away.

Needing to calm the inner storm that threatened to overwhelm me at any time; I swam further down.

I dove deeper into the water and maneuvered myself through the waves that seemed to part just for me, calming and peaceful. A world away from the one I was in. I emerged with a bright smile across her face as the water rushed down my body dragging all the negativity back to the depths of the lake. I floated on the top and did a few strokes around the lake watching the clouds float by and wandering what it would be like to be on top of them floating over the world with not a fear in sight other than falling. The sky turned from a deep violet to a baby blue and clouds had begun to multiply rapidly. I closed my eyes just as a shadow passed over me. I opened my eyes quickly and looked around; was it a bird or a plane or something?

I dove back down deeper into the water one last time before I climbed out and dressed quickly; I tied my wet curls back into its ponytail hoping that it wouldn't become bushy once it dried.

Jogging back to the camp site I grabbed a towel and dried the rest of her body leaving my hair to drip dry.

I turned towards the tables and froze, I didn't expect anyone to be there yet. I watched him play with the apple, it danced in and out of his hands while he sat on the chair behind the table with his head ducked down. He seemed to be waiting, as if he knew where I had been and what I was thinking.

Had he been watching me?

His shirt sat tight against his body and his right leg was crossed over his left. He smiled then and it was an arrogant smile; something I had grown accustomed to.

"How was your swim?"

I stepped back a bit at the unexpected question and straightened myself up at the sight of the fierce Captains eyes, so captivating and possessive. With the others, he brought out fear. I had seen it yesterday; not from their words, but from their own eyes and body language. With me, I felt nothing but calmness and... annoyance. Asshole.