Love Next Door

Chapter 6

It was a sunny day. Stephanie and Ben planned to go to the beach and relax. Stephanie wore her bikini underneath some light clothing. She put on some sunscreen (she didn't want her perfect skin to be ruined- nor did Ben). They walked to the beach. As they got nearer, they smelled the scent of the salty sea air. The crisp smell complimented the pure blue waves, crashing down on the shore. Ben found a nice spot to lie down on. They assembled their belongings- towels, and chairs. Stephanie put on her sunglasses, took off her clothes just so she coukd have her bathing suit on,and lied down on the chair. Ben looked at her with an amusing face. She lowered her sunglasses to so her eyes revealed and she sat up. "Hm? Why are you looking at me with that face?" She asked.

"Well you know, I haven't seen you like this ever. So its kinda....um a sight for me." Ben said awkwardly.

Stephanie furrowed her brows, and lied down once again. She sighed and said nothing.

"What..." Wondered Ben.

"Look. I know you love me and I love you too. But you just compliment too much and you're getting clingy."

Ben's felt a tinge of sadness in his heart. "Sorry Stephanieeeee." He pouted.

Stephanie raised her eyebrow. Aish this guy...pouting?! "Stop doing that." She said with a laugh.

He returned back a crooked smile. He nodded.

"I didn't mean to offend you with that comment."

"Yah. It's not okay though. I can love you however I want. I'll love you to death. And that's why...I brought you this. Will you marry me?"

Ben got down on his knees and revealed a shiny diamond ring in a ring box. The sun reflected against it, and gave off a shine. Stephanie took off her sunglasses and and tears filled her eyes. "Yes! Of course I will!" She exclaimed as she wrapped him in a tight hug. He slipped the ring on her slender finger. People watched them from afar and clapped for them. They blushed. "Well, I'm going to go take a swim now, if you don't mind." Stephanie said.

"Okay. I'll just sit here and watch you." Ben replied, as he pretended to tip an invisible top hat. She giggled and started walking towards the water. She stepped in and started walking further and further- the water reached her waist. Ben yelled, "Be careful Steph!" But she couldn't hear him. The distance Stephanie went prevented her from hearing him. She kept going further out the ocean, and she was very far. Suddenly, Ben thought he saw a fin. He panicked. Is that...But it was too late. He heard a faint shriek. Ben looked at where he last saw Stephanie. There was no sight of her tiny figure. People came running out of the water, screaming in fear. A lifeguard was motioning everyone to move away. "HEY! THERE'S STILL SOMEONE OUT THERE! SAVE HER PLEASE!" Ben yelled at the lifeguard.

"I'm sorry. Before I swim that far, it'll be too late. I might die too." The lifeguard said.

I guess I have no choice. Ben sprinted to the water and plunged in.