But you love me

Short of breath

I got up, and stretched, wandering down to the water. I felt eyes on me as I dived in, but blinked the feeling away.

Max was checking me out. Rat face.

I gave him a fake smile before swimming further in.

I saw Amelie get up, and walk over to Max. I saw his posture change. He was standing defensively. I noticed that Amelie seemed uncomfortable, but was sucking it up. I wet my hair, still keeping my eye on the 'lovebirds'.

Amelie got out of the water quickly, leaving an angered Max behind.
He turned to me, and mouthed something.

Shit. I got out of the water, and went to grab my towel, but Amelie was sitting there sadly, and if Max was going to try to cause a scene, I'd rather him do it with me. If he can catch me.

I quickened my pace, and made my way towards the beach bathrooms. Surely he wouldn't follow me in the women's section.

I closed the door quietly behind me, and went into a stall.

The door swung open outside, then closed. I shivered, sitting on the seat and holding my breath.

The door finally opened and closed again, and I got out of the cubicle.

Upon stepping out, I was greeted with Max's fist.

'Little bitch. Why the hell would you talk to her? Hey?? Answer me.'

Max yelled at me, pushing me back against the cold bathroom wall.

'This is the women's section. Get out.' I said quietly, trying to cover myself up.

'Answer me before I ruin your pretty little face.'

'Please stop.' I tried to push him off, but he grabbed me by the throat, and pressed down.

I began to sob a little, writhing under his grip.

He slapped me, hard, and continued to yell.

I closed my eyes, and wracked my brain for something to say.

As he grabbed my neck again, the door swung open and the weight was pulled off of me.

Matt stood in the doorway, holding Max by the cuff of his flannel shirt.

'Get your ass out of here before I kick it to next Tuesday.' He said cooly, throwing Max at the door. He got up and ran out, spitting in our direction as he left.

I shivered and nursed my neck, trying to smile at Matt. 'Thanks.' I mumbled awkwardly.

'Yeah don't mention it. Jesus are you hurt?' He walked up to me and I allowed him to examine my neck.

'I'm gonna kill him.' Matt growled, grabbing my arm and bringing me out of the bathroom.

'No stop.' I held him back firmly.

'It's not worth it. He's not worth it.' I gave him a quick hug.

'Are you sure?' He asked, balling his fists.

'Absolutely. But uh.. one thing. Could you give me and my friend a ride? We came in his car.'

'Of course.' Matt put an arm around my shoulders, respectfully, and led me back onto the beach.

'Where's your sister?' I asked playfully.

'Tanning. She's boring.' Matt sighed.

'Hey AMELIE!!' I screamed.

Amelie jumped up, and grabbed our stuff, like she'd been waiting impatiently.

'Thank god you're okay, Max came from the same direction as you, grabbed his stuff and left.. wait Adrienne, are you hurt??'

'Nothing some bruise cream can't fix. Come on, we're leaving. Do we need to collect your sister or..?'

'She came in a separate car. Couldn't bear my music. Or my presence. Maybe both.' Matt smiled.

———————

Raelyn's POV:

I squeezed my eyes closed in irritation as I heard a familiar voice. A sweet, melodious, but irritating voice.

'Hey AMELIE!!' The voice screamed.

Ugh. I turned over to watch her, and god damn. She's in a fucking bikini.
I blinked, feeling my face heat up. She's gorgeous. Like, model gorgeous. More than that. She's stunning.

I groaned, and turned back over. But quickly stopped and looked up again, as I saw Matt with her. He'd better not be talking her up. As I looked more closely, I saw that her face was red, and she had tears on her cheeks.

I sat up in shock, and checked her out carefully. She had bruises all over her, and red marks on her neck.

Anger coursed through me, and I was about to stand up and go make sure she was safe, when I thought better of it. It would seem weak to care. I'm never weak.

I watched closely as she, Matt, and another girl, presumably Amelie, walked towards Matt's car.

She got in the back with her friend, and Matt drove off. I made a mental note to track down whoever hurt her, and make sure they remembered me.