No Status Quo

26. Lying Low

I can't believe this. In one swift motion, I just slipped into the cool embrace of the pool, my body now submerged beneath the surface. I press myself against the pool wall, tucking my legs to my chest.

Why did they have to be here this early in the morning?

I cover my mouth to stifle any inadvertent noise, and so the water can't enter my nostrils. Ren's legs vanish from sight and I hope he kicked my sandals aside, and that he sends the girls away or something. The water envelops me, muffling the outside world and providing a temporary refuge. I shouldn't have straightened my hair today, ugh. But it's okay, I don't want him getting into trouble,

I force myself to stay calm, even though my lungs beg for air. I'd never been able to hold my breath for a long time underwater, even though I had swimming classes when I was ten. But then I got into cheerleading and that was forgotten about.

Time seems to slow down as I way, my heart pounding in my ears. I don't dare to move or make a sound, fearing the consequences If I'd been discovered. The seconds stretch into minutes, and I wonder how long I'd have to hold my breath.

Dumb Ways to Die, with Gina Rosen.

As I'm thinking of breathing a bit, two arms appear out of the blue–the fingers wrapping around my own arms. My eyes widen; oh no, we're done for, they found me. The next second, I surface from the water, spluttering.

"Ay dios mío," Ren breathes a sigh of relief as he effortlessly lifts me out of the pool.

"That was intense," I remark. Water cascades down my body and I shiver slightly as the air hits me.

"That was stupid." Ren scowls, carrying me to a bench. Once we reach it, he sits down and settles me onto his lap gently. His arms encircle my waist, providing a reassuring anchor and I nestle closer to him, feeling comfort in the warmth of his body.

Well, his shirt is getting ruined now, thanks to my hair.

"Something could've happened to you, amor." He says with a sigh. His grip tightens slightly as if it were up to him, he'd never let me go. Another shiver goes up my spine. I don't feel cold now. There are, however, other feelings...

"You were there." I respond, breathless, "I had nothing to fear."

"Still, Gina, never do that again. Okay?"

"Okay," I promise him, leaning closer into his embrace. His gaze softens as he looks down at my face. He brushes a few strands of wet hair away from my face, tucking them behind my ears. I can't help but feel a sudden rush of affection for him.

I spot my heels under another bench and look up at him, "How did you get them out anyway?"

"I didn't. They were just here to see if the pool was filled, and that they'd practice after lunch break." He tells me. I raise my eyebrows, wondering who it was. Right on cue, Ren answers, "Oh, and Kate wasn't there. It was just the coach and three other girls. I did see Daniella though."

Thank God Kate wasn't there. Even then, I was in the pool so there'd be no way that she'd have seen me. It was all for a good cause.

"Did you see the new post though?" I question, bringing my soaking hair over my shoulder so it can't cause further harm to his shirt.

Ren makes a face, "I did. I can't believe they're making up things now." He says, shaking his head.

I shrug, "I know right? They're so desperate now it makes me want to puke."

"I was thinking that we should set them straight." Ren muses, playing with a strand of my hair. "By replying to them, I mean."

"Nope. They're just seeking attention, we won't give it to them." I answer. Yeah but they would get a good kick in the face from me when I meet them.