Saving Elliot ©2015 Sydney Wray

Chapter 11~Soap Operas

Hailey stepped out of the sliding glass door, and onto the porch leading down to the Olympic sized pool. Snoopy tagged along, his collar rattling. Father still didn't know about our new family member. "Your dad's not home?"

I shook my head, sliding the door shut again. "Nah, he's up in Laguna working on-" I stopped myself, remembering her job with the kids, and saved myself, "Some deal."

Though he was just working on the mechanics of his newest deal, I didn't want to tell
her yet.

I hadn't done or thought about my particular jobs I was supposed to be completing and contributing to my father's new investment. Okay, I'll have to say it: I've been preoccupied with Hailey in my mind.

I watched her nod, stepping down the wooden steps and onto the stoned-ground of the pool. She looked in a trance; her mouth was propped open a bit, and her eyes shining in enjoyment and curiosity. Whenever she'd be over, I'd catch her sneaking longing glances out the window. I'd decided to finally bring her outside. Turning to the wall, I pressed the music that Hailey's phone had sinked and it played out the speakers.

"This is amazing." She said, sitting down on the pool lounge chairs and running her hands over the feeling of them.

I just nodded, sitting on the one next to her.

"Do you ever use the pool?" She asked.

This was embarrassing, I thought. "No, actually. When I was little, I did. But now.."

"You don't seem to find the time." She finished, looking at me. "Understood. You're a busy boy."

"Oh yeah, with all the cliff diving and midnight bonfires-I've been pretty preoccupied." I laughed, running a hand through my hair and tousling it.

Hailey laughed, and pointed a finger at me. "Hey, you've had fun. Admit it."

I held up my hands, surrendering. "Okay, okay. I might've had fun."

She scowled, grabbing the chair pillow and throwing it at me.

I dodged it, and stuck a tongue out at her. "Hah. You missed."

She rolled her eyes, grinning.

Hailey abruptly stood and put her hands to her hips. "So, you've never swam in this pool?"

I stood up aswell, creeping up behind her. I took this moment, and bent down swiftly. Picking her up from her legs, she squealed and thew a steadying arm around my neck. "Why, you want to go for a swim?"

"Elliot," she gasped, "Put me down."

I held in a laugh, and grinned. "Mm, I don't think so."

She was light, I thought.

I faked throwing her in, and she screamed in my arms. Snoopy watched from the chairs, cocking his head in confusion. Her hair spooled over my arms.

"Elliot! Down. Now." She ordered. I laughed as Snoopy laid down from her command to me.

"Elliotttt." She whined. "Be the polite person I know, and let go of me."

That hit me, and guilt set in.

I gently set her down, half-smiling. "Sorry. I-"

I didn't get to finish, before she shoved me hard and I fell into the pool's deep end.

My suit was soaked immediately, as I rushed to the surface with a gasp. Flicking my head, I was shocked as I held out a finger to her. "You."

She grinned, and to my surprise, jumped in while clothed. I grinned, and watched her unruly hair turn a slight shade darker under the water. She swam to the surface.

"I have to say," Hailey laughed, "I've never swam while clothed."

I grimly smiled. "Well, I'll have you to thank for that."

She laughed and we moved to the shallow area.

"When can I get to meet your parents?" I asked, as we circled each other in a small proximity.

Hailey looked at me, and blinked. "Why do you want to meet them?"

I shrugged. "Well, you're my," a quick though ran through my head. What were we? I eventually settled on, "friend, and I would only think it's proper."

Hailey blinked again, moving her hair to the side. "Um, I don't know. They're always out, so."

"What are they out for?" I asked, running a hand through the water.

"Their job." She answered almost immediately.

"What do they-" I started.

"-what type of water is this?" She interrupted, suddenly looking fascinated with the water.

I scratched my head, confused. "Oh, um it's salt water."

"I thought so." She nodded. "I can taste it on my lips."

I nodded, and we seemed to draw closer to each other without a word. She was looking at me again; it was the same look she had given me that night at the bonfire.

It was strange, really. This time, daunting questions didn't flip through me. I just stared at her, and she did as well as the nearby light music streamed from the speakers.

Without a thought, or a question, I knew what I had wanted to do. I rushed forward, and my lips met with hers as she responded and wrapped an arm around my neck and back. Kissing Hailey was the best feeling I think I ever could've imagine. Although it was my first kiss, I knew it had been properly led up to. I wrapped one arm around her mid section, and drew her closer to me. I suddenly felt one leg around me, as she pressed herself into me.

Suddenly, she drew back and took a breath. We looked into eachother's eyes.

"Wow." She muttered.

My cheeks burned. Now, the questions raced through me. Had I done it wrong? Was I a bad kisser? Did she not want me to kiss her? Oh, no. I never should've even thought about kissing her.

I started to apologize. "Sorr-"

She placed a light finger to my lips, brushing them. "No. It's just.."

I cringingly waited for the final word, telling me she hadn't liked me that way and had simply been caught up in the moment. I knew; I had watched enough previews of Soap Opera's to know what she was about to say.

Hailey parted her perfectly shaped pink lips, "I'd never thought you'd have the guts to kiss me."

Everything inside me relaxed as I grinned and we began to kiss oncemore.