Hollow

Ch.3 Half Sunk, Half Afloat

*****TW: This chapter includes topics such as toxic relationships & trauma*****

Sat. 6/24

"Let's hope it's safe." - Rubi

"Oh, sure it is." -Quinn

One paddle each, they steer down the quiet current.

"My dad said he hasn't used this thing since the 70's. It was just collecting dust in our garage. I brought it, though, since you mentioned canoeing last week." -Rubi

Rubi looks down into the sparkling water, mesmerized by the small fish gracefully swimming around them.

Quinn continues rowing, smiling down at the wooden hull.

Rubi thinks Quinn must really just love canoeing. The truth is, it's been a whole week. An entire week since Quinn said she wanted to go canoeing, and Rubi remembered. Rubi hauled an entire canoe from her house to the river because of Quinn.

Rubi was thinking about her. Quinn can't seem to meet Rubi's eyes because of that.

"Well, thank you. It seems to be working,  though. I guess you can tell your dad she's still got it." -Quinn

"Well, knock on wood it doesn't-" -Rubi

They simultaneously watch water pour onto their shoes from a little puncture on the starboard side of the boat.

They don't do anything because they don't exactly know what to do except wait for their ankles to slowly submerge.

After that, Quinn hops out into the open water and lends Rubi a hand to do so as well.

Then they watch the vessel sit there, half sunk and half afloat.

"Welp." -Quinn

They both turn towards each other and burst into laughter. It's not really funny, but it is. They laugh until their ribs hurt.

At least the water is warm from the midday sun. They hope it's not full of chemicals or haphazardly polluted. They are glad they left their belongings on the shore.

"I could go for a swim, honestly." -Rubi

Rubi lays onto her back to float to the rocky ledge. Quinn holds her breath and dives underwater.

Quinn used to be on the school's swim team. She quit when there was too much drama. Then, she joined the softball team. She left that shortly after, too.

Quinn tried to convince Rubi to join the basketball team because she has the height for it. Rubi was never too interested in sports, though.

They wring out their clothes and sit them on the rocks to dry.

Quinn wraps her silky, ginger hair into a high bun. Rubi twists her curly, black hair in two side braids.

They head back into the water and avoid each other's gaze. They've known each other since middle school and have had sleepovers before, but it still felt weird seeing each other in just lingerie.

They both keep their focus on the river. No matter how old they get, they still feel like silly twelve-year olds who have never seen another body before.

"I like your bra." -Quinn

They're not entirely sure when this tactic started, but they always compliment each other when things get awkward.

Rubi fixes the straps of her lilac-colored bralette, self-conscious that Quinn may have said that because they are twisted.

"Oh, thanks. I got it at the mall on clearance." -Rubi