What is love?

Chapter 7

Andrew and I found ourselves seated on the beachside, under a beach umbrella, gazing out at the vast expanse of the ocean as the sunlight danced upon its surface. He had said we could go anywhere, so I decided to drive straight here after picking up some food.

The ocean has always been my sanctuary, a place of solace where I can escape from the chaos of life. Whenever I'm feeling overwhelmed or stressed, I instinctively seek refuge by the water's edge. As we sat there, I couldn't help but feel a sense of peace wash over me, as if the waves themselves were whispering soothing words to calm my troubled mind.

"We live so close to the beach, and yet I haven't been here in like a year," Andrew remarked, breaking the tranquil silence. He reclined back on his arms, holding a soda cup in one hand.

"Really?" I responded, taking a bite of my burger.

He nodded. "Veronica isn't a fan of the beach. Whenever she did come, she'd just stay on the shore the whole time we were here."

"Well, that's a shame," I thought to myself, sipping on my soda. "I come here every chance I get. There's something about the ocean that draws me in. It's like a force of nature that I can't resist."

"You really like it here, don't you?" Andrew observed, a small smile playing on his lips as he looked at me.

"I do," I replied, returning his smile. There was a brief moment of connection between us, a shared understanding of the beauty that surrounded us.

"Wanna go for a swim?" he suggested, breaking the spell.

"Sure," I agreed, taking another bite of my burger. "But let me finish eating first."

As I held the cup to my mouth, a pang of guilt washed over me, reminding me of the heated argument I had with Veronica at lunch. I couldn't shake the memory of the hurtful words I had spoken in anger, especially those directed at Andrew.

"Andrew," I began, trying to find the right words to apologize.

"I know," he interrupted, understanding my unspoken apology.

"I was angry, and I didn't mean to embarrass you. I'm sorry," I confessed, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders.

"Apology accepted," he replied, taking a bite of his burger.

"I'm just surprised you stood up to her," he admitted, his eyes reflecting genuine admiration. "I never knew you had it in you."

"Seriously neighbour, you don't know everything about me," I teased, feeling a sense of camaraderie between us.

"I do know that you have a beautiful smile, though," he remarked, causing me to blush.

"Thanks," I murmured, feeling a flutter of excitement in my chest.

"Ready to swim?" he asked, changing the subject.

"Yeah, just let me get some clothes from the car," I replied, eager to distract myself from the sudden rush of emotions swirling inside me.

"No need." He stood up as well. "You can use my shirt." He didn't give me a chance to agree as I watched him take off his shirt exposing his rock-hard abs. In the process his brown hair fell in his face and his hazel eyes shone even more in the light of the almost setting sun. He stretched his hand out and gave me his shirt, it was then I realised I was staring because I didn't take the shirt from him.

"Thanks." I turned around, walking back to the car to change into it.

"Where are you going?" He asked.

"I don't want you to see me naked." I gave him an obvious look.

"I won't look. I'll turn around."

"What about the people passing on the road?" I crossed my arms.