Just Add Water

“But mother it’s a pool party! I promise to stay out of the water!” I whined, getting aggravated with my over protective mother.

“Please Marina, stop with this nonsense. I already know what teenagers do at parties, and you know I hate for you to be near water, especially since you can’t swim.” My mother said, drying dishes.

“But mom if you would teach me how to swim, I would know how. And if you would let me to go to the party, I promise I’ll call and text you every 10 minutes assuring you that I’m not near water, not drinking, or doing anything illegal. It’s my last party before senior year, please mom!” I begged, reasoning beyond belief. I was almost a senior, never been on a date, never been kissed and never gone swimming.

There is something terribly wrong with that.

“No. That is final don’t ask me again. I’m going down to your father’s boat, I’ll be back later.” My mom said, pissing me off to no end.

Well if she wouldn’t let me go, I’d have to sneak out. Something I’ve never done before.

I’m a good kid, always do as my parents say without question, do my homework, get straight A’s and am in every extra curricular besides the swim team. I volunteer, tutor, and babysit whenever possible.

The one time I ask for something, I don’t get it.

“I’m going to take a shower.” I yelled as she walked out and she waved me off, walking out of our house that overlooked the ocean.

I lived right on the water, but was never allowed near it, never mind in it.

The water was glistening blue and green, calling me to it. I could hear the waving lapping at the shore through the open window. I sighed.

I always had a fear of water, even though it was so gorgeous. What with its scary creatures and unknown-to-man species it interested and captivated my attention ever since I was little.

Once I was out of this house, I would swim as much as I pleased, not a care in the world. After I learn of course.

I grabbed my phone and called my best friend Skyler.

“Hey are you going to the party?”

“Yeah, why do you ask?”

“I’m feeling a little rebellious. Keep me away from the water and pick me up at 6.” I said into the phone, feeling myself grin.

I just about heard the shocked tone in his voice when he finally replied.

It was fun to be a rebel. Even though that pounding in my chest disagreed, I knew I had to stand up for myself sooner or later.

“You got it, wear something suitable for this monumental occasion.” Skyler spoke into the receiver, the line going dead.

I smiled as I shut my phone, heading for the shower.

My parents had programmed our shower so after 5 minutes, it shut off completely and wouldn’t come back on for another hour. So I’ve learned to adapt.

They claim it’s to save money, but my daddy is a CEO. We don’t need to save anything. I think it’s all apart of their elaborate plan to keep me away from water. My mother must have gotten attacked or hurt in the water at some point, because she’s honestly terrified of it. And she would never, ever talk about why I wasn't allowed in it.

I jumped in, automatically mixing my shampoo and conditioner together and washing my body while it set for 1-2 minutes. Then I grabbed my razor and shaved quickly and ran it over, washing my hair and feeling accomplished. A couple seconds later, the shower turned off.