Love in the Dark

Chapter Nine: Waves

The sun was shining brightly as Carlos, Charlese, and Kaia arrived at the beach. The gentle sound of waves crashing against the shore and the salty sea breeze created a serene and inviting atmosphere. Carlos carried their beach bag while Charlese held a wide-eyed Kaia, who was taking in the sights and sounds of the beach with evident curiosity.

"Look, Kaia," Charlese pointed towards the vast expanse of blue ocean. "That's the water. You're going to have so much fun."

Carlos spread out a large blanket on the sand. He couldn't help but smile at Charlese's enthusiasm. Despite the challenges they were facing, moments like this reminded him of the simple joys in life.

Once everything was set up, Charlese placed Kaia on the blanket, and the little girl immediately started crawling towards the edge, fascinated by the sand. "I think she's ready for some beach exploration," Charlese chuckled.

Carlos knelt down beside Kaia, helping her dig her tiny hands into the sand. "What do you think, princesa? Do you like it?" He asked, watching her with a fond expression. Kaia responded with a happy babble, her big brown eyes lighting up with excitement as Carlos helped her gather the slightly warm sand.

"I think she likes the sand," Carlos chuckled, his eyes shifting to Charlese, who had brought her camera along, adamant on documenting the memories they made with Kaia. She was currently filming Kaia, who was too engrossed in playing with the sand to pay attention to what Carlos or Charlese were asking her.

"Look, Princesa, say hello to the camera," Carlos said, grabbing Kaia's attention and diverting it towards Charlese, who sat in front of them, filming with a smile on her face.

"Look at Char," Carlos continued, bringing Kaia over to his lap. He turned his face to speak with her as he held her small arms in his hands, helping her wave to the lens she always seemed to giggle at.

Kaia babbled happily, her tiny hands waving at the camera with Carlos's guidance. Charlese couldn't help but laugh at the adorable sight, capturing every moment. "You're doing great, angel," She encouraged, her voice filled with warmth.

Carlos looked at Charlese, his expression softening as he watched her. He wanted to tell her how beautiful she looked, almost heavenly, with a camera in her hand as she recorded him and Kaia. The wind pushed her honey blonde hair toward her face, which she ever so gently brushed away, and her smile—her precious smile, which Carlos rarely saw. But he didn't; he knew he could never think of Charlese like that, and he was adamant about keeping it that way.

"I think it's time for water," Carlos said, dismissing any thoughts regarding her from his brain as he focused back on Kaia, who cheered up at the mention of water.

"You want to see the water, princesa, don't you?" Carlos cooed, picking Kaia up in his arms as he stood up. "Look at her," Carlos chuckled, looking at Charlese, who continued to smile, enjoying how excited Kaia was to head to the water.

Charlese laughed, capturing the moment on camera as Carlos walked towards the shoreline with Kaia. The waves gently lapped at their feet, and Kaia's eyes widened with wonder. She babbled excitedly, reaching down to touch the water with her tiny fingers.

"Careful, Kaia," Carlos murmured, holding her securely as she leaned forward. He looked back at Charlese, who had followed them to the water's edge, her camera still in hand. "She's loving this," He said, his voice filled with warmth.

Carlos then stood up and leaned forward, holding Kaia's hands up in his as she squealed at the dying wave of cold water which came splashing at both of their feet. Kicking her small feet against the soft waves, Kaia giggled, looking up at Carlos who had his face hovering above hers with a smile. She managed to lightly splash water on his face, her giggles filling the air.