EUPHORIA (n.) - a feeling or state of intense excitement and happiness
the maze runner alternate universe.
𝔦𝔫 𝔴𝔥𝔢𝔯𝔢
Maliah Woods adores the beach and doing outdoor activities, and she meets her neighbor, Thomas, who likes the same things.
Ye...
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COOL BREEZE rustled the palm trees and carried the scent of the sea, while the waves lapped against the shore. The sky was painted with soft hues of pink and orange as the sun slowly rose above.
The beach was beginning to fill up with people, most of them being volunteers for a beach clean-up hosted by Maliah's mom for work.
Thomas tagged along with them since his parents were out and he was bored. Maliah loved having him with her for these types of events that her mom and dad forced her to–not that she complained about it.
Earlier, she had told her parents that she was going to do an interview the next day to be a lifeguard, since in the end, Thomas convinced her. Her parents were pleased that Thomas ended up convincing Maliah to get a summer job even though she didn't want it.
"I thought lifeguarding meant on the beach, not a boring pool at the country club," Maliah complained as she helped pick up trash, the bag growing heavier with each piece they added.
"Too late to back up, Mar," Thomas said, grabbing some trash from behind a palm and tossing them into the trash bag she was holding.
"Yeah, I'm well aware, Steph." She kept holding up the bag, but it was getting way too heavy.
"Let me hold the bag for you while you grab the trash." he quickly offered to switch roles, when he noticed the bag getting heavier.
He moved towards her, taking the bag from her as their hands briefly touched. Maliah mouthed a 'thanks' before they moved to another part of the beach. They spent a few more hours collecting trash until their bag filled up.
"Let's head back, we are finally done," Maliah said, relieved.
"I thought we were going to rot here with this smell," he complained. Sweat was dripping over his face, he lifted his shirt a bit to wipe the sweat from his face, revealing a glimpse of his toned stomach. Maliah, trying to be discreet, glanced over. Her eyes lingered for a moment longer than she intended.
She quickly looked away when she noticed he lowered his shirt. But the image stayed with her.
"Enjoying the view?" Thomas teased, pressing his lips together and holding a proud smile.
Maliah rolled her eyes playfully and responded, "What! No– there's a baby turtle behind you!" She gasped.
"Oh wow, is that your excuse?" he chuckled but turned around as Maliah grabbed him by the arm before he could step back.
He saw the baby turtle in the sand, it was so tiny. The shell was a mix of light greens and browns, patterned.
"Oh my god, Steph, look!" She exclaimed excitedly and Thomas smiled.
"I never seen anything else that beautiful," Maliah's eyes lit up with admiration as she watched the turtle move its flippers gently.
"Yeah, it is beautiful," Thomas spoke as he looked at her, then the turtle again.
"We should take it back to the sea." Thomas nods in agreement and watches as Maliah grabs the tiny turtle in her hands gently.
They walked towards the shoreline; Maliah had a huge smile as she gently held the turtle in her palms.
"I wish I could keep it."
"A reasonable and better option is a dog, like a golden retriever." Thomas grinned
"No, I want a turtle."
"Go ahead, Mar. Take it to your room and watch it die from needing seawater." He said sarcastically.
"I don't want it to die... I'll take it back" She placed the turtle in the sand watching as it moved slowly and headed to the sea.
"You just saved a turtle, see? No need for kidnapping," Thomas pointed out and Maliah playfully splashed some water at him before running away laughing.
"What was that for!" he called out, laughing as he grabbed the heavy trash bag and followed her, heading back to her mom.
"Just a little refresher for you," she said, turning to look at him before almost tripping. Thomas quickly grabbed it with his free hand.
"Careful there, Mar."
When she regained her balance, she skipped towards her mom, Thomas trying to keep up but the bag he was dragging wasn't helping.
"Mom! Steph and I just saw a baby turtle, it was adorable," Maliah said, her voice soft with affection still thinking about the baby turtle.
"I think Mar fell in love with the baby turtle," Thomas spoke, gasping for air as he caught up and bumped his shoulder with hers.
"Oh really? Well, did you guys finish picking up the trash?" Asha asked.
"Yeah, we're done, Mom! It took forever. Also, why isn't Dad here?" Maliah asked.
"Your dad was busy with work, sweetie." her mom replied in a soft tone.
"Isn't the beach clean-up part of the job?" Maliah raised her eyebrows.
"Oh, yes, it is. He just uh got assigned something else. Don't worry about it Maliah. You should go back home and rest." Asha spoke, closing the conversation.
"Oh crap, I've got work. Can't be late" Thomas glanced at his phone and then at Maliah.
"I'll walk with you." She said bye to her mom and followed Thomas, he was her neighbor so she could just go straight home.
When they reached the front of his house, he glanced at her "I need to go change into my uniform. I'll see you tomorrow, Mar."
"Bye! See you tomorrow, Steph." When she finished speaking Thomas kissed her cheek before heading inside, leaving Maliah surprised.
He has kissed her cheek multiple times, why is she surprised? She felt the moment replaying in her head over and over again, and she smiled as she walked into her house.
A/N:
I don't like this.😓
Anyways, my back hurts again
Fun fact about me that everyone should know: my room is filled with Funko pops.
