Swimming back to you

chapter 12.

Austin's POV

When I first saw Hailey at the swimming pool, I was overwhelmed by a wave of nostalgia. There she was, not just a beautiful woman in a full black swimsuit with a soft frill around her skirt and an orange stripe across the neckline, holding her black and white goggles and wearing a swim cap not quite on straight—signs that she was new to this swimming class. No, she was also the girl who had once made a shy, self-conscious, and restricted boy like me feel the full spectrum of emotions for the first time.

Back at that summer camp, she was a beacon of joy, a whirlwind of carefree laughter and enthusiasm. Her presence was like a breath of fresh air, making me feel seen and appreciated in a way I hadn't experienced before. She had a way of making even the simplest moments feel magical. I remember the night by the campfire, when we shared our dreams and fears, and how her unguarded, genuine self had encouraged me to open up. She helped me discover the beauty of fluttering butterflies in the stomach, and she made me see myself in a new light—confident, hopeful, and real.

Seeing her now, detached and tough, felt like a punch to the gut. The girl who had once embodied love and life, who had been so radiant and full of warmth, seemed to have faded into someone who appeared so... lifeless. 

Her detachment and toughness felt like a stark contrast to the vibrant, hopeful spirit I remembered. It hurt to witness someone who had inspired me to be my most authentic self now seeming so removed from that very essence. 

It was a reminder of how much things had changed.

And I didn't want to accept that things had changed. 

My heart felt uneasy, not out of sympathy, but out of a sense of loss. I remembered how she had been, so full of life and laughter, and seeing her now, so lifeless and distant, struck a chord within me that I couldn't ignore.

That's why I kept pestering her, playfully teasing her in hopes of sparking a glimpse of the old Hailey. The one who was my 'Maggi' with her noodle-like hair. I wanted to see her light up again, to see that familiar glint of joy in her eyes, even if just for a moment. I needed to believe that the person I once knew and cherished was still there, somewhere beneath the surface. 

I wanted to be the one who reminded her of who she was, who she used to be—the Hailey who made me feel whole and understood. But perhaps, in doing so, I guess I was too imposing with all the pestering and playful teasing. 

And it wasn't just her words; it was the way she looked at me, as if I was just some guy who had no place in her life anymore. I thought I was helping, trying to reach out in the only way I knew how, but maybe I was just making things harder for her.

So, I'll take her advice. No more meddling, no more pestering. I'll mind my own business, just like she wants.

-------------

I went home, my mind swirling with thoughts of Hailey, though I tried to push them aside. On the way, I ran into Ryan, who was out for a run, as usual. He slowed down when he saw me, grinning like he always did.

"Hey, man," Ryan said, catching his breath. "Long time no see. What's up?"

"Not much," I replied, trying to keep my voice casual. "Just heading home."

As I continued walking, Ryan kept pace with me, wiping the sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand. He was always one for striking up a conversation, especially when it came to anything remotely connected to business or sports.

"So," Ryan started, his tone casual but with that hint of curiosity that told me he was about to dive into something a bit more serious, "I've been meaning to talk to you about this investment property I've been looking at near Park Street."