safe in my arms | solangelo au | under editing

Chapter Two

tw: abuse, drowning

Nico

The next morning, Luke is full of apologies.
"I was just a bit drunk." He says. "I'm sorry."

I know if I don't forgive him, he's the again, so I nod.
"I understand." I say. "It's okay." He smiles and I return it, trying to look enthusiastic.

"I have an idea!" He smiles. "Why don't we go swimming?"
"Uh... No thanks." I shake my head. Luke's eyes cloud over and I wince. Wrong answer. "I-I mean yes! Sure, let's go!" His smile returns and I scream internally. I hate swimming. I can't swim. I don't like water. This is going to be awful.

~~~

We arrive at the local pool and go into changing rooms. Luke insists on being in the same cubicle as me, which I hate. I turn away as I get changed.

When I'm done, I turn and almost bump into him. Luke smiles and kisses me, then takes my hand and leads me to the pool. It seems like a sweet gesture, but there's and underlining message: you're mine.

He lets go of my hand and dives into the water, splashing me. I wince and take a step back. Luke surfaces and frowns at me.
"Why didn't you jump in?" He asks.
"Uh... Luke?"
"Yeah?"
"I don't like the water."
"What do you mean?" He swims to the side of the pool, right in front of me.

"I don't like water. And I can't swim." I say. Luke's expression becomes angry.
"Liar." He mutters.
"No, Luke. I honestly can't swim!" I say.
"You always ruin everything!" He growls.
"Luke, please..."

He grabs my ankle and pulls it. I'm knocked off balance and fly backwards, my feet slipping. The back of my head hit the edge of the pool, then I'm submerged in water. It flows into my open mouth and up my nose, filling my lungs. I can't touch the ground.

I thrash around, and I'm suddenly pulled up by strong arms. At first I panic, Luke isn't going to be happy. But these arms don't belong to Luke. I'm lifted to the side of the pool and collapse, laid on my side. I cough out water then roll onto my back.

Somebody is leaning above me. I blink the water out of my eyes and their face comes into focus. Shaggy blonde hair, a splash of freckles, captivating blue eyes, and concerned expression which fills my chest with a warm feeling.
"Are you okay?" He asks. His voice is amazing, mellow and beautiful, like he's singing every word. I open my mouth, but I can't seem to form any words.

Luke runs over and pushes the guy away.
"Nico!" He looks worried. "Are you okay?"
"Excuse me," the blonde folds his arms. "You hurt this guy."
"No, I didn't." Luke says. "He slipped."
"It didn't look like that to me." The man says.
"And who might you be?" Luke sneers.
"The lifeguard." The blonde man states.
"Well I'm his boyfriend."

Luke hauls me to my feet and grabs my arm.
"We're going." He starts to pull me away. The lifeguard follows us.
"You should take him to a hospital." He says, referring to me. "He might have concussion." I shake my head in warning, but he ignores me.
"Whatever." Luke drags me along.

The lifeguard walks off, and I'm torn between relief and sadness.

We get to the car and Luke pushes me into the passenger seat. He storms back into the building, probably to retrieve our forgotten bags. I sit in fear for a few moments, then somebody taps on the window. I turn my head and see him. The lifeguard.

I wind the window down slightly, so that's it's only open a crack, and he grins.
"What?" I ask. He pushes a folded piece of paper through the tiny gap between the window and the rest of the car, then runs off. I watch as the piece of paper lands on my lap, making no attempt to open it. I realise I'm still in my swimming suit. Luke is too.

He opens the car door and I grab the slip of paper, crumpling it into a tiny ball and holding it in my fist. I then quickly close the window. He slips into the seat and drives off without a word, anger visible on his face.