Angel of Mine (Completed)

Chapter 1

A/N: Hope you can give this story a chance.  It is a heartwarming story between two people from opposite ends of the social scale who found love.

“What the hell is wrong with you Cerise?! Your game head is not on.  Your time sucks for the last 3 laps.  The inter-collegiate championship is just around the corner.  What is up with you?”  Rodin Morrigan, my dad and coach is exasperated with me.  I totally agree with him.  I am so out of my game.  My right shoulder has been burning in pain, so much that it’s affecting my strokes.  I could hear Dr. Cayman talking about it a week ago.   Your tendinitis is getting worst Cerise, I hate to say this but if you overdo it, this could mean the end of your swimming career.  I had been swimming since I was nine.  My mom who was my biggest cheerleader was my inspiration, having been a swimming champion like my dad back in the days.  I lost my mom when she and I were driving back from a tournament when I was 16.  A drunk driver hit her side killing her instantly.  I survived but had rigorous physical therapy for my broken shoulder.  Since then my muscles have weakened but I still managed to win some tourneys.  I was lucky to get this athletic scholarship and even if I have been hurting, I can’t risk losing it.  I still have 2 years of fine arts to finish and damn it all I am going to finish this.

 “Sorry dad.  Just give me a few minutes and will start over.” 

“Alright!  Half an hour and we’ll do it again. We can’t lose honey.  You have been working so hard for this.  “Dad, I get it—totally.  Just give me a few and I’m on it.” 

He walked off running his hands through his salt and pepper hair.  I love my dad.  It has been a tough year for him having to cope with the loss.  He had been driving me so hard, though I can understand it.  I just don’t have the heart to tell him about my secret visits to Dr Cayman for therapy. It would crush him once he finds out.

I felt a stare burning behind my back and looked back and I saw him.  Lathan Anders, the pool cleaner.  I swear he looks too cute to be just a pool cleaner.  I sometimes see him working at the library too.  It almost seems like he works and lives here. 

“What are you staring at Lathan?  And wipe that smirk off your face.”

He walked over to my side and knelt down. 

“You have to tell him Cerise. I see you practically every day and even I can see you’re in pain.” 

Lathan and I developed an odd friendship somehow.  I guess it’s because the university pool has been my second home.  I spend so much time here not only for training, but swimming clears my head somehow.  Lathan, while waiting for me to finish before he cleans the pool, has become a constant companion. He has this good listening ear when he would just let me talk about anything about my day. I just feel this unexplainable connection to him that’s why we hit it off well.

 “Back off dude, I can’t have you mothering me. You know it would mean the end of my career and my scholarship if I tell him.  You can’t tell anybody.  You are sworn to secrecy, remember? “

Cerise’s honey brown eyes looked back at me in sorrow.  I have grown to like her burning passion to please other people and to compete with all that she’s got.  She is just too beautiful for words. “Yes, I know that but you are killing yourself.  I can’t stand it.” 

“ Ooohh somebody cares.”  I playfully tease him.   I could get lost in his eyes that mirror mine.  Stop!  You’re supposed to keep your game head on and not be sappy about this conversation going on. “Hey, do you mind leaving me for awhile.  My dad is going to come back anytime soon.  Just a few more laps and were outta here so you can clean the pool.  Is that ok?” 

“You know I won’t mind right.  I’m just worried about you.” He said.   His face looked so worried and I felt my heart melt.

“Thanks Lath.  Maybe we can grab some coffee tomorrow?  You know catch up?”

 “I would like nothing more.”  He said and I swear I could see his face light up, he stood then walked out of the room.  He looked back and yelled “I’ll see you tomorrow then.  Take it easy okay?”  She nods and dove to the water.

This girl is going to be the death of me. When will she stop punishing herself?  It breaks my heart every time she winces in pain.  I met Cerise when I started working here a few months ago.  I fell for her instantly.  She just has that aura of simplistic beauty, and her smile was the clincher.  When she smiles, like genuinely smiles, it reaches her big brown eyes, another one of her best features.  But she not only is beautiful on the outside, but the inside as well.  I sighed.  Angel of mine, if only I was good enough for her.

 

*****

 

“Are you ready to go now, master?  “Yes, thanks Ka’to.  By the way, did you arrange for the flowers I asked to be sent tomorrow?” 

“A dozen white roses to the university at noon.  Yes, all has been arranged, Master.” 

“Splendid!  Can you arrange for it to be done every day.  I’ll write a note next time. Now take me home, it has been a long day.”