Never Too Late

Chapter Fifty

Johan stole a glance at Ericka as she buried her feet in the sand a few paces away from him. Her hair tumbled down her back and she looked like an ethereal creature, both alluring and beautiful. He longed to have her by his side again but he put on the pretense that he'd barely noticed her.

They'd brushed against each other earlier, but he had to fight to keep his feelings in check, so now he decided it was best for them to keep their distance. Looking over to his mom, he saw that she was busy making sandwiches so he went over to help her and she smiled warmly at him.

"It's nice to see color back in your face again," she said happily. "I knew coming out here would do you good."

"Yeah it has," Johan said, before glancing at Ericka as she talked with Rachel. He turned his gaze back to his mom before it lingered too long when he realized she looked downtrodden.

"What's the matter?" he asked concerned.

"I'm just gonna miss having you and your brother around." She sighed sadly.

"I'll miss you a lot too," he told her before giving her a hug. Though their relationship had its ups and downs he wouldn't trade his mother for anything in the world. She was the warmth that told him home was always waiting for him and he was grateful to have her in his life.

Just then Luke came over, smiling warmly.

"Wanna go swimming?" He asked and Johan nodded in agreement.

Once in the ocean, they waded around and took dips into the water before Luke suddenly splashed him. In retaliation Johan dunked his head under and laughed hysterically as Luke came up spitting water in fury. His laughter was however short lived when his brother swept his legs out from under him, sending him plunging into the sea in a splash. He quickly shot back up, eyes burning with salt and water in his nose but ready to murder Luke. However, they both broke out in laughter, unable to hide how much fun they were having.

"We should ask Ericka and Rachel to join us." Luke smiled before going to get them.

Soon he was coming back with both girls and they joined them in the water but Ericka clung to a rock timidly.

"The water is really warm," Rachel said while gently splashing around.

"Yeah it is," Ericka responded half submerged and still clinging to the rock.

"It is nice isn't it?" Johan said stealing a glance at Ericka who blushed faintly.

"Ericka, what college did you end up choosing to go to? I completely forgot to ask," Luke questionned, his eyes only locked on her.

"Well I..." She began before Rachel yelped.

"What's wrong!?" Johan asked alarmed as he took a hold of his frantic sister.

"I think I stepped on a sea urchin!" She cried.

"Maybe it was broken glass," Luke reasoned since the waters were nearly crystal clear.

"I don't know what it was but it hurt!" She said hobbling over to him.

Sighing Luke helped her out of the water and took a look at her foot. "You barely got pricked!"

"Could there be more of them!?" Ericka asked alarmed as she scanned the water.

"Maybe not," Johan responded. "Luke, take Rachel to mom and dad, I'll catch up soon."

Sighing again, Luke helped Rachel along and when they were finally gone Johan focused his attention on Ericka again. Guessing she couldn't swim, Johan offered his hand, which she frightfully took before clinging to him. Johan felt his heart hammer in his ears and tried to hide his rapidly growing blush.