Capturing Ella

Chapter 29 - Ella

Overlapped perspective at the beginning with Chapter 28

I sprinted down the beach and to where the waves started thinning out onto the shore in what could have been classed as a record-breaking time. It was an odd skill I had – I could sprint a lot quicker on sand then I ever could on tarmac or grass. Most people find sand harder to run on as it collapses in on itself, giving less traction so it's harder to run but I find it easier. All the more reason I love the beach. I ran into the water, letting it splash against my exposed calves, the salt water reaching the gun scar I have on my left calf, lapping pathetically at in. Salt water is said to heal the body, and has been referenced in plays and in Greek mythology as cleansing the soul and mind, helping one to think clearly. When Joe told me earlier he would tell a secret that had the potential to ruin someone to them, because why not, I decided I would tell him on the beach. I never really found myself attached to Greek Mythology – apart from the fact the whole Soulfinder thing lined up pretty well with Plato's theory – but I would need all the help I could muster, and why not ask help from the ocean. Water always had a calming effect on me. To be fair, my parents and then Karla and Saul told me relentless times that you always connect to the subject of your gift. One of mine was ice, and you can't have ice without water. I suppose it's the same way Yves always used to sit in front of the fireplace for hours on end when he was a toddler, and still does it now when he's stressed, and I had a fear of fire. I also assume it's why I always loved being at the swimming school or in the pool. It was a force that could engulf and literally drown you, but only if you let it have that control over you. I used to just sit at the bottom of the pool for minutes on end without breathing just to clear my mind, but that used to cause people heart attacks thinking I've drowned, so now I sit with just my feet in the pool, staring at the small ripples emanating from my feet feeling the tension drain from my being. I could feel the effect the ocean was having on me from standing here for only a few seconds. Every time a wave hit my leg, a tiny fragment of self doubt was washed away. I believed in myself for once.

'Fucking hell, its freezing!' Joe said, and I turned around. He had run after me, but I had a good head start on him and he had now entered the water. Obviously, he wasn't prepared for the chilly water. It was a very warm day, but it did nothing for the Atlantic ocean.

'Language, kid.' I joked, looking back out onto the ocean. It was about half six or so, and I was dreading the conversation to come. But I was somehow excited at the same time. Joe had persuaded me telling him was the right thing to do without him even knowing what I was on about. I grinned, hoping everything would be okay after I told him we're Soulfinder's.

'We're like the same age – kid,' He joked and I grinned shaking my head.

'I'm older than you, don't call me kid.'

'Older? You're only older by a few months.'

'It doesn't matter, I'm still older,' I carried on arguing, turning back around to look at the sun. It had started it's journey to the horizon hours ago, and was now in touching distance, spewing out the most wonderful radiant oranges and reds across the nearly clear skies, the pathetic wisps of clouds that dared to linger were shadows, a back seater in the suns wonderful colour show.

'Wish I could swim away from this all,' I sighed, moving my foot backwards and forwards in the ocean, the little lapping sound it made bringing more relief to my beating heart.

'You'd end up in Wales; I'd want to stay here if I was you,' Joe said, coming up to stand next to my side. I smiled slightly, looking down at the waves as he looked over at me. I tucked my hair behind my eyes, my gaze focused on a small rock that was caught up in the tide, being taken out as the tide goes out itself. I could picture it attempting to catch a lift to somewhere more exciting. Had I replied to Joe? No.