Enthral Azure

Chapter 4

(Part 2 from Chapter 3)

My heart is racing, my breathing is hitched, my face flushed with Anger? Embarrassment? Tell me, because being carried on a hot guys back is kind of… overwhelming? Considering its Aaron carrying me, I am not amused what so ever. Who does he think he is carrying me? We barely know each other! He doesn’t even know my name!

“Aaron! Put me down this – “My voice is muffled when I feel my body crashed deep in the water. Throwing out and whacking my arms underwater and struggling to hold on support, I definitely feel embarrassed.

Strong steady arms reach out and pull me out. Gulping for air, I gag and cough up sea water, and breathing heavily. Aaron’s laughter dies down when he sees my face; I grab him and jab at his chest.

“ARE YOU INSANE? WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE!” I scream at him and whack at his chest some more.

He grabs me by my wrists with a strong hold, and grins. “Calm down, it was just a joke –“

I splash him in the face with water before he can finish his sentence. “Shut up.” I say, glaring fiercely at him.

We’re quite far from the shore, and the people on the beach look like ants. The sound of the birds are faint, the sounds of the waves flowing effortlessly peaceful. Though, this situation is far from peaceful.

He stares at me and smiles. Then splashes at me, “Oh no, you didn’t – “I begin to say but he’s swimming away to the rocks by the cliff.

“Where do you think you’re going? Come back here!” I yell at him and swim towards his direction.

“Follow me.” He shouts back.

I follow him to the quiet area of the beach, far from the shore and near towards the cliff and rocks. It’s so beautiful here; I curse myself silently for not bringing a camera.

He climbs on top one of the rocks when I reach up to him. The rocks so high, I wish I were taller and strongly to climb and hit him.

He laughs when he sees my puzzled face, “Can’t reach me here, huh?”

I point daggers at him, and attempt to climb but I can’t. He reaches an arm down and pulls me up effortlessly. Were both standing on the rock now, the shells digging into my feet?

I clear my throat, “Asshole.”

He’s smiling. Why is he smiling? He’s looking into my eyes so deeply, holding my gaze and has me hypnotized with his glowing blue eyes, so alluring, twinkling with an undefinable sparkle to them.

“Sorry about that.” He says, and I believe him. His finger caresses my wet hair, lingering on a spot near my temple. “Seaweed,” he explains, and detaches the ugly looking seaweed and throws it back in the water.

“You didn’t have to do that,” I say, but deep inside, his has this effect on me. It’s those eyes!

“Do what?” He says innocently, and chuckles.

I narrow my eyes at him, “You know what. And, I hate you, just so were clear. So stop doing inexplicably polite things to me.” His smile vanishes, “I hate – hate you.” I stutter.

He nods, “Just so we’re clear, I never stuck that note on your back. Whoever told you it was me – it wasn’t, unless it was another Aaron.”

I frown, “What? Then why were you acting like it was?”

He shrugs, “I don’t know, but since you made it clear you hate me, I’ll leave you alone.”

“Seriously? Why – " i  begin to say but he hushes me.

“It’s okay, I forgive you. I’ll leave you alone for now on.” He grins.

“What? I’m not – “

“It’s okay. You’re apology is accepted. Oh, and by the way, how’s your shoulder?” Smirking, He pats me lightly on the shoulder. “We should get back,” he jumps off the rock and waves up at me to jump off.

Dazed, I shake my head. I wasn’t apologizing. He called me little girl. And brought up my shoulder! How I got hit with a football, that asshole… I jump off and swim back to shore.

When my feet reach the warm sand, Aaron is nowhere to be seen.  Adam is running to me, his face red with sunburnt. “Where were you?” he asks, concerned.

“Swimming. With Aaron.” Looking over his shoulder to see where Aaron is.

He raises an eyebrow, “Okay.” He looks hurt, maybe because I left him alone underwater earlier.

“Yeah, um, can we go home in an hour?” I ask Adam.

He nods, “Fine by me. I was getting bored here anyway.”

I smile, grab my bag and towel and lay my towel on the sand – reaching into my bag to read my favourite book, ‘The Sea of tranquillity’

An hour passes, and I have just finished reading a chapter. Adam is waiting for me patiently in the car, and when he drives me home the whole car ride is silent. He wasn’t cracking absurd jokes or talking like he usually does. Strange. Adam parks at the curb in front of my house.

I face him, and he’s looking at me expectantly.

“You okay?” I Ask.

He shrugs, “Why wouldn’t I be?” he gives me a reassuring smile.

I nod, “Okay, See you tomorrow at school.” I open the door but Adam grabs my arm to face me.

“Hothead… I mean Luce – I’ve wanted to ask you something.” I wait patiently. “Never mind, I forgot what I was going to say.” He slumps in his car seat and faces out the window.

I laugh, and nudge him playfully. “Okay Adam. Bye.” I smirk at him and raise a fist pump (our signal we always do), he returns it smiling.  I get out of the car, and shut the door. He drives off, and I head inside.