Intervention

Chapter 1

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''Do you want me to pick you up some lunch in the supermarket before I come to collect you?'' Dad asked me.

''No, its fine. I've got some stuff in my bag I can eat.''

My dad took his hand off the car wheel and scratched his head. ''Whatever you say.''

I looked out my passenger seat window, and watched as we passed the local library and the park. I wondered if the pool was going to be empty, since most people were getting sick. A bug was going around as Mom called it.

''You lookin' forward to going back to Mom's house on Friday?'' Dad looked at me trying to see my reaction to his question.

''Yeah I guess...I mean, not any more than I look forward to seeing you''

That seemed to please him, but all the same he sighed. ''It must be so hard for you Josey.''

I didn't look at him. ''Not really. I realised a long time ago that you and Mom were never going to...you know...love each other anymore.''

''Your a good kid Josey.''

''I know...'' I said, tossing him a grin. ''Um, so you found any interesting cases at work?''

Dad sighed. ''We just keep bringing in drunk drivers. I really think we should disguise the police cars. Once the drunk see us they drive faster. It just makes everything twice as dangerous.'' I nodded. ''What stage are you on in your swimming course anyway Josey?''

''We're on life saving. Its pretty cool. You go into pairs and then one person jumps into the water and pretends to drown. Sometimes its hilarious. Erin is my parter, but she's sick so I don't know who I will get today.''

Dad scoffed. ''And remind me why you have to come to swimming half an hour early for your lesson''

I rolled my eyes, turning my head away from him. ''Its so warm in there, and Its nice to just watch people swim and listen to music.'' I glared at Dad. Dad held back a smile. ''I'll never understand that'' he murmured.

The yellow pool building was in sight, and dad pulled his black land rover up onto the footpath, and let me out. ''Thanks dad. See you later''

''You too. Have a good time.'' I grinned. ''I always do.''

I watched for a few seconds as he drove off, before making my way to the pool entrance. I passed Gerard, a guy in my group, and also sort of my friend. We didnt speak much, but when we did it was good. I just smiled at him and continued walking. He didn't seem to see.

I was greeted warmly at reception by Kyle. ''Early as usual eh?''

I chewed my lip. ''You bet.'' Kyle shook his head and chuckled softy. ''That'll be $3.00. The usual.'' I handed him the money, before making my way to the veiwing area. The pool seemed empty, yet the veiwing area was packed. I grumbled under my bread, and pushed my way through the sea of legs. Most people didn't move to let me through, or even glance up at me. I sat at the very bottom, and took my iPhone from my gear bag. Slipping on my earphones, I felt all noise of chatter and pool water gently drift away as I chose my song. Bastille.

I let the music drain the tension inside me, and I found my foot tapping to the beat. I looked up to the pool. The children having a lesson were about the ages of 8-10. One boy was dashing down the pool like a rocket. He rose from beneath the water and nodded smugly after the lifeguard revealed his time. Typical. My eyes caught a pale girl, standing in the shallow end of the pool. She looked sickly, like she was going to faint. Her face was motionless. I pondered over whether she should be in the pool. She had obviously caught the bug going aroung. I moved on from her, seeing a girl splashing around like she was drowning. Was she drowing? No. She was smiling.