Her Name Wasn't Chloe

Learning to swim

(Lauren's POV)

I was so reieved now that everything was out in the open between Keaton and I. We join the guys and Carly at the front of the bus and we all start talking about going to the beach.

"We should just go right now" Carly chips in.

"I'm down" Drew says nodding.

My palms are turning sweaty because there is something none of them know about me : I don't know how to swim. I never had to learn, I live in such a small town with lack of water and learning was never in my plans.

Keaton wraps his arm around me "Let's do it" he says.

I look up at him and whisper "There's something I think I should tell you."

I'm probably freaking him out with all of this secret stuff. Even with a worried face he looks so sexy.

"I don't know how to umm... Swim" I say a little bit louder for everyone to hear.

"Are you just fucking with us?" Wes asks letting a giggle slip out of his mouth.

"No, I'm completely serious" I say tilting my head away from Keaton.

He pulls me closer "Well now we have to go! We're gonna teach you how to swim" he says with excitement.

I turn my half frown into a smie and Wesley shouts to Jack "To the beach!"

Jack turns around and drives us to the beach.

"I'll be back here in 2 hours to get you guys" Jack says as he opens the doors letting us pile off the bus in no particular order.

We all strip down and Keaton takes one of my hands "Ready?" he asks.

"Ready" I say as we walk towards the water.

The waves touch my toes and then we walk deeper into the water. My knees are splashed with the waves and we still walk deeper until the water is at my chest. Drew and Wesley are close by and Carly is sitting by a pile of our clothes.

"All you have to do is kick your legs" Drew tells me as he pumps his legs swimming closer to me.

"Try it" Wes says.

I start to kick my legs back and forth. Keaton let go of my hand and took a few steps away.

"Now swim to me" Keaton says as he sticks out his arms.

"We'll be right by your side" Drew assures me.

I lean forward and start kicking and on instinct my arms start paddling until I reach Keaton. My arms reach for his and he pulls me closer to him.

"See it's not that hard" Keaton says with a smile.

He takes my hand and we swim out a little deeper and now my feet can't reach the sandy bottom. Drew and Wes are splashing around and goofing off.

The waves start getting bigger and I suggest "Maybe we should go in" as I struggle to keep paddling and kicking.

"No it's fine" Keaton says as another wave crashes.

The next wave pulls me out of Keaton's reach and under the water. I just stop fighting back and everything went blank.

...

My eyes open and I see Drew staddling over my body. He's pushing my chest and water pours out of my mouth. I choke out more water and then take deep breath.

"Jeez Lauren don't scare us like that" Carly says with a worried expression still on her face.

Keaton blurts out "I should've just listened when you wanted to go back in."

I sit up and say "Um guys I'm okay but do you mind if we go to the hotel I'm kinda tired."

"We called Jack he's already here" Wes says pointing to the bus in the distance.

I smile and try to get up but stumble and fall back to the ground.

Keaton bends down and say "Here just let me carry you."

He lifts me and I swing my arms around his neck. We meet everyone on the bus and he lets me down and sits beside me.

"Oh uh hey Drew?" I say as my voice trembles.

"What's up little lady?" he says looking in my direction.

"Thanks for saving my life." I tell him.

"Oh I'm sure if I didn't Keaton would've killed me" Drew says laughing.

We get to the hotel and Jack offers "Keaton I'll bring both yours and Lauren's bags to your room you take her."

"Will do" Keaton replies as he picks me back up and carries me to our room.

He sits me on the bed and starts to cry "Lauren I thought you were gone."

"But I'm here" I tell him.

"I know, it just took awhile and it really scared me" he says drying his eyes.

"Keaton do you mind doing me one more favor tonight?" I ask.

"Anything" he says sniffling.

"Help me get to the tub?" I say raising an eyebrow.

Picking me up he carries me into the bathroom and sets me into the bathtub. I take off my sandy bra and underwear and lay them on the bathroom floor. He turns on the water and sits on the toilet watching over me as the tub fills. I wash the sand out of my hair then off my body. I drain the tub and grab the towel Keaton hands me. I dry off then Keaton grabs my hand and pulls me to my feet. I walk to the bed then lie down.

"I'm going to shower now, will you be okay here?" he asks.

"Yes" I groan.

He walks off into the bathroom and I hear the shower start. I grab the hotel phone and dial 1 for room service. I order some pasta and tell them no red sauce. As requested there's a knock at the door.

"I got it." I yell to Keaton who is still showering.

I grab $20 from my bag and slip on a baggy T shirt before walking to the door and opening it. There's a man standing in the door with a rolling table. He wheels it into the room then I hand him the money.

Handing it back to me the man says "It's on me."

He leaves the room and after hearing the door shut Keaton comes out of the bathroom completely naked.

I close my eyes and let out a girlish squeal "Ahh it burns" I say.

He laughs "It's not like you haven't seen it before" which makes me laugh.

"I ordered pasta" I tell him pointing to the table.

"I see that" he says with a grin.

He puts on a pair of boxers and I start eating. Once he's got his boxers on he starts helping me polish of the pasta. I eat until my stomach is full then I lay back on the bed.

"I love you" I sigh.

"Lauren, I love you too" he says laying in the spot next to me.

We face each other and I scoot over closer to his body. I bring my lips to his forehead and kiss him. In return he kisses my nose.

I scrunch my nose up and he whispers "You have the cutest nose I've ever seen."

I gasp "And you've seen millions of noses."

We both start laughing at the remark I had made.

"Let's get some sleep we've got a big day on the road tomorrow" Keaton tells me.

"Okay" I say as I shut my eyes. I listen to the sound of his heart and him breathing in and out. I feel his chest moving with each breath he takes and gradually I fall asleep.