Refuge

Chapter 22: Pinky Promise

*Huge thank you to those who have supported me and my story. It wouldn't be here without you :) And thanks for letting me know if what I was doing was right. I needed some of that reassurance as of late :)

This is far from edited, FYI. But, if there's some serious mistakes, message me or comment to me!!! Also, the video is once again NOT WORKING. Ugh it's making me mad. But anyways, the song is "Dust to Dust", by The Civil Wars.

WOW. It's been a while Wattpad....long time no see!!!

Okay, I honestly thought that I was going to update sooner, but time seriously got away from me. What with huge exams, regular homework, being sicker than a dog, and national three-day volleyball tournaments, I've just put everything else on hold. But, I'm proud to say I'm back and ready to friggin roooooll. I'm excited for where this story is going and I hope you all are too :)

BONUS!

I have already written out allot of the upcoming chapters! (internal happy dance commences). So, hopefully I'll be able to update a whole lot sooner! I'm sorry I can't commit to a regular updadting schedule like other authors; my life's just too erratic right now. But, take heart in that I won't ever not finish this story!! It's my baby :)

ENJOY!

-A

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You know how I said I needed to focus on the here and now? 

Yeah, that’s easier said than done. 

I think this as I walk down to the shoreline, wearing nothing but my simple, athletic looking black swimsuit, my scar on full display. My fists are clenched so tight at my sides, I’m sure my nails are bringing blood to the surface on the palms of my hands. The sunset is a nice backdrop, though, the way the blues, reds, and oranges bleed together, providing the perfect portrait for a night in Hawaii. 

I finally reach the water, trying to be extra quiet so that I don’t make a scene. I don’t want to disrupt the perfect picture before me. Mr. and Mrs. Watson are laying on a blanket, laughing at their children and their friends as they engage in an all out water war, splashing and dunking each other mercilessly. It all makes me smile. 

It’s Britt who finally notices me. Her eyes never waver from mine, never flickering down to the scar like every other person would do. She just waves me over, wading a bit closer to me as she does. “Alex! Hey! Come join in on the girls’ team! We’re taking a beating from these neanderthals over here!” 

Everyone looks up as she calls my name. I bite my lip and suddenly get that empty feeling in my stomach. I feel like that one time I had to perform a speech in front of the entire eighth grade and just stood there, completely and totally nervous. I ended up forgetting it all and running off stage. I felt pretty sick back then. 

It’s like that, but ten times worse. 

My right hand automatically grips my left arm in my attempt to hide the scar as much as possible. I look everywhere but a certain spot, trying not to look there, but I can’t help it. It’s like my gaze is magnetized to his. 

I glance over at Hayden. He obviously saw me move my hand which means he saw the scar. I’m scared to meet his eye, but I do. His expression isn’t anything like I feared it would be. No, he looks at me in a soft and affectionate way, with his hand slightly extended towards me.