The Lifeguard

Chapter 23

I look in the water, studying my own reflection. I am sadness. All my other emotions has been overpowered by sadness. The love, joy, and pleasure has now been empty. I was genuine, open and sincere, but in return I now feel worthless. I was hiding behind a heartless girl, but why on earth did he give me a reason to love if he would be the person who tears my heart into million of pieces?

I got up from the pool, and wrapped myself in a white robe. An unfamiliar girl is up on the lifeguard stand where Connor usually sits. The last time I saw Connor in the hotel was when he was with Sean. The next time I saw him was when we visited him. Since then, I never heard of him again. He hasn't been around the hotel too. He might still be sick, I don't know. I shrugged my shoulders, pretending to shrug him off my mind too. I hate the fact that I still find myself thinking of him.

I was walking passed the open area near the pool when I heard a familiar female voice. It was this perky, vivacious voice. I knew whose voice it belong. I turned around to check. I was right. It was Ava. She noticed me looking at her. She waved, and gestured me to come over.

I did. "Hey," I greeted.

Ava smiled. "Hey! I didn't notice you in the pool earlier. How are you?"

"I'm good. How are you?"

"Good. Why don't you join me? Jace will be back. We missed you!"

I waited for her to mention Sean, but she didn't say his name or say where he is. I wanted to ask about him, but I didn't manage to do so. "Sure. I have to go change, and I'll come back," I told her before leaving. Ava nodded. I left. I headed upstairs to my room. I took a quick shower. Maybe I need this. I need to hang out with people to take my mind off Connor.

I came back downstairs to where Ava is staying at. Jace was already with her. It was the only two of them. I don't want to thirwheel but I guess this time I have to.

Jace pulled out a chair. "Have a seat."

"Thanks." I sat down. The three of us stayed there for a while, talking. We chatted, but mostly it was only them. I listened, and nodded in response. For a while, it was just us until the two of them looked up behind me. I already knew what they were looking at. Not what, but who. He pulled out a chair beside me.

"What took you so long?" asked Ava, while rolling her eyes.

"Sorry," apologized Sean.

I didn't look at him. In fact, I tried not to. I didn't know if I should say something, or if I should apologize now. I don't know if he's still upset with me, or if he's even planning to talk to me. I couldn't tell. Time flew by. Sean and I didn't say anything to each other, other than nodding and exchanging an awkward smile. Jace and Ava are probably wondering why, but they just didn't say anything. Sean stood up, and excused himself.

I followed him. "Sean!" I shouted. He was on his way to the parking lot. He stopped and turned around. I came over to him. We looked at each other for a while, neither of us said a word. I sighed. "I'm sorry."

He took a deep breath. "I'm sorry for walking out on you like that."

I shook my head. "No, you shouldn't be sorry. It was all me. I should have not said anything that would upset you. I was insensitive. I'm sorry... I didn't mean what I said. I know you will stay by my side. You're all I have... and Jace and Ava, of course."

Sean chuckled. "You have us, Zoe. And yes, I will be there on the darkest days, and even the brightess days of your life."

"I know." I smiled. I've realized that he is the kind of friend who does not leave a friend behind. He values our friendship, and I do too.

In a world full of betrayals, I'm lucky to have a Sean in my life.

"So, what's new? Have you talked to Conn--"

I cut him off and said, "no."

Sean crossed his arms. "Have you talked to Mr. Salvador?" he asked. I nodded. "What did he say?"

I shrugged my shoulders. "It's all bad news. Apparently, our parents knew each other. Can you believe that? It's such a small world, or maybe it's planned. I don't know. I don't think I want to continue this anymore. Everything I know now is already consuming me. It's too much. It's scary. I don't know if I can take more."

He furrowed his eyebrows, thinking. "What do you mean they knew each other? Like casually or they actually know each other?"

"My father may have killed Connor's parents. I mean, he was a suspect. People believed that he did it." I paused. Saying those words feels like I'm completely turning my back from my parents. It feels like I believe it, but I don't know what to believe.

He put his hand on my shoulder, comforting me. "Hey, you don't know that for sure. You cannot take other people's word all the time."

"I don't know what's true and what's not." I sighed. "I really don't know." I prevented myself from crying, but I still got teary eyed.

Sean pulled me close to him. He wrapped his arms around me. "Don't worry. This will all be over soon. When everything is too heavy, you can always lean on me. It's okay to rest."

I put my hands around him, and rested my head against him. "Thank you." I took a deep breath and let go from his hug. "Enough drama," I managed to say.

He scoffed. "Let's go back?"

"Yeah. Go ahead. I'll follow."

"Alright."

Sean walked back inside. I stayed for a little while longer to gather myself. I was heading back when suddenly I was grabbed by someone. My mouth and nose were covered with a cloth. It contains a strong smell that's slowly making me dizzy. I could feel myself losing conciousness. I tried to let go, but the person held me so tight that I could not move a single muscle. I tried to make noises but I couldn't. And then, my eyes just suddenly closed.