WATER is a substance that is practically the essence of life, yet we know nothing of what lurks far beneath the point where the last sliver of light is seen. Despite that unsettling fact, I couldn't help but feel as if the ocean, as terrifying as it may seem, was my home. The moment it came into my line of vision, a sudden wave of relief washed over me, like every bit of stress, every small inch of worry disappeared, that is until it tore everything away from me.
My home, my family, and my life all gone because of one tragic accident that happened right in the place where I felt the safest. All my memories ripped to shreds only to be replaced with nightmares that haunted every second of my sleep. Sleepless nights of tossing and turning until finally everyone had enough and I was sent to a place designed to cure me, only I wasn't. There, the nightmares got worse, which only deepened the anger and fear I felt for the substance that was once my haven.
There is where my fear for water, or more specifically, the ocean began. And no matter how hard I wish, I can never be cured.
My love for cliché books developed when my old friend introduced me to my very first bad boy book. I wanted to be that girl. The girl with the dark past who managed to motivate herself and start an entirely new life forgetting everything that made her. I am that girl, only I can't forget anything. Memories of my life before anything happened hit my brain like a wave on crack. I don't want to go back to Beachwood and I most definitely do not want to go to school there.
"Llegra, I'm sure you will absolutely love it here. I'm so excited to have you back in Beachwood. Everyone keeps asking about you: the gardener, your neighbors, Rosemary, and even your old friends."
My ears perked up at the mention of my old friends. The last I saw them they were all angry at me for leaving, especially Brett, but that's before my life went on a never ending downhill spiral.
"They do?" I mutter, a small flame of hope ignites in my chest. I knew I would eventually run into them. Beachwood has a knack for making ironic things happen. Besides, it was a small town and my old friends loved venturing it.
Aunt Mirabella sucks in a deep breath and looks at me with apologetic eyes through her rear view mirror.
"Sorry m'dear, they used to. Rosemary still asks for you often though. Every time I get ice cream in her shop!" She hoots smiling to herself.
Of course they don't anymore. I internally curse at myself for getting my hopes up. They were so so angry at me and knowing them six, they don't stay fixated on things for prolonged periods of time. I sigh slouching back down, returning my attention to the scenery outside the window.
I dreamt of places I would go after I escaped the hellhole and never in a billion years would I imagine myself going back to one of the places I so desperately wanted to avoid.
Soon the trees that loomed over us disappeared and was replaced with a bright glittering ocean. It meant we were near. I force myself to look away and fought all the bad memories waiting to resurface. I spent years trapped in that place, I will not let it all go to waste. I will not break down here or anywhere else ever again. Even if it takes all my willpower, I will not let anyone in.
Llegra, you made yourself a deal. Let's carry on with it.
To keep my eyes from wandering to the captivating sea, I began playing with my choppy hair. I cut it myself as soon as I left the so called sanctuary.
YOU ARE READING
Aquaphobia
Teen FictionA series of unfortunate events forces Allegra Stafford to move in with her aunt. It is not the worst idea, but there is one huge problem in this entire plan, Allegra's aunt lives in the one place Allegra vows never to return to: her hometown.
