Surf's Up?

Too Far? pt. 2

Steele’s POV

Okay, I definitely did not plan this. I couldn’t believe I suggested helping her get warm but it wasn’t so

that I could make a move on her. I wouldn’t do that in this kind of situation. I did it because it was the

best way to get warm. My tent was literally barren of blankets, clothes or anything else warm. Thanks a

lot Hill. I gently pulled her towards me, being careful of her ankle. I wrapped my arms around her and

she leaned back into my chest. If this situation had been any different, I probably would have been

floating, but right then, I was freezing my butt off. I knew Ellis was colder though. Wet clothes in the cold

aren’t good. If she had been a guy, I would have suggested she take off her shirt, but she wasn’t… so

that just would have been weird. I tried to rub some warmth into her.

a) I don’t understand how it got cold so fast. b) Why was it cold?! We are in California for Pete’s sake!

Actually, technically I guess we drove over the state line into Nevada, but still! I know I said it before, but

this was totally typical. Ellis’ foot, the rain, no blankets. Although, I shouldn’t be complaining since I’m in

this situation. I felt bad though, as I watched her shiver slightly, ever so often, and really wished she had

warm clothes. I could get her some, but she’d have to change in the tent with me and she would hate

that. It was worth a shot. “Ellis?” She took a deep breath. “Yeah?” I cleared my throat. “I can run out

really quick and get you some clothes… if you want.” She didn’t say anything. After a moment, she

nodded. I scooted away and ran out really quick. I entered her tent and found her bag. Okay, what do

girls wear when they’re cold? I pulled out some sweatpants and a sweatshirt. I searched her bag for a

shirt. I found one that looked clean and grabbed it. I hugged them to my chest tightly and sprinted out.

When I got back into my tent, I found that Ellis’ teeth were chattering again. I handed her her stuff and

turned away. I heard her mutter a very unflattering word and I braced myself as I asked, “What?” She

laughed grimly and muttered, “Um… it’s a little hard to get some stuff on with a fractured ankle…” I bit

my lip as I thought about this. It took her a full 10 minutes, with a lot of sharp gasps, to change. I was

tempted to turn around several times because I could tell she was close to tears. But, if I had done that,

she probably wouldn’t have forgiven me. Finally she said it was okay and I turned to see her sitting with

her arms around her legs. I sat down and pulled her in. A couple minutes later, I received a message. It

was from Reese; it said, “stuck in traffic because of the weather, it might be a while.” One bar. I tried not

to move my phone as I hit call. She answered immediately and I said, “Reese, you guys need to get her

quickly. Ellis might have fractured her ankle.” Ellis turned as she heard a loud “WHAT?” from Hill. She

covered her mouth in laughter and I smiled. “She’s okay but you guys-“ The line went dead. “Dang it.” I