What We Leave Behind - COMPLETED

Chapter 18

His hand wrapped around my wrist, as his pace quickened. I pulled and resisted the whole way, but my short legs provided no assistance.

Soon I was dragged up my familiar trail towards the cove. "What're we doing!" I screamed as tending to my wrist.

Jayden quickly disappeared into the trees. "Come on! We don't have much time!"

I rolled my eyes following him. By now the winds were stronger, the rain drops were larger and my anxiety increased. Sand quickly filled the space between my feet and sandals, and I squinted through the rain. Jayden stood at the edge of the beach, his ankles water deep. I rushed towards him.

My hands tugged at his shirt, "Let's go, we shouldn't be here!"

Lighting struck and the figure before he chuckled in delight. "Come on! Watch!"

I shook my head against his chest "Watch what!"

"The storm! Let's see if anything awesome happens! Maybe it'll hit one of the trees!"

"Why do we have to watch for that!" I screamed on top of the thunder.

He carefully lifted my chin, his eyes scanning mine. I smiled nervously afraid that the lightening would strike the water and electrocute us. The harsh waters crashed against the rocks, and the remains of the moving waves hit our calves. Darkness had set in by now, and I could barely make out the details of his face. Nothing but his grey blue eyes shone through.

"Storms are beautiful-" He spoke.

"They're dangerous, please, let's go."

"Just a few more minutes, trust me."

So I did. I gave him those few moments he asked for, and instantly the waves slowed, the wind slowed and I inspected the calm night. The slow waves now settled for quick kisses with the cliffs, and the air whistled in harmony with the light trickle of rain. It was the cove I had grown accustom to, it was the cove I've had nightly dates with when no one else desired my company. Suddenly, a bright fierce light cracked through the darkness. Jayden and I gazed up at the bright sky, the stars hid from sight, the water sparkled and the beach was lit with a blue glow. My breath was caught within me, I beamed in delight as my hands grasped the top of my head. A joyful laughter escaped from my lips, and Jay joined in. We stood there for a few more moments taking in the sight, until the rain poured heavily once again.

"Okay," Jay screamed. "Now we can go!"

Hands intertwined, we ran back towards the trail. My lungs burned from laughter and my body screamed with cramps, but  thought nothing of it. Jay periodically glanced back at me, and I gleamed back - an exchange of understanding, I would be right behind him.

We made great progress, passing the Scuba Shop and Tanner's pub. Yet, just as we reached the diner, Mason's shadow covered our path. I looked up at the large figure, illuminated by the florescent light of the building. "Are you kidding me?" He yelled through the storm. "Get indoors right now Wren!"

With a huff he turned around and shut the door, finding shelter in the booths. Jay reassured me with an arm around my waist and ushered me up towards my home. By the time we made our way up the steep hill, I wasn't sure if my heart shook from the storm or from the sight of Mason. Beside me Jay slowed down, his breath heavy. "Jay," I gasped.

He shook his head. "I'm okay, it's okay, we're almost there."

We reached the entrance of the house, water poured down from our bodies. Jay shook against me, and the cold from the vacant space nipped at our skin. I gestured for Jay to follow me to the bathroom, instructed him to remove his clothes and stand in the warmth of the shower.