Beneath the Surface

Chapter 8

After I  dried off and changed out of my suit, I headed up from the locker room. I wandered through the hallways until I arrived in the cafeteria. The cafeteria was really my first choice since it's rally wide and open, but it doesn't have doors so I could still access it after school hours. Plus at this point in the day, it was very unlikely that I would be running into anyone here, which is exactly what I need. For now, I just need some time to myself to get away from everything that is happening before I start to say even more things I will regret later. That, and I just don't feel like dealing with people right here, right now. All they will do is ask me questions and make me ever more annoyed. Questions like "are you okay?" Obviously not!

I went up to the vending machine at the far end of the room in hopes to buy me some chocolate. Yea, the vending machines nowadays sell really crappy snacks because there's some law out there about how schools need to be healthier now (thanks Obama. Taking away my french fries at lunch sure made me healthier...) The vending machine may have to be healthy now, but somehow, there are still some goodies in there.

 I enter my money and push the buttons that correspond with what I want. While I watch my my coco puff cereal bar fall to the button,  I felt my phone vibrate as I bent over to pick it up.  I'm caught a little off-guard since everyone I normally talk to is currently submerged in 13 feet of water at the moment. I wonder who the hell would be texting me? 

 It was a text from Arnesto. 

"Where are you? Are you ok?"

 I know that 10 seconds ago the thought of that very question annoyed the crap out of me, but those words coming from him seemed to be alright. I totally forgot that this fiasco also involved him. I wasn't even the start of it. Heck, I wasn't even the one dropped in the water from about 5 feet in the air. That must have a stung just a little. I feel a little guilty since I should probably be asking Arnesto if he's okay, but it's sweet that he cares about me. I texted him back that I was fine, but seconds later he called me. 

"Hey"
"Hi."
"Where are you?"
"The cafeteria"
" I'll come in just a few"
"You don't have to"
"But I want to, if that's ok"
"Sure I guess. Just don't let Brent catch you. I'll never live that down"
" Ok see you soon"
"Bye"

Shortly after this call, a slightly wet Arnesto stumbled into the cafeteria.He looked around for a couple seconds until he saw me sitting up against the far wall, finishing my cereal bar. He smiles when he sees me and starts to walk over.

"There you are, my angel, " Arnesto says as he approaches me. His comment caught me a little off guard.  Since when does he have a nickname for me? Is that even normal for him to do yet? I'm shaken quickly from my thoughts a he continues. "Everyone got really worried when you disappeared from practice and weren't in the locker room. Arianna searched for you but did't find you. You left very suddenly."

 Arnesto leans up against the wall and slides downiest to me. He goes to  reach his arms around me to pull me into a hug, but I push him away. It may be a sweet gesture and all, but I'm a little upset with him since he apparently can't hold his tounge. I waste no time to call him onto the carpet. "How did they know we were dating? I didn't even know that we were officially dating yet." I say with tears starting to form in my eyes.

"I told them silly", he said, slightly confused by my reaction.

"Why would you do that?!?" I yelled at him. The tears began to roll down my face. It's like he doesn't even understand why I'm so upset right now. Then again, I really don't know either. I mean it feels like he broke my trust, but then again I never stated to him that we shouldn't tell anyone. Technically he didn't do anything wrong, but over reacting is apparently my forte. 

"Because I wanted everyone to know that the most beautiful girl in the whole world wanted to date me. You're one of the best things to have happened to me in my new life. The first real connection I've had since I've come to Ohio. I how could I not brag about someone as wonderful as you?" He said, the guilt coming out of him in spades. His words are sounds like he had good intent. Everything just seemed to have gone out of his hands. "I'm sorry babe. I didn't know it would bother you so much. If I had, I wouldn't have said anything."

The only answer I  could give  him was in sobs. Right now,  I was emotionally confused. I was still mad at him, but at the same time that may have been just about the swetest thing anyone has ever said about me. Part of me blames him for what happened, but the other half knows that it wasn't really his fault. My feelings just keep conflicting, which makes me want to cry more.

Arnesto tries to comfort me, even though it's useless.  He comes closer and puts his arms around me and rubs my back. I'm too upset to even try and stop him. I may still be upset with him, but I'm a sucker for a good back rub.

 After awhile, my sobs begin to die out.  When the tears really  start to ease up, he begins to talk to me."If you don't mind me asking Angel, why does it bother you so much that people know we're dating? Is it me? Do I embarress you?"

I quickly look up to look him in the eyes" No. No! You're wonderful. Absolutely wonderful. It's just-"
I suddenly stop. And try to glance away. I don't quite know how I want to finish that sentence.

His hand finds my face and wipes a tear away.  Arnesto brings my face back towards his. " Just what, baby?"

I let out a sigh. " I guess I'm just not ready for the world to know yet. I don't even know if I'm quite ready for a real relationship yet. I mean, I barely know you and the last time I trusted a guy I just met I was-" I stop and pull away from him.  I may have said too much.It's  way too soon to trust him with my secrets, my past.

"You were what?" Arnesto asks, naturally curious. 

" It's unimportant. It-it doesn't matter. Just forget I said anyhing," I answer. Hoping that he takes the hint to change the subject. I really don't want to talk about this anymore. 

"Okay sweetie", Arnesto answers understandingly. He nods "If and when you're ready, I'll be here for you." 

"Thanks" I say. Maybe someday I'll tell him, but today is just not that day.

"So would you like a lift home? I can give you a ride, " he offers me after a few moments of silence.

 I smile at him. "Believe me, there's nothing I would rather do then get out of here right now," I answer. But then my smiles disappears.  "But if I go home now, my parents will know something is up. And then once they hear what happened today, I'll be in serious trouble. I'll get grounded and if I try to defend myself, they probably won't let me swim anymore or see you."

"Then how about a nice walk in the park to clear you mind?" Arnesto suggests as he stands up. He turns around and reaches his hand down towards me..

I smile at him and take his hand. "That sounds just about perfect right now."