The Lifeguard

Chapter 40

"Is that Sean?" asked Connor. He came out of the door, walking towards my direction. I turned off my phone and looked behind me, giving a nod. "He misses you, huh?"

"He does," I answered with a smile on my face. I placed my phone down on the coffee table. "I miss him too," I added. I've been staying at the porch facing the ocean. I liked the fresh air and the sound of the waves crashing on the shore like it falls dead. The sky is translucent blue painted above with abstract shapes of clouds. From far ahead, the horizon lay where the sky meets the water. It always amazes me; how the scenery can mesmerize a person, relaxing every bone in the body. I leaned my back on the porch railings, now facing Connor. He smiled at me so bright like the sun welcoming me when I come out from the inside.

"I know. You guys text everyday," he says.

I smirked. "We do. You're not upset over it, right?" I asked him.

He raised his eyebrows. "No."

"Good. We only talk all the time because it's the only way we can stay connected," I explained. It's true. Ever since Connor and I left, my communication with Sean did not stop. We text and talk every day. And as much as possible, I want it to stay that way until we come back. "He wants to see me. He's worried. I told him that everything is fine, and he has nothing to worry about."

"He cares about you, so of course he's worried," Connor said this in a calm, soft tone.

"I know. Thanks for understanding." I crossed my arms under my breast as I smile at him.

"I know how close you are to each other. I'm not the type of guy who will wreck your friendship just because I don't like it when some other guy is talking to you. And it's Sean. He's not just some other guy. He's a great guy," he answered. He places his hand on my shoulder for comfort. "I also know that he will always have a special place in your heart. And that's not a problem for me... Because I know that you love me, and I trust you."

I smiled widely. What did I do to deserve this amazing guy in front of me right now? "And that's what I love about you. You're amazing, Connor."

Connor comes closer, planting a kiss on my forehead. "I'll get some snacks."

I nodded. "Okay."

As soon as he went back inside, I eventually turned around to face the ocean again. This amazing view just blesses my eyes every single day. Such a beautiful creation.

Moments passed by, and my heart began feeling heavy. I wasn't sure if it was just because I'm tired and lacking of sleep, or I'm feeling anxious. Everything suddenly became quiet. I couldn't hear the waves crashing on the shore nor the breeze passing by. The only thing I could hear is my own heart, beating in a faster phase.

I ignored it, and called for Connor's name. "Connor?" I shouted as I was still in the porch. "Connor? Do you need help?"

"No!" he yells back. "Stay there! I'm fine–Everything's fine." His tone changed. It sounded more of a command than a plain answer.

I didn't feel good about his answers. My heart felt heavier. Without hesitation, I headed inside. The atmosphere inside changed. It became dark and unpleasant. I entered the kitchen. "You were taking forever so I–" My mouth dropped as I saw a gun pointed at Connor. There were two men standing in the back door of the kitchen. One of them was pointing a gun at him.

"Stay there!" yells Connor. "It's okay, Zoe," he says with a trembling voice.

The other men began approaching me. My knees weakened. I didn't know what to do.

"Don't touch her!" yells Connor as the man grabbed my arm. "Don't touch her! I'd go with you just leave her alone!"

Tears began falling. I was scared. Speechless. I couldn't move. Not even a single muscle can.

"Let go of her!" he yells again. "Take me. Leave her alone. You're here because of me right? So just take me!"

The man who grabbed me began pulling me away. I tried shaking his hand off of me, but he just held me tighter. "Connor!" I yelled in fear. "Connor!"

"Zoe!"

I couldn't see him. I wasn't in the kitchen anymore. "Let go of me!" I begged. He didn't answer nor bothered to look at me. He just continued pulling my arm. "Connor!" I shouted again.

"It's gonna be okay," shouts Connor.

His voice calmed me down a little. That's all I wanted... To hear his voice. To know that he's okay.

We arrived outside. Tears are still falling down my cheeks as I cry in despair. "Where are you taking me? What are you going to do? Let go of me!"

No answer.

"I said let go of me!"

We headed for the car. The man opened the door as he pushed me inside. I tried pushing him away, and kicking him but he was too strong. As he was closing the door, Connor appeared as he began throwing punches. They fought and threw punches to each other. I was beginning to feel hope as I see him rescuing me.

When the man falls down to the ground, I rushed to get out of the car, and run for Connor. He opened his arms wide as I went in for a hug. When I opened my eyes, I saw the other guy, ready to shoot the gun. I turned Connor over. Now my back is facing the gun, instead of Connor.

"It will be okay," I whispered.

The man shot.

And the bullet went in me.