The Monthly Mystery

january

Monday | January 1st

There are times in life when I'd read a story, most likely Sherlock, and wish with all my might I could live that life instead. I mean, mine was alright I guess in Fallen Shores. But between the whisperings of world war three and absence of the supernatural, I got a little bored. Sure, we've got the latest technology and scientific advances every day but don't shoot me for wanting a little more. There's only so much excitement a small town on the eastern coast of Australia has to offer.
The year that came was not one of those times when I wanted to live a more eventful life. My final year of schooling where my focus should have been on assignments and applications, but instead it was on the mystery in my town.
New Year's day, that's where it all began. I stood at the ocean's edge, water rushing to my ankles as my best friend stood beside me. The sun glared down at us, my shoulders burning but I didn't care. Ocean water twinkled at our feet but my eyes were set straight ahead.
"So this is two thousand and eighteen, the future," I said as another wave rippled over my feet.
Xavier sighed, "Yep." He kicked forward and put his hands in his pockets. "No alien invasion."
"That's what you wanted to happen?" I asked with a laugh, "Aliens to attack?"
"Well, I suppose there is a year ahead of us. Maybe someday..."
I rolled my eyes, "Right."
"What do you want this year then, if you're gonna be so quick to judge my life decisions?" He looked at me with raised eyebrows.
Shrugging I swirled my foot in the water, "Sherlock season five."
"Big dreams then."
"Hey! They never said it won't happen." Xavier turned away, holding back a laugh. He squinted at the ocean.
"Who's that swimming out there?" Eyes on the horizon I held my hand up like a visor.
"I think it's Harvey."
"From school?"
"No, from the pizza shop- yes Harvey from school," I said. "He's probably just training." I squinted more, my wet eyelash vision a blur, "I wonder how far out he'd have to go before he could only see water in every direction?"
Xavier shrugged, "The real question is how far until he falls off."
"The world is not a cube, we've been over this," I replied shaking my head, my beach infused curls bouncing at my shoulders. I bent down and splashed some water his way. He jumped back and kicked a load into my face. Throwing my hands up in surrender I laughed and looked down at my droplet dotted arms. They were beginning to turn pink. I looked behind us and then to the rocks down the beach. "Want to go look for crabs?" Xavier nodded before grinning.
"Race you there!"
For the record, I won the race. Of course, if you asked Xavier he'd say he did and that I cheated. You can't blame him falling over his two feet as I happened to run by as cheating.
Bounding up the rocks with high spirits I kept a lookout for any crabs. None jumped out at me (thankfully as that would be terrifying) but what I saw in the distance stopped me in my tracks. I waved Xavier over and pointed. Harvey was still out at sea, but coming closer. His arms lay out and he was on his back like a starfish. Eyes shut and blonde hair swishing about, he appeared at peace. The only problem? He was meters away from the rocks.
"Wanda..."
"I see him too," I replied, looking down over the edge. Waves splashed against the rocks, taking rocks with it. I stepped back and gulped. Xavier peaked over before pointing back to the beach.
"I'm going to the lifeguard tower, I'll tell them."
"What are they gonna do from in their glorified shed," I replied. "I don't think there's enough time." With a quick glance at Xavier, I gave an uncertain smile before running at the edge.
"Don't-!" Is all I heard as I dove beneath the waves. Roaring silence filled my ears and I glided back up. Quickly I began kicking as hard as I could, eyes set on Harvey between the waves. A splash behind me signaled Xavier had joined in.
The faster swimmer, Xavier reached Harvey first. He poked his side a few times before hooking his arm around him and beginning to swim towards shore. I reached the two in a mess of splashing and swam beside. Now much slower I reached out to help but Xavier waved for me to stop.
"When. We. Get. To. Shore." Xavier puffed between kicks, "I. Will. Kill. You." I just rolled my eyes and laughed. A second later a wave swept over us, giving me a mouthful of seawater.
At shore, a lifeguard awaited us, a first aid kit at his feet. Another two took Harvey from us and dragged him to the sand, leaving us to rest in the shallows. I sat on my knees puffing from exhaustion. We watched on as silence fell across the beach. They tipped him on his side and listened to his chest. By their relieved faces, I assumed he was breathing.
"Is he going to be okay?" Xavier whispered as not to disturb the silence.
"I don't know."
Suddenly coughing erupted in front of us.
"Wait never mind, there's your answer."
Everyone stood back as Harvey sat up, eyes wide open. He looked about in terror before coughing some more. A moment later and he was being led back to the lifeguard shed as another lifeguard approached us.
"That was very brave of you kids," he said before crossing his arms, "I won't even get mad at you for diving off the rocks, this time. Do you know that kid?"
"Yes." Said Xavier.
"No," I said. The lifeguard just blinked a few times in response.
"He goes to our school." Xavier explained, giving me a quick glare, "we know him."
The lifeguard furrowed his brow before nodding and walking off. I looked to Xavier who was still glaring at me.
"What?"
"Why'd you say no?" He asked as we began to emerge from the waves.
"You know I don't like how he treats Louise. I don't want to be associated with him." I mumbled before speeding up. "Race you to our towels."
He grinned, "You're on."