Sweet Caroline (Corey Crawford)

Chasing Waterfalls

Caroline

After spending a week in Jamaica, our time in paradise starts to come to a end. It was the end of September now and we should be getting back home. Although there is no sign of a season happening any time soon it is better to be prepared just in case.

On the last day here Corey insisted we go on a little exploration. I was a little worried my body wasn't ready for that but I trusted him. I'm sure with what all I have seen here so far it will be worth it.

I throw jean shorts and a tank top on over my seat suit per Corey's request. I pull on some tennis shoes and a hat to shield me from the sun for our little adventure.

I walk out of the bedroom and see Corey and my dad sitting on the couch watching whatever it is they understand on tv. I sit between the two and rest my head on Corey's shoulder.

"Are you ready for our last adventure here" he asks.

"Not at all. I never want to leave" I admit.

"Me neither, let's stay" he insists.

"I would love to, but we both have destinies to fulfill back at home" I sigh.

"You're right" he agrees.

"Aren't I always" I tease and he poke my side.

"Are you ready" he asks and I nod. I get up and grab my things before turning back to the couch.

"Are you coming Dad" I ask.

"Not this time. You kids have fun and I'm going to stay back" he claims and I raise my eyebrow at him.

"It's the last day here and you want to spend it inside" I question. Doesn't sound like him.

"I'm expecting a phone call so I'll probably just pack up and order room service" he claims.

"Are you sure" I wonder.

"Yeah sweetie, you guys go have fun" he smiles.

"Alrighty then. I love you" I say before kissing his cheek.

"I love you too mighty mouse."

We head out of the hotel and instead of heading to the ocean we take a different turn. We end up in the wooded area of the island and get dropped off there. We start our short trek through the trees until we hear water. We come up on a beautiful waterfall that was as tall as the I can see. The falling water beats the standing water from high above as it fell into a little pool. A few people were in the water and messing around in it. There was ropes to swing from and a place to just chill out and enjoy the scenery. It was really pretty and really cool.

"Crawford, this place is amazing. How did you find this" I wonder.

"Not a lot of people know about it. It's kind of hidden back where most people won't go. But it's a place that I've wanted to go since we got here, our tour guide told me about it and I knew we had to come. The trip wouldn't be complete without one last dip in the water" he claims.

"Then what are we waiting for" I ask.

We shed our excess clothes before walking into the water. It was pretty loud with the waterfall behind us but I didn't mind. It was kind of calming and had a soft feeling even though it sounded harsh.

"This is the coolest thing I have ever seen" I yell and Corey smiles. He picks me up and I wrap my legs around his abdomen.

"I don't think I've ever seen you this excited for anything, not even hockey" he admits.

"I've never seen anything like this" I insist.

"That's how I felt the first day I realized that I had feelings for you. Strong ones" he claims.

"Please explain" I beg.

"It reminds me a lot of this waterfall. So powerful and unpredictable. Kind of scary and loud. But undeniably beautiful.

It had been happening for a while, all my feelings surfacing, but in that very moment it all came together.

It was New Year's Eve, also my birthday. There was a familiar tune playing right before midnight, I've heard it a million times before. But never like that. It was softer than usual, no zamboni horns and no screaming fans. This song was sweet and kind and... pretty.

I watched you dance with your friends without a care in the world. You were in that sexy white dress that was still modest but so incredible. Your bright brown eyes never left mine as you somehow got me out to that dance floor. Then we danced together like we weren't in the middle of a nhl season, like there wasn't a bunch of people in that room with us. All I could see was you, what you mean to me and what I was missing out on for all those months.

I knew I was falling for you. I knew I was in too deep and I knew that it was you I wanted but I couldn't perceive a good way that we could be together. Except in that moment where it was just you and me. We were dancing and singing to Sweet Caroline and I had you in my arms. I finally had you in my arms. I couldn't deny that I loved you, and like the splash the the base of a waterfall my emotions were surfacing. Then I kissed you and you kissed me back, and despite what I originally thought or I was scared of... in that moment... the waves crashed and it everything made sense.

It was then I knew my life was about to change and it wasn't such a bad thing" he explains.

I softly caress his face with my hands as he stares back into my eyes. The smile was stuck in my face as he holds me close.

"I always knew you could be this sweet talking man" I tease.

"There was times where you were the only one who could see me. The real me inside begging to get out. So even though you thank me a hundred times a day, I think I need to say it myself.

Caroline, thank you for being this god sent angel who for some stupid reason looked at me and saw a bright future" he smirks.

"My Dad always says I see the best in people" I tease.

"It's one of the many things I love about you" he claims.

"What are the others" I wonder.

"There's not enough time in this world where I can explain all the reasons why I love you" he insists.

"Good answer" I joke.

"Come here" he smirks. He pulls my chin down and plants a long kiss on his lips.

"You know that we're in a public place" someone yells and we break apart. We both giggle a little as he rests his forehead on mine.

"I love you Crawford" I whisper.

"Love you too Caro."