Inside Outside

4. Underwater

Oh my goodness I'm on a roll with updating! Were you expecting them to fall in?

-BeatriceButterfly 

As I started to tread water I was able to wipe the freezing lake water from my eyes. The boys in the trees were now throwing off shirts and unhesitatingly jumping into the lake to come to our aid. Matt's mildly wavy dirtyblonde hair flattened when he daringly dived in first.

“Guys!” Matt hollered to the other boys still struggling to swim towards us, “ we have to drag the kayak out so we can empty it on the dock.” Oliver had gone back to the cabin to fetch some help from his parents. As the youngest of the group this was his duty, so he didn't hear Matt's call. James did though, and after checking Aphie to see that she was not bleeding more than a little from scratching her palm on the lake bottom, he picked me up by the legs in one arm and held my face with the other.

“I'm gonna help Matt with the boat, swim back with us, kay?” I nodded my consent since my teeth were chattering too much to make distinguishable words. Realizing that Aphie and Matt were staring, James quickly put me down and went to grab the front end of the kayak and tug it towards the dock.

When it comes to taking care of myself in crises, I always attempt to put my strength to the test before accepting any help, like before on the icy stairs. What I blatantly ignored in this situation was that Aphrodite's arm strength greatly over powered mine and there was no way I could keep up; also one can't forget that I was in a freezing lake which was quickly stiffening my muscles. My legs, the only muscular part of my body, were even colder due to being closer the the dark, frigid lake bottom. 

“Hey, guys. People. Aphie. James. Matt. HELLO?!” my heart raced as I sank from lack of coordination to continue treading or even attempt floating. Below the surface of the water I ripped off my hoodie and boots which at this point served no purpose. I barely resurfaced and when I did I was almost completely blind, probably because of my growing dizziness. Sinking once more and entirely giving up hope of reaching the rocky shore, I held my breath. I was sleepily considering bobbing to the surface for air, but I didn't think for long since two arms and a knee lifted me upwards with a great sudden force.

 I don't remember much of the trip out of the water or ever back to the house. The cold had made me relaxed completely. All my problems with living away from my friends at home in Phoenix while going to boarding school with my old friends, sparks with James, and even Aphie's sad face when she argued with Mckenna were gone. 

I was covered in a blanket and sat next to my rescuer when I fully came to my senses. The room was pleasantly warm from the fire which cooked my feet. I'm not certain, but I think that in my panic I had lost some of my consciousness which was now returning. Suddenly realizing that I hadn't even thanked anyone for taking care of my useless self, I looked around to see who I leaning on. “Hey Jake...”

So what do you guys think of Jake being the rescuer? only I know where he had been when the other boys were helping out. You'll just have to wait and see what happens when James finds out how Arie was rescued! Love you all! Please vote or whatever! -Beatrice Butterfly