Life starts now - A Bondi Rescue story

Christmas Day Pt. 2

A/N: Thank you so much for reading this story, fav'ing it, voting and commenting on it. I'm so happy that you like it :)) And thanks for making me blush and grin stupidly at my laptop with your amazingly positive comments. (I read some of them while on the train and I think the lady across from me was starting to question my sanity... which I found hilarious)

Another thing: If you guys have any ideas or suggestions for this story, let me know. I'm curious and if I work it into the story, I'll mention you and give you the credit for it, of course.

For the better part of the morning, Melanie was down on the beach, watching the water and pulling out the occasional tourist who misjudged the ocean, overestimated their swimming abilities or both.

The highlight of the day was hands-down Santa's visit. The young rookie helped Yatesy put on the costume and every lifeguard on duty would later confirm that it was the most they had ever seen or heard the shy girl laugh in a day.

The smile stayed firmly etched into Melanie's features even after the jet ski had taken off. It broadened again as she watched the children squeal and point in excitement as "Santa" came and handed out sweets and fruit to them.

Her family didn't really celebrate Christmas, never had. When they were kids, there had been presents and a big family dinner on Christmas Eve, along with a day spent either on the beach or, if the weather was bad, at home.

But as they had grown up and their mother had become more and more busy with her work, the magic of Christmas had slowly faded. The sisters had upheld the tradition, they cooked and ate together, exchanging gifts after the meal, and they were happy with that.

"Ho ho ho", Yatesy called, a massive grin under the fake beard if the twinkle dancing in his eyes was anything to go by.

The children cheered and waved Santa goodbye before turning to their parents and friends to show off their treats.

***

The teen returned her attention to the water, idly noting that while Backpacker's was fanging, it had been almost two hours since her last rescue.

She had barely finished the thought when a movement in the corner of her eye caught her attention. Squinting and automatically raising one hand to block the glare of the sun, she reached for the radio hooked to the strap of her bum bag.

"Melanie to Central, can you guys see that girl off third ramp, about 100 meters out? I can't tell if she's struggling or just doing a very strange backstroke."

Even as she spoke, Melanie wandered over to where the rescue boards were on their rack. Her heartrate had picked up and as she continued watching the woman, she felt her breathing quickening as well.

With all those rescues down south, the lifeguards were stretched thin and she was currently alone at North End, with only the tower for assistance. Sure, H was a little further south between the two sets of flags and Terry was currently out on the ski, but she was still on her own.

A burst of static reached her ears and Deano's voice came through, it's warm quality easing the tension building inside her a little.

"I got her, Mellie", he said. "We'll give her a moment, see if she can find her feet. You're doing great."

Trust Deano to know when I'm being stupid and freaking out, the brunette thought. Out loud, she replied: "Alright, copy that, Deano." She didn't give voice to her fear of making a mistake, of missing something.