Falling For My Shoe Stealer // l.t.

Part Three: Team Canada

Chapter 49:

Part Three: Team Power to the People, Team Breasts and Thighs, and Team Canada

Jessica's POV:

Small Recap:

"Search the water for a key that unlocks one of the cabinet doors. Inside is a combination code to unlock your exit door and a climbing harness," Louis read, then folded the map back up.

The three of us glanced at each other until Eliza raised her hands in defense and backed up. "I did the last challenge," she pointed out, and it was evident that she was exhausted. I glared towards Lou who stared back with the same expression.

After a minute, I sighed and removed the bag. "I'll go," I proclaimed, grabbing onto the rusted ladder rung. Louis started to say that he would, but I cut him off by lowering myself into the cloudy water.

~.~

My first thought was that it was freezing. Like, I should not be in this water, it's so cold. This isn't safe to be in for long. The second thing I noticed was that I could not reach the bottom. Who know's how deep it was? "Oh my god, this is awful."

Unfortunately, I know what I have to do. I gathered as much air in my lungs as I could before diving under the surface and pushing myself towards the bottom. I was too scared to open my eyes, especially when the water is this cloudy.

I discovered the pit to be about 10 feet deep, and the bottom was covered in a net-type material. I felt my lungs started to burn as my hands frantically patted along the fabric for the key. I was never the best swimmer.

The cold temperature was also playing it's part by causing my fingers to start numbing. There was the cold water, the stinging hand, the pounding head... I don't think I've ever felt this miserable before.

I couldn't find the key fast enough, and I knew I needed air. But, I also needed to get out of this water as fast as possible. So, I swam to the surface and quickly took a deep breath of fresh (more or less) air, before returning to my search. I heard the other two attempt to ask me questions, but they would only slow me down.

After what felt like a lifetime under water, I came to the conclusion that my body was going into shock, and I am possibly putting myself in danger. It was that bad. My lungs felt as if they were about to burst. I almost went up for another gulp of air before my hand snagged onto something.

I felt along it and found a rope attached to cold metal attached to a cork. The key! I struggled trying to untie the simple knot, but my fingers just weren't working with me. I felt like sobbing and wailing as I suffered and even when I finally freed the key.

I let it go and pushed off the bottom floor. When I reached the air again I sputtered and coughed while studying the surface of the water. I ignored the other two until I found the yellow cork bobbing a few feet away from me. I tossed it up to Eliza, and gripped onto the ladder with a pained expression.

"Jessica! What's wrong?" Louis asked. I could only shake my head and struggle up the rungs. Once in reach, he stuck his arm out for me and heaved me from the hole in the ground. "Oh crap, you're freezing."

I held my composure as I wrapped my arms around my body and curled into Louis, who engulfed me in a hug. I ignored that fact that he was crush because of the fact that I was probably half my body heat and he was so warm.

I continued gasping for air as I stood in my dripping wet clothes, and Louis rubbed up and down my back. "You're good. It's all good," he whispered. I watched over his shoulder as Eliza unlocked the cabinet and removed the harness. In her other hand she held a wooden square which could only be the combination.