Our In Between

1 Over my Head

-A/N-
What's written in Italics is mainly Ivy's thoughts in the timeline of her memories, not the present day.

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters." The Book of Genesis, Holy Bible.

Like every other human being I've always been curious about the univers. Ever since I was a kiddo. Where does everything come from? The sky? Moon? Flowers? Platypus? How did God managed to create this whole shebang in 6 days and rest the 7th?! I can't even tide my laces properly to this day! Alright, no but seriously, God's creation has always baffled me. Specially water.

In the beginning, the earth was lifeless but the Spirit of God moved over the waters. That surely, must mean something.

My curiosity made me fearless when it came to it. While some would be scared to drown I'd just jump right in. Literlally. Mum knows what I'm talking about. It all starts with the memory of my first swim, an actual horror movie from mum's perspective by the way.

So back when I was around 4, dad, mum and I, would often chill by the communal pool behind our block. Family quality time, always a must!
So there we were, just chilling when lunch time came round. Dad, like usual, forgot to bring the food! So he had to go pick it up back at our flat. Right before  leaving, mum stopped him on his tracks for a milisecond, probably to give him a few quick directions. Meanwhile, that beautiful shiny cristal blue surface was calling my 4-year-old self to dive right into it.

Result? Within that tiny little second I was gone. Mum turned around and I was nowhere to be found. She completely lost her plot. And right at the verge of her hysteria, my head popped out the water.

"MUMMYYYY!! LOOK! I CAN ZWIM!"
I shouted panting, excited like a kiddo who's been given free tickets for Dinseyland. It's funny to think about it now, I was so damn small. Anyone would have expected me to drown. Good thing I was all spongy hair and light bones. Besides, I've always been quite the observer, and 'The Little Mermaid' had taught me a few thicks.

"IVY!!!" she ran and jumped into the water to get me out. Which at the time got me wondering what's the big deal?

"Mummyyyy you zaw me? You zaw me zwimming ? like ARIEL!"

"Yes, I saw that, my little escarole. Just next time, make sure you ask mummy before going on adventures on your own"

Side note, if I am getting real I must talk about that particular nickname. My parents call me their 'little escarole' since forever, due to my crazy curly hair. 'What a cute pet name' some would say. Sure, being compared to a green curled vegetable, was probably my life dream. I am sorry but it ain't cute at all, besides, my locks are more milky-chocolate than greenish.

Anyway, back to the story. Since that day, my mum knew that I would be nothing but trouble. As for me, water has been a great friend of mine ever since. In summer, I'd spend countless hours swimming in my grandma's pool. I'd also hop like a bunny all over the place, waiting for the sunscreen to do its effect before diving into the sea. In Spring and Autumn, during rainy days, I'd purposely forget my umbrella back home, just so I could feel the rain drops caress my skin. And in Winter, stormy days would always be my favourite. I'd breath out satisfied, holding my fav and only mug. Hot-chocolate on my lips, I'd look out my bedroom window, feeling safe and cosy.

Coming to think about it, a 65% of our body is water. Water is equal to life. So, my love for water simply it's reflects my love for life. That makes perfect sense, am I right? Or am I right?

Nonetheless, the waters of life are constantly changing, and can bring both life and death. Should I've known better? Damn right, but as always, the problem is my oblivious arse. I had never realised how fast things can change, not until that night I found myself in the most unexpected situation. Something that would change me for life. Just in a blink of an eye, my love for water turned to be a stupid red flag.

Why am I so afraid now?

I'm drowning, but I can breath.
I'm downing, but I'm still conscious.
Where does this pain in my chest come from?
The water is Over my head. I'd usually move my legs and start swiming but I'm paralysed.
I have no control over my body, It feels numb.
I'm drowning, going deeper and deeper.
I can barley see the surface.
I close my eyes, all I hear is a dreadful silent surrounding me.
I'm Drowning
but
How come I'm still Alive?
.

.

.

Wait. What's that? I hear something.

"Ivy"

My name...Someone is calling out my name.

With much difficulty, I open my eyes.  Someone is reaching out for my hand.
I see a vague silhouette.
Their skin has finally come in contact with mine. A spark lights up, at that small contact of their hand with mine. Electric goosebumps running throughout my whole body, making it come back to life.

I can move! I feel the warmth of that touch as they pull me close by the waist.
So I start to move my feet along theirs, to save myself.

Soon enough, we reach the surface. "Ivy" I hear again. Gasping for air, I turn arround. I widen my eyes at such unexpected view.

"You" I say, almost like a whisper. How come I know You? I need- I need to get out of here. It's really You.

Struggling, still catchingmy breath; I try make my way out of the water, into the shore. Swimming my way out, but you swimming right behind me.
I finally make it...but...Once again, I hear You calling out from behind.

"IVY!".
I turn to You, our eyes immediately lock, as your feet step on solid ground. Behind You, a crystalsea, a beathetaking sunset.

"Ivy"

I swear, I've never seen in my life anyone like You. So simple yet mesmerising. That silver gaze of yours, so mysterious yet so familiar at the same time.

Just a blink, and a thousand questions plagued my mind. How in the world? How come You knew my name? Coming from your lips sounded like a lullaby I had always known. What was the deal with those eyes? Why would You look at me like that? As if You had been searching for me for ages, centuries even. And now, You didn't want me to disappear. "Just stay, a little longer" your last prayer, still lingering in my ears.

That same night, I understood what fate was. That encounter was bound to happen, as much as I've been cursing my name for it ever since. From that night on, the Summer days at my grandma's pool or at the beach, the rainy days in Spring and autumn and the torrential storms in Winter, every.damn.season became a reminiscence of You. From that night on, just before drifting off to sleep, I'd be in over my head wondering: Will I dream of You again?