Stranded

Chapter 24: Falling, Drowning

[Hectic schedule +Exams +Writer’s block =Late, short and probably boring update. Sorry! –Shelly Styles]

Zayn’s POV

Still bothered by Angel’s cliff-hanging ability, I walked by myself along the beach, intentionally kicking the sand every now and then, scattering sand particles around. All my companions decided to take a swim again, making me retreat at once. Although I really want to spend quality time with them, water was a huge, huge barrier.

I was immersed in silence, alone, that my thoughts could easily take over, take control of me. Suddenly, my brain began showing me images of Perrie and then of Angel, as if it was mocking me. With images of both girls switching every now and then, I was confused.

Overthinking began there.

I love Perrie but there seem to be something really wrong going on. I think I’m starting to like Angel. And I mean like as ‘LIKE’ like, not ‘friend’ like or ‘person’ like. That’s against The Directions, I know, but I can’t seem to help it.

Don’t get me wrong. I love Perrie, still, but Angel intimidates me in a weird way.  Good weird. Since the moment she tossed that pack of gum to me, I couldn’t stop thinking of her. Her cheery demeanor that once annoyed me makes me fall for her hard. Harder? Maybe.

I looked behind me and realized that the cruise ship looked a lot smaller than before, indicating that I’ve already walked quite a far distance. I looked ahead and saw a lot more sand, but since I do not know what lies beyond where I am standing, I stopped there. Knowing the fact that I do not know what to expect, I turned around, still walking as slow as possible.

I heard hollers of cheers as I approached the part of the beach where the rest stayed. They were all submerged in water from chest downwards, making only one-third of their bodies visible. I could tell the boys are half-naked. They seem to be having some kind of competition between boys and girls. Funny, though, the girls seem to be on the lead.

My eyes searched for Angel as if it was a customary thing to do. I soon found her with Louis, who I think is trying to drown her.

“Louis, what are you doing?!” I shouted, almost dipping a foot in the water, infuriated.

The others looked at me in suspicion as Angel emerged from the water, brows furrowed, looking at me with a questioning look.

“What’s wrong?” She asked Louis nervously.

I shot everyone else a look but Louis didn’t seem to get what I meant. Or maybe he did but he just ignored it. He chuckled and faced Angel. “Zayn here is being overprotective of you, love.”

Rolling my eyes at him, I withdrew. I isolated myself from the group and went back to my strolling, now headed to the other side of the beach. After a few seconds, I felt someone’s hand tap my shoulder. Startled, I looked around.

“Uh, i-it’s you.”

She smiled at me. “Erin’s the name, in case you forgot.”

Awkwardly, I nodded. “Yeah, right, Erin. Hey.”

“What’s up?” She asked.

I couldn’t really tell her what is up unless I’m sure about it myself. The sane part of my brain and the crazy one are still debating, thus making my thoughts go in swirls. I faked a smile and tried to think of the safest answer possible. Unfortunately, I wasn’t informed that Erin has strong psychic abilities. She beat me to it before I could even open my mouth.

“You like her don’t you?”

“I’m engaged.” I replied instantly. I wanted to slap myself hard.

“I didn’t ask you if you are engaged or not. I asked you if you like her.” Her tone was mocking but she didn’t roll her eyes as I had anticipated. Instead, she flashed me a huge grin.

“That would be against the rules.” I said, still keeping the fake smile plastered on my face.

She nodded in agreement. “Yeah, you’re right.”

I thought ending the conversation meant that I could get away but Harry suddenly squealed, making my heart jump out of its place. “Hey! Angel’s been underwater for more than a minute!”

I turned to face them at once. My eyes, again, sought for her but I couldn’t see her anywhere. My knees quickly became weak, making me want to hold onto something but run at the same time.

Since I couldn’t take the apprehension any longer, I took off my shirt and pounced on the water. Peculiarly, my fear of water was concealed by willpower. I was about to plunge my body into the water fully, but Angel appeared.

“Got you.”

Everyone was in a giggling fit. I on the other hand, felt annoyed and betrayed but stayed silent. The beating of my heart slowed down, but still, it was not normal.

Sigh. She makes me feel uncertain about everything. No, scratch that. I’m sure about something. One way or another, I will soon find myself drowned. I’m falling.

Will she, in any way, catch and save me?

[Please check out The Cupcake Princess and A Matter of Choice. They are my stories, too. Thanks. And sorry for the laaaaame update. –Shelly Styles]