Emma’s P.O.V.
Eric was a bit taken back by this. I mean, I understood him completely. Me wanting to learn how to swim? But I knew I had to learn.
“Are you sure?” he asked.
“100%.” I replied, my voice shaky.
“Okay, let me put on my swim trunks. I’ll go grab you some basketball shorts. You can keep in the t-shirt on too.” He offered. I just nodded and smiled, feeling so happy that he was supportive. I knew I wasn’t going to learn today. It would take a lot of practice, but I needed to start somewhere.
Eric appeared 5 minutes later wearing swim trunks and he was carrying basketball shorts.
“Thank you.” I smiled as I took them and headed inside. I stumbled into the bathroom and put on the shorts. I met him outside and he was already in the water.
“Okay, lets get started,” he beamed, “I want you to just jump in.”
“Jump in? Are you crazy?!”
“Emma, its ok. I’m right here. I just want you to try and swim to the top. If your having a tough time, I’ll grab you and bring you to the top.”
“… Okay.” I replied weakly.
Hesitantly, I leaped from the edge and landed in the water with a splash. Before long, I was at the bottom, thrashing my legs and arms trying to get to the top. Nothing helped and I stayed at the bottom, just tiring myself. Soon I felt steady arms wrap around me and lift me to the surface.
“Well I tried,” I gasped.
“You sure did.” He chuckled, supporting me in his arms.
“Maybe this isn’t a good idea…” I mumbled, suddenly feeling scared.
“Emma, as long as I’m here, your fine. Relax, I got you.” He soothed.
I let out a shaky breath, “Okay.”
After me being in his arms for about ten minutes, he started talking.
“Okay, now I’m going to let you go and-“ he started, but I cut him off.
“Let me go?! NO! Please!” I pleaded, clutching his shoulders.
“Emma, its fine. My hands will be right under you so catch you if you start sinking.” He lulled, still holding me.
“… Okay.” I finally agreed, loosening my grip on his shoulders. He let me go and set me on the top of the water like I lying down on it. I could still feel his hands on my back.
“Okay, now I’m going to let go. It will be fine. Just focus on your breathing,” he said gently.
I started breathing deeply, but my body started trembling with fear. He noticed this and put his hands on my back again.
“Emma, just relax. I know this will be tough, but I’ll teach you how to swim and I won’t give up. I love you and you need to trust me,” he said softly, but firmly.
I sighed and nodded my head. For the longest time, not being able to swim was a deep dark secret. Now that someone was helping me beat it, it felt so good, especially that it was Eric.
He slowly took his hands off my back and whispered one more thing.
“Just float.”
