Out of the Blue

14

Stephanie's eyes slowly open into a blurred world. Her ears honing in on the rush of the waterfall below her. Greenery enclosing her. As her eyes came into focus she found herself swimming in the Caribbean blue eyes of the boy she had come to trust so much. Stephanie smiled.

"Good morning beautiful." Andrew's soft lips mumbled. He brushed his lips against hers. She had the slightest worry that the morning breath might draw him away but right now that didn't seem to matter. Stephanie was warmed by Andrew's embrace. It's all that seemed to matter.

"Good mor--". Stephanie's eyes widened and she swore multiple times. Jolting herself up and crawling out of the hammock, Stephanie started pacing around in circles. Andrew sat up and followed.

" Woah, woah, Steph what's the matter?"

"I'm going to be killed. I'm already dead... They were probably worried sick! You're going to make me late!... Oh I'm a terrible person. Maybe we could get away? No, no that's stupid. Maybe I could --" a hand was placed over Stephanie's mouth. She stopped talking and stared at Andrew with worried eyes. With a raise of his eyes brows she calmed down and Andrew removed his hand.

" You know, it would have been kinda cute and romantic if you kissed me to make me shut up. You know, just like in the movies and books."

Andrew laughed and put his arm lazily around her shoulders. They began their journey to his truck, swaying back and fourth clumsily on the shaded dirt path.

" Stephie."

" Oh, Stephie, that's a new one."

" Steph."

She nodded tentatively.

" Your parents won't get mad... Hopefully... But no matter what I'll take the blame for everything. I've got your back." Andrew smiled as he said this. And at that moment he slid his arm around her waist.

They got to the car and Stephanie ran her tongue across her teeth, feeling starchy and gross she just had to ask "before we go, let's head to the dollar store. I'm grabbing a tooth brush and toothpaste before we go to work."

" Good idea." Andrew laughed, " are you going to take a shower at Ms, Darla's place too?" Stephanie blushed and looked down at the car floor. Andrew started laughing harder.

" How many showers do you take? Whenever I'm texting you, you've either had or are about to take a shower."

"Hey, hey. Now be honest, would you rather have a girlfriend who showers too little or too much."

"Good point."

They got to the dollar store, purchasing their stuff, then bolted to work, considering it was ten until seven. Andrew swung into the rocky parking of the aquarium. They rushed into the break room and shoved their cards into it's individual slot. 6:59. A simultaneous sigh was shared between Stephanie and Andrew as they stared to giggle. Stephanie lifted the agenda clip board off the wall. " Well, looks like I have front desk today and you, my friend, have the outdoor exhibits." Stephanie chimed.

"Friend?" Andrew questioned.

"Oh, I'm sorry did I say something to offend you?" Stephanie smirked.

" Well, if we were just friends I wouldn't be able to do this." Andrew pulled Stephanie close by her waist and kissed her so.

Stephanie smiled and said " probably not". She left his embrace and began walking to her station but before she exited the break room Andrew swept her off her feet. letting out a small scream, Andrew carried Stephanie to the front desk. He placed her on the leather cushion stool behind the counter. " Unneeded romantic gesture but you get a kiss for being cute and cheesy" Stephanie gave Andrew a small, sweet kiss before he said he was off to work. She got up and walked down to the basement where Ms. Darla lived. Not seeing Ms. Darla, she guessed that she was gone for the day. With the supplies still in hand, she walked to the bathroom, got undressed, locked the door, and hopped into the shower. Steam engulfed her and hot water rushed down her body. After washing up she brushed her teeth in the shower to save time. After Stephanie was done she got dressed and returned to her post.

Crowds of people flowed in and out all day. Some parts went slow and lazily and other parts of the day had huge rushes of people. Andrew would visit Stephanie occasionally. Giving her comforting hugs from behind her back and soft kisses on the cheek and neck. Her favorite kisses on her forehead. She loved the sensation Andrew gave her. Starting at her head, then traveling down too her toes. Stephanie savored those short meetings with Andrew. Since Stephanie was working the front desk she didn't have a lunch break. Fortunately, Andrew surprised Stephanie around two with a small packed lunch for the two of them. Fettuccini Alfredo, her favorite. The two of them ate at her desk and people watched until two-thirty. The rest of the day went smooth as usual. Time to time Stephanie would take a pen and start doodling on a few sticky notes lying around. It was a long, boring shift.

When what seemed like eternities later, Stephanie paused her doodling session and looked up at the clock. Eight -fifty. Ten minutes until closing time. She heard foot steps, becoming louder and louder and they got near. There was a muffled, almost soggy tone to the footsteps. When Stephanie finally looked up, he covered her mouth, trying to contain her laughter.

"What happened?" She giggled. Andrew was drenched head to toe in water. Andrew's t- shirt was dark and clinging to his body, exposing his well defined muscles. His shorts looked like they were on the vurge of falling off because of the weight of the water soaked up in them. His dusty brown hair, now dark, clung to his forehead and cheeks. Water was dripping on the floor everywhere.

"Well, you see, I was about done cleaning the seal exhibit when Ano decided to play a game with me. That game being "let's see Andrew fall in the pool." Those seals are smart sons- of - guns. Naki and Ano planned this out I swear! When I feed them, I usually have them grab the fish out of my hand. Well, Naki was in the pool and when I was handing her the fish she kept on swimming further and further away. Me being stupid, kept leaning more over the water so she would take it. Right when I was stretched so far out that I could lose my balance, Ano thought it would be funny to bump me forward! Which sent me straight to the freezing water. Naki an Ano were having a ball, clapping their flippers and barking for joy. Freaking seals."

Stephanie started bursting out laughing. Tears started forming in her eyes she was laughing so hard.

"Oh you think that's funny do you? You see I'm pretty cold. I think I need a hug to warm up." Andrew reached his arms forward and began taking watery steps towards Stephanie. She bolted off her stool and tried to run away from Andrew. He was too quick, after a few circles around the table Andrew bear hugged Stephanie and she screamed from the shock of freezing cold wetness. As Andrew rocked her back and forth, Stephanie could feel his body trembling and hear his teeth chattering. He really was cold. Stephanie began to laugh.

"Oh you poor baby! That water really is cold. Here let me try to warm you up." Stephanie kissed Andrew on his cold, wet lips. They continued to kiss over and over again in the dim light of the room. Getting into the kiss, Stephanie wrapped her arms around his neck and he lifted her up so Stephanie's legs were around his torso. They lost track of time as they got lost in the peaceful darkness behind closed eyelids. Stephanie's ears picked up on some faint voices and footsteps getting nearer. They slowly ceased kissing. Andrew's Caribbean blues were the size of light bulbs as his face got hot. The chime of bells rang in the air as the door opened. Andrew cursed under his breath. He stared into Stephanie's eyes long enough so she could mouth "what's wrong?" His eyes, still wide and burning blue with worry, returned back to the front door.

"No."