Surprised (PAUSED)

[9]

[Hidden Away]

[Marissa]

"So Cortez, what's so special about this place?"

It's been a week of training and I would be lying if I said I didn't feel sore. We were in the same spot as usual, sitting on the rock next to each other. He wasn't a very talkative person not that I minded.

As for River, I haven't seen him for the entire week, literally. I just guessed he was on an expedition somewhere on the other side of the forest or he's just flat out ignoring me.

Oliver wanted me to meet in his office later today for he had a proposal for me. I know I shouldn't be scared but somehow I know something is going to happen.

I coughed, trying to get Cortez' attention. "I heard you", he didn't even spare me a glance. I groan in frustration and just wanted to smack that smirk off his face.

"And it's Cory, no one calls me Cortez", he stood up and removed his shirt. And like the idiot I am, I sat there frozen on this very warm rock with rosy cheeks. I mean, his bicep flexed as he took off the shirts and my heart nearly stopped beating. I was beyond flustered.

He took a perfectly arched dive into the water with no splash and it was beautiful. His head punched out of the water and he shakes his hair. He was glistening in the water as the sun was just kissing him ever so lightly.

"Are you going to just sit there or join me?"

I contemplated a little bit and decided against my previous thought. I stood and took off my shirt and shorts. One thing I was really happy for at the moment is that this is a remote area and its unlikely for anyone to see us. My head flew up when I heard an animalistic growl enveloped in the water. Cory immediately dived under the water before I could see or say anything.

'It's a good thing you're wearing matching bra and panties '

I couldn't agree more with that thought as I dove into the water with lots of splashing. I dipped my head under the water a few times to shake off the change of temperature from the water to my body. By then Cory's head was above the water so I swam towards him.

"You are going to fight me in the water", his eyes seemed to be looking everywhere but at me. He looked at every single large rock in sight but not at me. Is there something on my face?

I looked at him curiously and unintentionally wiped my face, "But the water will slow me down".

We both kept paddle to keep ourselves a float which was easy since there was hardly any current in the water. The only source of current was the waterfall but it quickly died down to a minimum once the water would hit the lake.

He rolled his eyes almost in annoyance, "Exactly, It's to build your strength".

"Why can't you look at me?" I blurted out, and as usual he didn't answer. Instead he flings his right foot in the form of a roundhouse kick directly at me. It sent me sinking underwater as I fight to climb back up to the surface.

'Lets kick some Cortez butt'

Now that I couldn't agree more.

xXx

Okay so I didn't kick his butt at all but let's not focus on negative thoughts.

"You're moving in with Cortez" , Oliver said with a slightly forced smile.

Wow, speaking of negative thoughts....

Before I could object, Oliver interjected. "His cabin is hidden away and he can teach you everything you need to know"

I sighed. I really wish I could've spent more time here and learn the culture of the village. I wanted to meet knew people and create new relationships. I mean I didn't even get to know River more.

"As much as I would like to keep you under my watch, you need to go with him".

I groaned in frustration which it seems I have been doing a lot lately. I plopped down on one of the sofas in his office. "Oliver, he's so distant. I don't even think he likes me".

Oliver let out a loud chuckle, slamming his hand on the desk as if my frustration was so entertaining. "What's so funny?"

What's so funny old man, you see celery in my teeth? Cause I do not eat celery. I eat cabbage and cabbage don't stick in my teeth. My teeth are lit and you can't make fun of it. So you can go eat garlic and die from your stingy breathe. How is this even relevant to anything that's going on? Oh wait, it's not.

"You know today, we was in the pool and he couldn't even look at me like he was disgusted or something", I felt so embarrassed just saying it. Why wouldn't he look at me? Was something wrong with my body?

Oliver exploded with another series of laughter nearly wheezing for air. I flung my hands in the air yelling, "Oliver!"

" I'm...sorry", he constantly attempted to catch his breathe, "He's far from being disgusted at the sight of you".

I rolled my eyes and made a noise of disbelief, "Pfft, yeah right".

He finally stopped laughing and sighed saying, "Look, I know he's not as easy going as my son's but you got to give him a chance".

Before I couldn't say anything, Oliver's phone began to ring DRAG ME DOWN BY ONE DIRECTION!!

I was an absolute goner after that. I whizzed and whizzed like a donkey in a yoga session with steroids inside it....if that even makes sense. Oliver cheeks had gone red as I kept gasping for air. Sometimes I forget he's the father of seven children.

Sometimes I forget he's an adult PERIODT.

I left his office with tears of laughter pouring down my face. I rushed down the stairs where I saw River and Cory sitting on the grey couch in the living room together. It was the first time I saw River for the week.

I know I should've been more focused on them but I was still whizzing a little. I stumbled in to the living room with tears downs my face and wild eyes. They both look at me with the exact same experience, boredom.

They went back into their conversation and by conversation I mean staring down each other like wild animals. I wiped some of my tears and folded my arms.

" I personally choose not to acknowledge your presence", Cory said smirking with a lingering sense of annoyance. River on the other hand literally pretended I was a ghost by not saying anything. He looked at me but with distant eyes almost as if he really cannot see me.

Cory stood up obviously fed up with me gaping at River's lack of acknowledgment towards me and well River being an ass.

Please pardon my mule language.

"We leave in 2 hours" , he passed me going into the kitchen towards the backdoor, "be ready or I'll drag you"

I deadpan.

[Chapter 9]