Stripped Bare.

Chapter 11

The yacht arrived at a small secluded island and docked. The island was surrounded by crystal clear water,  gorgeous white sand and beautiful greenery. It was perfect. 

Clara, who had shockingly moved on from James, and I stood at the front of the deck taking in the view. 

"We need to jump." She declared.

"No way, are you crazy?" I laughed. Looking at the height of the yacht.

"Come on, live a little." She laughs. "I'll go first." She climbs over the railing and is standing right on the edge of the yacht."

"Clara stop! This is insane." 

"No way Payton, I'm doing this with or without you." She says, her arms out and the wind rushing through her hair.

"Fine." I look around before giving in and climb over the railing. She takes my hand in hers and we look at each other and laugh.

"If we die-" I start before she cuts me off.

"If we die our last moments were incredible." She squeezes my hand and I nod in response. "3..2..1... omnia paratus!" 

With that we leap forward, hands still strongly attached to each others. The wind flaps around us, our hair flying back and it feels like we are flying until our bodies make contact with the cold  water, splashing as we enter. Our whole bodies are submerged for a split second before we come up for air, laughing at the thrill of it.

"You two are out of your minds!" Jake yells from above. "But since you's didn't die.." He adds before climbing the railing and diving off himself. And with that a trend was started, bodies started launching off the yacht in all different directions. Screams, squeals, cheering and laughter filled the air. It felt childish, but it felt so amazing to be childish and carefree. We were all splashing each other, floating on our backs, and re-boarding the yacht just to jump off again. 

Clara and I swim to shore to lay on the sand and tan. 

"It's interesting being friends with you." She comments with a laugh.

"Why? What do you mean?" I ask intrigued.

"Life just seems so magical, like today this doesn't just happen to most people." 

"To rich people it does." I chuckle.

"True I guess, I mean they say money doesn't buy happiness but this is pretty spectacular." 

"Yeah I must admit I do enjoy the luxuries." I muse.

"It makes me want to join the profession." She jokes.

"No way, you'd kick me out of a job!" I play.

"As if, you're gorgeous!" She says rolling her eyes. "But really it seems worth it too live like this." 

"Well, lucky for you, you're my bestie and you get to live this with me." 

"You know I'd love you and be your bestie with or without the luxuries." She comments, this time seriously. 

"I know that, and I love you for it." We smile at each other, enjoying a nice bonding moment when suddenly the ground is taken from under us and we are being carried towards the water screaming. Cooper and one of his mates Blake launch us into the water, laughing hysterically. We run after them and tackle them, their laughter is infectious and it gives us away. Cooper picks me up and swings me around while I hopelessly try to break free. 

"Okay enough." I say through fits of laughter. 

"Do you surrender?" He chuckles.

"Yes!" I squeal ."Put me down." I instantly regretted saying that.