Submerged in Your Love (✔️)

Chapter Four

(Josephine's POV)

"What?"

"Kai Nakoa was the best swimmer anyone had ever seen. He won gold in everything he ever competed in. He went on to college where he competed on the swim team and won them the championship. He was favored to be the guy to beat in the next Summer Olympics. He was also a model for several big name companies. You could find him on almost any big billboard. Especially in New York City."

"Was?"

"Over a year ago, he disappeared from the sport and swimming world. He stopped competing. Some say he even stopped swimming altogether. No one knows why either."

"Seriously?"

"Yep."

"Has anyone ever asked him why he stopped?"

"That is the quickest way to make him shut you out completely. Those who have asked have never spoken to him again. He refuses to talk about it."

I spent the rest of my day working and thinking about Kai. What would make someone as talented as him stop swimming?

It doesn't make sense to me.

I had finished locking up and had just started on my journey home when I bumped into someone.

"I'm so sorry." I immediately said. It took me another second before I realized who it was.

"Kai?"

"How'd you know?"

"Your cologne. I caught a whiff earlier when you were at the Cafe. It's unique."

"I see. You on your way home?"

"Yeah."

"Mind if I walk with you? I'm headed that way too."

"Cause I'm blind?"

"Because a woman shouldn't be walking home alone at night and we're both going to the same place."

I smiled. "Shall we get going then?"

He stepped up beside me and we started on our way. Titan walked between us.

"How are you liking the building?"

"It's nice."

"And the people?"

"Have only spoken to Marie, you, and George."

"Not much of a people person?"

"Not really."

"Can I give you a warning?"

"Sure."

"Beware of Ms. Landry in 409."

"Why?"

"She's....just...I don't know how to explain it. Are you dating anyone?"

"No." He said cautiously.

"If she asks, tell her that you are. Actually, it's best if you tell her you're gay."

He chuckled. "You're serious?"

"Deadly."

"Thanks for the info. Anything else I should know?"

"Well no one told me so I'll tell you,"

"I'm all ears."

"There's a gym on the very top floor along with a huge pool. They also got some great snacks up there too. I didn't find out about the pool until one of the ladies had a birthday party for her kid there and invited me. I thought she was crazy."

"Duly noted."

"Do you swim?" I asked, knowing the answer.

He didn't say anything for several seconds. "I can. Do you?"

"No. I can't swim."

"Really?"

"Yeah. My family was never big on swimming and then....then I lost my sight and so they definitely didn't teach me then. I'd love to though."

"Take some swimming lessons."

"No, I'm to afraid to."

"Why?"

"People can be very biased towards blind people about what we can and can't do. A few refuse to come to the cafe because I work there."

"People are ignorant."

"Agreed." I said as we made it to the building.

"Evening, Josephine. Titan. Mr. Nakoa." George said.

"Hi, George." I smiled and waved.

Kai and I rode the elevator up together and made small talk until we reached our doors.

"Thank you for walking with me. I usually walk alone, so it was nice."

"You're welcome. Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

I had just opened my door when he called my name.

"Josephine?"

"Yeah?"

"You...You ever wanna learn how to swim, let me know. I'd be happy to teach you."

Nothing could've stopped the smile that appeared on my face.

~~~~~~~~~~~~
(Kai's POV)

I don't know what compelled me to tell that I'd teach her how to swim. It just came out.

Austin kept talking about how she was going to have to walk home alone in the dark which is why I showed up.

At the cafe earlier, Austin did most of the talking like he usually does. I sat beside him and just watched her. She intrigued me.

She didn't intrigue me because she's blind. She intrigues me because despite that, she seems to be living her life happier than others. She doesn't let that stop her.

Some people who lose their sight give up. They let it define them. She doesn't.

She swiftly and easily moved around the cafe making coffees and pastries. She knew everyone who walked in. She was friendly with everyone.

It's been a long time since I was around someone like her. Seemingly full of life. I mean I have Austin but he's a dumbass. 

After I got inside my apartment, I maybe lasted twenty minutes before I put my shoes back on. I got on the elevator and went up to the top floor.

I'd known about the pool before Josephine told me. It's one of the reasons I picked this building.

I walked inside and was instantly greeted by the smell of chlorine. The smell that calms me the most. The smell that makes me forget everything about what happened.

Austin and everyone else believe that I stopped swimming. I did for a while. For a while I couldn't stand to look at a pool or smell chlorine.

About two months ago, I got back in the water for the first time. I almost didn't last longer than two minutes, but soon it started to feel like home again.

As far as everyone else is concerned, I quit swimming and I threw all my stuff away. In reality, I didn't. I ache to go back to doing what I love. I'm just not sure if I can.

Stepping into a pool for the first time since that day was overwhelming. The more I got in the water and the longer I stayed in it, the more I came to realize a lot of things.

Before, the water was just another painful reminder.

Now?

It's where I learned how to breathe again.