Through Me

Intro

It was a warm summer day in June. I had just arrived at a beach party with a group of friends. College was finally over and I was ready to let loose. That evening, I wore a pair of light denim shorts with a white bandeau, and it felt amazing not being in a hoodie and sweats. My face was lightly touched with makeup while my long raven hair was straightened. Five minutes in and my friends had abandoned me. They were off with their lovers and flings. I was the only single one, but I was single and proud. Who needs a man and you have yourself?

After a few drinks, my pride eventually disappeared and I joined the crowd of dancing idiots. One Lana Del Ray and two Harry Styles' in and a pair of wandering hands found its way to the sides of my waist. I turned around to reject whoever it was but to my surprise, he turned out to be the was cutest guy I've ever encountered, so I decided to have some fun...

"Excuse me sir, you're invading my personal space. How can I possibly dance now?" I said jokingly as I brushed him off.

"Pardon me, I didn't think of that. I saw a beautiful girl and I felt the need to claim her before any guy dared touch her."

Intrigued, I replied, "But what if I'm already claimed?"

"Then I'll sweep you off your feet and make you mine instead."

"Well sorry to break it to you but I'm not a prize you can just claim. I belong to myself and only myself. If you want me, you'll have to earn it."

"You're quite cheeky." he stated.

I smiled.

"So I've been told."

"Hmm, what's your name?"

"A secret."

"And your age?"

"It's rude to ask a lady for her age."

"You're quite a challenge." he laughed.

"Tell me your name then."

"As always, ladies first "

"A gentleman, I see"

"In your presence, mademoiselle"

"Well I guess we'll never know then, Monsieur"

"I guess we won't" he said smirking.

By now, his hands were back on my waist and my hands were wrapped around his neck. I wasn't looking for anything other than a fun game tonight. He was a great dancer and that's all I really needed.

Later on, the evening sun disappeared and we found ourselves sitting by the sea on a dock. I took an interest in him while we were dancing and decided to...well, investigate. He was sweet and easy to talk to. Everything about him seemed familiar, and yet I didn't have a clue.

Due to my stubbornness, I still didn't know his name and he didn't know mine. I could tell he was falling for my charms but he was also too stubborn to reveal anything personal. So to keep things interesting, we began playing rounds of truth or dare. It was now his turn. And I had a dare up my sleeves ever since we stepped on the dock.

"Truth or dare?"

"Dare if you please" he replied amusingly.

"Well kind sir, I dare you to jump in the water." I said with a grin.

"Oh you've been waiting for that one, haven't you?"

"Maybe" I laughed.

He then stood up and gave me a mischievous look. I looked back and shook my head, but before I could even take a step, his arms were holding me as he jumped into the cold bitter sea. Water invaded my nostrils as I struggle swim to the surface of the water, for which I luckily grabbed onto him yelling, "HEY! I didn't say to take me with you!"

"Hahaha I'm sorry"

"You better be! I can't swim..." I said while gripping onto him tightly. I could feel his hands holding my waist as he tried to keep us both above water. Then I noticed our faces were too close for my liking, and I wanted to pull away but I was afraid of drifting away into the sea.

"Never learned?" He asked with a heavy breath.

"I-I used to swim, but I almost drowned when I was twelve. Now I can't be in the water without panicking. And those two don't go well together."

"I'm so sorry, I didn't know."

"It's not your fault, it was... my idea..."

Before we knew it, we were staring into each other's eyes as the soft waves crashed onto us. Even in the dark night, I could clearly see his emerald eyes through the moonlight. I thought they paired well with his olive skin and dark wavy hair. I felt like I was dreaming until his hands pulled me in closer to him. And like that, I stopped panicking.

Despite playing games with guys every now and then, I've never dated or spent more than a minute, caring about them. (Guy friends not included, of course.) This was the first time my heart actually skipped a beat and I was unable to do anything about it.

And then he broke the silence. "I know I'm supposed to offer you the choices first, but can I give you one last dare?"

Confused, I asked, "In the water?"

He nodded. I hesitated but answered "...sure"

I didn't know what he had in mind but it made my heart beat faster as my thoughts ran wild. What was he going say? Or do? Why in the water? Is it a trap? Am I overthinking it? Am I going to die? Oh my god, he could be a-

Then in the sweetest voice possible, he said "Kiss me."

Angel.

... And without thinking, I did.

I kissed him.

I was kissing a stranger. A stranger that I knew for only a few hours, but it felt...right. His lips moved against mine as if my lips were meant for his. It was cheesy but it was the first time I ever felt this way.

Minutes passed like seconds and we only stopped when we were startled by the sound of my cellphone on the dock. I pulled away and spoke, "My friends are probably looking for me."

He nodded and took me to the dock, where a ladder appeared. I climbed the two feet and answered my cell. I had to go, but for the first time ever, I didn't want to. I didn't want to leave the guy hanging as I did before with others. So I decided not to.

"Everly. Everly Rue. That's my name."

Smirking, he chuckled. He won and he knew it.

"Well Miss Rue, I'm Nic. Nicholas Rose. It's a pleasure to meet y-"

-

Nic's POV

-

Wee-woo! Wee-woo!

Sirens interrupted.

"Sh*t! The cops are here... probably noise complaints from nearby houses." I exclaimed, speaking from past experiences.

I looked at her. She was so beautiful in ways. I wanted to stay longer but there was no time so I took her small hand and said, "Let's go"

We ran back to the party and immediately found similar faces to rush home with. But before I could give her my number, she was gone. In my hand though, was a gold chain with gold charms. A letter E stood out.

I smiled to myself. I'll return it someday.

"Hey Rose-boy! Let's go!" Alec called out.