Weeping Willows

Things Left Undone, Words Not Said

Chapter 16

                An arm wrapped around Elizabeth's waist right before she was propelled upwards.  Breaking the surface, she took in large gulps of air.  Hot breath tickled her from behind as Ryan rested his forehead against her.

                "Are you okay?  When you didn't come right back up, I thought you got hurt."  Elizabeth didn't answer right away as she scanned the depths of the water but saw no one.  Taking a deep breath, she turned to face him.

                "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you.  I was just so amazed at everything I wasn't really paying attention."

                "Jesus, I'm going to have to keep a better eye on you." 

                "Ha, ha."

                "Who's joking?  I'm being serious here."  Elizabeth rolled her eyes and swam away from him.  She swam to the rocks fully intending to climb up and lay out on them.  Ryan had other plans as he followed closely behind splashing water at her once she stopped.  Elizabeth turned around looking at him incredulously.  Oh, it is on now.  Cupping her hands, she threw water back at him.  As they stared at each other in challenge they broke flinging water in an all-out war.  They played and splashed until muscles burned with exertion.  Ryan threw his hand up calling out for peace.  With her fingers crossed under the water she agreed whole heartily.  He swam over to her and just as he got an arm's length away, she struck dunking him below the surface.  Quickly letting go she went to swim off, but he was on her before she had even fully turned away.  She squealed and squirmed but it was no use he had her completely secured in his arms.

                "I give up!"  She shouted making him laugh and he loosened his hold but didn't let go.

                "Are you going to behave now?"

                "Yes, yes I'll behave."

                "I'm not sure I believe you."

                "I swear no more attacks."  Elizabeth held up her hands in surrender.  He smiled down at her while slicking back his hair out of his face.  Reaching out he tucked a few errant stands of hair behind her ear.  Instead of moving his hand away his fingers danced down her jaw as his thumb lightly caressed her cheek.  Looking up into his eyes Elizabeth found he no longer had the boyish smile lighting his face.  Now he was somber and serious as something a bit darker filled his gaze.  Her breath hitched in her lungs and she curled her arms to her chest no longer sure what to do with them.  With an arm still around her waist and a hand cupping her face Ryan slowly drew her to him.  As his face began to slowly move down her heart beat a race behind her ribs.  She wasn't sure she was ready for this but not sure she wasn't either.  She tread the water in indecision as the distance closed between them.  Just as his lips whispered a touch onto hers, she jerked back breaking the kiss before it even started.  Glancing at the water and screeching out she frantically swatted at the back of her shorts.  Momentarily disappointed he didn't notice her distress at first.

                "Lizzy what's the matter?"  She turned petrified eyes to him as she compulsively rubbed her hands over the back of her shorts.

                "Are there fish in this pond?"

                "Not that I'm aware of but perhaps.  Why?"

                "I felt something skim up the back of my thigh."  A sigh broke from his lips as he realized why she had pulled away from him.

                "Do you want to get out now?"