I was allowed the day off when I returned, exhausted and overwhelmed.
"I hope you'll feel better for work tomorrow."
I hoped so too, but for the time being, I closed my eyes and let sleep overtake me.
***
It was a hot day.
Hot enough for the beach, anyway, and my hair was sweeped in a bun on top of my head.
I was leaner, fitter, an ideal version of me with non scarred skin to match.
The sun was high in the sky, and there was barely a cloud to be seen.
I felt strong arms wrap around my waist from behind and I tilted my head backwards to see who it was.
"Guess who," A teasing voice said against my ear, sending shivers down the back of my neck.
I shook my head stubbornly.
"I know it's you, Niall." I laughed.
He spun me around and grabbed my hand, dragging me towards the sea.
I laughed as he splashed about like a maniac in the water, motioning for me to join him.
"I. Can't. Swim!" I called.
"I'll guide you, come on Liv!" He reassured me, flashing me a smile.
I returned it and tiptoed to the water's edge cautiously.
I looked up, waiting to see Niall's sweet face but was met with a huge splash of salty water rolling off my cheeks, my ears, my nose.
Niall cracked up and I sent him a glare.
"Watch your back, Horan! 'Cause I'm getting it!" I screamed, hoping my comeback was a good one.
Niall's confused and amused expression answered my thoughts; comebacks really weren't my thing.
I took this as an opportunity to give him a shove into the water.
He toppled backwards and got sand all over his back.
"Okay! Okay, it's a draw!" Niall put his hands up in surrender.
I nodded smugly and turned to go back to the beach when I felt sand being shoved down the back of my tank top.
"Hey!" I yelped, chasing after him.
He tripped over and I landed on top of him.
Tendrils of hair fell across my face and Niall gently brushed it away.
A blush covered my cheeks and my eyes fluttered closed.
My blush deepened as Niall leaned in.
***
"Wake up!" Crooned Cara in my ear.
She shook me by the shoulders and my dream faded away as my eyes opened.
"Cara! You woke me up." I pursed my lips and furrowed my eyebrows.
"Why are you complaining? You've been asleep for three hours."
"Really?" I gaped.
She nodded. "Anyway, Niall was asking about you. He wants to see you, I think." She grinned and I blushed.
"Look at you, little Liv blushing!"
I swatted her and she smiled.
"Why does he want to see me?" I asked.
