The Same

Chapter 16

*a few months later*

{April's POV}

It's July now, and Sam and I have been "Sapril" for almost 10 months. We've grown so close we finish each other's sentences. I've never met anyone who I clicked with as much as him. Then again, if I'd stayed in a town for more than a few months, I might've met someone like him. Still, I find it hard to believe I could love someone as much as I love Sam, and I regret nothing I've done because it all led me straight to the boy I truly believe is my soulmate.

Anyway, Fourth of July is tomorrow, and Sam invited me back to his cabin. I'm nervous, of course, but this time, I didn't hesitate at all when he asked me. In fact, I was actually looking forward to it.

Once we're all packed, Sam and I go for a walk. When the sound of rushing water begins to fill the air, my heart starts to beat faster. I remember the last time I was here, and how I almost went in the water. Sam squeezes my hand and I turn to him and smile. Sometimes, I feel like he can read my mind.

We stop walking when the river comes into view. Sam grabs my other hand and turns me to face him.

"I want you to know that I'm perfectly fine with whatever you want to do. If you want to go swimming, I'll hold your hand and jump right in with you, but I don't want you to feel pressured into anything," he says, staring into my eyes.

"Sam, I really do not want to go swimming, but I have to. I'm afraid not to. I need to get over this fear, and I need to do it with you. If I don't do it now, I'm not sure I ever will," I replied carefully.

He nodded, and began walking closer to the water, pulling me along beside him. I didn't protest. Finally, we reach the shore and he kneels down right in front of the water. I didn't even notice I had stopped walking. He turns around.

"Come here. I want to show you something," he holds out his hand for me, but I can't make my feet move. "We're not going in the water April. I promise I won't hurt you."

His voice sounds so sincere, and his eyes hold so much care that I finally kneel next to him. He takes my hand and dips it into the water.

At first, I'm startled, but then I realize that it doesn't feel so bad. It's water, just like the water I wash dishes in and wash my hands with. The only difference is that this water is river water. It feels wierd, but a good kind of wierd.

"Thank you," I say, standing up. "I think I'm ready."

The words come out surer than I expect, but Sam wastes no time. He jumps up and drags me over to the cabin. Laughing, I follow. This might just be fun.

•••

"Remember, I'm right here," Sam whispers to me as I stand in front of the water.

His grandma is sitting on the edge of the river knitting. She wanted to come watch us swim, and I'm glad she's here. It makes me feel safer with more people. Still, I'm scared.

I take a deep breath and dip my toe in the water. Before I can think twice, I jump.

The water cools my entire body instantly. My hair floats around my face in this quiet underground world. I come up for air to see Sam smiling from shore. He gives me a thumbs up and I realize I did it. I'm swimming. In a river. And it feels amazing.

"Come on!" I call to Sam, laughing.

He jumps, and for a second I lose sight of him. Panic starts to form inside me until I feel a tap on my shoulder. I turn around, and there he is. He glances up to see if Jackie is watching before giving me a quick kiss on the cheek.

"I'm proud of you," he whispers.

"Thank you. I really could not have done it without you."

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AGAIN I APOLOGIZE FOR MY LACK OF UPDATES BUT I HAD A SUDDEN INSPIRATION FOR THIS CHAPTER TODAY BC SNOW DAY ANd yeah I hope you like it please comment if you do or don't I love your feedback😊

And also I changed the cover again. What do you think?

Love you all😘
-Abby✌️