1 part Complete "It's warm." She says. Even before I feel the cool water lap at my feet, I know that's not what she's talking about.
"What is?" I ask. The sounds of the ocean and the birds finding their spots on the beach was echoing earlier, but now everything almost seems like it's happening way off in the distance. She takes a breath, moving forward and staring at my chest. My fingers flex at my sides and I don't know why at first, not until she wraps her arms around herself.
"Today is." To someone else, that might make no sense at all, but I understand what she's saying immediately. I don't know what it is...maybe it's the view, maybe it's the fact that it's just the two of us right now and it's an intimate moment, but I feel that warmth she's talking about, and it spreads through me.
Her eyes go to my hand as I reach towards her. She stretches her own out and I tug her closer gently by her hand and just hold her.
"Yeah...it's pretty warm today." I say, agreeing. "It's a beautiful day." She nods, moving closer and only hesitating for a moment before leaning her head against my chest and I just know: I'm going to protect Ayana for however long it takes. I don't want to see her hurt again.
~~~
Ayana and Dave first met in sixth grade and were opposites. Dave was cautious while Ayana was bubbly and out there, bright and friendly. She was the new kid and he was intrigued by the girl who smiled so bright.
It's senior year in high school now and after being gone at a military academy for three years, Dave is back home. Ayana has changed completely and she's lost that bright smile. With a new year comes new developments; growth, a rekindled friendship and love are a few of them.
Life isn't always a smooth ride, but just as there are downs, there are bound to be ups as well.
This story is an interracial romance that discusses topics of growth, bullying, and friendship. It is also a bit of a slowburn.
