Page 17 of I Survived and will rise again

“Okay,” I say, grinning as I pull away from her.

With my bag over my shoulder, I grab her hand and lead her toward the women’s locker room. As we approach the door, she takes her bag from me before we go our separate ways to change into our swimsuits.

I stuff my clothes, shoes, wallet, and cell phone into the cramped locker, and the metal door clangs shut with a resounding echo. Exiting the locker room, I see Shorty stepping out of the women’s locker room at the same time. She’s wearing a baby blue maternity tankini with ruffle trim. Her wild, curlyhair is pulled back into a high bun. Her petite feet are bare, and coincidently, the nail polish on her toes matches her swimsuit.

Goddamn. Can a woman look any more beautiful? Maybe it’s the fact that the woman I love and would die for is carrying my child.

Standing by the edge of the pool, I turn to Shorty and ask, "You ready?" I hold out my hand, waiting for her to take it. She places her small hand in mine, and we approach the water. I slowly slide into the lukewarm pool and turn around to face Shorty. With outstretched hands, I beckon her to come closer. "Take my hands," I tell her with a smile.

Sadie moves cautiously, hugging the wall as she extends her fingers to feel the water’s warmth, something she’s always done. Her fingertips trace the surface, creating a delicate ripple.

I swim closer to her. “Okay, now just relax, let your body go limp, and trust the water to keep you afloat,” I say, my voice as soothing as the gentle lapping of the water against the edge of the pool.

Sadie eyes me with uncertainty. “I’m not sure if I can do that. What if I sink?”

I find it amusing to see her innocence, which reminds me of the little girl in pigtails who used to hold onto me for dear life. “I promise you won’t sink,” I say, trying to put her at ease. However, she remains hesitant, so I give her a warm smile and grasp her hips, giving them a squeeze. “Do you trust me?” I ask, hoping my words will convince her.

She nods and takes a deep breath. I grab her hands and pull her deeper into the water. At first, her movements are stiff, but eventually, her body relaxes, allowing the water to cradle her, and she begins to find her rhythm.

A soft, contented sigh escapes her lips as she surrenders to the sensation, her body floating effortlessly on the surface.

“You’re doing great, baby,” I murmur. “Just let go and trust the water.”

I notice her baby bump protruding from the water. I can’t resist the urge to place my hands on her belly, careful not to startle her. Looking at Shorty’s face, I am struck by the expression of pure bliss. It’s as if she’s falling in love with me all over again.

Shorty stands up straight in the water, her head just above the surface. Her eyebrows were furrowed, creating a V-shaped crease over the bridge of her nose. The corners of her mouth were downturned, but her lips were parted slightly.

“What’s wrong? Are you in pain?” I ask as anxiety starts to build inside me.

“No,” she says with a hint of mischievousness in her eyes. Without warning, she splashes water on my face before grabbing me by the shoulders and plunging me under the water.

I break the surface, gasping for air. I wipe the water off my face and slick my hair back. “That’s how you want to play it, huh?” My lips curl into a devilish smile. Without giving her a chance to respond, I lunge forward and retaliate with a huge splash, sending water droplets flying everywhere.

Sadie squeals and tries to shield herself, but it is no use. She is thoroughly drenched, her laughter mixing with mine.

“Okay, okay, I give up!” Sadie exclaims, her voice bubbling with amusement as she tries to catch her breath. My eyes lock with hers, and time seems to stand still for a moment.

Our banter ceases, replaced by a charged silence filled with unspoken words and lingering glances.

I brush a stray water droplet from her cheek with a tentative smile. “Is it possible to love you even more?” I say the words softly, almost to myself. My love for her is so strong, I fear I may burst.

Sadie’s breath hitches at my words, her cheeks blushing pink. I lean in and close the distance between us, my lips meeting hers in an open mouth tender kiss.

The world seems to fade away, leaving only the sensation of my lips against hers, the subtle taste of chlorine from the pool lingering on her skin.

When we part, a soft, contented smile graces her lips.

She’s more than just my best friend from childhood and my girlfriend.

She’s my lifeline, and I’m hers.

Whenever we feel lost or overwhelmed, we have a way of wrapping ourselves in a cocoon that makes us feel safe. It’s as if each passing moment with her is granting me a second chance to rewrite the past and forge a new path forward.

CHAPTER 6

Javier

My heart pounds with anticipation as I walk through the hospital’s halls. I worry about how Jo is going to react when he sees me. Will he kick me out and tell me to fuck off? Will he blame me for not doing a better job of keeping him safe?

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