Page 59 of Below the Barrel

It’s laterin the day and we’re wandering through the bustling marketplace, the sun beating down on the brightly coloured stalls. The scent of tropical fruits and salty sea air mix together as vendors call out to us trying to lure us to their stands. Maliah's been talking about getting her hands on soursop since we arrived, something about how rare it is back home, and now we're on a mission to find it.

I watch her move through the crowd, her excitement bubbling over every time she spots something new. She's always been like this—curious, open, taking in every little detail. It's one of the things I love most about her.

As we pass by a jewelry shop, I notice her slow down. She’s staring at a necklace in the display case—a delicate set of pearls, the matching earrings gleaming in the sunlight. She doesn't say anything, just stands there for a moment, admiring the way the light dances off the smooth surfaces.

“Pretty, huh?” I ask, stepping up beside her.

She looks up at me, her cheeks flushing a little. “Yeah…I’ve never owned anything like that before.”

I glance back at the pearl set before returning my attention to her. “C’mon, let’s find that fruit you’ve been dreaming about.”

We continue walking through the market, passing by stalls selling all kinds of things. Handmade jewelry, woven baskets, fresh seafood. It’s not long before I spot the spiky, green soursop she’s been searching for.

“Hey, Mal,” I call out, waving her over. “Found it.”

She hurries over, her eyes lighting up the second she sees the fruit in my hand. “Oh my god, you found it!” She practically snatches it out of my hand, grinning from ear to ear.

I can’t hold back my smile too, satisfied by the way her happiness seems to radiate in waves. She looks up at me, holding the fruit close to her chest like she’s found gold.

We start walking back through the market, her arm linked with mine while the other holds her bag of fruit. I’m happy to see her smiling, completely in her element. I glance at the pearl shop, memorizing where it is as we pass, before glancing back at her with a feeling of contentment. The simplicity of this moment makes everything else fade away until it’s just us.

Just Koa and Maliah.

TWENTY-TWO

MALIAH | TAHITI, FRENCH POLYNESIA

The sun isbright as it peeks through the curtains of our villa, bathing the room in a warm golden light. I stretch out, the cozy blankets slipping off my shoulders, and take a moment to soak in the quiet before the day starts. I glance to my left and notice Koa isn’t next to me. We’ve shared a bed every night since Rio, and he’s always been there fast asleep when I wake up.

I shrug, guessing he probably went out for an early practice before our excursion. Today’s the snorkelling and lunch trip, and I feel all the excitement rush to my chest. I love snorkelling, ever since seeing the whales in Ningaloo Reef, Australia.

After a quick shower and small breakfast, I throw on my favourite swimsuit, a vibrant blue bikini that compliments my skin tone, and a breezy cover-up. I grab my bag and head out, the salty breeze tousling my hair as I make my way to the boat dock. The laughter and chatter of the other surfers fills the air as they gather, anticipation buzzing like electricity.

Koa stands among the group, looking effortlessly handsome as always. He’s wearing a loose knit polo and board shorts, and my heart does that familiar flutter when his grey eyes catch mine. His tanned skin glows in the sunlight, and I can’t help but admire how at ease he seems.

“Hey, beautiful,” he calls out as I approach, and I feel a rush of warmth spread through me.

“Hey,” I reply, trying to sound casual, but my heart races.

As we board the boat, the excitement intensifies. The crew goes over the safety rules, but I barely register their words as my eyes wander back to Koa. The boat rocks gently on the waves, and I lean against the railing, the ocean stretching out before me like a vast canvas.

The boat ride isn’t long before we arrive at our destination—a secluded cove surrounded by lush greenery. The water sparkles under the sun, inviting us in like a cool oasis. Koa grabs my hand, pulling me towards the edge of the boat.

“Ready to dive in?” he asks, his voice laced with enthusiasm.

I nod, my nerves mingling with excitement. “Let’s do it.”

We throw on our gear and jump off the side of the boat together, the cool water enveloping me like a refreshing blanket. I resurface, spluttering and laughing as I push my hair back. Koa swims close, and I can see the mischief in his eyes.

“Race you to the coral,” he challenges, and before I can respond, he’s off, cutting through the water with powerful strokes.

“Hey, no fair!” I shout after him, my competitive spirit igniting. I kick my legs and dive after him, my laughter echoing through the water.

The underwater world is breathtaking—colourful fish darting around, vibrant corals swaying gently with the current. I lose myself in the beauty, following Koa as we explore the hidden treasures beneath the waves.

After some time, we resurface, our lungs burning from the exhilaration. I glance over at him, and he grins back, the sunlight glinting off the droplets of water clinging to his hair and skin. We swim around, diving back under to investigate the coral formations. Koa takes my hand, guiding me deeper into thewater. The fish swim around us, unbothered by our presence, and I can’t help but feel like we’ve entered a whole other world.

Finally, we make our way back to the surface, breaking through the water at the same time. We float on our backs, staring up at the blue sky above us.

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