Page 18 of Rule
“Mr. Baker-Horton needs to grieve his father’s death,” Scarlet says, clutching my hand protectively.
“Yes, of course,” he says, standing up. “If you think of anything…”
“We’ll call,” she interrupts.
I’m happy to let her talk for me, finding I have nothing to say. I’d come to terms with my dad dying, I just didn’t think it would be today. So grief floods me, but there is also a feeling of resignation.
Scarlet sees the officer out and returns to me, wrapping her arms around me. “We can just sit if you’d prefer?”
“No, let’s swim,” I say decisively. “I’ve wanted to get you in that pool for days.”
She smiles; it’s sad but also full of love.
Leading me through the house, we pause at the edge of the indoor pool. I feel inexplicably drawn to the water as if it holds the power to wash away the pain and confusion that clouds my mind.
Stripping off, not caring about swimming shorts, I dive in, submerging myself in the cool embrace of the water, and start swimming laps.
One, two, three...
My heart races, the steady beat echoing through my chest as I push myself harder through the water. The physical exertion helps to clear my mind, providing a temporary respite from the torrent of emotions threatening to drown me. My muscles burn with the effort, each stroke a testament to my determination to regain some semblance of control in this chaotic world.
With each stroke, I try to push away the thoughts of the police investigation and their suspicions of foul play despite my father's illness.
Ten, fifteen, twenty laps...
The physical exertion helps me focus on something other than the emptiness inside me.
At some point, as I cut through the water, I sense Scarlet next to me, keeping stride. She is a strong swimmer and gloriously naked, I admire how effortlessly graceful she is, even in such a simple action.
Thirty laps, thirty-five...
The rhythm of our movements synchronizes, and I find comfort in sharing this moment of release with her.
At forty laps, we stop and tread water in the deep end.
"Feels good, doesn't it?" she asks between breaths, her eyes sparkling with understanding. "Sometimes, we just need to let our bodies do the talking."
Nodding, I’m grateful for her presence and the solace it brings. "It does. Thank you for being here, Scarlet."
"Always, Hugo." Her smile is genuine, and her love for me is evident in every word and touch.
"Scarlet..." I begin hesitantly, unsure how to convey the maelstrom of emotions swirling within me. "I just... I can't believe he's gone. I never got to say goodbye."
Her expression softens, and she swims closer, reaching out to grasp my hand gently. "I know, Hugo. It's not fair. But we'll get through this together, I promise."
“I'm... I'm terrified of losing you too. You mean so much to me, and with everything that's happening..."
"Shh," she soothes, pressing her finger to my lips. "I'm not going anywhere, Hugo. I love you, remember? And love means standing by each other through thick and thin."
As her declaration sinks in, I feel a warmth spread through my chest, chasing away some of the darkness that has taken hold. With Scarlet by my side, perhaps there is hope for brighter days ahead, despite the shadows that currently loom over our lives.
As we continue to swim, the weight of the world seems to lift from my shoulders, if only slightly. And while I know there are still many challenges ahead, I can face them head-on, knowing that Scarlet will be by my side every step of the way.
ChapterThirteen
Miles
Iwalk hand-in-hand with Scarlet into the university building, where there is a fundraiser event. There are many people from Origin milling through the crowds, and I want Scarlet to meet some of them. The sun streams through the tall windows, casting a warm glow on her radiant smile. As we navigate the hallways, I feel a sense of pride and protectiveness over her.
