Chapter 1
The smell of the saltwater burned into my nose. The beach house was the exact same as his family had left it last year. Still standing.
The sandy beach shifted under my weight as I walked to the shoreline. The tide came rushing in, water pooling around my ankles. It was so good to be home. I waited, knowing that a certain girl would be along soon. I knew that she always knew when I was here.
Out in the distance, I spot Koralie. Her sun-kissed hair and green eyes filled my heart with warmth. She swam gracefully as I walked further into the ocean.
I smile at her, her face full of radiance and beauty. My breath hitched as she came closer. I hadn’t realized just how much I missed her. The water swayed at my hips.
Close enough now to touch, Koralie smiled. I knew that smile. She was planning something. I narrowed my eyes as I try to figure out what she was up to. Too late. One tail wipe later, I broke through the surface, gasping for air.
“I see you haven’t managed to teach your tail a lesson.” I choked out.
Koralie giggled, “Well, you know, I’ve behaved so well these last few months, I thought today could be a cheat day.”
I brushed the hair out of my eyes. Salt burned on my tongue. The lukewarm water on my skin had been something I missed the last few months. The swimming pool water back in my high school was nothing like the saltwater here.
I reached out a hand to touch Koralie’s face. She moved back before letting me touch her. She closed her eyes, as I stared at her. The golden sun exposed her long eyelashes and pretty pink lips. I so badly wanted to kiss her. To know what it felt like to brush those lips with mine. But I didn’t know how she felt about me. The reaction she gave earlier confused me. Why did she lean away before letting me touch her? I dropped my hand awkwardly as Koralie’s eyes opened.
“What’s wrong Reed?”
“I don’t know. It feels different this year. Is there something you need to tell me?” I questioned. I was really talking to myself, but she turned away from me. I followed her gaze out towards the ocean, away from the shore. I thought I could see someone in the water, watching us.
Koralie turned back quickly, grabbing my hand, leading me towards the shore.
“What’s going on? Who was that?” I asked, turning back to see if I could see more clearly. I didn’t see anyone there now.
“Nothing, I’m just so glad you’re back. But you were right about one thing; this year is different.” Koralie spoke the last sentence so softly, I almost didn’t hear her.
She turned to me, her hand still in mine. “We’ll talk more tomorrow, but for now, welcome back Reed.” she pressed a kiss onto my cheek.
I stood there as I watched Koralie swim away, her purple tail splashing behind her. Then I looked further in the distance. There was definitely someone watching us. Or her.
