A/N reasons for this story 1) the content will be needed in future stories. 2) I have yet to find a single story about the Isle 4 learning to swim [I've seen one that involves them drowning tho]. 3) I thought it would be fun. 4) the story I was working on that was originally going to be next has come to a sudden stop because I have run out of ideas :P
Summer vacation had arrived at Auradon Prep. All the students were packing up their dorm rooms and heading home for rest and relaxation. As the students bid farewell to the school until fall, five students stayed. There wasn't anywhere else for them to go. They lived here.
Mal breathed in the peace and quiet as she sketched on the steps on the empty dormitory. Evie strolled through the school gardens, thinking of new designs based on the beautiful summer flowers. Carlos took total advantage of the free range as he and an unleashed Dude ran and played across the whole campus. Jay used the trails through the forest as an obstacle course, climbing trees and jumped over rocks. Ben sat in a windowseal of the library, reading a book to satisfy his boredom.
The young king sighed and stared out the window. It was a beautiful day. It was getting hotter as the sun rose higher into the sky. His first instinct on a day like today was to go to the lake, but he promised Mal he would never swim alone after he scared her on their first date. Ben chuckled at the notion. What did it really matter if Mal came with him to the lake? If something were to happen, she couldn't swim to save him.
Ben shock up from his place at the window. He had an idea. It was a crazy idea, but it would be good in the long run. He hoped. He pulled out his phone and sent a text to his four friends: "Meet me in the gym in one hour. I have a surprise for you guys."
The king quickly left the library in search of some servants for help. If he was going to pull this off, he was going to need a lot of help.
Mal and Evie sat on the bleachers, talking and waiting for the boys to arrive. The door opening caught their attention. Dude's claws on the hardwood floor echoed through the empty room as he trotted into the gym. Carlos and Jay slowly came in behind the dog. Both boys were panting and dropping sweat.
"What have you been doing?" Mal lightly laughed at the sweat brothers.
"Dude and I h-have been running." Carlos huffed as he sprawled out on the cool floor beside his dog.
"I was working out in the woods. It's hot!" Jay stated, wiping sweat beads off of his forehead.
"I agree!" The group turned to see Ben walking across the gym to them.
"There you are. So what's this surprise you have for us?" Mal asked. She and Evie stepped down from the bleachers.
Ben hugged his girlfriend and smiled at his friends. "I figured since it is so hot today that we should all go swimming."
Mal, Evie, Jay, and Carlos exchanged looks. Jay and Carlos burst out laughing. Evie was shocked speechless. Mal gave Ben an expression that said "you've lost your mind." Ben's smile faltered.
"That's funny, man." Jay playfully punched Ben's arm.
"Ben, you know we can't swim." Evie pointed out.
Ben's eyes softened and his smile was supportive. "I know. That's exactly why I want you all to go swimming with me. I'm going to teach you how to swim."
Jay's and Carlos's smiles fell. Evie gulped. Mal stepped back to look at her boyfriend.
"I know what you're thinking, but it's fun. Not to mention knowing how to swim could save your life or someone else's." Ben slid his hand into Mal's and entwined his fingers with hers.
Magical green eyes met beastly hazel. Mal knew he was right. She had jumped into that lake to save him, but she couldn't even safe herself. As scary as it seemed, they had to learn to swim, even if they never willingly got in water again.
Mal turned to the other three. They had the same understanding in their eyes. The purple haired girl sighed. "How do we start?"
Ben's face split into a wide smile. "First we need to get you all swimsuits. Then you'll be fitted for life jackets, and we can start the lesson." the king informed his friends as he lead them toward some servants waiting at the door. Ben realized that this was not going to be easy in any way, shape, or form; however, things were off to a better start than he expected. Guess he switched into running shoes for nothing.
