Jake passed Will and Scout in the crowded Common Room. She nodded to them and they smiled back at her. She headed up the stairs and stopped in front of her room. She ran her hand over the top of the door jam and found the key. She was only a little disappointed that Hamilton wasn't already inside waiting for her as he had been before. She hurried. She knew that with the Common Room full on a Friday evening this would be her best chance to shower without the chance of being caught. She thought it was still too early for comments and rumors to be circulating about the kiss, IF there were to be any at all. Jake gathered her things and headed for the shower room.
Hamilton used his key and let himself into the house. He had walked slowly in the night air not wishing to overtake his father on the path.
"Hamilton honey...is that you?" His mother called from the kitchen.
"Yeah Mom, it's me." He answered. He made it to the stairs before she called after him again.
"Where have you been? I saved you some dinner." She asked.
Hamilton knew that he should probably avoid a close encounter with his parents right now...as well as his mothers cooking. But, the lure of food drew him to the kitchen.
He walked through the door and saw both parents seated at the table. "Hi Mom...Dad." He said as he lowered his eyes to avoid his fathers stare.
"Your're late Munchie...where were you?" His mother asked as she sipped her coffee.
"I was just hanging out with the guys for a while after practice. Sorry...I should have told you." He said. He opened the microwave and took out the saran wrap covered plate that was most likely meant for him. He looked at it. Having no idea what it was...he thought changing the subject from his whereabouts to dinner would be a good thing. "Gee Mom...this smells great." He lied.
He saw his father roll his eyes. "Yes...it's a new recipe. Your mother is trying out some new ethnic dishes...on us."
Hamilton joined his parents at the table. The immediate silence was deafening.
"How was practice, honey?" Kate asked.
"Fine." Hamilton said as he picked through the contents of the plate for something he recognized.
"You have a meet this weekend?" She continued trying to make conversation.
"Ah...yeah, Sunday." He answered.
"I didn't see you around the school Hamilton. I just left there a short time ago." His father added.
Hamilton froze and again concentrated on his food to avoid his fathers eyes.
"Ah...well..I was probably still in the showers. We hung around for a while and I showered late." He made each word up as he went along.
"Really..." His father said as he noticed Hamilton's very dry hair. "Mmmmm"
"What were you doing at school so late Dad?" Hamilton asked.
"I had to go back to my office. I thought I had left the light on...but I guess I was mistaken." He answered.
Hamilton stood up...lifted his plate and headed for the sink. He quickly scraped the contents into the garbage disposal and left the dish down. "That was great Mom, thanks." He said.
"Hamilton!" His father's deep voice echoed. "The girls."
Hamilton felt the color drain from his face as he turned to face his father.
"The girls?" He questioned. Dean Fleming turned and pointed at the two snoring furry beasts huddled by the back door.
"Right..." Hamilton approached the dogs and reached for the two leashes that hung by the window. Instantly the Golden Retrievers came to life, jumping to their feet and wagging their tails. "Come on ladies..." He said as he took them both outside.
Jake enjoyed the freedom of her shower. She shampooed her hair twice... and then applied conditioner. She shaved her legs leisurely. She used her loofah and pumice stone on her elbows and lathered her face with the special bottle of facial wash she had purchased at the drug store. She used her astringent and then rinsed the conditioner from her hair. The warm water released some of the tensions of the day and she turned her back to it and let the stream beat against her neck and shoulders. She turned off the water and looked for the bottle of moisturizer to apply to her legs and arms. Then she looked for the smaller jar to apply to her face. Her mind wandered to Melanie. She played the scene over in her head and was still unclear as to why Melanie wasn't in school last year. She thought about the overweight girl in Will and Bella's school photo and wondered what the mystery was that surrounded Melanie Manos. For the time being though...she decided to concentrate on spending the evening with Hamilton. "Fifteen minutes...yeah right!" She said out loud to no one.
Hamilton took the dogs deeper into the woods. He unleashed them and let them run. He smiled as he watched them jump up and chase each other. He remembered his father bringing them home when they were puppies. His father wanted to name them Bill and Hillary not really believing dogs had any sort of gender bias with their names. But, his mother put a stop to any political affiliation with her much loved pets. She had suggested that more cultural names, perhaps after artists would be more appropriate. Hamilton agreed and made a suggestion from the only group of artists' he was familiar with at the time...but his mother explained that female dogs really shouldn't be called Donatello and Michaelangelo, even if they were famous painters and not just Teenaged Mutant Ninja Turtles. In the end...his mother won out, and the Retriever puppies came to be known as Georgia, after Georgia O'Keefe and Cassie, after Mary Cassatt.
Hamilton relaxed and breathed in the night air. He looked forward to spending the next few hours undistracted, with Jake. He allowed his mind to wander briefly to Melanie. There was something about her...he wasn't sure what it was. He wasn't attracted to her...but he felt like there was a connection. He shook his head to clear the thoughts from his mind and called out to the dogs. Georgia and Cassie came charging back, he leashed them and headed back for the house.
"Hi honey." His mother said as he entered the house. "Jake called while you were out..."
Hamilton looked up at his mother. "He said to tell you he's running late..."
Hamilton smiled. "Thanks, that guy is slower than most girls." He said.
"What are you up to tonight?" She asked.
"I don't know. Just hanging out I guess." Hamilton left and headed for his room planning to kill a little more time before he left for the dock.
Jake dressed in the shower stall. She put on a light blue lacy camisole under her heavy sweatshirt. She may have to look like a guy...but she enjoyed feeling like a girl underneath. She ran a dollop of hair gel through her hair and pulled her bangs down over her eyes. She promised herself that someday soon she would grow her hair long again...like it used to be. She picked up her gear and headed back to her room. She didn't want to keep Hamilton waiting.
******************************
Jake casually walked down to the lake. She was surprised that Hamilton wasn't there waiting for her. She seated herself on the dock and watched as the tiny rowboat rocked in the water. The moonlight shone into the boat intentionally settling on something shiny. Jake moved toward the boat and noticed a single long stemmed yellow rose...and a bottle of Strawberry/Kiwi Snapple She picked up the rose and pricked her finger on one of the thorns. "Oww" She said. Jake stuck her finger in her mouth. Attached to the bottle was a small note. This one's for you! Jake smiled... "Aww...Hamilton. " She thought to herself.
"Waiting for me???" The voice behind her made her jump and drop the rose into the water. Jake turned with a start to find Ryder standing behind her.
"Damn it Ryder!!" Jake yelled. "You sacred me."
"Easily frightened...boy." Ryder said with a sly smile.
"What are you doing down here?" Jake asked...happy he wasn't strolling around last night at this time.
"Just checking out the nightlife." He said smugly. "You?"
Jake was careful to remember her voice. "Ah...yeah. Same. Cruising for babes." She cringed on the inside at how stupid that line felt coming from her mouth.
"Where's your little boy-toy Mr. Pratt?" Ryder asked.
"What?" Jake looked indignant.
"I heard about you and young Master Fleming." Ryder puckered making kissing noises.
The hairs on Jake's neck stood up. This was the beginning of the inevitable she thought. She was really starting to hate Melanie Manos for the trouble she was consistently causing.
"Maybe your sources were mistaken" Jake said.
"Maybe they were right. Maybe my instincts about you have been right all along."
Jake felt cornered. The worst thing, she thought, was to have Hamilton show up right now...and confirm Ryders suspicions. Calmly Jake attempted to walk around Ryder. Ryder extended a hand to Jake's chest. "Leaving so soon...luv?"
"Get out of my way Ryder." Jake pushed him backward with a shove. In turn Ryder took the glass bottle from her hand as if he had won the prize. Jake walked off toward the hill and headed back to the dorms.
Ryder stood in the stillness of the night air. He found Jake Pratt to be intriguing. He was never sure what it was about him. He felt drawn to him. Ryder popped off the cap to the bottle of Snapple and drained the bottle in one long swallow.
******************************************
Hamilton forced himself to walk slower. He knew he was early but he couldn't help it. He was excited about spending some time, alone with Jake. He descended the hill and looked out over the lake as it came into view. He narrowed his field of vision and scanned the dock for signs of movement. He looked toward where the rowboat had been tethered last night and he hoped to find her sitting in it...waiting for him.
He did see her.
He quickened his pace not wanting to keep her waiting any longer. As Hamilton got closer to the boat he could see her leaning over the side and looking into the water. He heard terrible retching noises as he neared. "Jake?" He called out as he began to run. He thought he saw her try to stand...but as she did...she fell off balance and toppled into the dark water. "Jake!" He screamed. Without hesitation Hamilton ran at full speed across the dock and dove into the murky water below. The darkness of the night accentuated the darkness of the water. Hamilton surfaced, took in a deep breath and dove down again. Seconds felt like hours. Finally he reached out and felt her body floating in the water. He grabbed at the heavy sweatshirt and pulled upwards toward the surface. She seemed much heavier in the water than he was prepared for. He found the strength he needed to hold onto her. He gulped for air as he broke the glassy water top. "Jake? Jake!" He turned her head towards him in an effort to hold her face out of the water. At the same time his eyes began to adjust to his darkened surroundings. "Ryder?" Hamilton said out loud. Ryder appeared to be unconscious. Hamilton continued to hold Ryder's head out of the water. He pushed Ryder's arms up and over the side of the boat for added support. "Ryder!" He yelled at him again but received no response. Hamilton treaded water in the floor-less lake. He had trouble getting the leverage he needed to get Ryder into the boat. His next choice seemed obvious. "HELP!!" Hamilton screamed, but there was no one around to hear him. He continued treading water until his legs burned. Finally, Hamilton grabbed on of Ryders legs and pushed it up far enough to get his foot over the rim of the tiny boat. With one adrenaline induced shove the rest of Ryder's body followed. Hamilton took several deep breaths then used what strength he had left to hoist himself into the rocking boat as well. "Ryder!" He yelled at him. "Ryder!" He yelled again as he slapped his cheek hard. "Wake up!" Hamilton leaned over Ryder's face and put his ear down close to his mouth. He was pretty sure that he could hear him breathing, Hamilton hoped it wasn't his imagination. Hamilton looked up toward the school building...judging the distance between help and disaster. Having no clearer choice Hamilton turned Ryder on his side, leapt out of the boat, onto the dock and ran as fast as he could toward the school.
As he topped the small grassy hill he recognized Will and Scout descending the steps. Hamilton barely had enough breath left in him. His lungs burned. "Will!" He yelled. "Will!"
"I can't believe it's our night off and we're going to spend it at the diner we work in!" Will chuckled.
"Yeah...I know. It's not like there are so many other choices. Besides, Bella will be there... Scout responded.
Scout and Will both looked up startled as the heard the echo of the distressed calls. They ran toward the figure in the grass. Hamilton was still standing, bent over with his hands on his knees for support.
"Hamilton? What's wrong..." Will asked putting a hand on his shoulder.
"Ryder..." He breathed loudly. "...in the boat."
Will looked at Scout and took off running down the hill and toward the lake unsure of what to expect.
"Ham...you Ok man?" Scout asked. Hamilton pointed toward the lake in response. Scout ran down the hill also in pursuit of the unknown.
******************************
Scout, Will and Hamilton watched as the paramedics closed the door to the back of the ambulance. The red flashing lights had alerted a fair number of students, most finding the commotion a great distraction from studying.
Hamilton's lips were still a bit bluish and he shivered in the cold night air.
Will took off his jacket and gave it to a soaking wet Hamilton.
"What happened?" Will asked.
"I don't know..." Hamilton responded honestly.
"Well, what were you doing down here?" Scout asked.
"I was heading down to the dock...and..." Hamilton thought out loud. "I thought I saw Jake...and then I thought she was sick...I heard her getting sick" Hamilton recalled.
"Ok...then what?" Will prompted.
"It looked like she just fell over...and into the water...I ran, I jumped in...but when I pulled her up...it was Ryder." Hamilton shook his head in bewilderment.
"Why did you think it was Jake?" Will asked.
"Because I was supposed to meet her down here...in the boat." Hamilton answered.
"When?" Scout inquired.
Hamilton looked at the wrist where his watch usually was. "Damn, I must have lost it in the water." Hamilton considered the time that had lapsed since he initially came down to the lake.
"A while ago." He said.
"So, where is she?" Scout asked as he looked around.
The thought came to each of them at the same time.
"Jesus!!" Hamilton screamed as he ran back to the lake. "Jake!" He screamed again as Will and Scout followed immediately behind.
"Ham...wait..." Scout called out to him.
Without thinking or hearing...Hamilton ran off the dock and dove back into the chilly water.
"Hamilton! Wait!" Scout yelled again holding his cell phone to his ear.
Hamilton surfaced in the water, gulped for air and descended again.
Will and Scout stood on the slippery dock above him. As Hamilton came up a second time Scout shouted again. "Fleming!...She's OK...She's here! " Scout held his cell phone in the air hoping Hamilton could see it. Hamilton swam toward the boat and hung onto the sides for support. He was breathless.
"Déjà vu" He said.
Scout bent down and showed him the phone. "What's that silly commercial say, 'you should have called first'."
Scout smiled when he saw the look of relief on Hamilton's face.
Will and Scout each extended a hand and pulled Hamilton out of the water.
"I'd offer you my jacket...but..." Will smiled as he yanked on the dripping sleeve of his own jacket.
"Sorry..." He smiled back.
Scout clicked off the cell and put it back in his pocket. "Jake's going to meet Bella at Friendly's. We can catch up to them there." Scout said.
"Buddy...you need a hot shower. Will said to Hamilton who was shaking with a mixture of cold, wet, shock and relief. "Want us to wait for you?" Will asked.
Hamilton shook his head. "Nah...go ahead. I'll be there soon." Hamilton was dazed.
"Hey...it's Ok...SHE'S Ok." Will said trying to provide him with some comfort.
"I know..." He nodded. "Tell her I'm on my way. I just need to change.
Scout and Will headed for the center of town. Hamilton hurried toward home.
"Hamilton!" His mother called out when she heard the door open. "Are you all right?"
Kate met him at the front door to see for herself.
"Fine Mom..." He answered.
"Oh my God, Hamilton..." Kate stopped short when she saw her dripping son standing in the hallway. "Hamilton...what happened?" She asked.
"Took a little swim." He smiled back at her. "Actually...there was an accident down at the lake..." He continued.
"I know...your father's on the way to the hospital now."
"I was so worried." Kate exhaled.
"I'm Ok Mom...but I need a shower...Bad." He smiled at her as he slowly trudged up the staircase.
He entered the bathroom silently. He shut the door. He kicked off his sopping wet sneakers, not bothering to unlace them. He peeled off his wet socks and tossed two perfectly formed muddy "sock-balls" into the hamper. He reached into the shower and turned the stream of water on full allowing the steam to permeate the bathroom and begin to warm him. He removed Will's jacket and hung it on the bathroom door knob. He removed the rest of his clothing and pulled back the shower curtain. He stepped into the warmth of the shower. He rubbed at his arms trying to warm up as well as remove the pond scum that he felt covered him. He let the water beat down on his head. He wanted to wash away the trauma of the night. Jake's face floated into his thoughts. He thought he knew what it felt like...to lose someone you love. The shock of the evening suddenly caught up to him and took him over. He felt his body shake. He put his hands over his face...and sobbed quietly.
Hamilton used his key and let himself into the house. He had walked slowly in the night air not wishing to overtake his father on the path.
"Hamilton honey...is that you?" His mother called from the kitchen.
"Yeah Mom, it's me." He answered. He made it to the stairs before she called after him again.
"Where have you been? I saved you some dinner." She asked.
Hamilton knew that he should probably avoid a close encounter with his parents right now...as well as his mothers cooking. But, the lure of food drew him to the kitchen.
He walked through the door and saw both parents seated at the table. "Hi Mom...Dad." He said as he lowered his eyes to avoid his fathers stare.
"Your're late Munchie...where were you?" His mother asked as she sipped her coffee.
"I was just hanging out with the guys for a while after practice. Sorry...I should have told you." He said. He opened the microwave and took out the saran wrap covered plate that was most likely meant for him. He looked at it. Having no idea what it was...he thought changing the subject from his whereabouts to dinner would be a good thing. "Gee Mom...this smells great." He lied.
He saw his father roll his eyes. "Yes...it's a new recipe. Your mother is trying out some new ethnic dishes...on us."
Hamilton joined his parents at the table. The immediate silence was deafening.
"How was practice, honey?" Kate asked.
"Fine." Hamilton said as he picked through the contents of the plate for something he recognized.
"You have a meet this weekend?" She continued trying to make conversation.
"Ah...yeah, Sunday." He answered.
"I didn't see you around the school Hamilton. I just left there a short time ago." His father added.
Hamilton froze and again concentrated on his food to avoid his fathers eyes.
"Ah...well..I was probably still in the showers. We hung around for a while and I showered late." He made each word up as he went along.
"Really..." His father said as he noticed Hamilton's very dry hair. "Mmmmm"
"What were you doing at school so late Dad?" Hamilton asked.
"I had to go back to my office. I thought I had left the light on...but I guess I was mistaken." He answered.
Hamilton stood up...lifted his plate and headed for the sink. He quickly scraped the contents into the garbage disposal and left the dish down. "That was great Mom, thanks." He said.
"Hamilton!" His father's deep voice echoed. "The girls."
Hamilton felt the color drain from his face as he turned to face his father.
"The girls?" He questioned. Dean Fleming turned and pointed at the two snoring furry beasts huddled by the back door.
"Right..." Hamilton approached the dogs and reached for the two leashes that hung by the window. Instantly the Golden Retrievers came to life, jumping to their feet and wagging their tails. "Come on ladies..." He said as he took them both outside.
Jake enjoyed the freedom of her shower. She shampooed her hair twice... and then applied conditioner. She shaved her legs leisurely. She used her loofah and pumice stone on her elbows and lathered her face with the special bottle of facial wash she had purchased at the drug store. She used her astringent and then rinsed the conditioner from her hair. The warm water released some of the tensions of the day and she turned her back to it and let the stream beat against her neck and shoulders. She turned off the water and looked for the bottle of moisturizer to apply to her legs and arms. Then she looked for the smaller jar to apply to her face. Her mind wandered to Melanie. She played the scene over in her head and was still unclear as to why Melanie wasn't in school last year. She thought about the overweight girl in Will and Bella's school photo and wondered what the mystery was that surrounded Melanie Manos. For the time being though...she decided to concentrate on spending the evening with Hamilton. "Fifteen minutes...yeah right!" She said out loud to no one.
Hamilton took the dogs deeper into the woods. He unleashed them and let them run. He smiled as he watched them jump up and chase each other. He remembered his father bringing them home when they were puppies. His father wanted to name them Bill and Hillary not really believing dogs had any sort of gender bias with their names. But, his mother put a stop to any political affiliation with her much loved pets. She had suggested that more cultural names, perhaps after artists would be more appropriate. Hamilton agreed and made a suggestion from the only group of artists' he was familiar with at the time...but his mother explained that female dogs really shouldn't be called Donatello and Michaelangelo, even if they were famous painters and not just Teenaged Mutant Ninja Turtles. In the end...his mother won out, and the Retriever puppies came to be known as Georgia, after Georgia O'Keefe and Cassie, after Mary Cassatt.
Hamilton relaxed and breathed in the night air. He looked forward to spending the next few hours undistracted, with Jake. He allowed his mind to wander briefly to Melanie. There was something about her...he wasn't sure what it was. He wasn't attracted to her...but he felt like there was a connection. He shook his head to clear the thoughts from his mind and called out to the dogs. Georgia and Cassie came charging back, he leashed them and headed back for the house.
"Hi honey." His mother said as he entered the house. "Jake called while you were out..."
Hamilton looked up at his mother. "He said to tell you he's running late..."
Hamilton smiled. "Thanks, that guy is slower than most girls." He said.
"What are you up to tonight?" She asked.
"I don't know. Just hanging out I guess." Hamilton left and headed for his room planning to kill a little more time before he left for the dock.
Jake dressed in the shower stall. She put on a light blue lacy camisole under her heavy sweatshirt. She may have to look like a guy...but she enjoyed feeling like a girl underneath. She ran a dollop of hair gel through her hair and pulled her bangs down over her eyes. She promised herself that someday soon she would grow her hair long again...like it used to be. She picked up her gear and headed back to her room. She didn't want to keep Hamilton waiting.
******************************
Jake casually walked down to the lake. She was surprised that Hamilton wasn't there waiting for her. She seated herself on the dock and watched as the tiny rowboat rocked in the water. The moonlight shone into the boat intentionally settling on something shiny. Jake moved toward the boat and noticed a single long stemmed yellow rose...and a bottle of Strawberry/Kiwi Snapple She picked up the rose and pricked her finger on one of the thorns. "Oww" She said. Jake stuck her finger in her mouth. Attached to the bottle was a small note. This one's for you! Jake smiled... "Aww...Hamilton. " She thought to herself.
"Waiting for me???" The voice behind her made her jump and drop the rose into the water. Jake turned with a start to find Ryder standing behind her.
"Damn it Ryder!!" Jake yelled. "You sacred me."
"Easily frightened...boy." Ryder said with a sly smile.
"What are you doing down here?" Jake asked...happy he wasn't strolling around last night at this time.
"Just checking out the nightlife." He said smugly. "You?"
Jake was careful to remember her voice. "Ah...yeah. Same. Cruising for babes." She cringed on the inside at how stupid that line felt coming from her mouth.
"Where's your little boy-toy Mr. Pratt?" Ryder asked.
"What?" Jake looked indignant.
"I heard about you and young Master Fleming." Ryder puckered making kissing noises.
The hairs on Jake's neck stood up. This was the beginning of the inevitable she thought. She was really starting to hate Melanie Manos for the trouble she was consistently causing.
"Maybe your sources were mistaken" Jake said.
"Maybe they were right. Maybe my instincts about you have been right all along."
Jake felt cornered. The worst thing, she thought, was to have Hamilton show up right now...and confirm Ryders suspicions. Calmly Jake attempted to walk around Ryder. Ryder extended a hand to Jake's chest. "Leaving so soon...luv?"
"Get out of my way Ryder." Jake pushed him backward with a shove. In turn Ryder took the glass bottle from her hand as if he had won the prize. Jake walked off toward the hill and headed back to the dorms.
Ryder stood in the stillness of the night air. He found Jake Pratt to be intriguing. He was never sure what it was about him. He felt drawn to him. Ryder popped off the cap to the bottle of Snapple and drained the bottle in one long swallow.
******************************************
Hamilton forced himself to walk slower. He knew he was early but he couldn't help it. He was excited about spending some time, alone with Jake. He descended the hill and looked out over the lake as it came into view. He narrowed his field of vision and scanned the dock for signs of movement. He looked toward where the rowboat had been tethered last night and he hoped to find her sitting in it...waiting for him.
He did see her.
He quickened his pace not wanting to keep her waiting any longer. As Hamilton got closer to the boat he could see her leaning over the side and looking into the water. He heard terrible retching noises as he neared. "Jake?" He called out as he began to run. He thought he saw her try to stand...but as she did...she fell off balance and toppled into the dark water. "Jake!" He screamed. Without hesitation Hamilton ran at full speed across the dock and dove into the murky water below. The darkness of the night accentuated the darkness of the water. Hamilton surfaced, took in a deep breath and dove down again. Seconds felt like hours. Finally he reached out and felt her body floating in the water. He grabbed at the heavy sweatshirt and pulled upwards toward the surface. She seemed much heavier in the water than he was prepared for. He found the strength he needed to hold onto her. He gulped for air as he broke the glassy water top. "Jake? Jake!" He turned her head towards him in an effort to hold her face out of the water. At the same time his eyes began to adjust to his darkened surroundings. "Ryder?" Hamilton said out loud. Ryder appeared to be unconscious. Hamilton continued to hold Ryder's head out of the water. He pushed Ryder's arms up and over the side of the boat for added support. "Ryder!" He yelled at him again but received no response. Hamilton treaded water in the floor-less lake. He had trouble getting the leverage he needed to get Ryder into the boat. His next choice seemed obvious. "HELP!!" Hamilton screamed, but there was no one around to hear him. He continued treading water until his legs burned. Finally, Hamilton grabbed on of Ryders legs and pushed it up far enough to get his foot over the rim of the tiny boat. With one adrenaline induced shove the rest of Ryder's body followed. Hamilton took several deep breaths then used what strength he had left to hoist himself into the rocking boat as well. "Ryder!" He yelled at him. "Ryder!" He yelled again as he slapped his cheek hard. "Wake up!" Hamilton leaned over Ryder's face and put his ear down close to his mouth. He was pretty sure that he could hear him breathing, Hamilton hoped it wasn't his imagination. Hamilton looked up toward the school building...judging the distance between help and disaster. Having no clearer choice Hamilton turned Ryder on his side, leapt out of the boat, onto the dock and ran as fast as he could toward the school.
As he topped the small grassy hill he recognized Will and Scout descending the steps. Hamilton barely had enough breath left in him. His lungs burned. "Will!" He yelled. "Will!"
"I can't believe it's our night off and we're going to spend it at the diner we work in!" Will chuckled.
"Yeah...I know. It's not like there are so many other choices. Besides, Bella will be there... Scout responded.
Scout and Will both looked up startled as the heard the echo of the distressed calls. They ran toward the figure in the grass. Hamilton was still standing, bent over with his hands on his knees for support.
"Hamilton? What's wrong..." Will asked putting a hand on his shoulder.
"Ryder..." He breathed loudly. "...in the boat."
Will looked at Scout and took off running down the hill and toward the lake unsure of what to expect.
"Ham...you Ok man?" Scout asked. Hamilton pointed toward the lake in response. Scout ran down the hill also in pursuit of the unknown.
******************************
Scout, Will and Hamilton watched as the paramedics closed the door to the back of the ambulance. The red flashing lights had alerted a fair number of students, most finding the commotion a great distraction from studying.
Hamilton's lips were still a bit bluish and he shivered in the cold night air.
Will took off his jacket and gave it to a soaking wet Hamilton.
"What happened?" Will asked.
"I don't know..." Hamilton responded honestly.
"Well, what were you doing down here?" Scout asked.
"I was heading down to the dock...and..." Hamilton thought out loud. "I thought I saw Jake...and then I thought she was sick...I heard her getting sick" Hamilton recalled.
"Ok...then what?" Will prompted.
"It looked like she just fell over...and into the water...I ran, I jumped in...but when I pulled her up...it was Ryder." Hamilton shook his head in bewilderment.
"Why did you think it was Jake?" Will asked.
"Because I was supposed to meet her down here...in the boat." Hamilton answered.
"When?" Scout inquired.
Hamilton looked at the wrist where his watch usually was. "Damn, I must have lost it in the water." Hamilton considered the time that had lapsed since he initially came down to the lake.
"A while ago." He said.
"So, where is she?" Scout asked as he looked around.
The thought came to each of them at the same time.
"Jesus!!" Hamilton screamed as he ran back to the lake. "Jake!" He screamed again as Will and Scout followed immediately behind.
"Ham...wait..." Scout called out to him.
Without thinking or hearing...Hamilton ran off the dock and dove back into the chilly water.
"Hamilton! Wait!" Scout yelled again holding his cell phone to his ear.
Hamilton surfaced in the water, gulped for air and descended again.
Will and Scout stood on the slippery dock above him. As Hamilton came up a second time Scout shouted again. "Fleming!...She's OK...She's here! " Scout held his cell phone in the air hoping Hamilton could see it. Hamilton swam toward the boat and hung onto the sides for support. He was breathless.
"Déjà vu" He said.
Scout bent down and showed him the phone. "What's that silly commercial say, 'you should have called first'."
Scout smiled when he saw the look of relief on Hamilton's face.
Will and Scout each extended a hand and pulled Hamilton out of the water.
"I'd offer you my jacket...but..." Will smiled as he yanked on the dripping sleeve of his own jacket.
"Sorry..." He smiled back.
Scout clicked off the cell and put it back in his pocket. "Jake's going to meet Bella at Friendly's. We can catch up to them there." Scout said.
"Buddy...you need a hot shower. Will said to Hamilton who was shaking with a mixture of cold, wet, shock and relief. "Want us to wait for you?" Will asked.
Hamilton shook his head. "Nah...go ahead. I'll be there soon." Hamilton was dazed.
"Hey...it's Ok...SHE'S Ok." Will said trying to provide him with some comfort.
"I know..." He nodded. "Tell her I'm on my way. I just need to change.
Scout and Will headed for the center of town. Hamilton hurried toward home.
"Hamilton!" His mother called out when she heard the door open. "Are you all right?"
Kate met him at the front door to see for herself.
"Fine Mom..." He answered.
"Oh my God, Hamilton..." Kate stopped short when she saw her dripping son standing in the hallway. "Hamilton...what happened?" She asked.
"Took a little swim." He smiled back at her. "Actually...there was an accident down at the lake..." He continued.
"I know...your father's on the way to the hospital now."
"I was so worried." Kate exhaled.
"I'm Ok Mom...but I need a shower...Bad." He smiled at her as he slowly trudged up the staircase.
He entered the bathroom silently. He shut the door. He kicked off his sopping wet sneakers, not bothering to unlace them. He peeled off his wet socks and tossed two perfectly formed muddy "sock-balls" into the hamper. He reached into the shower and turned the stream of water on full allowing the steam to permeate the bathroom and begin to warm him. He removed Will's jacket and hung it on the bathroom door knob. He removed the rest of his clothing and pulled back the shower curtain. He stepped into the warmth of the shower. He rubbed at his arms trying to warm up as well as remove the pond scum that he felt covered him. He let the water beat down on his head. He wanted to wash away the trauma of the night. Jake's face floated into his thoughts. He thought he knew what it felt like...to lose someone you love. The shock of the evening suddenly caught up to him and took him over. He felt his body shake. He put his hands over his face...and sobbed quietly.