Marshmallows Roasting Over an Open Fire
By the Angel
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Two weeks later, everything seemed to be perfect. Too perfect, according to Stephanie. She no longer participated in dodge ball games, and instead, she focused on one thing she really enjoyed—swimming. She was already in the intermediate class, and Chris was still in beginners.
That was another thing that was truly perfect—Chris. The rumors only spread for that one night. They were still friends, almost as close as she was to Christy. And Stephanie didn't want it any other way.
Chris had become like a twin brother to her. And she didn't want to date him. It would be like incest. "Pondering something?" A voice rang behind her. She turned around to see Chris. "Oh! Nope." She said.
"Aren't you playing dodge ball?" She asked. Chris nodded. "Yep. David lost his tooth when Christy smacked him in the face with the ball, so it's time out." Stephanie grinned. "That Christy is a pistol." Chris chuckled. "Going swimming now?"
She nodded. "Yeah, I am just going to finish this sandwich." Chris cocked his head. "You shouldn't eat and then swim." Stephanie snorted. "Blah to you." She joked. She took another bite, and savored the ham and cheese flavor.
"Resume play!" Grace yelled. Chris smiled. "That's my cue." He kissed her on the cheek. "Be careful, okay?" She nodded. "I will. Now go hit some other people in the face!" She cheered. Chris giggled and turned his back to her. She touched her cheek.
Was that a friendship kiss? Or did it mean that the rumors were true? She was confused. Sighing, she wrapped her hair in a ponytail and walked to the lake. Testing it with her foot, she frowned.
She jumped in anyway, thinking about Chris. His hair was a bit long by the neck, but was still boyishly cute. He was muscular than the others boys, and he had these warm eyes that were mischievous. Stephanie sighed to herself as she swam. She didn't know what she meant anymore.
She didn't even know she was swimming past the shallow water. Her leg muscles tightened up and she screamed, swallowing the lake water. She sputtered. Swimmer's cramp! She thought. "Someone…Help…Me…" She choked.
She tried to turn her head around, but the water splashed into her eyes, making them sting. Son of a bitch! She swore to herself. "Help me!" She managed to scream, even though she inhaled more water. She felt her breathing getting short.
"Help!" She sputtered, plunging her arms into the water. Her legs were completely stiff and she felt her stomach do flip-flops. Chris was right, she thought miserably. She wished someone would help her already. She could die if someone didn't come—soon.
Pushing herself up and gasping for air, she started to cry. "Someone…" She breathed as her arms gave way and plunged her back in the water. She felt someone's arms grab her stomach and pull her away. She recognized it as Chris.
"Chris!" She coughed. "I—You're only a beginner swimmer—How?" As he dropped on her dry land, he smiled. "I am a really good swimmer. I just hate the instructor, so I choose to stay in beginners."
Stephanie smiled as she wheezed. "Oh—My—God. Chris, you saved me. I owe you." He shook his head. "No you don't." She nodded, and coughed. Water spilled from her lungs. "Chris, this means so much to me—You SAVED me."
"And…?" He asked. "All in a day's work, trust me." She giggled. "You're my hero."