A/N - I know I put this in the R section, and so far not that much of that raiting has happened, but it will be coming along soon! For those who still want it, here's the next chapter.

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Chapter 9 - Water sports.

......... Sittin in the mornin sun, I'll be sittin when the evinin come, watching the ships role in, then I'll watch em role away again, Im sittin on the dock of the bay, watching the tide role away, just sittin on the dock of the bay, wasting time......... Eaisland swayed gently in time with the music as she sat indian style on the end of her lounger. She still kept to the shade the large white umbrella offered to her as she watched the four teenagers in the pool. Glancing over to her left she saw Lex was still laid out sunbathing, when he noticed her looking he smiled and went back to watching the others as she had been. Even though he had pale skin like her own, he didn't seem to burn Typical, he would be able to sit in the sun all day and not get toasted, unlike me who does a star impression of a lobster.' She thought, and then began watching the others again. Eaisland wanted to get up, to go and join them, but somehow she just couldn't bring herself to. A small frown crossed her face Lex goes to all this trouble and what do I do, sit here like a mouse, and ignore his friends, god I am pathetic.' as a new song started to play, the rhythm gave her the strength to formulate her resolve. If I ask Lex if her wants to come and join me in the pool then I can't back out and be wimpy, good plan, now all I have to do is ask him, hmmmmm, ok, in a minuet, this may not be as good a plan as I just thought. Sod sod sod, JUST ASK!' Breaking out of her mental ramble she looked over at Lex again.

Lex, I thought I'd see how the water is, what about you? chewing on her bottom lip and trying to smile Eaisland waited for Lex to answer her.

I knew you couldn't hold out forever, and I could really do with a cool off right about now as well. Waiting as she stripped of the loose top and pants that covered her one piece black bathing suit, Lex smirked at her, stood up and held out his hand which Eaisland took as she finished and stood as well. God, I thought she was never going to get up!' he chuckled silently to himself as they walked over to the pool side.

When they neared the pools edge the others noticed them and stopped there wilder splashing antics. Lex led Eaisland over to the shallow sweeping steps sculpted into the pool itself and they both slowly entered the cooling crystalline water.

Hey Eaisland, glad you could join us, and fancy meeting you here! Pete called over as he splashed playfully at Chloe, who in return brought up her legs in front of her and kicked water all over him, catching Clark in the process as well.

Ha ha, take that Peter Ross! Chloe's good-naturedly evil exclamation made Eaisland smile, but when Clark turned round and tried to splash Chloe back, the reporter ducked under the water and escaped over to Lex and Eaisland's position. Popping up a few feet away from Lex, she spluttered slightly and grinned at them.

Pete's one thing, but Clark has hands like spades, I am telling you now, don't get into a splashing match with him unless you want to get royally drenched! Chloe gave a sheepish grin at her explanation of her hasty retreat.

I'll keep that in mind Chloe, but surely if we all ganged up we could out match even a spade handed wonder like Clark! Chloe burst out laughing at Eaisland's remark and Lex couldn't help himself but join her, Eaisland just smiled at them both, not sure if she should join in or not.

What so funny guys? Lana said as she swam over to the three of them.

Clark, Ha ha, oh, spade handed haha, wonder!! Chloe's mirthful voice was broken by her extended bout of laughter.

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Eaisland stared out across the sky, the sun was going down now as she stood on the second floor balcony alone. The golden lustre of dusk's final flair sparked on the storm clouds that had begun to role in, masking the vivid fiery hues the sunset had painted the darkening sky with. She took a deep breath of the heady humid air, she smelt the oncoming rain, it was twined with the sweet spice of Jasmine from the garden below.

Remembering the days events made her smile, she had had so much fun earlier. Once she had found her confidence she had splashed around with the other for a while before lunch was announced and they all ate outside in the sun, or in her case under the umbrellas. Eaisland liked Chloe and Pete more than she did Clark and Lana, but they were all good people. It was Pete's warmth and Chloe's snarky humour that drew her to them, it felt really good to think that she could soon have some very good friends for the first time in a long time.

Lightening lanced the sky, filling Eaisland's eyes with it's brief flash of fire. A wide smile broke out onto her lips, and she felt herself tingle all over when the thunder crashed through the silence of the evening air. Eaisland revelled in the feeling of excitement and energy that she felt flowing around her in the charged air coming from the storm. Then suddenly the wind picked up and the heavens broke open as sheets of poring rain stared falling, and Eaisland couldn't help but twirl around in joy as she become soaked to the skin.

When she stopped to look at the sky once more, the thunderhead clouds glowed under the bright flashes of the continued lightening and turned and paced inside a few steps to retrieve the stereo remote. Pressing a few buttons it wired into life and a soft song wended it's way past her and out into the night. Smiling silently once more, Eaisland went back out to watch the gathering storm.

I hear the drizzle on the road,
Like a memory it falls,
Soft and warm continuing,
Tapping on my roof and walls.

And from the shelter of my mind,
Through the window of my eyes,
I gaze beyond the rain drenched streets,
To England where my heart lies.

The song made her think of the past, when she had in England. The memories made her feel a wistful happiness.

My minds distracted and diffused,
My thoughts are many miles away,
They lie with you and your asleep,
Kiss you when you start your day.

And the song I was writing is left undone,
I don't know why I spend my time,
Writing songs I can't believe,
With words that tear and strain to rhyme.

Yes, I can't believe that I spent so much time trying to make a life where there was none. But I can only thank all creation that I finally stopped and left for something new.' Eaisland mused, her thoughts lead by the lulling words of the old song.

And so you see I have come to doubt,
All that I once held as true,
I stand alone without beliefs,
The only truth I know is you.

And as I watch the drops of rain,
Weave there weary paths and die,
I know that I am like the rain,
There but for the grace of you go I.

How very true.' Eaisland brought up her head again and watched as the rain started to ease off and she reflected on the last time she had been in a rain storm, There but for the grace of you go I, Lex. There but for the grace of you.'



TBC.....

A/N - For those of you who wish to know the song is called Kathys Song' and is by Simon and Garfunkle'. And no, I do not own it in any way, shape or form so please don't go all wiggy on me!!! Feedback is welcome!!!