The next morning Will's mother had suggested that the two have a picnic and a swim at the lake. Will complied and he and Ennael were off. The lake was a five minute walk from the house. Ennael ensured Will that she was fine to walk, that she felt much stronger than the day before. Still he kept a cautious eye on her, just to be sure. They finished their buns, meat and cheese with much laughter and stories of home. Not two minutes after they finished their meal they ran into the lake, laughing and falling into it's refreshing water. They began a fit of laughter while splashing one another in the turquoise water. Then Will began to move closer to Ennael. She began to grow nervous. Wasn't this what she wanted? Closer still he moved. She had thought about kissing him before but never had the courage to do it. He was only an inch away. His blue eyes matched the water around them. Ennael's heart raced. His hands were around her waist; his lips were getting closer to hers. She leaned slightly towards him. Suddenly Ennael felt her eyes roll back in her head as she slipped from the loosening grasp and crashed into the water. Will was stung with shock. With barely a yell for Ennael he dove into the water after her. He pulled her above water then carried her to shore. He laid her down on the warm sand and checked for signs of breathing; she was still breathing, just unconscious. Ennael's eyes sprung open and she sat up sharply. The pain in her left side brought her straight down again. Will put his hands under her head to prevent the full effect of the crash. Ennael was panting and wincing at the pain.
"What is it?"
Will was looking frantically at Ennael.
"My… my side."
Will, a little shocked, looked to Ennael's left side. He removed his hand from her side. It was wet with blood, her blood.
"It's reopened. We have to get you back."
Will set Ennael's head down gently in the sand. He ripped apart of his shirt off and held it to Ennael's left side.
"Can you walk?"
Ennael held her left side then braced herself with her free hand. She sat up but as soon as she tried to stand up her legs began to shake. Will braced her and prevented her from falling back down.
"I'll help you stand."
Will lifted Ennael from her armpits as she tried again to stand. Her legs shook slightly but she was able to keep her balance. Will put her right arm around his head and held her waist to support her. Together they made it back to the house.
Just before they reached the door Ennael's eyes rolled back and she collapsed again. Will caught her in time but fell under her.
"Mother! Mother! Come quick!"
Will's mother came running from the house, hands wet from washing dishes. She gasped then dropped to Ennael's side.
"What happened?"
"I'm not sure. Her bite… it opened up again. It didn't heal. Help me get her inside."
The two took to either side of Ennael and carried her into the house.
