Chapter Nine:
A/N: Please R&R and thanks to everyone for your reviews!
Sitting in class Monday morning, one of the announcements caught Bradin's ear.
"...And remember, tickets go on sale today for the annual P.L.H Prom. It's this Friday from 7-11pm. Proceeds go the new computers in the computer lab..."
After that announcement, everyone promptly tuned out again.
All through the rest of the day Bradin caught Kaitlyn shooting hopeful looks his way, so he know that she wanted to go. A plan formulated in his mind and he decided to go through with it that afternoon.
That afternoon, once classes were over, Bradin walked Kaitlyn to her locker.
"So...I was thinking..." he started
Kaitlyn turned, eyes shining with hope up at Bradin's face "Yes...?" She prodded
"Wanna come over today?"
Kaitlyn's face fell. "Oh...yeah, alright I guess"
"You don't sound too enthused" Bradin teased
"No, I am. I just thought you were...Never mind"
"Ok. Come on, I'll dive you over"
Once at Bradin's house, they hung out, did their homework, made out a little in between, until Bradin stood up.
"I'll be back soon" he said, leaving Kaitlyn stranded on the couch.
Jay walked in and saw Kaitlyn sitting by herself
"Hey there"
"Hi, how are you?"
"Can't complain, yourself?"
"Slightly unnerved actually. Bradin just randomly got up and left, saying he'd 'be back soon'"
"And I didn't lie did I?" Bradin said with mock offence in his voice.
"What do you think I'm going to do with that? Kaitlyn asked, motioning to the wet suit Bradin had in his arms with wide eyes.
"We are going surfing"
"No! Bradin, I can't. not yet. I can't do it"
"You can do this baby, I know you can. Don't worry. I won't let anything happen to us"
Jay, who had watched the small interaction, decided to step in.
"You shouldn't worry Kaitlyn. Bradin's a strong surfer and swimmer. He'll take good care of ya. You've got my promise"
Kaitlyn took in Jays words of persuasion and looked into Bradin's green eyes and slowly nodded her head in consent.
"Awesome! You can change in my room" Bradin beamed
Once Kaitlyn was out of earshot Jay was asking "So why is she so uneasy about surfing? Is it her first time?"
Bradin hesitated. "No, but if I tell you the reason, you can't tell anybody, especially Kait. Her brother died in a surfing accident a few years ago. Kaitlyn hasn't been back on the water since then even though she loved it. Her mom is an alcoholic who barely knows Kaitlyn exists and moves them from place to place until she finally got a half decent job and she's throwing it away for drinks and guys. Wow, I was only gonna tell you about her brother, now you half to really swear not to tell a soul. Please?"
"Alright Brea, I won't tell for now, but if things get out of hand, let me know, and I'll help best I can"
"Thanks Jay" Bradin said, giving him a brief guy hug.
Kaitlyn walked back into the room wearing the wet suit with one of Ava's smaller, old bathing suits underneath and looking scared out of her mind.
"Do you want me to come out and keep my eye on you?" Jay offered, trying to console the poor girl
"Um...no, it's Ok. But thank-you for the offer anyway" she stuttered quietly
"No problem, try and have fun" Jay smiled and Kaitlyn managed a weak smile in return before being led to the beach by Bradin.
"Come on Kaity. It's gonna be fine. Do you trust me?" Bradin tested, his green eyes giving off the support and love she needed.
"Of course"
"Then let's go. No second thoughts. Just surf"
And with that they ran into the water and paddled out to wait for a wave. It took Kaitlyn a few waves before she actually worked up the courage to stand up but eventually she did. Bradin clapped and cheered from his spot, sitting on his board.
"That's my girl! I knew you could do it!" he called as she paddled over. From the house they could hear Jay clapping as he stood by the window. He waved, turned and left them alone.
"Bradin! I did it. I didn't think I could but I did and it wasn't too bad! Thank-you so much!"
"No problem. I know how hard that is to do. The first storm after my parents died, Nikki, Derrick and I spent the whole night together in my bed because we were so scared and sad. It got easier after a while. It still makes me think of them when it rains, but it doesn't hurt as much now"
"Thank-you Bradin. It's been three years since I've last surfed, and I've missed it. Just like I miss Tommy. It feels like I'm closer to him out here almost. I thought it would be too hard, knowing this is how it happened, but its not. I need to move on in my life though. Will you help me?"
Bradin smiled lovingly at Kaitlyn. "You know I will. I'm always here for you. Now wait right here" Bradin said as he paddled himself to shore. Throwing his board up on the sand Bradin swam back over to where Kaitlyn ws perched on her board and pulled himself up so he was sitting behind her.
"Ack! Bradin you are soaking and cold!" Kaitlyn shrieked when he wrapped his arms around her slim waist.
"I know, aren't I evil?" Bradin laughed, throwing in an evil cackle for good measure.
"Yes, very evil" Kaitlyn said with a pout.
"Aw, sorry baby girl. Come here" Bradin said in a sexy voice. Kaitlyn leaned back and pressed her lips against his in a gentle kiss.
"Mmm. Suddenly, I'm not cold anymore" she whispered in Bradin's ear.
"Come to prom with me?"
"Really?" she squealed
"Yeah"
"I thought you'd never ask"
"Is that a yes?"
"Most definitely"
Turning back around Kaitlyn settled against Bradin's chest, her arms wrapped around her knees. Bradin gently lay a kiss on her neck and closed his eyes in contentment.
A gasp came from in front of him moments later.
"Oh my word! Bradin, it's beautiful" she exclaimed softly
Opening his eyes, Bradin saw a gorgeous sunset in front on him. The sun a bright orange, the skies tined pink with purple mixed into the clouds and the water, shining and sparkling like swells of diamonds reflecting off the sun.
"Yeah"
A few more minutes passed until either spoke again.
"We should probably get back to the beach. It's not safe to be out in the dark"
"Ugh, that involves getting into the water again right?"
"Afraid so, come on" he said, rolling off the side of the board, dragging her with him
Coming up out of the water, Kaitlyn scolded her laughing boyfriend.
"I hate it when you pull stuff like that"
"I know. Why do you think I do it?" he teased, swimming away towards the shore, bringing the surf board with him.
A/N: Ok, that was Chapter nine, hope you all liked it. Since there was only a few more votes for romance instead of drama, I'm going to put the romance chapters first, and then throw in something dramatic in later chapters in hopes of keeping everyone happy. As always, suggestions for later story plots and any corrections ect are welcome. Thanks for everyone for reviewing!
Love, Ally