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not beta'd
storyline - Vacuum (this one i might rename. because really.)
prompt - vacuum
Someone's shout rises above the others.
This is how I know. I focus in a trio coming out of the water, two guys helping a girl. They see me on my perch and yell that there is one more they couldn't find.
Stupid. Every summer at least one idiot gets hurt jumping off the rock. If jumpers don't wait till the right moment, the tide can slam them against the rock. We warn them, but some days we're just too busy.
I hit the ground running – literally – flying across the sand so fast it doesn't have time to scorch my feet.
My surroundings disappear: happy beach sounds, the splash of color in my peripheral – sucked in to a vacuum the second I'm in the water. My lifebuoy bobs behind me, slowing me down just a little, but I have to bring it.
Breathing deeply, I cut through the water, long, sure strokes taking me to the edge of the rock.
Where are you, where are you…
The wind picks up and the water turns choppy, darkened by incoming clouds. Typical for this town; I can't remember the last time the sun stayed out all day long. I hold my breath and go under, used to the way the salt burns my eyes.
There.
I recognize the red, yellow and green swim trunks and for a moment I almost panic.
Almost.
Rain starts falling, compromising conditions and making visibility worse. Jacob's post is at the other end of the beach but he'll appear if I don't make it out quickly. He always does. Normally I resent this – I'm just a good a lifeguard as he is – but I wouldn't mind today. I'm scared; my heart's pounding so hard.
I grab you, ignoring the gash across your forehead and the fact that you're unconscious. It's too rough to tell if whether or not you're breathing, but I don't think you are. Either way I have to get you to shore now.
It feels like forever, but finally I bring you in. A small crowd has formed right where the water breaks, and several people help me drag you on to dry sand. I fall to my knees, and in the distance, Jacob sprints toward us.
"Rose! Call – "
"On it," she says, already on the phone. Her face is pale, and for once she's not smirking.
It's raining hard now. You're not breathing; your lips are blue. Ignoring the pocket mask Rose has brought, I start CPR, alternating between mouth to mouth and chest compressions.
No one speaks. I doubt I'd hear them anyway.
I'm probably rougher than I need to be but I'd rather beat you back to life than let you go peacefully. Sirens scream closer, and right when I think it's all too late you violently convulse and puke sea water.
Everyone starts cheering and chattering at once. I'm shaking so hard I sink back on the sand, watching as your color starts to return.
I might hate your guts, but I never wanted you to die.
new story. and yes, i'll write it all the way through instead of balancing multiple plots. personally I like different stories and a surprise each day but most of you complain it's too confusing. but that's cool. :D i don't mind doing it this way...