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not beta'd

storyline - Malicious

prompt - round

Yawning, I slipped in to my old red suit and pulled a pair of cutoffs on over it. Tank top, flip flops, phone in my bag, and I was ready to go. It had been just over six weeks since I'd last lifeguarded, but I was more than ready to return to my old turf.

Alice had already called to double check that I was on my way, even though we'd hung out the night before. Funnily enough, Rose and Jacob were both working as well, so it would be just like old times with the crew back together again. While it had been fun taking a break to focus only on swimming, I had to admit that I'd missed everything about home.

The kitchen was a mess a result of my father's culinary attempts. It looked like he'd mastered the eggs, but the pancakes were a little burnt, assuming that those slightly charred, round things were pancakes…

But he grinned when he saw me, ruffling my hair with his free hand.

"Hey Bella baby," he said.

I rolled my eyes, smiling in spite of myself. Yeah, we'd missed each other pretty bad. I didn't know what I'd do at the end of the year when I went off to college.

"Hi Dad. Is this almost done? I have to be at the beach soon."

"It's done. Pull up a chair."

Half an hour later I kissed him good bye and grabbed my keys.

"Be careful today. It's supposed to rain later, probably lightning."

"I'll be careful. Love you."

Despite my father's weather forecasts, the sky was a bright forever blue, scattered with cuddly looking clouds. The parking lot to the beach was only half full, but I knew that would change within an hour or so. During summer, traffic at the beach was always crazy – part of the reason so many lifeguards were needed.

Tightening my ponytail, I grabbed my stuff and jumped out.

I turned my face to the sun. It felt really good to be home.

Out on the sand, Jacob tackled me from behind, lifting me up in his excitement. "Heeeey Belly!"

I elbowed him in the gut and got away, making a face. "Ugh, shush with that."

He pretend pouted. "What, didn't you miss me?"

"I saw you at dinner last night, Jacob."

Now he was the one making faces. "Now you sound like my grandmother."

"What, that's your name, dude."

"Yeah, yeah. If you need me, just shout," he said, flashing me a toothy grin as he jogged away.

Smiling to myself, I slipped my whistle over my head and climbed to my perch. My phone sang, letting me know that Rose was texting me.

Is that u?

Squinting, I looked up and down the beach. Yeah. Where r u?

Wave

I looked up and waved until I saw someone waving back, two perches down.

Welcome back, puta

I snorted at her classy greeting. Thanks… missed u

Missed u too. But u know this. Anyway, ttyl.

Ttyl. I tossed my phone back in to my bag and put my sunglasses on. More than likely it would be a chill day like usual, but I needed to be vigilant and focused on the water.

Around noon Jake came wandering up, shoving a hot dog shown his throat. "Watch for the assholes at the rock today, 'kay?"

I nodded, shading my eyes as I looked out at the huge, sole rock kids liked to jump off of. We kept waiting for the beach officials to make it illegal or against the rules, because it was so dangerous, but they never did. I wondered what it would take for them to finally do it.

"Yeah, I know. I've been watching."

"Good." He nodded and chased his food with a Gatorade. "You doing okay? Want an ice-cream?"

"No, Jake," I chuckled. "I'm good."

"Might want to take advantage of my generosity before I get sick of you again," he said.

"You'd never sick of me," I said.

"True dat."

I threw a shell at his head, laughing when he cringed away. "Go back to your post."

He threw the shell back and walked away, talking up a cutie in a bikini. I watched as they walked by a huge group that had just gotten to the beach, complete with coolers and crap. I recognized Edward right away by his shorts, as well as Mike and Emmett. They started tossing a football around, kicking up sand like the goons they were.

I smirked. Emmett knew better than to set up next to Rose; she'd warned him repeatedly not to distract her when she was "on duty", which is why he was by me and not her. I glanced down the beach and sure enough, she waved; she knew he was there.

Maybe we could get our lunch break off together and chill with our friends.

Someone's shout rose above the others.

This is how I knew. I focused in on a trio coming out of the water, two guys helping a girl. They saw me on my perch and yelled that there was one more they couldn't find.

I hit the ground running – literally – flying across the sand so fast it didn't have time to scorch my feet.

My surroundings disappeared: happy beach sounds, the splash of color in my peripheral – sucked in to a vacuum the second I'm got in the water. My lifebuoy bobbed behind me, slowing me down just a little, but I had 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 picked up and the water turned choppy, darkened by incoming clouds. Typical for this town; I couldn't remember the last time the sun stayed out all day long. I held my breath and went under, used to the way the salt burned my eyes.

There.

I recognized the red, yellow and green swim trunks and for a moment I almost panicked.

Almost.

hi loved ones! thanks for reading and commenting and putting up with my inane questions. love!

can i just say i am in chocolate heaven with all of the recipes? oh yeah. in fact i made peanut butter cookies tonight (best recipe ever), dipped in melted cadbury's. mhm. i would share them with you if i could.