Moving Forward

Chapter Twenty Seven

"Yes!" Rion clenched his hands into fists.

He seemed genuinely excited to teach me how to swim. It was a shame that this was only going to last a day. He would see me for who I really was and just quit on me.

I peered at the calm bluish-green water ebb and flow. The sun was thirty minutes away from setting and the sand bathers were gone. Rion left me on the sand to go sort out some work issues. Apparently he worked on the reef boats as an assistant. He got certified as a lifeguard but never physically worked as a life guard. I guess it was a plus for his reef tours in case of an emergency.

"Do you need a ride home?" Rion stood over me looking at his watch. His elbows were plastered with sand as if he was rolling in it.

I peered up at the half smile on his face. He looked as if he was expecting some sort of disappointment but had a glint of hope.

"I... Uh... I was gonna catch the bus. You could go ahead. I want to see the sun set."

His face dropped to a frown. "Ok."

It was getting a bit shady for me to read so I stretched my legs out to meet the sand. The sun setting was so beautiful. All the shades of yellows and oranges blended so perfectly on the horizon. At the last peek of the sun, I gathered my stuff and shoved my blanket in my bag. I knocked my sandals together to get the sand out and slipped them on at the foot of the steps.

There were still a few persons left upstairs passing me by rushing as if they were late for something. Others sat on the cemented wall or benches just lounging around. I made my way to the car park and towards the entrance.

"Maliah!" Someone called from a distance.

I whipped my head around to see Rion leaned against his van with his arms folded and legs crossed.

What on earth? Was he waiting the entire time, I'm not sure how to take this. I was pretty sure it seemed like a stalker type of vybz.

I sucked my teeth loudly and continued to walk towards the entrance. Within seconds, Rion pulled up alongside me with his van revving.

"Get in... I'll drop you home."

"Did you actually wait till I was finished?"

"No..." he scratched his head. "I was doing some stuff."

I studied his face. "Liar!" I quickened my steps to get away faster but he only rolled forward to meet my pace.

"Ok. Ok I lied. I was waiting. Do you really want to wait on a bus that may not come?"

"It will come. Why don't you just leave me alone. I already accepted your request. You need not bother me any more."

"Come on Maliah, save your bus ticket. You could use it another time.

I stopped at the entrance and peered down to where my bus stop was. It was empty. The sky was getting darker by the minute and it even looked as if it would rain.

Clutching my bag tighter under my arm, I huffed a breath. "Ok. Just don't be creepy again."

I walked around to the passenger side and hopped in. He had pushed the door open.

"Creepy? What creepy?" He beamed.

"Ugh! You're such a loser. Just take me home." I rolled my eyes.

Rion chuckled and floored the gas pedal. My my head flung back to the head rest, almost spraining my neck. 

"Ow!" I rubbed my neck.

"Shit... Sorry." He snickered.

"Are you really? Cuz it looks like you're smiling."