One and Only

Swimming Lessons [Pic. of Liam]

"I just wanted to see how much you knew about swimming." then muttered the last part, "Obviously not a lot."

"Didn't I tell you that I couldn't swim." I stated more than asked.

He just shrugged.

"You could've told me we were going to start today; I would've worn my swimsuit!"

"That would ruin the surprise element. And I wanted to push you in so you would realize how much you've learned by the time you learn how to swim." Well, that made sense.

"That's still doesn't make it okay! What if I had drowned?!"

"I wouldn't let you drown, Cupcake. I know what I'm doing."

"Either way, I'm not going to learn how to swim today," I said stubbornly.

"Why not?"

"Because I don't have my swimsuit on. Now, would you please take me back to the non-deep side so I can get out?" I asked him.

"Sure. Hold onto my back. I'm going to give you a piggyback ride."

I nodded and shifted so I was on his back and my legs were wrapped around his waist and my arms still around his neck. He started swimming back and it was kind of fun for me.

When we reached the 3-feet side, I let go and climbed out. I was soaking wet and it was cold. I wrapped my arms around myself.

"I'm going home. See you tomorrow." I half waved but Noah followed me.

"No! Just go wear your swimsuit and come back!"

When I didn't reply, he said, "Don't you want to learn how to swim?"

I bit my lip. I really do want to know. I've never experienced it, so I guess I'll go back and change and then come back here. "Okay," I said and started to walk out of the swimming pool area.

I jumped the fence and walked back into my house.

"You're back already? That was a lot faster than I thought it would take." my mom said the last part more to herself than to me. She was watching TV and didn't turn my way when I walked in.

"Mom! What goes on in your forty-four year old mind?" I asked her, my eyes wide with bewilderment.

"A lot." she smiled and finally turned to me only to gasp. "Jade! What did you do?!"

"I didn't do anything! Noah pushed me into his pool because he wants to teach me how to swim!" I explained.

"Oh, that boy's gonna get it!" she rolled up her sleeves and punched her left hand with her right, "I can't believe he tried to drown you!"

"No! He didn't try to drown me! He just wanted to see how much I knew about swimming. He saved me." I defended Noah. No doubt would my crazy mother go out and try to beat him up and Noah wouldn't do anything. My mom actually did hurt a boy when he accidentally pushed me and she witnessed it. But that was back when I was seven. She become more protective of me since my dad left. She let's me do practically anything I want, but when someone tries to hurt me, it's war time.

My mom visibly relaxed when she heard my explanation. "Oh," she said, "I would've kicked his butt if he did it on purpose."

I smiled and shook my head at her. "Well, I'm going to change into my swimsuit and go back, so he can actually teach me how to swim."

My mom nodded and skipped back to her favorite couch and stretched out on it. I love that couch, too; usually I have to tackle her just to sit there. She picked up her popcorn and started eating it.