Wake Me Up ( Home Free )

Chapter Two

Everyday Austin was reminded of when he fell. He felt the scars along his back, where his wings used to be. The people who knew about him, only his closest friends, never asked him if he missed flying. No one had enough courage to ask him, but Austin knew he wanted someone to.

The fiery colours of the sunset glowed in his blue eyes as he walked along the beach in his sandals, hands tucked into the pockets of his tan-coloured shorts. Wind swept though his open hair as his eyes skimmed the surface of the shimmering water.

His gaze fell to the sand beneath him and bitter-sweet memories lingered in his mind like a ghost. Ghostly memories of the sweet taste Olena's lips on his, the melodic sound of her laugher in his ear, the scent of her vanilla perfume, and her hauntingly beautiful smile.

It had been a year since they split up, and Austin still wasn't over her. As much as he hated to admit to others, there wasn't a day where she didn't cross his mind.

Austin would look at his neighbour's flowerbed and wish he could give the prettiest flowers to Olena. He would look at the audience on stage and wish Olena could be there to cheer him on. Even seeing Adam and Erica together made him wish he had someone to hold, someone to come home to everyday.

The shore swept over Austin's feet and he glanced down at his toes, the water lapping over them with small waves. His eyes skimmed the water once more, as if he were searching for something.

There was a small boat dock nearby, so Austin walked over to it and stepped on the creaky, dark brown wood. The planks creaked as he stepped down the dock.

When he finally reached the end, he crouched down and rested is elbows on his legs with his hands hanging casually down. Blue eyes staring into the water, his brow furrows.

Austin reached a hand down into the water, his fingers dipping in and scooping lightly. His hand played around and drew in the water's surface before he felt something warm grasp his fingers.

A half-smile formed on his lips and he felt for the hand reaching out to his. He felt wet fingers trailing up his wrist and grab onto it. Austin locked his hand into the other wrist and watched the water as a familiar face emerged from beneath it.

"Hey, Olena." Austin smiled warmly as he looked down at her. As her wet hair hung back, she returned the bright smile.

"Hey, Austin." She said in a tone that set Austin's veins on fire.

"How's the ocean?" He asked as he switched his position and slipped off his sandals to sit on the edge of the dock with his bare feet dipped into the water. Olena pulled herself up so her arms were supporting her on the dock with the rest of her still sunk into the water.

"The ocean's the ocean." Olena said softly with a hint of sadness in her voice, which Austin caught on to. "I've seen a lot of places, though." She tried an optimistic tone, although she knew she wanted Austin to be there with her. Her eyes switched back up to him. "How's the band?"

"We just got back from tour." Austin said in a relaxed voice.

"Wish I coulda been there." Olena said with a hint of longing in her voice, her eyes wandered the beach shore.

"... You know what?" Austin asked in realization after a few moments.

"Hm?" Olena asked, clearly not as enthusiastic as Austin was.

"I'll see if I can book some of our shows on beaches, that way you could meet me there and watch from where you are." Austin said.

"Austin?" Olena asked, Austin disappointed at the little enthusiasm in her voice.

Austin gave her look, raising an eyebrow with his blue eyes glancing into her's. "What?" He asked in a reasoning voice. "I thought it was a pretty cool idea—"

Without warning, Olena grinned slyly before she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and pulled him into the water with a splash.

Austin broke through the surface, spitting out water and catching his breath. His hair blinded him as it hung in front of his face. "What the--?!" Austin burst in surprise.

Austin's ears tuned into Olena's laugher, like music to to his ears. To get some payback, he bowed his head before whipping it back and splashing water at Olena's face.

Austin now saw her shielded gesture, her hands raised out of the water. Her eyes opened and fixed themselves on Austin. "Hey!" She accused.

Austin smiled despite being soaked to the bone. "Can't handle a little water?" He said in a playful tone, a small smirk formed on his lips.

Olena swam closer to him and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, getting really close before she pressed her lips against his. "Anytime." She said quietly as she broke apart, a little too soon for Austin's liking, though.

As the sun set at the stars revealed themselves amidst the darkness, time seemed to fly.

It felt like only minuets before Austin and Olena were laying on the beach shore and watching the waves crash down. Austin slid his arm around her shoulder with head rested on his shoulder. Olena felt his hand trace lines down her arm, making lips curved into a soft, serene smile.

Austin's chest rose as he took in a deep breath, falling as he exhaled slowly. After what felt like only seconds, Olena's eyes glanced up at Austin, who had his eyes shut with his head tilted to the side.

She then looked up at the dark sky, knowing that it was late and she needed to get back to where she was staying.

The mermaid sighed quietly. She didn't want it to be over already. Her arms pushed herself up and she leaned over him, kissing his forehead softly. Olena felt warmth rise to her checks, embarrassed when she found herself lingering there in the heat of the moment. I'll miss you, Austin. The words flowed through her mind before she made her way back to the ocean.