Gills

Gills- Chapter Seventeen

I am sooooorrrrryyyyy, I think I have a disease that means I can't write long chapters! Anyway, this is the last chapter, but there will be an epilogue. I'm planning to write a sequel, Wave.

When I open my eyes, Luke is sat beside me, his eyes filled with tears.

I look around, and realise I'm in a hospital bed.

"Annie?" His voice is filled with tears, too.

"Luke?" I croak, my voice rusty. "What happened?"

"You got trapped in a net...you were dragged backwards. Eventually the fishermen noticed you, and called an ambulance."

"But...why couldn't I breathe?"

He sighs at me, shaking his head. "You didn't listen to me, did you? I told you that fish can't be dragged backwards."

"BUT I'M NOT A FISH!!!"

He manages a small grin." Close enough. You have gills, anyway."

Just then, a young woman doctor comes into the room. She smiles at me. "Ah, you're awake."

She comes over and listens to my heart. "You're a very lucky girl," She tells me.

"I know."

"We could keep you in for further testing...?"

"No!" I HATE hospitals. "I'm fine, honestly. I'd rather just go home."

She looks concerned, but nods at me.

***

Luke and I are at my house. He wants me to go to bed, but I'm refusing, insisting I'm fine, which I am.

I turn my head to look at Luke, where he's sitting on the couch next to me.

He's looking at me.

I'm looking right back.

He's leaning closer... until his lips touch mine.

I'm frozen. Luke...likes...me?

LUKE LIKES ME!

I kiss him back, softly.

For a long time.

When we finally separate, we don't speak. We don't need to.

We sit for a while, Luke's arm around my shoulders, mine around his waist.

I sit up suddenly, feeling in my pocket. Nothing. "Where's my camera?"

"Er...what?"

"My camera! I took it when I went swimming, and..." I trail off. "Oh no."

I jump up, heading for the front door. Luke stops me. "Annie, do you really have to get it? It's only a camera."

"No. I'm getting it. I love my camera."

He swallows. "But I don't want you to get hurt again."

"I won't."

"Fine. But I'm coming with you."

***

We walk to the beach, Luke holding my hand the whole way.

I can't believe this.

My best friend, turned into my boyfriend!!!

When we reach the waters edge, I strip off, revealing my bikini underneath.

"Be careful," Luke says.

"I will," I answer, hugging him.

I slide into the water, letting it surround me, taking a deep breath.

I choke.

Spluttering, I stand up, coughing, my throat and nose burning.

I look at Luke's shocked eyes.

I feel my neck.

Nothing.

Well.

Let's just say, I get my wish.