The Guardian

Chapter 5: This Wasn't What I Planned

At the edge of the property was a beautiful lake. The water reflected the dancing trees, and the rolling clouds. There was a cute little island in the middle of the lake. I could see a gazebo sitting in the trees. It shone like a white beacon in the midst of dull greens and browns. Derek tapped me on the shoulder. I turned around to meet his beaming gaze. I stood up on my tippy toes, and pecked him on the check.  

We walked hand in hand down to the dock. Derek helped me into the boat. He handed me the picnic basket before he untied it. He jumped in and revved up the engine. I nervously pulled at my white cover, and yanked at my shorts. I wished Maccy had packed modest clothes, but then again it was Maccy. I was worries about Derek.. There was an unnatural sick feeling in my stomach.

Fortunately, the ride was short. Derek told me to go check out the island while he set up lunch. It was already 1:00 and I was getting a little hungry. I walked near the edge of the water, letting my feet get wet.

I started to walk towards the gazebo. Giant logs and stones gathered near the edge of the forest as if to warn me. It looked more foreboding up close. The paint was chipped, and it was surrounded by large weeds. I heard a stick crunch underneath something, and I jumped.

"Skittish much?" I heard Derek joke behind me. I punched his arm playfully. His eyes narrowed and a wide smirk danced across his lips. He grabbed me and slung me over his shoulder.

"Put me down!" I laughed as I tried to get away.

"Hmm" he said as he came to an abrupt halt. "I think the punishment for punching should be a thorough dunking."

"Noooooo!!" I wailed. He chuckled and headed towards the water. I gave up halfway there. He was already knee deep. He flipped me into his arms. For a second, I thought he wasn't going to dunk me. But it was just that second that I let go of his neck, and his arms let go of me.

*

After Derek and I finished soaking each other, we settled down for lunch. We were wrapped in towels from the boat, and our clothes were hanging up to dry. The sun felt nice on my skin after we stopped dripping water.

Lunch was spread out on a blanket. There were sandwiches, chips, and a bottle of sparkling lemonade. We sat for a while in a comforting silence, munching on our sandwiches. After a couple minutes, Derek popped open the lemonade and poured me a glass. He gave me a genuine smile. "Would you like to dance?"

Confused, I asked "where? There's no music." Derek opened the picnic basket and pulled out speakers and an iPod. He lead me by the hand to the gazebo. He set up his iPod and pressed play. Slowly, the music crept louder. Derek wrapped his hands on my bare waist, and I put my arms around his neck. He pulled me closer as the words started.

"Hearts beat fast 

Colors and promises 

How to be brave 

How can i love  

When I'm afraid  

To fall 

But I watch you stand alone 

All of my doubt  

Suddenly goes away somehow."

My mind started to feel at ease. Maybe Derek didn't want to push me, and this morning was just to much testosterone. All was forgiven. I laid my head on his shoulder. This was perfect. I wanted this moment for life.

As slow as it came, the song came to a close. I stood there close to him savoring the moment. I was lost in his warmth. It felt so good to be near him.  

"I love you, Quinn." he whispered gently into my ear. Before I could reply the melancholy tune of my favorite song seeped out of the player. I hummed quietly to the familiar tune, and started singing along when the words started.

"I found you 

Flightless bird.  

Jealous, weeping 

Or I lost you  

American mouth 

Big pill, looming."  

I sighed when the song had finished. We danced to a few more songs, then went back to our lunch spot. Everything was just great. I turned and saw that the sun was beginning to set. Derek motioned me to lay down on the blanket as he had done. I snuggled next to him, and he tranced his fingers along my back. Mimicking him, I traced circles on his open chest. Breaking the silence I asked, "Do you think are clothes are dry yet?"

Derek propped himself on his arms, "Are you in a rush to put them on?" he asked with a tone of disappointment. I shook my head.

"No babe, I just didn't want to ride back on the boat with wet clothes on."

"I understand. If they aren't dry, we can just ride back in our swimsuits." he laid back down, and we assumed our positions. We laid in silence, and watched the sun set over the lake. The sky sang with pinks and yellows and were slowly muted by the oncoming darkness of night.

It was getting around dinner time, so derek and I packed up the picnic stuff. I grabbed our still damp clothes, and made my way to the boat.

*

Back at the cabin, Derek was busy cooking spaghetti while I sat on the couch reading. Derek brought me my plate, and my drink, and he sat down with his. He gave me a sweet smile, and I took a big bite of the noodles. "Derek, I'm going to have to keep you, just so I can have you for the cooking"  

He laughed at me, but said nothing. He took slow bites, as if to savor eat one. I picked up my drink and took a big sip. I could taste a slight tinge in the after taste, but thought nothing of it.

We continued in chitchat for a while. Derek ended up finishing first, but he waited for me to be done also, like a gentleman. He took my plate from me, and carried my empty cup to the kitchen. I started feeling woozy. My head felt cloudy, and my arms and legs went numb. I tried to stand up to get some water, but my legs were like jello and collapsed underneath me. Derek came running in at the sound of my body hitting the floor. I tried to call his name but nothing came out. I mouthed help, but he didn't move. He didn't help me up, he stood there and smiled..