Between Two Fires

^.^ Chapter 11 ^.^

  His cold gaze surprises me more than his presence. His gaze is cold. Not the usual cool and calm gaze i receive from him, just cold and empty. My eyes search his for the friendly warmth that I had become accustomed to but its not there. I can't help but wonder what I've done to deserve it.

It's better this way Cyan... I remind myself. I feel tempted to request a new instructor but I know that would be a little bit of an overreaction. Instead I choose to accept my unlucky fate and follow Luca as he starts walking down the beach to a less crowded area. 

What am I supposed to say. 'Hey Luca, do you have some sort of problem with me – or are you just bipolar? We were getting along just fine before you stole my sandwich...' I don't think so. That said, looking at him was entertaining enough so there was no need for words.

Shit, no – Stop thinking that.

Once we get to the Surf boards he finally starts speaking to me. Instead of treating me like someone he knows, he remains cold throughout the whole first hour of the two hour lesson. He explains the rules of being out at sea and teaches me the motions I will be doing out at sea on the board. His voice remains distant and professional, not acknowledging me as more than a client. Although this should make me happy – It doesn't. I do my best to ignore the disappointment I am feeling and listen to him as he speaks and explains everything.

That plan goes down the drain the moment he takes his top off as we get ready to enter the water, leaving him in just his bathing shorts. I do my best to keep my mouth from dropping open. He starts talking about how I have to be careful with hazards such as other surfers. All I can think about as he is talking is that him being shirtless is more of a hazard – distracting me and keeping my eyes glued to him. Thankfully, a large wave approaching snaps me out of my haze, forcing me to dive under the water and swim further out.

He finally comes to a stop and I look behind me, realizing just how far out we swam. He sits on his board so I do the same – just not as gracefully. I look at my watch and realize we still have just under an hour left. My wet-suit clings to my body and the cold air makes me shiver. Besides the unpleasant cold breeze, being out at sea allowed me to see the beach from another perspective. The water stretches on for miles full of other surfers enjoying the afternoon sun and awaiting their next wave. A smile creeps onto my face as I enjoy my surroundings; my hair swaying slightly with the wind, the seas calming sway and the breath-taking view makes me wish I could just stay here forever.The water stretches on for miles full of other children playing, people fooling around and all the other surfers are our at sea awaiting their next wave. I sigh in content, catching the few loose strands around my face and tucking them behind my ears.

Luca hasn't said anything so I look towards. His eyes are on me but as soon as he catches me looking he averts them and clears his throat. "The wind is picking up so I want you to be careful. The waves are a little bigger right now than I would prefer for a beginner but it should be alright. I want you to swim a little closer to shore and when you see a good wave coming towards you – do everything just as we practiced on the sand. Remember to use your arms and your legs to get up quickly on the board. Don't hesitate, if you start attempting a wave – go through with it if not it can be dangerous." Much like the past hour he looks at me seriously and professionally, but just for a moment another emotion -Worry?- flashes in his eyes before its gone.

"Yes, Sir." I mock a salute with my hand before lying down on my board, swimming a little in the direction of the shore. A couple of minutes pass before a good wave comes. When it does I am ready to take it and follow Lucas' advice – my body going through the motions I had repeated for almost an hour on the sand. Getting up on the board I try to keep on the wave, my body wobbles a little before I steady myself and then, just like that, I am soaring through the water. Although I had done this once when I was little I had forgotten how amazing it felt. I hear cheering and am surprised when I realize its Lucas' voice.