Between Two Fires

^.^ Chapter 17 ^.^

Stretching my arms out above me a long yawn escapes my lips as I stretch, taking in the early morning sun. Although I had just gone to bed 3 hours ago I was up early having forgotten to turn my alarm off. It was more of a nap but I felt strangely energized. The pain emanating from my hip was stronger than the night before but it didn't spoil the feeling of walking along the almost empty beach this early.

I had always been an early bird but I hadn't ever had surroundings as nice as these to enjoy in the morning. The pink and red hues in the early sky today made me regret leaving my camera behind. I feel a buzz in my jacket pocket and take my phone out. I had a missed call from my brother, making me smile a little, if there was anyone I would come to miss on my time here it would be my brother. He had been my rock throughout all of the downfalls in my life and although there was a four year gap and he had his own life with his wife now, he was still there for me. I am about to call him back when I notice another notification. 

'Make sure you apply cream.' The number of the person who had returned my phone a week before was displayed on my screen. I read the time of the text and it reads back to 2 hours ago. 

Cream? Why would this person tell me to... Understanding dawns and I feel stupid for not figuring it out sooner. My fingers move swiftly across the screen to reply.

'What happened to making it hard for me to guess who you are?' 

I'm just about to put the phone back in my pocket when i feel it buzz.

'Did you finally guess?' I hadn't expected such a quick response.

'There is only one way I can be sure though.' I quickly pocket it and looking up realizing I had been walking for quite a while now. I had walked the opposite way of the diner on the shore of the beach and now, before me, lay a big pile of rocks which towered above the water and created a path out into the sea. The rocks were big enough for you to lie on and there was a sign that read 'careful - danger'. Ignoring it, I climb up onto the rocks and make my way across the rocks out into the sea. Reaching the end, I look down at the morning waves crashing against the bottom of the rocks, the white foam creating bubbles which slowly fizzle and fade on the drier rocks. The tide was low so the splash didn't come close to the higher rocks making it safe to sit and not get wet. I look back to judge the distance from the shore. It would probably not be safe to be this far from the shore on these rocks if the tide was higher.

I take a seat on the largest rock and take my phone out feeling it buzz. Before looking at the message I put my earphones in and turn on my music and put it on shuffle. I open the message that reads, 'What way would that be?' 

'Where are you now?'

'You want to know where I am? Isn't that 'creepy?' ' His attempt to mock my texts from last time makes me roll my eyes. 

'Well, I thought since you are also up early you should finally show yourself to me so I can confirm your identity. But if you don't want to tell me then its ok. I might visit that cliff on my own this afternoon though....' I lock my phone and pocket it ignoring the buzz when it comes. Laying back onto the large rock I tuck my beach dress under my legs tightly so that the wind can't lift it and bring my ponytail to the side so that I don't pull my hair. 

The feeling of the soft sun rays caressing my skin and the slight chill of the breeze relaxes me and I sing along to the current song 'Sweet but Psycho'. I lay a hand across my face for shade but suddenly feel cold as a larger shadow covers half of my body. I stop singing and my eyes snap open.

Towering above me is none other than Luca with his ever-present scowl adorning his face. Surprised, I sit up and take my earphones out. I open my mouth to say something but he beats me to it.