Free Just Breathe by Heather Allen Page A

decide to stand. James realizes I’m not going to sit down so he stands and moves closer as I drink my water.
     
    He tells me in a scratchy voice, “You should stay away from Jack, he’s bad news.”
    I put my glass down a little too hard, water bounces back out covering the counter.
     
    I glare and hiss, “And why is that? Why were you so rude to him tonight?”
     
    He just shakes his head. “He has a police record and he’s not a good person for you, Ever.”
     
    Realization…”Did you send me the news article about him?”
     
    Recognition in his eyes, of course my little brother was looking out.
     
    I soften a little, “Don’t worry, James, he’s a good guy.”
     
    He shakes his head again and walks out saying under his breath, “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
     
    I finish my water and walk back to my room. James’ door is closed so I guess the conversation is too. I wonder where this is coming from. James has never been so interested in my love life. I drift off to a dreamless sleep, finally.
     
    ***
     
    My five o”clock alarm rings and I trudge to the bathroom. The shower refreshes me and I feel energized for the day. A whole day with just me and Jack, he won’t have anywhere to run. I’ll get all of my questions answered today. My heart speeds up at the thought of him and that kiss last night.
    I pack a picnic lunch of cheese, crackers, lunchmeats and fruit in a cooler and grab some towels. I decide on a yellow two piece bikini instead of my drab one piece, training suits. Six rolls around and so does the knock on the door. I greet him and he brushes my hair out of my eye, tingly shock. I smile and do the same. I can tell he got the same shock as me. Oh, I can really get used to this.
    We climb into the Porsche and I glance back to the house. My eyes meet James’ looking out his bedroom window, I see him shake his head and he’s gone. I feel a shiver down my back, that’s not good. I wonder but then remind myself, my little brother hasn’t had a real relationship with a girl yet. He doesn’t know or understand. I refuse to let him ruin my day, so I put it out of my mind.
    Jack grabs my hand and we enjoy the silence as we drive. I know it’s a long drive and I really have a captive audience but I want to hold off on the questions until he can concentrate on the answers and not driving. After about an hour we stop so he can put the top down on the car. The day is going to be beautiful.
     
    ***
     
    The air changes as we get closer to the beach. It feels so invigorating. I see Jack glancing at me out of the corner of his eye. I turn to face him and he has this look on his face, like he’s about to ask a question but he doesn’t say anything. I glance around as the scenery changes. California is beautiful as the land transforms before my eyes. The barren brown sand slowly turns into lush landscapes of green with tall, immense trees. I can see the shape of the mountains in the distance. Finally I can tell we are really close to the beach. I can just smell it. There is a little flutter in my stomach, which I am attributing to the anticipation of another kiss. Smile.
    Jack looks over at me expectantly as the ocean comes into view. I hold my breath when I see it. The horizon is breathtaking. I look at him and I can see the smile in his whole face. His eyes are the bluest I have ever seen them. Now that I’ve seen it, I can’t wait to get my feet in the sand and touch the cool water. The car slowly climbs down the steep road into the lot where we find a parking space. I look at Jack pleadingly and he just nods like he knows what I want. I take off towards the water, like my brain isn’t controlling me. I can’t help it, I need to be in that water. I can’t get my clothes off fast enough. As soon as the water touches my toes, I feel a familiar warmth rise up through my body. I step further in until only my head is exposed. I have never felt anything so exhilarating in my life.
    Jack