A New Bloom
My heart is racing, my head aches, as I was trying to push myself to jump off a cliff towards Mike.
He was shouting, " Francine come on, You can do it"!!!
Oh my Gosh, this is so high! I don't think I can!?, I tried to hold on to the railing that separates me from the edge of a 20 foot cliff, and under it are raging waves rushing back and forth.
Mike and I decided to go to the other side of the Island, we rode on ATV's. I was never really adventurous, never tried anything more than riding motorcycles and bikes. One time I was skating and I fell on my face, I was always falling for as long as I can remember. I never had a good balance, always tripping, my flat foot is never good at doing any sports other than staying on benches and standing up for hours when I was being disciplined. But here I am now for the first time I was being challenged and tested.
I never did this before Mike!, my whole body was shaking.
Think of it as if you're a superhero, and you want to fly, and save me. Mike joked.
Goodness, if I do this you would catch me right?
I'll be here, I would only be floating here waiting for cramps to set in, and maybe some sharks to bite my leg off. He was teasing me so hard.
What? there's sharks here?
I'm kidding, come on, if you don't jump I will get back up there and tie you to me and we will jump together!
Okay! Okay!, I leaned in and took a step closer. God what am I doing here!?
I let go of the railing and one big jump, I held my breath and splashed.
Seconds later, I felt a cold shrinking feeling as I saw lots of bubbles rushing upwards, its coming from my own mouth.
I was sinking, unable to get to the surface, waves were rushing through my body, I couldn't float. I was being bashed by waves like a shirt tossed around in the laundry. A hand seized my arm, Mike was breathing air to my lungs. We were hanging onto each other.
I got you, he was trying to get me to open my eyes. I got you Francine.
We went back to shore and he held my body close to him, Open your eyes Francine.
I slowly opened them, and saw his face, in pure worry and shock.
Why didn't you tell me you can't swim? Are you okay?
I spit some sea water, and he covered me with towels. Let's dry you up, here's some water drink up, I'll get the ATV and call for help.
After 20 minutes we got back in the main road and head towards the clinic.
The doctor gave me some hydration tablets, and pain relivers and said to rest, and don't try to get back in the water.
I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier that I'm not good at swimming. I wanted to forget that night and have fun with you Mike.
It's okay, the important thing now is that you're fine. Let me help you get back to the villa.
I opened the door, my Mom asked what happened. Mike told her everything and he said sorry for the unfortunate event. He went ahead and I told him I'll call him later.
I went to my bed, my body ached from the beating it had from the accident. I never felt afraid like that in my life. But at the sametime I wanted Mike to see me in another light. Maybe he was disappointed with me.
My phone rang, past 6pm.
Hello, Mike?
How are you feeling?
I'm okay, I never got to thank you for saving me. Thank you.
Sorry I never intended to hurt you, I only wanted to cheer you up.
It's okay Mike, I wanted to be brave but I guess that's not my thing.
I dreaded the thought of drowning, and there's nobody saving me, so I got scared and panicked.
Are you really going to be okay?
Yes, Mike I think I can just take it slow maybe, not jumping on cliffs, but I'm hoping to see you again before I go back to the city.
You'll be leaving a day from today right? maybe we can take a walk by the beach instead. I know a good place where I always go, when I need to be alone.
That sounds nice. Let's bring some food and have a picnic.
Great, I'll pick you up in the Morning.đ
Okay, byeđ
See you tomorrow đ
I slept that night so soundly.