Chapter 6

Taking a deep breath, she looked at James and reached out her hand to give him a handshake. Thinking it weird, he still obliged and they shook hands, "Hi, I'm Maria, 18, currently a Junior in Highschool. I don't like living in this big city as I grew up in the countryside and am used to being surrounded by trees, animals, water and friends who are like family. I only moved here because of my Dad's job. And I don't mind your company nor your kiss. But we just met and I go back to school next week. Then what?"

Silence, taking that as a sign to leave she was about to get up, "James, 21, a Highschool graduate. Born and raised in this big city, currently on a week vacation from my government job. I realized you were a Highschool student by your swimsuit, more specifically the ones that were used at the Highschool I graduated from. Curious as to why you would be swimming by yourself so early during spring break, I tried to talk to you but I only ended up getting your name. Left with unanswered questions I called a friend and asked about you. I found out you were the "Lone Ranger" everyone talked about. Although I don't know why they would call you that as your a kind person and easy to be around. When I saw you again I got to see how much of a good swimmer you are and couldn't help but want to race you. And the kiss, well that wasn't planned it's just when you didn't refuse it as a bet I got a bit excited and cheated on purpose so I could win. But after that not only did you refuse a ride home with me, you pushed me away today. Honestly, I didn't realize it until now, but I, perhaps I did fall in love with you at first sight, since I keeping thinking about you after we met and it really hurt at the thought of you being afraid of me or disliking me."

After a brief moment of silence, "do you have any plans after swimming?" "Um, not really." "Would you like to walk around with me, instead of going straight home then?" "Um, I'm used to walking around, are you ok with it though?" "Come on, I'm not an old man." Smiling his playful smile until he heard her reply, "age doesn't matter, it's just your from the city and even the kids at school preferred to use public transportation or be in an air conditioned area instead of walking around outside." "Is that why you only have friends in the countryside?" "Yes and why I usually go back during school breaks, but this week they all had something happening…" " that's why you're at the pool by yourself?" "Yes." " I'm grateful to your friends then, and to everyone who refused to hang out with you, since I was able to meet you because of it." He sad the last part while reaching to grab her hands, placing a gentle kiss on them.

Shortly after going out, James proposed and she said yes. After her graduation, they married and were able to get jobs in a quieter part of the city.