I shrug, shoving another handful of chips in my mouth. “I mean,I guess.”
Tobias sucks in a big breath, and then wipes his hands together, setting the carton of ice cream aside. “Okay, our stomachs are seriously going to hurt after all of this.” He laughs, looking at our junk food mess.
“Yeah,” I smile, nodding my head. I take in a breath, still feeling a little uneasy for some reason. “Tobias? You’re sure that’s all it was that was bothering you?” I can’t help this nagging feeling like I’m missing something…but I’d know it. At least, I think I would. “I mean…you’d tell me.. right?”
He connects his eyes with mine and I see his smile shine on his face. “Yeah. Yeah, I’d tell you,” he replies quietly.
I smile, feeling my nerves settle. “Okay, good. Because it’s still early and we have yet to watch a scary movie.”
“Elijah. This isliterallythe recipe for nightmares. Scary movies and sweets before bed." Tobias laughs, hitting me over the head with a pillow.
“Since when’d you get so old,Boss?You used to be fun.” I laugh, hitting him back.
“Oh yeah? Is that right?” He scrunches his fingers in my sides, tickling me.
Shit, he’s got me there.
“Yeah. I said it.” I laugh, trying and failing to breathe. “I don’t take anything back.”
“I’ll make you take it back.” He chuckles, pulling me towards him.
“I’d like to see you try.” I scramble to crawl away from him.
Tobias never fails to end our nights in cuddles and laughter.
It’s not long into the horrifying movie,Sinister,snuggled under the skylight in our favorite spot, that sleep pulls me under.
A wave of calm washes over me as I curl up into his arms. For a moment, I fear he’s still awake as I drift off.
But then again… maybe it’s all in my head.
14
Tobias
The cold water hits my chest as I reach for Elijah’s arm. His laughter brings me comfort, lifting the mood even though I’m scared.
“Good. You’re doing great with those kicks.” Elijah nods, watching me tread water. I swim back over to him in the shallow end so I can stand fully. We’ve been practicing little by little to avoid getting overwhelmed, and I think it’s starting to pay off.
“Okay, I think you’re ready to try on your own now.” He states, walking in further. “You remember what I told you?” He asks, reaching out for me.
I look down at his hand, feeling my heart speeding up. “If I think I’m going to drown, I’ll sink.” I take a big breath in before I grab ahold of his hand, letting him guide me in. I make quick work at wrapping my arm and legs around him like a koala. Thankfully, he doesn’t tease me about it. But, he hardly ever does.
He nods his head. “Right. Just imagine yourself floating and your body will do the rest,” he says, walking us in slowly.
I feel the deeper water surrounding us, and I scramble to hold onto him tighter. I don’t want him to let go. My feet don’t reach the bottom here. It’s too deep. I almost didn’t make it last time.
“Don’t worry Tobias, I’m right here. I’m not going to let you go under.” He smiles, bringing me closer.
I feel the weight of his touch and I know he’s not lying to me.
“If I slip, even just a little bit—”
“I’ll pull you right back up.” Elijah smiles. “And look, dad is right there watching you too. He won’t let anything bad happen to you.”
I look over at the dock, and there’s Elijah’s dad, waving at us just like Elijah said he would be.
I feel calmer just knowing he’s there watching over me.
