SAVANNAH
I stepped out of class when someone suddenly grabbed me.
I saw that it was Tyler.
"Tyler! Where are we going?" I called out, trying to catch my breath as he dragged me by the wrist down the corridor.
He didn’t answer.
One corner of his mouth quirked up like he knew something I didn’t. His grip on my hand was firm but not forceful. I didn’t fight it. Something about his energy made it impossible to say no.
He pulled me through the glass doors and into the echoing space of the pool area.
"Tyler?" I looked around. The place was quiet.
He turned around, that grin still intact. "Get in."
I raised a brow. "What? No!"
"Why not?"
I crossed my arms. "Because Blake is my teacher, and considering how weird he's been lately, I don’t plan to beg him to keep teaching me. If he wants to, he will. If not, then... I’m done."
Tyler tilted his head, his blue eyes gleaming under the fluorescent lights. "What if I teach you instead?"
I laughed, a short burst of disbelief. "Don’t be silly."
"I’m serious."
"No, you're not."
"I am."
Before I could say another word, he peeled off his shirt and tossed it onto the nearest bench. I blinked, trying not to stare at the unexpected view of a well-toned chest and abs.
"Tyler!"
He didn’t even answer. He just dove straight into the water with a clean, effortless dive. Water splashed up, tiny droplets catching the overhead light like glitter.
He surfaced with a grin. "See? It’s easy. Come on!"
I narrowed my eyes, but I couldn't help smiling
“Get changed and come in. Unless you’re too scared."
"Oh please." I rolled my eyes. "I’m not scared. I just prefer not to make a fool of myself in the water."
He swam closer to the edge. "You won’t. I’ll teach you."
With a shake of my head, I turned and quickly got changed. When I was done, I moved back to the pool, and Tyler whistled. "Well, damn."
I rolled my eyes again, but a blush crept up my cheeks. "Focus, coach."
I walked to the edge of the pool, took a deep breath, and jumped in. The water was cold but refreshing. Tyler was already beside me.
"Alright, float first," he said, moving behind me. "Relax your body. I’ve got you."
I tried. I really did. But the moment my feet left the pool floor, panic set in.
"You’re stiff," he chuckled. "Relax. I’m literally holding you."
"That’s easy for you to say," I muttered.
"Okay, how about I show you a trick?" he asked, releasing me gently and pushing backward.
And then he swam. I mean, really swam. Clean strokes, graceful turns, complete control. I watched in awe as he moved through the water like he was born in it.
When he stopped and came back to me, I shook my head. "That was amazing."
He shrugged. "It’s just a hobby."
"Wait... you're not doing the swimming competition coming up?"
"Nah. Not my thing."
"You’re kidding me. You could win."
"Maybe. But I like to keep it low-key."
We practiced a few strokes, and though I swallowed half the pool, I found myself laughing more than I had in weeks. Tyler kept cheering me on, even when I flailed or slipped under for a second.
"You’re getting better already," he said, treading water beside me.
"Liar."
"Scout’s honor."
We were giggling over something ridiculous when a voice pierced the air.
"What the hell are you doing?!"
My heart sank. Both Tyler and I turned to see Blake standing there in nothing but swim shorts, fury written all over his face.
I froze. Tyler, however, stayed completely calm. He even smirked.
"Teaching her how to swim," he said casually.
"You don’t get to do that," Blake snapped, his voice tight. "That’s my job."
"You seemed to have forgotten it lately," Tyler shot back.
I moved between them. "Guys, stop. This isn’t worth fighting over."
Blake ignored me. He dropped his bag and dove into the pool with a splash. He surged through the water like a torpedo, heading straight for Tyler.
"Blake!" I shouted, but it was too late.
His shoulder collided with Tyler, shoving him hard against the pool wall.
Tyler pushed back. "What the hell is wrong with you?!"
"Stay away from her!" Blake roared.
Then the fists flew. The sound of flesh hitting flesh echoed through the pool chamber. I screamed.
"Stop it! Stop!"
But they weren’t listening. Tyler tried to hold his own, but Blake was in a rage. His fist connected with Tyler's lip, and blood sprayed across the water.
"No! Blake, stop!"
I grabbed his arm, trying to pull him off, but he jerked back instinctively, and his elbow hit me square in the chest.
The force knocked me backward. My feet slipped. My arms flailed.
And I went underneath the pool
Everything blurred. Sound vanished. I felt cold everywhere. My arms moved on instinct, but I didn’t know which way was up. The water pressed in on me, dark and endless.
I couldn’t breathe or think. My limbs grew heavy, and my chest burned.
Then I heard the loud sound of their voice, muffled but frantic.
"Savannah!"