Deadly Waters

DEADLY WATERS

By Connie Beck

Copyright Connie Beck

Smashwords Edition

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

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To Shelby Douglas

We miss you making us laugh so hard our sides hurt

CHAPTER 1

Too bad I didn’t meet Brian on a different day. If I had, it would have been easy to fall completely and madly in love with him. But unfortunately for us, we didn’t meet on a different day—we met during the most embarrassing moment of my life.

I slid up to him.

Naked.

To say I was horrified and humiliated beyond belief would be putting it mildly. However, in my mind I kept telling myself it didn’t matter, because I’d never see him again. If I’d known he had enrolled at my school I would have died of embarrassment on the spot. Then I would have begged my parents to move to another city far, far away. If that didn’t work, I know I could have talked them into homeschooling me. Sure, I would have missed hanging out with my friends every day, but in dire situations sacrifices have to be made. It would have been worth it to keep him away from me. I never wanted his brown eyes staring at me again. Ever!

Ha!

How fate plays games with us.

The event occurred on a bright sunny day. The temperature was ninety-six degrees—hot for Colorado. Not a cloud was in sight. It was a perfect day to go to the water park—or so I thought.

Katelyn, my best friend, and I stood in front of the map showcasing all of the different slides. I debated between Wedgie Falls or Tentacle of Terror. As I studied the sign, excitement began to flood my body. Free-fall six stories or blast through a circular flume?

Hum—so hard to decide.

Come on. You’re taking too long, complained Katelyn good-naturedly, yanking me towards the slide’s steps. Since you won’t make a decision, we’re going to do Tentacle of Terror first, then Wedgie Falls.

I laughed as I let her drag me along. Okay, we’ll do it your way.

As soon as our feet touched the stairs, though, we both cried out in pain.

Hot! Hot! Hot! screeched Katelyn. She bounced around, trying to keep her feet from frying.

Ouch! I yelped, taking the steps two at a time.

We raced up the six flights of metal stairs to the Tentacle of Terror’s platform. By the time we reached the top, our feet were on fire. We couldn’t wait to get in the water.

Thanks for making me come, I said as we waited for the guy in front of us to sit down on the slide.

There was no way I’d come without you. I’ve hardly seen you this summer, and we have to do at least one fun thing before we start our senior year.

What? Working all summer isn’t fun? I asked sarcastically.

Okay, one of you can go, said the lifeguard, motioning us forward.

You go first," said Katelyn, pushing me in front of her.

It’s a water slide, Katelyn, I said, snorting. What could happen?

I stepped into the cool water pulsing down the Tentacle of Terror. My sizzling feet were instantly grateful as the smell of chlorine immediately blasted my senses. Bracing myself against the pounding water, I sat down carefully. Ahhh. The water was so refreshing! It pounded against my legs and back, urging me forward.

Suddenly, I was very thankful for my one-piece Speedo. Sure, most girls loved to show off their bikini-clad bodies, but not me. I’m not that kind of girl. I’d rather not attract attention. You know—the kind of girl that likes to hang out in the background. I’m happy there. But not Katelyn—she’s just the opposite—funny that we’re best friends, huh? I took a quick glance at Katelyn’s small string bikini and grimaced. Poor Katelyn. She’d be lucky if the thing stayed on with the pressure of the pounding water.

Amber, go already! laughed Katelyn. What are you waiting for?

I rolled my eyes at her friendly griping, suddenly realizing how much I had missed her razzing all summer.

Then it hit me.

At the end of this school year, we would depart in different directions, and our lives would never be the same. It made me appreciate the day even more.

Leaning back, I grasped the edges of the tube. Then, using all of my strength, I propelled myself down the chute like a rocket. Exploding forward, darkness encircled me. The momentum of the water accelerated me faster and faster. Water splashed me in the face as I whipped around the first curve. I laughed out loud, happy to finally do something fun this summer besides clean grease off the fry machines.

Smiling with pure pleasure, I flew around the next turn. Then something happened.

Something . . . alarming.

Something . . . totally unexpected.

I felt a slight tug on the bottom of my suit.

At first, I thought I had just hit a bump in the plastic.

No big deal.

But then, to my upmost horror, I realized that’s not what happened.

Because I felt—um—how should I word this?

Exposed.

Cool water was hitting my flesh—in places where it shouldn’t.

My eyes widened in fear as my heart started beating rapidly. This couldn’t be happening! My swimsuit wasn’t new this season, that’s true, but it shouldn’t rip! I quickly thought back through the summer. I had worked probably five days out of each week. Then on my days off, my parents and I would do some sort of outdoor activity. And the activities usually included something to do with water. Inwardly, I groaned.

My swimsuit was worn out.

And I hadn’t even noticed.

And now was not a good time to find out.

Praying for a miracle, I crossed one leg over the other and clinched them together. I also arranged my arms across my stomach to anchor the swimsuit material in place. Grinding my teeth together in worry, I hoped the ride would end soon.

Unfortunately for me—the opposite happened.

Time slowed to a crawl.

The next few fearful moments took an eternity to go by.

Water sprinkles slowly floated past my head. The water blasting my body pulsed gradually down the slope. My feet rippled as they sluggishly crept up the side of the next turn.

Instantly, I was angry. This was supposed to be fun! And it would be, if I didn’t have to worry about keeping my swimsuit on!

Unfortunately, as my body crawled around the next curve, my bottom hit another seam in the tube.

At that moment, regardless of my precautions, my swimsuit, well—it ripped off!

All the way off!

Somehow it slipped out from under my crossed arms and vanished.

Gone!

It flew past my face and disappeared up the black tube of terror! I didn’t have a single square scrap to hold on to or to use as a covering for any of my precious skin.

This couldn’t be happening! My swimsuit was a Speedo for Heaven’s sake. Not a delicate string bikini! I shouldn’t be in this kind of situation.

I closed my eyes tight, then opened them again.

Darn!

I had hoped I was dreaming and that once I opened my eyes, I’d be back in my bedroom, nice and safe and dressed in my jammies. But no, all I could see was black. I really was in the Tentacle of Terror! And it was very terrifying!

Worse, I suddenly felt as if I was getting a burn on my backside! The last thing I needed was a bright red butt to go along with my bright red face!

Time seemed to speed up again as I entered the straight plunge at the end of the slide. Sunlight blinded me as I plummeted out of the black enclosed tube. Within seconds, I would slide to a stop at the bottom.

Naked.

Not good.

Fear gripped my heart. I slowly slid to a stop, my heart pounding wildly. Panic surged through me. My arms and legs began to shake. I felt as if I couldn’t catch my breath.

Suddenly, it was as if my brain had gone numb with shock. I had no idea what I should do. Should I just lay here until the lifeguard noticed me? Or should I get up? Okay, that was a stupid thought. One I couldn’t believe I even processed. No way was I going to stand up!

Luckily, the lifeguard on duty at the bottom of the slide was watching a group of girls walk by. The girls noticed his attention and fired some hot glances his way. He was tall, muscular, and with the official red swimsuit of the water park setting off his tan, he deserved a second glance and maybe even a third. Too involved with checking out the ladies, he didn’t notice the naked girl sitting right below him.

Me.

I sighed in relief. I was happy he wasn’t paying attention. Arranging myself so that all the most embarrassing parts were covered, I laid there at the end of the black tube with a bright red face and prayed for some type of miracle.

After the group of girls disappeared around the corner, the lifeguard casually said, without looking in my direction, Hurry up, you’ve got to get out of the slide before the next person comes down.

When I didn’t move, he looked down at me with a frown.

Then he did a double take!

He stared at me in disbelief with large, brown eyes that matched the color of his shaggy hair.

Don’t look at me! I screeched, panicked. Turn around! NOW!

Just at that moment, Katelyn shot out of the end of the tube.

Look at what hit me in the face! she shouted, laughing as she slid to a stop behind me.

She held up the remains of my shredded swimsuit.

The lifeguard pulled out his walkie-talkie while turning away from us. Pushing the talk button, he practically shouted, We’ve got a wardrobe malfunction at the Tentacle of Terror. We, uh, need a robe. Pronto!

Right then and there, I felt like dying. Never in my whole life had I been so humiliated. My face felt like a heat lamp.

Katelyn, a little help here? Can you find a towel for me? Quick!

Katelyn jumped out of the black tube, but not before flinging my tattered suit onto my lap with a grin on her face the size of the Cheshire Cat’s. As if my swimsuit would help me now!

She looked over at the lifeguard, laughing. Do you have a towel hanging around here that I can borrow?

The lifeguard looked at me out of the corner of his eyes as he shook his head no.

Look over here again and I’ll scratch out your eyes! I cried as I haphazardly arranged the mangled swimsuit across my chest.

She doesn’t mean it, laughed Katelyn, her eyes twinkling with amusement. She’s just—you know—embarrassed.

Just then a college-aged young woman ran up to the slide. She carried a blue, fuzzy robe with the water park’s name embroidered on it. She stepped between me and the lifeguard, blocking his view. She placed the robe over me and shielded me from the view of any curious spectators, bless her soul, while I quickly wriggled into it.

Hi. My name’s Michelle. What happened? she asked compassionately. She reached out her hand, pulling me out of the water.

"I was just going down the slide, and at one of the seams I felt the material snag, then bam! No more swimsuit."

My face turned bright red again when I noticed the handsome lifeguard staring in my direction. I gave him one of my meanest glares and turned my attention back to Michelle as I pulled my thick French braid out from under the collar of the robe.

I’m so sorry. I’ll have to write up a report. Someone will have to come and check that out, replied Michelle sincerely. She looked up at the black plastic tube and frowned. Here, let’s get you to the gift shop. You can pick out a new suit on us.

I don’t think so, I said, shaking my head back and forth as I pulled the sash on the robe as tight as possible. I just want to go home.

Oh no, no, no. You can’t do that! argued Michelle.

She pulled me toward the water park’s main entrance where the gift shop was located.

Katelyn latched onto my other arm.

We can’t leave, Katelyn echoed as she smiled back at the brown-eyed lifeguard we were leaving behind, we just got here. That was our first slide of the day.

I glared at her. If you’d just lost your swimsuit and exposed yourself to the whole world, would you want to stay?

They’re giving you a new suit, laughed Katelyn, and it’s not like anyone saw you. Admit it. It was pretty funny.

Her eyes sparkled as she giggled some more.

I narrowed my eyes, glaring at my best friend.

I don’t think it’s funny, I growled. And someone did see me.

"Okay, okay, hardly anyone saw you. Katelyn turned back to look at the handsome lifeguard. I personally wouldn’t mind if he saw me."

Katelyn!

Fine, she sighed sadly, we’ll leave. She trudged along beside me, silently sulking.

When we reached the gift shop, Michelle asked again, Are you sure you don’t want to at least glance at the swimsuits? You might find something you really like. We actually have quite a nice selection. And you wouldn’t want to ruin your whole day just because of this little event, would you?

I snuck a quick peek at Katelyn. Her face was gloomy. Suddenly, I felt guilty. I definitely wanted to go home. Embarrassed didn’t even describe how I was feeling at the moment. Mortified. That sounded more like it. Humiliated. Definitely.

But when I looked into Katelyn’s face and saw how sad she looked, I knew I couldn’t leave.

All right, I muttered. I’ll stay. Let’s go pick out a new swimsuit.

Katelyn squealed and hugged me fiercely. Thank you so much. You won’t regret it! We’re going to have so much fun!

I picked out the most modest swimsuit in the shop, but I still felt self-conscious. I guess that’s normal, though. Who wouldn’t be a little paranoid after having their swimsuit ripped off their body?

It was less than half an hour later when I regretted my decision to stay. For who do you suppose was the lifeguard on duty at the next slide?

You’re right.

Mr. Brown Eyes.

He was working Wedgie Falls. When he turned around and saw me standing next to him, he blushed slightly. It would’ve been fine if he wouldn’t have acknowledged me. I would have appreciated being ignored, especially after what had happened. It would have been a relief.

But no.

He had to say something.

Hey, that blue suit looks really good on you, he said, cocking his eyebrow.

Yep, that’s when I seriously wanted to die.

CHAPTER 2

One week after the event, I was up early getting ready for the big day: the first day of my senior year. I was in the kitchen finishing up the last touches on my peanut butter and jelly sandwich, when I heard Katelyn’s car pull up onto our gravel driveway.

Mom, Katelyn’s here! I’ve got to go.

I picked up my backpack, stuffing my lunch in as I ran toward the door. My mom entered the room with a smile on her face. She was carrying Alex, our foster child that had been placed in our home at the beginning of the summer. His mother had given him up because he was born with a club foot. In other words, his leg was all messed up. But he had surgery last month, and the doctor said that everything had gone well. After his cast comes off in a couple of weeks, he’ll have to do some physical therapy, but within the year, he’ll be as good as new. Right now, he’s six months old and absolutely adorable.

You can’t leave without kissing Alex good-bye, grinned my mom.

Good-bye, cutie, I said, rubbing noses with him before tickling his tummy.

He gurgled happily.

A second later Katelyn burst through the front door, a big frown on her face.

What’s taking so long? I’ve been waiting outside for—

She spotted Alex. Suddenly, she forgot the tirade she was beginning.

Ah—look who’s cute. She ran her fingers through his long, blond hair. Wow! Look at this kid’s mane! It’s way longer than just last week when I saw him!

Do you think we should cut it? I asked.

Katelyn was in the know on everything in the fashion department.

No! she cried, horrified. Don’t even think about it! Little boys look adorable with long hair. She paused, her eyes going all gooey. Actually, a lot of men look adorable with long hair as well. She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively at me. "As I recall, a certain lifeguard I admired a week ago also had longish hair. Brown, if I recall correctly. It was so sexy. And it matched his dark brown eyes perfectly."

She sighed as I blushed scarlet. For the past week, Katelyn had randomly brought up the water park at every opportunity. She thought that what had happened to me was extremely funny and that if she brought it up, I would tell all the people around us what had happened. But I was not willing to expound on that experience. Nope. Every time she did it, I clammed up, but not without giving her the look of death first. The experience was too fresh. Too—humiliating. Actually, just thinking about it made me want to hyperventilate, and at night I relived it as soon as my eyes closed.

Don’t worry, we won’t cut Alex’s hair without your permission, laughed my mom, coming to my rescue.

She had been equally horrified when I had come home from the water park and told her about what had happened. My mom actually cried with me at the kitchen table. Thankfully, my mother understood my embarrassment, unlike Katelyn.

Come on, Katelyn. We’d better go, I