SWNOVELS Chapter 95
Special Chapter: A Story Untold.
*Remind me why again you want to go to the beach on a Christmas?" Melvin Romero asked as he watched his sister wrap her winter scarf around her neck and pack her hair into a pony tail, before she turned to face him. *Because it's Christmas, stupid. Came her response as she bent down and threw on her shoes.
He scotted at her answer. I Funny how she was calling him the stupid one when she was the one who woke up around six am and began announcing that she was going to the beach. Obviously their parent's had thought something was wrong with her sudden determination to go to the beach, on a Christmas. They had tried stopping her, but Leonica was set and after an hour or two of back and forth banter, they gave in, granting her the permission she needed to leave, but with one catch. He as her older brother had to come along Protection, they called it, since she had also refused to allow any of the guards tag along
"Beaches are for summer, not Christmas, stupid. He muttered and huffed, bending down to also put on his shoe. By the time he was done, Leonica was already half way down their porch, clearly in a hurry to reach her destination. "Hey, slow down." He called and chased after her. be settling on the
The air was crisp as they made their way to the beach. Decorations on all sides of Oslo adding ever the more to the vibrant Christmas vibe comfortable town. By the time they arrived at the beach, after many stops for Ice cream and familiar greetings and to pick up a third party who was more than happy to join, the skies were already painted in hues of pink and orange as the sun began to set and waves lapped the shores. Leonica and Leonardo, their third party, reveled in the beauty of the winter beach, while Melvin grumbled underneath his breath with folded arms, refusing to admit the beauty his best friend and younger sister were already swooning over.
"Why did you suddenly want to come to the beach, Leonica?" Leonardo asked as they walked along the shores, Leonica's pace being faster than anyone
else.
Hearing the question, Leonica looked over her shoulder and smiled gently. She wanted to tell both her brother and Leonardo that this exact time three years ago, they had made a time capsule and buried it underneath the sand, someplace near the river banks. But as delightful as it would be to see their face's light up with remembrance, making them play a game of lunt and hang in suspense was equally as good
"That's a secret." She pressed her index finger against her lips, smile becoming broader.
Melvin and Leonardo exchanged looks, clearly confused, while Leonica skipped off in the direction of the river banks, pulling her shoe off so that her toes could fill the water. She yelped and laughed and pulled back a bit when a rush of cold water wave covered her leg "Don't just stand there, come on." She beckoned and after several shared looks, Leonardo joined her and Melvin later followed suit, clearly reluctant. As they played near the water, a sudden commotion caught Leonica's attention. A boy, not much older than her, was struggling to rescue a dog from the icy waves.
"Hey, are you seeing that?" She asked as she looked behind at her brother and his best friend who were more engrossed in playing failing to notice the struggling boy. "Hey." The rest of her words were swallowed by the sound of their laughers. Without hesitation, Leonica turned away and rushed to help.
than
in she had been,
She went deeper into the water with hesitation, wetting her clothes as she helped the struggling boy grab the dog. The cold water bit at her skin as they worked together to save the stranded pup and soon, they were back on land. Grateful, the boy looked at Leonica with sincere dull black eyes and thanked her for her assistance.
His name was Gabriel, and his gratitude was accompanied by a warm smile. Leonica, captivated by his handsome features, couldn't help but ask for his ""What's your
name?"
?" She asked, totally forgetting about the puppy that was in her arm
"Gabriel," he replied, his voice carrying a hint of charm. In turn, be asked for her name. "What's your name?"
Leonica hesitated for a moment. Her brother's words echoed in her mind, cautioning her about being too friendly with strangers.
"Not everyone is a good person." He'd always say while banking her forehead.
With a playful smile, she decided to keep it simple. "I'm Leo." She answered using the familiar nickname her family and close friends called her by
They spent the remaining daylight hour's together, sharing stories and laughter. The connection between them felt natural, as if they had known each other for much longer. In the distance, Melvin's voice carried over the wind, calling for Leonica. She scrambled to her feet, carefully placing the hall dried puppy in Gabriel's arms
"Shit, 1 have to go." She announced and turned to leave, but stopped, turning around to flash her new friend with a smile. "Let's meet again, Gabriel," She said and placed out her pinky finger Gabriel besitated, but wrapped his pinky around hers and nodded, With the promise to see Gabriel again sometime made, Leonica bade him goodbye and reluctantly left, the promise lingering In the air.
Back at home, seated around the dinner table with her family, Leonica gazed out of the window. Snowflakes danced in the evening sky, casting a serene glow within the cold while her mother served their Christmas dinner.
Cassandra, curious about their day, questioned "So, how was your day at the beach? Anything interesting happen?"
"Boring." Melvin replied as he reached for his share of the food "And a complete waste of time"
"Melvin, benice" Benjamin scolded, "Your mother was talking to your sister."