Save Carly

"It noon time already" I said to myself after looking at my watch. I returned my camera on my bag and started heading back to Aunt Celia's house. I heard the closing of the gate but when I checked it there was no one. Maybe she just came back to her house. Upon entering the house I saw a box with pink and white design. It has cupcakes inside that looks yummy. Could it be that Auntie went to town to buy one because as far as I know, bakeries here doesn't sell pastries like this.

Aunt Celia just came from the kitchen when she noticed me looking intently at the cupcakes.

"Igo, Carly made them. Take some. She's good at baking you know" she sat which made me sat opposite her.

I took one and ate it. It tastes good. No good is an understatement. It's really good. I like the cream on top and the cake is moist. Actually I wanted to eat more but it's Aunt Celia's cupcakes not mine and I'm just a freeloader here.

"Eat more" she pushed the books on to me and I ate another one.

I helped Auntie with some of the chores after we took our lunch and then went to my room to rest. I set my alarm every 4:00pm and watch Carly on my window. I know her daily routine. It's too easy to memorize. I closed my eyes because it feels like the breeze is putting me to sleep.

My alarm took off at exactly four in the afternoon and I looked at the window to check on Carly and her usual spot. I went back to bed and waited for another fifteen minutes before checking on her again but still no sign of her. Maybe she's busy with something. I've been practicing several lines on how am I going to approach her and compliment her cupcakes. Arghhh so stressful. Anyway she's not around so I decided to go around the island and take some pictures like I usually do.

We had our dinner and then went to sleep. I set the alarm for my usual morning jog. Before I lay down to sleep, I took one last peek at the window as if Carly would show up at this time. I chuckled at what I did and closed my eyes to sleep.

I wish to see Carly tomorrow...

***

My alarm was buzzing several times before I finally woke up. I'm late for my morning jog. I sat and looked at the window and saw a lady walking towards the ocean. I rubbed my eyes and wondered why a lady would go to the beach at this hour? It's way too early to swim. When I looked at it again she submerged herself into the water way too long. Then I thought of someone. Could it be Carly?

I immediately went out of bed and ran outside. My hands were shaking as I removed the lock on the door. I didn't even notice that I was barefoot and not wearing any shirt. My main objective was to save Carly.

I felt the coldness as I dipped myself onto the sea. As soon as it reached my waistline I plunged into it. My eyes got hurt due to its saltiness and even though it's still dark I pushed my eyes to search for Carly. I was gasping for air so I took some before swimming again. The water reached my chest as I stood to search for Carly.

I took sight of the familiar long hair and pink shorts floating afar. I felt chills upon the thought that it was too late to save her. I plunged again and swam the best I could to reach her as my eyes got redder because of the sea. As soon as I got near her I took her by the waist and got her face out of the water. I tapped her face several times while calling her name repeatedly.

She suddenly opened her eyes and gave a shocking expression. It's like she's looking beyond me. I supported her steadily on my other arm while hand was still on her angelic face.

"Harris?" she whispered as she caressed my right cheek. She forced herself to get up and tightly embraced me on my head.

"Harris..." her voice was getting clearer. Now I know the name of the guy that hurt her.

"I'm sorry Harris..." she sobbed and her embrace tightened more. I can feel her pain every time she says the word 'Sorry Harris.' Even though I wanted to say that I'm not Harris, I just let her think that I'm him and then embraced her back.

As the sun shines so her cries became louder. I didn't know how long we stayed in that position so I rested my head on her shoulder and hugged her tighter.

Slowly her arms loosened from her embrace and her head slid down from my shoulder. I caught her immediately and saw her eyes closed as if she's peacefully sleeping. I checked for signs of life and felt relieved upon seeing her still breathing. Her breathing was too deep from too much crying. I carried her out of the water.

We've gone far away from the island so I started going back and gently carried the small body of Carly. As I reached the shore, I headed for the nearest coconut tree. My knees are getting tired from the sudden adrenaline rush of rescuing her and the different emotions I saw from Carly.

I leaned against the tree as my body slowly slid down until it reached the sand. I was still holding her in my arms. I was gasping for air. I closed my eyes and all I can recall is the never ending apology from Carly.

I placed her hair on the side until I can see her face. I can't help but wonder what really happened to her.

"Harris what did you do with Carly?"

The questions still lingers on my mind.

04-01-2018