Coral Gateway

"Get away from her!"  A brusque voice yelled out and suddenly, Lucas was pulled away from Lauren by strong hands.

She had been propped up by Lucas' body for a moment and when he was abruptly yanked away, she lost her balance and tumbled into the sand.

"Ahhh!!!"  She squealed as she pitched, head-first into the pink sand.

"No!"  She heard Lucas yell as he struggled to break free and return to her side.

"Are you okay?"  He asked as he ran back to her and began brushing sand off her face and hands.

"Lauren!"  She could hear Mother's voice floating in from a distance.  "Leave my daughter alone you brute!  She's just a child!"

"I didn't touch her.  I just pulled my boy back.  I can't help it your clumsy daughter tripped over her own..."  He looked down at Lauren's feet with curiosity.  "...metal shoes."