Page 20 of Give Me Peace

Shit. I am, aren’t I? Nineteen—nearly twenty—is technically an adult, but I don’t exactly feel like one. Besides, I’m here to ensure my safety, not traipse around without proper clearance first.

“I just meant is it dangerous for me to go out there?” I backtrack, feeling silly.

“You’re safe,” Krew answers in place of Lochlan. It’s the first time he’s spoken to me. “Our property is secure, and I’ll know well beforehand if that ever changes.”

“Okay,” I quietly reply, hoping I didn’t make him feel like I was questioning his ability to do his job.

“Go soak up the sun for a bit, but we have some things to discuss once you’re back.” Lochlan slides the door open for me, drenching us in the Florida heat.

Walking out, I stop at the edge of the patio and kick off my borrowed flip-flops. The second my toes sink beneath the sand I sigh with contentment. I look back over my shoulder, seeing all four of them watching me, and attempt a smile. My feet move without command, drawing me closer to my favorite place. When I crest the small hill hiding the shoreline, I nearly cry. If it wouldn’t hurt so bad, I’d run the rest of the way. When my feet connect with the waves, I bask in the calmness, feeling truly free for the first time since being found.

After a few minutes, I plop my butt in the sand, mindful of my injuries, and tilt my face toward the sun.

Chapter Eleven

Kash

I give Saylor a good ten minutes to herself before deciding she’s had enough alone time. With my rations replenished, I head for the beach and my new best friend. She’s sitting, her small form swallowed up by those hideous scrubs, while staring at the ocean. It’s a pretty sight, but it’s got nothing on her. I pull my phone from my shorts and snap a picture, wanting to capture the way the sun glints off her long blonde hair.

“Hi.” I drop down, causing her to startle. It’s not that I want to scare her, but I know firsthand what it feels like to jump at every little thing. There’s no way past it, only through it. You’ve gotta grow used to sudden movement and noises, and that won’t happen if everyone tiptoes around you all the time.

“Muffin?” I offer, tilting it toward her.

“Thanks.”

Saylor takes tiny bites, chewing them slowly. I know Lochlan said she had to ease back into eating normally, but with the amount of sweets I keep on hand, I’ll have some meat on her bones in no time. I stay quiet, not wanting to disrupt the peace she’s found. I’m happy to just sit here and steal glances of the girl I never thought I’d get to meet in the flesh. It’s surreal. I’ve spent too many nights to count wondering if Saylor was still out there, and if so, what God awful shit was being done to her.

“Big fan of the ocean, huh?” I ask after a while, desperate to know more about her. The things only she can tell me, not what some file we’ve pieced together says.

“The beach, actually.” She turns to me as she answers, her eyes so vivid in the sunlight. “I’m actually afraid of the ocean.”

“You are?” I guess I thought the two were sort of synonymous.

“Yep.” Saylor nods, swirling her finger in the sand. “It’s huge and scary, and eighty percent of it has yet to be explored. Who knows what’s down there? Makes you feel insignificant in comparison. Like a speck.”

In no world, in any galaxy, could she ever be deemed insignificant.

“Could be that my dad died out there, too,” she adds hesitantly. I know this, but only the basics, and I’d rather hear the story from her.

“Yeah?”

“It was a boating accident. I was only four, so I have no memory of it. I barely remember him, much less the day he died. Mom said he’d gone out to fish, but he never came home. The boat was located the next day, but it was empty. There were traces of blood, so they think he slipped and hit his head, then went overboard.” She stares at the water, like she’s imagining what it would’ve been like. “They called the search off after day three.”

“That must’ve been hard for you and your mom,” I say sincerely, but she only shrugs.

“The few memories I have are vague, so I think I missed the idea of him more than anything. It was harder for Mom. She had to bury an empty casket, accepting she’d never have any real closure.”

Shit, that’s depressing.

“So, what about the beach makes you love it so much?” I ask, trying to steer us back to a happier topic.

“Everything.” Saylor smiles, the sight making my chest squeeze. “The memories, mostly. Mom and I would spend every spare minute we could sprawled on oversized towels or building sandcastles. It’s always been a happy place for me.”

“Well, it’s a good thing you’ve got unlimited access now.” I bump her shoulder with mine. She watches me carefully but doesn’t shrink away. “So, no swimming then?” I nod toward the waves.

“God no,” she shivers. “Pools are for swimming. We are not at the top of the food chain out there.” I laugh, soaking up every bit of this girl I can get.

“My turn,” I blurt, making her look at me in confusion. “If we’re going to start this best friend thing off on the right foot, it’s only fair that I tell you something I love and hate as well.”