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“Erm…how do we get down to the beach?” It looks a really long way.
“There’s some steps down, but you have to climb down the cliff face to reach the first step. Don’t worry, it’s perfectly safe.”
“Oh yeah, perfectly.”
“I’m going to climb down and get you to pass me the boards, and then I’ll help you down, okay?”
I nod and watch him as he places the boards on the ground and then approaches the very edge of the cliff. He turns to face me and carefully lowers himself over the ledge. And even though I trust him to be safe, my heart catches for a moment.
There’s no sound except for the roaring ocean crashing against the shore below.
“Cove?”
“I’m okay, come see.”
Cautiously, I approach the edge and peer down. Cove is maybe ten or so feet below, grinning up at me. To his right, a steep staircase carved into the cliff face leads down to the small sandy beach below, which is deserted.
For a second, my head spins and my eyes lose focus as a rush of noise overpowers all my other senses. I give in to the sensation, closing my eyes and watching the sounds take shape in my mind. Each one is a voice, a colour, a silhouette of a memory.
Emotions that I’ve never been able to understand or access before assault me, and I stagger backwards.
There’s something so haunting about the voices calling to me, a song that speaks of a past life and a purpose, but as soon as I become aware of it, it fades and is replaced by the sound of the sea once more.
“Malia!” Cove’s panicked shouts reach my ears and I return to the ledge to check on him.
“Are you okay?” I ask.
“I was going to ask you the same thing. You almost fell. Are you alright?” Concern lines his handsome face.
“Yeah. I…I guess I just got dizzy for a moment. I’m okay. Shall I pass the boards now?”
“Do you need a minute first?”
“No I’m okay,” I reply, shaking off the eerie tune that’s still faintly echoing in my mind.
One at a time, I grab the boards and pass them down to Cove until the only thing that’s left is for me to climb down. Mindful of what just happened to me, I take my time. Not because I’m scared, but because I don’t want to have another bout of…whatever that was and fall to my death on the rocks below.
I didn’t need to worry though because before my feet are even on the floor, Cove reaches up and with his hands gently but firmly around my waist, he lifts me down to safety.
I turn to face and thank him, only he doesn’t move away. He’s still holding me, his face inches from mine. His minty breath tickles my cheek and from this distance I can see all the shades of blue in his gorgeous eyes.
“T-thanks,” I whisper, breaking the spell. He blinks and he looks disappointed as he pulls away and releases me. Why is he disappointed? Did I do something wrong?
“Come on, let’s get down these stairs and hit the water.”
I follow him as he carries both of our boards down the steep steps and onto the beach below. The sand here is so fine and so soft it feels like silk underfoot. I’m almost tempted to run my fingers through it but Cove’s already striding towards the water so I hurry after him.
At the water’s edge, he drops the boards and begins unbagging them. While he’s doing that, I remove my vest top and shorts so that I’m ready to surf. The small beach is sheltered from the wind and a real sun trap. I like it. The waves look good too.
“You ready?” I turn to Cove but he’s not moving, just staring at me with his jaw slightly hanging. “What?”
“Holy shit.” He swallows hard. His eyes darken and lose their sparkle.
“What?”
“I have the exact same bikini. I was this close to wearing it today.” He holds his thumb and index finger close together and grins at me, though of course he’s joking.
“Shut up.” I shake my head at him and laugh. I grab my board and take off towards the ocean. “See you in the water, Cove!”
