Hayden

The party is well over and open the door for Ocean and I.

The whole car ride I was wondering what I could find on Ocean.

I was curious. Selective mutism, missing mother, other stuff, what was it all caused by?

I found myself following Ocean up the stairs, slowly. It was time for bed for both of us.

I was so caught up in thought that I didn't realize Ocean had stumbled until she hit me.

Startled, I stepped down a step, still managing to catch her.

"You ok?"

She nodded and tried to straighten up, only managing to tumble forward.

"Wooh." I pulled her frail body up against mine. She was shivering slightly.

"Ocean?" She didn't move.

As I held her, I felt her crumble into me, like she was unable to stand in her own.

Gripping her close I lifted her off the stairwell bridle style, taking the stairs two at a time. I opened the door to her room, gently setting her down on the bed.

I crouched down in front of her trying to catch her eyes.

She started to sway; eyes closed. I caught her just before she fell forward into me.

"Ocean?"

When she opened her eyes, I noticed how unfocused they were.

"You need to sleep, now princess." The words popped out of my mouth before I could stop them.

Fear filled her eyes, and she shook her head.

Sighing I gently forced her down onto the bed, shifting her head onto the pillow.

Within seconds of laying down, she was out fast.

Pulling the blanket out from underneath her, I tucked her in, hoping it'll give her some heat.

Going to school after making our engagement official was odd. She was sweet enough, but I felt the pressure to walk her two her classes. At the end of the day I drove her to work before heading off to own.

I had asked this morning if my parents could empty my schedule.

Entering the building, I nodded at the secretary before heading up to my office. Sitting down at my desk I checked my calendar for any upcoming events. Seeing none I decided to use this time to do some research. First, I looked up Lucas.

He was a very successful man who had inherited the company from his father, James Woods. He was listed as the eldest child, but there were no siblings on the page. He had also never been married or had a girl stay with him very long. Odd. It wouldn't make sense to have Oceans mother in the picture. But they could have kept their relationship under close wraps as to not draw attention.

Looking up Ocean was much more challenging then I thought it would be. After rooting through the many articles about our engagement, many held little to no information on her. Many even posed a similar question, "Ocean David's, Who is she?" It was like looking up someone who wasn't supposed to exist.  No social media, no school records, nothing.

I knew if I wanted to find out more about her, I would need to find out more by asking her. That was not an appealing option.

An idea sparked in my head. Picking up my cell, I called Lucas.

"Hello, make it quick." His voice was monotone when he picked up.

"Is this a bad time?" I asked tentatively

"Harry!" Lucas's tone brightened. I didn't even bother correcting as I knew he didn't care to learn my name. "Take all the time you need; how can I help?"

"Do you have Oceans Passport? I wanna take her on a surprise trip with me to get more freedom, be less stressed." I came up with a lie on the spot. Looks like I'm making plans for next weekend.

"Her Passport?" He sounded a little uneasy. "Um yes. Yes, I do, I'll send it with Ocean tomorrow."

"Does she know where it is?" I asked. I stood up to look out the window, noticing the heavy gray clouds. A couple raindrops splattered against the window.

"Yes..."

"Great I'm coming to pick her up and get it with me because I think she needs a break." I said strongly.

"Alright." Lucas said "Bye"

Right before he hung up, I heard him say rather loudly, "You little bitch."

Packing my stuff together, took a minute to drop into my parent's office to tell them my plans for next weekend, to which they both smiled, and my mom let out a girly giggle.

I reached my car and climbed in just as the downpour began.

When I showed up in from of the tall building about 20 minutes later, I found Ocean standing outside, drenched.

She was huddling over her bag truing to keep it dry.

Pulling up into the pickup lane, I honked at her so she would notice.

She climbed into my car, soaking wet despite my displeasure.

"Why didn't you wait inside?"

No response. I looked her up and down. She looked every frazzled as though she had been in a fight since I dropped her off.

We drove in silence to Laccases house. Before the car had even come to a complete stop, Ocean hopped out and ran inside. Parking I got out to follow her. I entered the house only to see her running down the stairs with a passport in her hand.

Turning back, I made my way to my car, Ocean following still running. I was less then a step ahead of her when she slipped and fell. I was no expecting to feel her hand sharply hit the back if my knee, so when it did, I ended up tumbling along with her. Ending up soaked was not my plan but.

Ocean started to softly giggle. Her voice like music to my ears. I glared slightly trying to tune it out. I couldn't so I splashed her. The giggling paused for a moment, before I earned a splash of water.

I started to laugh not bothering to get up. Ocean splashed me again, getting up as she did so. I saw her glance at the puddle slightly to my left. I suddenly understood the sly look on her face.

I started getting up to move away but I wasn't fast enough. She jumped two feet into the puddle, soaking me with the muddy water.

"Now your in for it!" I grinned getting up. Ocean turned and started running. Her giggles seemed to echo as the rain lightened.

She stopped by a puddle and I realized once I was close enough to splash. her smile grew and she started jumping around in it like a little girl.

I came closer and jumped into the puddle as well, soaking both myself and her. She stumbled away again, me hot on her heals. The clouds had started breaking apart and the light danced on Oceans pale skin. I finally caught her, lifting her up and jumping together into one of the remaining puddles.

It was almost like to movies, the sun hitting all the drops that flew around us. Oceans soft laugh, her leaning back enjoying this childish moment. Everything seemed to go in slow motion. Our eyes met; my breath stopped. The water fell around her, like her was a goddess. Her eyes were such a crystal gray blue. The moment took over and I pulled her closer, her eyes held mine. I couldn't breath. Leaning in everything felt so right. Her in my arms. Finally, my lips met hers. It was only for a couple seconds before she broke it off, resting her forehead against mine.