We packed everything necessary for the beach and descended the walkable hill, drawn by the rhythmic sounds of the waves crashing. Ahead of us, Matty and Rose raced to find a suitable spot for us to settle.

There weren't many people around; I assumed it was because the area was exclusively for hotel guests. It felt surreal, surrounded by wealth, while I grappled with mounting debt.

But today was about enjoyment; I decided to cast aside my worries and have a good time. Spotting Mark waving at us, we made our way over to him. Matty and Rose were already assisting Mark in setting up the mats on the warm, gray sand.

I placed my bag aside and shed my semi-sheer poncho blouse and denim shorts, revealing my black high-waisted bikini. Vivian, too, discarded her summer dress, unveiling her charming seashell bikini. I noticed Jake seemed to be stealing glances at her.

Amused, I nudged Vivian with my elbow. "You've got an audience," I teased, and we both turned to look at Jake, who promptly averted his gaze.

"You've got an audience as well," she retorted, nodding towards Eugene, and I shifted my focus away. I had planned to tell Vivian about my changing feelings towards Eugene, but with Mark still present, now wasn't the right moment.

"Let's go," Mark announced, draping his arm around me and Vivian, leading us towards the chilly ocean waters. Jake grabbed a surfboard and followed behind, but Eugene placed his bag down and settled on the mat under the umbrella, donning his sunglasses.

I paused, allowing Mark's hold on me to loosen. "Aren't you coming?" I inquired, approaching Eugene.

"Nah," he replied, absorbed in his phone.

"Why not?" I asked, crouching down beside him.

"Your cleavage is visible," he remarked, ignoring my question.

"It's a bikini."

"Then don't wear one!"

I stared at him for a moment, then sighed. "Fine, suit yourself," I said, standing upright and making my way towards the ocean with Mark and Vivian.

Stopping just short of the waves lapping at my feet, memories of my parents flooded my mind. It had been a while since I'd been to the beach, and the trauma still lingered. With time and Vivian's support, I had managed to overcome some of my fears, but I still couldn't bring myself to venture too far into the water.

So, I waded in until the water reached my knees, playing with Rose and Matty, who were content with the shallow depths. Watching Jake skillfully ride the waves, I wished I could do the same, but fear held me back. However, I remained hopeful that one day I would conquer it.

"Why aren't you going deeper?" Eugene's voice startled me, and I turned to find him standing behind me, halfway submerged in the water.

"I'm afraid of deep water," I confessed.

"Why?" he inquired.

"It's a long story," I replied, facing the ocean.

"Are you just going to stand here all day?" he asked. I nod.

His footsteps recede, and Mark approaches, waving to get my attention.

"Come on," he urged, tugging on my hand.

"No, it's fine," I insisted.

He pulls me close to him and then lifts me gently into his arms, carrying me further into the water. Though I cry out, I refrain from pushing him away, knowing that if I did, he would release me into the water.

So, despite my cries to return to shore, I cling to him as if my life depended on it, which, in that moment, it felt like it did.

"Relax, I'm not going to drop you into the water. I know you can't swim," he reassures me, and I release the tension in my body.

I can't deny the exhilaration of feeling the water splash against my body, but each time the waves recede, I feel a twinge of fear, as if we're being pulled back with them.

"Hey," a familiar voice called out, and Mark turned towards the shore.

I see Eugene, partially submerged, making his way towards us.

"What made you change your mind?" I asked.

"You," he replied, brushing his hair back and looking undeniably attractive.

"I don't like seeing my girlfriend holding onto another man," he admitted, glancing at me and then at Mark.

Mark snorted a laugh. "Alright, boyfriend, here you go," he said, lifting me towards Eugene, and I instinctively released my grip on him, wrapping my arms around Eugene's neck.

He grasps onto my waist, not like Mark did, but in a manner that doesn't instill fear of being swept away.

"Can you hold me like Mark did?" I inquire.

"Why?" he responds.

"Because I can't swim."

"So? Do you think I'm going to let you go?" he questions.

I rest my forehead against his neck, unaffected by our close proximity. "I'm afraid of the water because of my parents," I confess.

His hold around me tightens, but he remains silent.

He then retreats slightly, and I struggle to draw him closer.

"Hold on," he instructs. "Trust me, I won't let go of your hand. I'll just hold onto you from a distance so you feel like you're swimming on your own."

With caution, I edge away a bit, still gripping his shoulders tightly, ensuring I don't drift too far. With one hand on my waist and the other clasping mine, he provided the support I needed.

"You can let go of my shoulder; you might just break it," he joked.

Releasing my grip on his shoulder, I apologized, feeling guilty for digging my nails into his skin. As my hand floated over the water's surface, I felt the warmth of the saltwater soothing my senses.

Being with Eugene felt different. His sturdy frame, the warmth of his touch, and the assurance he provided made me feel secure, even though my feet touched the ground.

We remained still, moving only when the waves brushed against us. Then, he drew me closer.

"Jones, you're probably the only woman who can rile me up like this," he confessed, resting his head on my shoulder.

I smiled, unsure of how to respond.

"And a real pain in my ass," he added, lifting his head to meet my gaze.

"Me?" I teased. "I think it's the other way around."

We shared a smirk, and he grinned.

"Jade!" Vivian's voice interrupted our moment, and I waved at her.

Turning back to Eugene, I found him already looking towards the shore where the others stood.

"Let's go," he suggested, pecking me on the cheek, and I realized it wasn't just the water keeping me afloat anymore.