Page 3 of Alex

Letting out a long sigh, I lean back against a large rock as I twist the top off the bottle and gulp down a large sip of beer.

The cold liquid tingles my taste buds and temporarily cools the angry flame that’s burning deep inside. I shiver at the bitter taste. I don’t normally drink beer, but beggars can’t be choosers. Besides, it will still do its intended job and help clear my mind.

I stare out at the ocean as the sky darkens. The normal bright blue sea is dark, like a stormy night.

I used to love the blue ocean and the bright blue sky on a sunny day, but now when I see the blue depths, I only see doctor’s hands covered in those blue nitrile gloves.

The gloves that stuck IVs into Mom’s arms when she was first admitted to the hospital.

The gloves that checked for her pulse while the machine displayed the thin flat line that used to bob with her heart rate.

The gloves that disconnected the machines from Mom’s lifeless body.

My hand presses against my chest as pain shoots through my heart. I want to cry, to let the emotion out rather than let it continue to build inside of me, but I have no more tears left.

I’ve spent weeks crying, hoping, and praying for a miracle.

I’ve spent hours inside the hospital’s chapel, wishing I could have done things differently. Wishing life was less cruel to us.

Movement out of the corner of my eye grabs my attention a second before someone joins me on the rocks.

My gaze moves from the ocean to the stranger.

He looks like a typical rich surfer dude. Tanned to perfection with his long hair that blows in the breeze. He’s shirtless and only wearing swimming trunks that lie dangerously low on his hips.

On any other day, I might give his body more attention, but not today.

“Go away.” I bark out before returning my gaze back to the water.

He doesn’t seem offended at my lack of friendliness. “It’s not safe for you to be over here.”

I give him a wry chuckle. “I don’t give a flying fuck about safety right now.”

“You should.” His voice is soft, like he understands how I’m feeling, but that’s impossible. No one knows how I feel.

My gaze locks onto his darker gray irises. “Why do you care about me and my safety?”

“I don’t, but since this is my party, I’m responsible for all party goers.”

That’s a lame ass excuse, but I don’t call him out on it.

“Fine.”

I stand and follow him back to the party and grab another beer before moving to the sand dunes. I plop down in front of the sand reed grass to help conceal me a little.

The stranger joins his friends on the other side of the bonfire while watching my every move.

It feels strange to be the center of someone’s attention, even if he’s just making sure I don’t head back to the rocks.

Knowing he’s going to keep staring at me, I raise my hand and give him a sarcastic small wave.

He raises his beer like he’s saying “Cheers.”

We take a sip of our own beverages while our gazes stay locked onto one another. I let my gaze wander over his party guests. They all look similar. Tanned, sculpted bodies, designer clothing, and not a care in the world.

I wish I could live a year in their shoes. Hell, I’d settle for a week. A week of not wondering where your next meal is coming from. A week of being wild and carefree.

My gaze wanders back to the bonfire where the group of strangers is still laughing at something my stranger just said.

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