Leap OF Fate

Oblivious to Justin’s icy stares, Serene and Mary swam until they reached the edge of the pool. They looked at the calm ocean before them, their backs to the people in the lanai.

“Sis, are you sure you are happy with Justin?” Mary asked, cocking her head to the side to look at Serene.

“Yes, I am. I have never felt fulfilled in my life before him,” Serene answered with a twinkle in her eyes.

“But Shen, he’s Bryan’s ex. Your messy situation will soon catch up with you,” Mary expressed her concerns.

“Before agreeing to be with him, we have already discussed that, and we both agreed that all that mess is in the past. Our desire to spend a life together and be happy together outweighs our situation.”

“I hope you two are right, that you can weather the giant storm you are in. I hate to see you hurt, Shen, you know that.”

“I know. Justin is different. He won’t hurt me.” Confidence filled her as she looked her friend in the eyes.

From a distance, Justin stood fixed as he listened to the childhood friends’ conversation. His heart swelled from what Serene said. His lips curved into a smile when he heard the confidence in her tone, which made him promise himself that he’d never hurt her.

Mary shrieked when Dylan lifted her from under the water. Serene laughed at them and caught sight of Justin, who was just at arm's length beside her. She smiled at him as he threaded the water and closed the gap between them.

Justin held her waist and gazed at her. She did the same and got lost in the deep pools of his eyes. Their mouths did not utter a word, but their souls spoke for them. Their love radiated through their skins. If only they could freeze time and keep this moment, they would.

A splash of water coming from Dylan cut their moment. She glared at him.

“Get a room!” He teased.

when Justin’s powerful arm went on her back and behind her knees, lifting her up from the

said and carried her away from the other

scarlet face in his neck. Her hand pounded on his chest, making him chuckle. When they reached the

gentle pat. She

was told and came out of the changing room wearing her previous clothes, her hair hanging loosely

sundown, and the sky had a tinge of orange. She walked towards Justin, who looked at the horizon while he lazily leaned on a post. Serene admired the beautiful man before him and felt happy in her heart knowing that he

strode towards him, snaked a hand around his waist and leaned her head on his shoulder. He responded by bringing her closer to him and wrapping his possessive arm around her

the

Serene softly called him.

“Hmmm?”

and grey, I wish

“I will.”

forward to the days of their retirement when they would serenely sit beside each other and take in the quietness of nature

Serene never felt this happy in her

“I love you, Justin.”

“I love you, Serene.”

Serene and Justin had a quick dinner with the Lewis’s. The spread on the table was much lighter and simpler than their lunch. The discussion around the dining table also was livelier than at lunchtime, since Serene and Mary had already made

the house next door. Darkness enveloped the house. Carol and Conrad had

to open it, then switched on the lights. As soon

waist. He carried her up

skirt and removed her underwear in one smooth motion. He spread her