By the time we pulled into the school parking lot, neither of us had said another word. When the bus came to a stop, Leon stood up and stretched out his hand to help me up. We got off the bus together, said goodnight, and went our separate ways.

My mom wasn't here yet, but Leon drove and he began heading towards his car parked at the far end of the parking lot. I watched as he walked and wondered why he hadn't said anything else. Did I say something wrong?

Leon threw his bag into the passenger seat and got in the car, starting it up. I watched as he began to pull out of the parking lot, but instead of leaving he turned and began driving towards me. He pulled up in front of me, shut off the car, and got out. But he was holding a laminated paper in his hands.

Without a word, he walked over to me and handed me the paper. It was a lifeguard certification. I would've never guessed that he would become a lifeguard. He just really didn't seem like the type. I thought he would've hated to watch others swim. I looked back to Leon who looked hopeful.

"I took the lifeguard certification course as soon as I turned fifteen and I passed with flying colors. They said I was one of the best swimmers they had seen in almost two years," Leon explained. "You used to be such a great swimmer. What if I helped you get back into the water?"

My immediate thought was no. But even I couldn't deny how much I missed the water. I missed the way swimming felt. I missed the cool water, even if it was freezing at first. I missed diving for pool sticks before practice with my teammates. I missed being on the swim team and I missed that feeling right after you finished a race, the adrenaline and heavy breaths. I even missed the smell of chlorine.

"I'm sorry, but I can't."

Leon's face fell and his hope turned into sorrow, but then determination.

"You said it yourself, you miss swimming. So ask yourself, what's keeping you from getting back in? Fear? I'll be right there with you and nothing bad will happen. You can do this."

My mind started going in a million different directions. I was so afraid, but I missed swimming. Did I even remember how to swim? What if something did happen? Did I want to risk it? No, I was better off just staying safe. But I missed my teammates as well and the coach did say there would always be a spot for me.

At that moment, we were both blinded by a bright light and a car pulled up behind Leon's. It was my mom. She waved at me through the window with the usual apologetic smile. Leon was waiting for my answer. I shook my head and handed the certificate back to him.

"I'm sorry, Leon. I can't."

To be continued...