I groggily wake up to the sound of the alarm clock. I slam my hand down causing it to stop. It's 7:00 am on a Saturday morning. It's the day before class starts and I have so much to prepare. After slipping out of bed and tossing on shorts and t-shirts, I head into the bathroom. I wash my face and tie my hair into a high pony tail.

Tiptoeing down the stairs, I walk quietly into the kitchen and prepare myself a bottle of water with ice. After grabbing an apple, I bite into it while leaving the house.

Once I feel the warm air of summer, I breath into it, while I run down the road. It's a peaceful morning for a quiet run on the beach. I've been doing this for the past week, and it's been a great stress relief.

While running, I think about the past few days.

A week has passed since Natsu's and I encounter. I've thought about what he said, but still scared to go see him. I'm still hesitant, and unsure with what to do.

Maybe it's best if I just let it go...I think to myself. Maybe, I should give him a chance to explain himself.

And what...set yourself in a trap once again? My conscious tells me.

But he's changed...I can tell. The way his eyes looked deep into mine, made him seem so sad.

That may be so, but do you really want to take the risk?

My heart wants to...so yes, I think I mi-.

"Mademoiselle! Watch where your going please!" A man yells at me. Getting out of my thoughts, I look up in time to see his car stop just as I walk onto the street.

"Sorry!" I shout and walk across fast. I can hear him mumble in French, but by the annoyed sound of his voice, it's probably about my carelessness.

Great, Lucy. You almost got run over because of your thoughts. I mentally scold myself and shake my head in confusion. Composing myself, I stop thinking and begin running again.

Once I reach the crosswalk that leads to the beach, I look both ways and wait for the walk light. After running across, I immediately kick off my sandals and find a spot to place my belongings down.

"Wow, the water looks beautiful and sparkly today." I whisper to myself and take a sip of water, before placing my water bottle down. After tightening my pony tail, I stretch before heading down to the water.

Placing my feet at the edge of the water, I turn to the left and start running.

Huffing quietly, I take deep breaths as I run. Almost an hour passes and I stop, while breathing heavily. Thirty minutes later, I'm running and look to the side, watching the waves of the water go back and forth. Stopping, I look around me, to see the beach deserted.

"Hmm...since no one is here, maybe I'll have a quick swim." I say to myself, watching the water glisten as if it's inviting me in. Shrugging that I have nothing else planned for the morning, except shopping for food and school supplies in the afternoon, I decide to go for it.

An excitement surges in me as I run into the water, not caring about my clothes becoming wet or what's on my mind. Taking a deep breath, I dive into the upcoming wave, basking in the lukewarm feel of the water. It's a wonderful feeling, full of bliss and distraction.

I don't think, I don't worry. I just swim, taking laps through the water and diving into the waves.

What feels like forty to forty-five minutes later, I finally walk out of the water. Raising my arms, I lift my head and sigh at the feeling of the sun's warmth above. Soon, Fall will come and the warm weather will fade away. It's important to enjoy summer while it lasts.

Feeling content, I run back to the beach's entrance and to my belongings. However, once I return, I find that my sports bag and water bottle has disappeared.

"Shit!" I mentally curse to myself.

How could I have been so stupid?

And you know why?

My bag had my wallet, phone, and earphones in it.

What the hell am I supposed to do now?

-♾-

After giving myself a mental talk to, I run out of the beach and to the closest store. Seriously, of all the days this has to happen, it had to happen to today. And you know what? It's not the first time I left my things, but they were never stolen. This is the first time that happened and I'm speechless at the thought of it. But those other times, I didn't spend so much time in the water after running.

"M...may...I...use..your...phone, please?" I breathlessly ask the man at the desk once I enter the first store I see.

"I'm sorry, Mademoiselle. We don't let costumers use the phone." He replies with boredom.

"Please, I lost all my stuff and must report it." I plead.

"Sorry Mademoiselle. As I said, I cannot allow you." From what I can tell, he's not sorry at all and waves me off. "Go find somewhere else to, I do not have all day." The man drawls rudely.

"But, Monsieur-."

He narrows his eyes. "It is not my concern and as I said...no!"

Fuming in absolute anger, I glare at him and turn around, stomping out of the store. Grumbling about how rude and inconsiderate he was, I walk quickly down the sidewalk. Not looking where I'm going, I walk fast and end up colliding against someone.

"Woah, there." The guy steadies me with his hand before I make both of us fall over. I smile gratefully and look up, but instantly regret it. His gorgeous salmon can be recognized anywhere.

"N-Natsu?"

He looks down, squinting his eyes to get a better look at me.

"Lucy." He smiles, but then looks at me with shock. "Why are you all wet? And where's your shoes?"

"Um..." I scratch my head, laughing nervously. "It's a long story. My bag was stolen while I was running on the beach. Which unfortunately, had my phone and wallet inside..." I heave a sigh. "And my expensive water bottle I bought a few days ago...hehe..."

"I know, I know." I sigh in defeat when he doesn't answer. "It was stupid of me to leave my bag unattended. But I wasn't thinking..."

Natsu just looks at me. I bite my lip, afraid at what he's going to say.

Surprised at what happens next, I watch in confusion as Natsu suddenly laughs, slapping his thigh in the process.

"What's so funny?" I pout, crossing my arms.

"You never cease to surprise me, Luce." He continues to chuckle.

"What's that supposed to mean?" I huff in annoyance.

"Nothing, nothing." Natsu stops laughing, finally containing himself. Standing straight, he says in a strong and commanding tone. "I'll help you report about your things."

A warm feeling tingles inside me. "Thank you, Natsu."

"But." He continues. "In the meantime, come back to the hotel with me. You'll be able to dry and change into more comfortable clothes."

"Natsu, I don't know if that's a good ide-."

He cuts me off. "I insist, Lucy. Besides..." He hesitates, then continues. "You can repay me by listening to my explanation of why I acted the way I did." He takes my hand. "Then you can decide how you feel."

Hmm...that does seem like a reasonable idea. I do want to get into more comfortable clothes while everything gets sorted out.

And finally finding out what he means in explaining why he left me, is something I would like to know.

So yeah, what could happen?

"Ok." I agree, hoping I won't regret it. "I guess it won't hurt."

-♾-

I hope you enjoyed the chapter!

As you can see this one was much more easier to write than the last one. Which is why I updated so soon :)

Anyway, please vote and comment if you wish!

Thanks for reading!

Love you all!

See you next time!

💞💞💞

Date published: January 8th, 2020

Word count: 1330