"What? Why did you guys break up?" I questioned.
"He cheated. We were together for five years, and I know that he was cheating on me for at least more than a year. We were lovers who went everywhere together, holding hands and enjoying the simple things, to him sitting on the couch eating Cheetos and watching football. At first, I simply assumed he was dealing with his own issues, since he got laid off and was struggling. To be honest, I think I was too scared to acknowledge the reality that he had lost interest in me." She looked at my shocked expression, giving me a comforting smile before she continued.
"Day by day, my gut told me I should talk to him or even try to figure things out, but we just drifted apart. Soon he was going to parties and returning home drunk, and I was too caught up in school and wanting to enjoy my friendship with Cece that I became ignorant. A few months ago, I pretty much had given up on our relationship and was only allowing it to continue because I felt pity for him, or so I told myself."
She stopped in place, taking a moment to stare out at the waves. I watched as her neon orange hair blew lightly in the passing wind; her blue-green eyes glittered in the sun's rays as her red lips smiled.
"Then, I met Jaxson and the others. It took me having a one-night stand with a stranger after being committed to one person to realize that I didn't love him anymore. I was staying with him out of companionship. Ever since my mom was murdered, my life had been a lonely one. I didn't have friends or family who cared about me. I had a man named Kendrick in my life who took on the father role when no one else wanted to take the burden of raising me, but I always yearned for a friend or someone who would always be with me. Even though Cece became my first friend, I still had that gap in my heart. When I met my ex, I just thought he'd always be there, no matter what. In the end, he was with someone who made him happy, but didn't have the balls to tell me." She shrugged her shoulders.
"I thought it would be easy. That I could simply say fuck you, and bam, be done with him. I'd have the last laugh. But when I watched him stroll out the door...it hurt. I felt as if the five years we'd spent was nothing but a waste of time. A simple memory that would linger with me. I hadn't been prepared to fall into despair over the breakup and when I did, there they were – my teammates who barely knew me, but accepted my flaws. It was then, I told myself I wouldn't let time pass by before tackling a problem. Of course, we're dealing with our own issues, and I'm also trying to be patient, but what I'm trying to say is, you'll always find the answer within you. Listen to your instincts and allow them to guide you on the right path. Don't waste time on the little things and don't hesitate to share what's bothering you. If your men truly love you, they'll work towards making you happy. But remember, it goes both ways and they would want you to do the same," she finished.
"Thank you, Scarlet," I whispered, blinking back tears at her revelation.
She blinked her glossy eyes. "Haha. Great, we’re both about to cry on the beach. My bad." Scarlet, pulled me into a big hug.
"Happy tears at least," I replied, giggling.
"I'm always here if you need me, Makoto. I'm a text away when you return to Heila." She squeezed my shoulders.
I nodded.
"Thank you, Scarlet. And you can just call me Mako."
"You can call me Scar then. Way easier." She winked.
We laughed.
"Mako! Scar! What are you two doing?” Marcus called out.
We turned to see them walking back towards us. "COMING!" We called out; Scarlet's hand slipped into mine as she pulled me along as we dashed towards them.
The answer will be within me...
"A UNICORN FLOAT!" I shouted in pure happiness. I'd already had a unicorn float, but this one was massive; big enough to fit two people as it floated on the calm waves of the clear blue water before us. My eyes glanced over the second float, turning my head to Scarlet who looked just as shocked.
"A whale float? So, this is what Michael had seen," she mumbled.
Michael? An acquaintance? I returned my attention to the float.
"Can we go on it?" I asked Marcus and Junho who smiled at our stunned expressions.
"Yes, you ca–" Marcus began, but I didn't let him finish, sprinting straight to my unicorn float, jumping off the dock, attacking the poor white float that rocked back and forth upon impact.
"Mako!" Marcus called out. I swam to the surface, climbing onto the float before whipping my drenched hair back and forth.
"MARCUS, COME! We can have a unicorn ride!" I called out.
He sighed. "You have too much energy," he replied; my sensitive hearing caught his words as he grinned.
"I'll give you a kiss," I seduced.
He chuckled, making his way to the edge of the dock. "Coming, your Highness." He dove into the water.
I giggled, relaxing on the float, staring at the sky above.
"We should leave them alone," I heard Junho whisper.
"I don't think they can have sex on a float," Scarlet proposed.
"I don't know. Let’s just say his spirit can do a lot of impossible things if sex is involved," Junho reminded.
I snickered.
"I can hear both of you." I turned my head to see them both blush.
"We’ll be back!" Scarlet winked; her hand slid into Junho's as she began to pull him away.
"They're so going to go make out in the woods somewhere."
I practically jumped seeing Marcus’ arms on the edge of the float; his chin rested on top of them.
"How did you do that?" I asked.
"Do what?"
"I didn't hear you at all," I pointed out.
He grinned. "Water and I are pretty good buddies," he pointed out.
"But you're a dragon. You breathe fire."
"I can do more than breathe fire, love. You wanna know what else?" he whispered.
I turned, moving so my face was only inches from his face, wanting to hear what he had to say.
"What?"
He leaned up to kiss me; his warm lips felt extremely cold in seconds. His hand slipped into my hair, stopping me from pulling back; the chilled sensation sent shivers down my spine. When he finally released my lips, I blew out – a puff of cold air escaped.
"How did you...you’re an ice dragon?" I asked.
He gestured for me to slide back, pulling himself out of the water and onto the float. "And what if I am?" he whispered, crawling towards me.
I bit my lip, unsure of what I wanted him to do; answer my question or pin me down and kiss me again. He must have known what I was thinking; his body hovered over mine as my wrists were held captive in moments – leaving me pinned on a unicorn float that drifted quietly on the calm waves.
"I'm both, Firefly," he whispered, lowering his lips to my flesh; a cold breeze brushed my neck before his hot lips pressed against my skin.
I moaned, pressing my head back as I arched at the mixed sensation. "We're...in public."
"We're in a private section, Firefly," he countered, lifting up to stare into my eyes.