Just Keep Swimming (Open)

[Jack McCarthy]

Well, this was something Jack wasn’t used to, usually he wasn’t into the whole “Touchy-feely” junk well he was but not THAT kind of “Touchy-Feely” business. And yet here he was, stroking George’s shiny hair and holding her close, all that was missing was for a dramatic score to sound off in the backround while Jack repeated “Who’s a good George?…who’s a good george?” but if this is what Jack needed to do to stop crying then so be it!

With relief Jack felt George stop shuddering in his arms and laid still, oh my god?! Did that actually work?! He couldn’t believe someone of his lack of emotional intelligence was actually able to comfort her”Thank god you stopped” Jack admitted “That was all I had…”

He was somewhat taken aback when George decided to rest her head against Jack’s chest, his eyes grow wide and he looked around the pool side area to see if anyone more comfortable with this was around, and could offer some better comfort. To Jack’s father, hugs didn’t really feature in his dictionary. So Jack wasn’t used to this level of being embraced. Sure, Layla seemed determined to try and make him more comfortable. This was quite a big step for him, but her head there, wasn’t exactly uncomfortable and if George wasn’t crying any more who was Jack to argue? “You look so much better when you smile.”

Jack didn’t really know why he invited George to the wedding, his thinking was, that Layla’s wedding was going to be a horrible, horrible experience for Jack, and maybe having a friend might lessen the blow just a little. “Sure, if you want, I think you’ll like her shes….”

Beautiful? Perfect in everyway imaginable? The object of Jack’s affections and it breaks his heart everyday that she likes someone better? “A good friend of mine, her parents are dicks so she asked me to give her away and me being so good and noble in every way agreed . “ George just got over her angst for Jack to overload her with his, but she could probably tell just from the sound of Jack’s voice that there was something he wasn’t letting on. “So…you good? No more impulsive leaps into the water?

[Georgina Speer]

The tears had been embarrassing and weak, she was glad they had stopped. She smiled at his words but... then there was a reminder. Of Kodi's damage. The back of her head throbbed and she winced, her face tightening from the pain. It had only been a few days before, and she hadn't exactly... told anyone about her injuries. In fact, she had just coated her jaw with make-up to hide the... oh shit. She suddenly realized that the water would've made her makeup start to run; of course, she'd taken off most of it, but she'd left on the foundation on her jaw. She couldn't tell, obviously, but the large purple bruise could probably be visible now. She tried to casually hide the bruise with her hand, but it looked so obviously awkward and unnatural, Jack was going to notice.

She blushed a little and smiled even more at his compliment, even though the stretch of her facial muscles made her jaw ache in time with her head. She couldn't help but grin, it was just so sweet! And suddenly, she was looking forward to something, to meet this girl. If Jack liked her, that probably meant she would too. However, she couldn't help but notice his tone of voice alter once the girl came into question. Her face contorted in confusion. She shook off the expression once the conversation turned back into the here and now, but she really couldn't shake the feeling that he wasn't telling her something. For know though, she just wanted to try and ignore it. They had only just... 'resolved' one problem, she didn't want to somehow make another.

She looked into the cool water for a second. It did seem inviting, but in a good way, not in the way that Jack thought. She gently twisted and pulled herself of her comfortable seat and put her legs over the edge, "I do have an impulse to go back in, but that's because I came here to go swimming and stuff." She turned and looked back at Jack, "Same as you, I'm guessing?"

[Jack McCarthy]

Ok, Crisis averted; George isn’t said anymore and all is right with the world…thank God for that….Jack was seriously out of his league talking about emotions and shit like that.

Jack gave a short breath and tilted his head up as if thanking the universe for letting this dramatic angst filled moment reach it’s conclusion. He smiled relieved as looked down at George again….just as the smile died as he noticed something on her jaw…the hell was that?

Jack leaned in to have a closer look frowning as it hit him…. A bruise. Jack suddenly became very pale as he stared at it piecing together exactly what happened “He hurt you…” Jack’s voice was without emotion, but he felt strong hot rage boil within him as he imagined Kodi in some very uncomfortable positions…but that would have to wait, for now he needed to focus on George…he could murder Kodi later…

Just then George’s weight lifted off her and she sat on the pool edge, sounding much like her old self. And that’s when the evil part of Jack’s head started whirling into gear. “DIVEBOMB!” Without a seconds hesitation Jack suddenly raced forward and tackled George sending both herself and Jack crashing into the pool

[Georgina Speer]

"He hurt you..."

She stayed silent, her tears threatening to make an encore. She looked up at Jack; he looked like he'd seen a ghost. Her hand fell from her jaw so the bruise was now fully exposed, there was no point in hiding it anyway. At least... not from Jack. She had her make up with her, once she was finished swimming she could just hide it and feel normal again.

But yes, Kodi had hurt George. He had damaged her mentally and physically and even though she was feeling a little bit better, she was sure that her new found confidence would disintegrate as soon as she stepped outside. She tried to avoid the thoughts that had consumed her before Jack had turned up, but now was her chance to step back and look at her situation.

She was upset, and broken. Damaged goods, you could say.

Kodi was an asshole, but that was a given.

The only person she was comfortable with... was Jack.

George tried to imagine being around the others that she knew, but nothing but sorrow came from those thoughts. She thought of the first few that came to mind... Oriel was loud and outspoken, he probably thought the same as Kodi... Kit would most likely recall their meeting and cringe at her own mistake; she had chosen the wrong girl to talk to... and Phen. She couldn't bear to think about Phen's reaction. They had only spoke once... but he had a special place in her heart. She respected him and adored who he was, meaning she had practically stood up for him during her conflict with Kodi; how dare he call Phen a pixie! Phen was an amazing person, and Kodi was a pile of shit who could sharpen his teeth on command (which was really strange, but she could stalk people... her ability wasn't much better on the strangeness scale)

She wanted to talk to Phen again... she would. Somehow. She'd have to find a way to contact him, but she just had an inkling feeling that he would understand.

Just as she concluded her thoughts, she heard Jack shout. She only had time to turn her head a little, before the force of his body collided into her. Her arms went flying and she screamed as she flopped into the pool like a graceful boulder. After floating in the cool deep for a few seconds, she began to rise, and swam back to the surface, laughing out bubbles; she could think later... hopefully. She splashed Jack and smiled, ignoring the ache from her mouth. Right now, she just wanted to enjoy her freedom.