ROLEPLAY HQ - riding-the-wave

The sun was hot, burning even. Every inch of sand blazed with the sting of a summer’s day. Families traveled to Florida for their well known beaches. They staked their multi-colored umbrellas into the ground, forcing shade for their group to crowd under. The water that day was particularly clear. A bright teal mixed with shades of dark sapphire. It sparkled from the rays of the sunlight breaking through a series of wandering clouds. Custos, one of the lifeguards at Siesta Key Beach, sat on a chair elevated above everyone else. He watched over the sunny landscape keeping an eye on the people swimming in the water. The whistle around his neck was used now and then to make sure rowdy teens stayed in line. There was coconut sunscreen smeared on the tops of his shoulders and nose, covering the areas of his golden skin to avoid burning. His hair was curly and out of place, dark brown yet in the right lighting blended with natural wheat highlights from the sun. With eyes that were made from the depths secrets, dark blue, sometimes taking on wild shades of the sky depending on the time of day. “You feel like one of these?” asked his friend, Molt, another lifeguard, who handed him a cola. This friend was taller than Custos, slimmer and known to make people laugh from his terrible jokes. His black hair and brown eyes often got him in trouble. Just like Custos, neither one of them wore shirts, and he drank his coke in nearly three swallows as if it were a competition. “Sure, why not,” Custos said, taking the cold can into his hand. Hair in his eyes. He leaned forward in his chair, watching the water for sharks or signs of someone needing help, but instantly lost his attention when spotting a girl walking the shore. It was normal for the lifeguards to comment on the people roaming the beach, especially when they were attractive, though out of respect Custos said nothing. “Look at her,” said Molt. Custos grinned. “Think she needs saving?” Molt asked with a big smile.

8:17 PM

“Only one way to find out,” replied Custos. @Argeneau25

The day was the greatest for catching some good waves, and the beach was not that crowded, giving Syriene the prefect time to have a bit of fun. As she got out of her chevy, black convertible, taking the bright neon green board from the back seat, it was the bright color so that people could see her and if anything were to happen, again easier to spot. Slowly she made her way to the sands, moaning with pleasure at the feel of the warmth on her bare feet. Walking past people here and there, she was just looking around to see where would be the best place that she could paddle out and ride the waves that were seeming just endless on the water. As she walked, her bright auburn red hair flew slightly behind her, as the wind was picking up just a tad. This was the best weather to, everything was seeming to just falling into place as she was making her way to the water. She wore a green swimsuit to, just showing that clearly that her favorite color was green, no matter what the shade. When she got her board in the water, Syriene was quick to get out into the waves, just waiting for the prefect one to come for her. But the thing that did play on her mind as she was moving to the water, was the eyes that were on her, it was nothing that she thought bad about, the male didn't look half bad but then again she never had a relationship before, being what she was, she didn't wish for anyone to find out and decide that she would be worth the money to scientist and that to experiment on. Syriene was soon shaking the thought from her mind as she paddled out more into the open waters, waiting still for that perfect wave to ride. @Taking Back Luxday

Did the girl look like she needed saving? Not really. Her green surfboard stood out from everyone else. It was the color really, a bright green blinding nearly everyone on the beach with its neon vibe. Custos wandered to the shoreline, black flip flops keeping his feet clean from the burning sand, and stood in the midst of the water until it started washing up on his ankles. The waves were high today, not unusual for the weather, but near the point the lifeguards could make the call to tell everyone to get the hell out of the water. Custos crossed his arms over his tanned chest, muscular, with skin glistening from the sunscreen he wore. He kept a close watch not just on Syriene, but everyone else, just in case something tragic happened - they hadn’t had a case of someone drowning in years, but anything was possible, and Custos knew the dangers of the sea firsthand. There was a good-sized wave heading their way now. It looked like it started off small but as time went on it dragged across the ocean and grew bigger. Assuming the girl in the water wearing the green swimsuit, the one who caught his attention, knew what she was doing, he wouldn’t have to paddle out there to save her. In fact, he was waiting to see how well she could surf and what she looked like while doing it. Another rush of water hit his ankles leaving bits of sand and salt water on his legs while watching to see how experienced she was during this next onslaught of waves. @Argeneau25

The water splashed against her board, as Syriene saw the wave coming into view. With a grin forming on her lips she paddled hard into the wave. When she got into place, there was a quick jump to her feet on the board and rode it hard. First it was the tunnel, where the wave just went over her with an opening in the middle for her to ride inside. A hand reached out just gliding through the side of the tunnel. A soft moan came to her throat just loving the feel of the water in between her fingers. What felt like hours, was only mere seconds until Syriene emerged out of the tunnel, and the water crashed down disappearing as another wave took it place. With speed Syriene turned the tip of her board around and went at the second wave, but this time instead of riding in the middle of the tunnel she went on top just doing a bit of show-boating. She knew in a way that people were watching but she more wanted to give them a show then just watching her do small tricks. But as Syriene was getting to the end of the wave, that was when things went down hill, VERY quick. Syriene didn't see the danger that was right under her, nor did she see it getting closer, until it was too late. There was a bump under her board, which sent Syriene into the air and crashed head first into the water. While she was under the water, the shape was in plan view. It was a shark, but not just any one. A Great White. The fins broke the surface of the water for a moment before diving down to swim right at Syriene. It was at the last moment that Syriene looked behind turning under the water, getting out of the way at the last minute from those bearing teeth. But it was not as quick as she thought when she saw the red appearing around her. The pain wasn't felt until she looked down to the long cut that went from the side of her hip to her stomach.

4:39 PM

After a moment she broke the surface and with haste got back to her board and paddled as fast as she could, heading into shore, not daring to look back to see if the shark was following her or even worst being right under her, waiting for another attack. @Taking Back Luxday

There were startled gasps accompanied by terrified screams everywhere. Shark! That word pulsed along the beach as if it were the heartbeat of the shoreline. To many, this was a horror movie in the making. People in bathing suits tumbled out of the ocean. Grasping at the air. Trying to make it out of the onslaught of waves that were no longer safe to swim in. While sudden panic spread like a disease on the sandy shores causing chaos to ensue, Custos mounted his jet ski to make an attempt to save the women he’d been keeping an eye on. A blast of water shot from behind him as he propelled into the sea like a motorcycle taking off on a race track. He stood up, hanging onto the handles to better ride the waves so he wouldn’t fall off while going full speed. The sound of whistles being blown could be heard over the roar of his jet ski as lifeguards on the shore ran to the beach. Some of them were instructing everyone to get back from the water while others ran to the rescue boat to accompany Custos on the deadly waves - but they wouldn’t make it to the surfer being circled by a Great White in time. Custos was their only shot at her making it out alive. As soon as he approached Syriene he started to shout at her, giving her orders that were meant to save her life. “Let go of the board!” His arm reached out and grabbed onto her elbow. Custos was fit and had no problem lifting her onto the jet ski’s back seat. His eyes widened as the shark made a sudden turn, circling them to take another shot at the woman dangling off the edge. His hand clenched one of the handles of the jet ski forcing the throttle back and took off, leaving the shark behind to thrash in the water where Syriene’s blood had started to pool in the sea. It was tricky to keep her on the back while riding towards the rescue boat, pinning her body down with one of his hands - but when they got there, several people grabbed ahold of her and pulled her onto the deck of the boat, which was blazing hot from ba

12:28 PM

king in the sun all day. Now on his knees beside Syriene, drops of water slid down his long hair while his face blocked out the bright sunlight above, creating a shadow over her face so she could see him silhouetted against a stark blue sky. “I need you to take deep breaths…you’re doing great,” he’d tell her. There was even a smile on his face, which is what they were trained to do in catastrophic events such as these. The goal was to get her to land where an ambulance could take her to the hospital. His hand slipped around hers and held on for support, knowing it was common for shark attack victims to go into shock, especially when they’d been injured. @Argeneau25

The board was the only thing that was keeping the shark at bay. When the thought of not being able to make it out alive came to her mind, Syriene was thinking about the only other thing that she could do and was to shift into her mermaid form and swim away as fast as she could. But it was the pain that kept coming back to her, making her think even more on if she even had the strength to even get away from the shark. She was paddling closer and closer toward the shore, but still it was so far away. Was she even moving, was the thought that came to her mind before she saw someone coming at her on a jet ski. She didn't know who it was or even if they could help her. When they got close enough Syriene saw that it was the boy from before that was looking at her on the shore. When the boy got close enough, he grabbed her helping her onto the jet ski. At first Syriene didn't want to let go of the board as it was something that was once keeping her safe, her brain not thinking that she was safe still now on the back of the jet ski. The words from the boy yelling at her to go it go, she did just that as he took off. Syriene decided to get a quick look behind seeing the shark launch into the air, biting the board in two. Her breath got heavy and quick in just fear now starting to set into her body. The arm around her holding her close to the boy was helping her to stay grounded and not freak out as much. But it was not enough to stop her from looking down to her wound, and just watched the blood flowing from it down her side, and covered the jet ski, before flowing into the water. Staring at it was starting to make Syriene's eyes go from focus to unfocus, only to focus back around. She was doing everything that she could to stay conscious as they were making it to safety.

10:39 AM

For a moment without Syriene realizing it, she did lose consciousness, but only for a second as she had found herself now laying on her back and looking up at the boy now being face to face with her. The Auburn Red hair, being fanned out behind her head, but it was the blue eyes that stared at the boy. The blue seemed to sparkle with all colors of the rainbow the more that the boy would stare at them. Syriene felt the hand holding hers and she just squeezed back before her slowly closed and her body fell limp to the deck of the ship, the bloodloss effecting her more now that her body was not in flight mode. @Taking Back Luxday

Over the next week Custos stopped by the hospital each morning to check on the surfer who’d been attacked by the ruthless shark - and each day he’d report back that he wasn’t allowed to see her due to the extensive recovery process, that he’d have to wait a few more days before she could have any visitors. This was mainly an excuse due to the onslaught of news outlets looking for an interview. Everyone was talking about it. He couldn’t go anywhere without hearing people speak of the horrible incident. People on the beach would point at the water and explain what they saw to those who missed what happened. Everyone at work kept asking about her and Custos took it upon himself to keep tabs on Syriene’s well-being after the dramatic rescue. But when the receptionist at the hospital overheard someone mention that Custos was the lifeguard who saved her and not some rando looking to put her on the media to exploit her for ratings, she gave him a pass and let him visit Syriene as long as he was discreet about it. Warm sunlight poured in through the windows of the building making the freshly cleaned floor shine. The nurse guiding him to Syriene’s room squeaked down the hallway with her rubber shoes. She ushered him into the right room, drawing back the curtain that was used for privacy, then left them alone. Since Syriene was asleep, either from medications to heal or from a good night’s rest, Custos decided to pull up a chair and wait to see if she’d wake up. He’d brought a bouquet of flowers just in case they decided to let him see her today. There was a small tag attached to one of the green stems signed with all the lifeguards’ names and a “get well soon” written in cursive. Custos placed the vase of flowers, an assortment of purple, pink, and yellow petals with baby’s breath scattered around on the side table by her bed. He’d wait an hour and then take off in order to make it to work on time. If she happened to wake up she’d see him sitting there, flipping throu

4:45 PM

gh a magazine with a confused look on his recently shaven face, though the effort hardly did anything at all as stubble had already started to regrow. Custos continued to cycle through the reading with the same bewildered expression as he considered the countless surveys inside the magazine, all of them tailored to women and their sex life. One eyebrow rose into the middle of his forehead while debating if silk sheets were a deal breaker or not. “High maintenance stuck up hoes…” he’d mutter before turning to a different page. @Argeneau25

It was almost 3 surgeries in the week, in order to fix the damage that was done. The cut was deeper then even Syriene that it was, just a few layers from having his guts to be shown. She was in the hospital gown, a full mask over her mouth and nose, to get her as much oxygen as possible for her body heal. There were a few IVs in her arm and hands, a mixer of different liquids to get everything that her body needs. But what was getting the doctors a bit concern was how much hydration IV that her body was going through in a day it seemed that they were going through almost 4 of their largest bags. The doctor saw nothing harmful about it but it was something that they were going to keep an eye. They just thought that heavy drama was something that was causing it but they didn't really know. As the nurse came in to change the Hydration IV once more, she just gave a smile to the boy sitting there reading "Good Read?" She asked just trying to make some small talk as she was changing the IV as it would take a few minutes and it was just strange to not at least say something. When the nurse hung the bag up, is when Syriene made a small move. Her right hand grabbed at the sheet as her breathing was getting a bit heavy as she started to wake up. The nurse excused herself to go get the doctor, for him to be there when she fully woke up.

3:19 AM

Syriene's eyes started to open looking around to the bright room with a moan as it hurt her eyes a bit, since being closed most of the time here. The mask on her face was getting cloudy and then clear as her breathing was getting more and more heavy. In a way she was freaking out on the inside of where she was. It was until her eyes landed on the boy that she remembered had save her. A hand moved from his side and reached up slowly to the mask pulling it down, just trying to get it off "G-g-g-get m-m-me out....o-o-of h-h-here." She pushed the words out, feeling her throat was so dry and it hurt to even swallow. Her body was moving, rolling to her right side, her uninjured side just wanting to get out of the bed and out of this place. @Taking Back Luxday

“Not sure I’d call it that…” Custos said to the nurse in response to her question. He didn’t bother looking her way. In his mind, they all looked the same in their scrubs unless they had on an outfit with a fun print to distinguish them from the rest. Jungle patterns were his favorite. Or some with cute little animals such as tiny elephants and kangaroos. This nurse in particular, blurred on the side of his peripheral, wore a grey uniform, and did little to catch his attention. She was like a fluffy cloud, high up in the sky, floating amongst all the other grey fluffy clouds, with nothing to make her stand out from the rest of the storm. He vowed to put the horrid magazine down and leave after another few minutes. There was a lot to do today, after all. Custos was a busy bee most weeks. He was training someone as a new lifeguard, needed to pick up his dry cleaning, and a friend wanted to grab coffee with him after his shift on the beach. With any luck he and that friend would be in his bed by the end of the night because that’s how all coffee dates ended. Tick-tock went the clickity-clock and it was time to go. Custos folded the magazine and placed it on the side table next to the hospital bed. Naturally, just then, because coincidences were amusing in the grand scheme of things, Syriene started to wake up! Since a nurse simultaneously walked in to witness this miraculous moment of Syriene regaining consciousness, Custos knew he’d only have a few minutes before the room would be flooded with doctors and nurses adjusting tubes, sticking needles in less desirable places, and creating a whirlwind of chaos to ensure Syriene was alright. The way the nurse left the room like a mouse that just heard a piece of cheese fall on the ground, with her squeaky sneakers testing the clean floor, he figured they had one or two precious minutes together at the most. Custos started talking to Syriene all heart-felt and whatnot. “You’ve been out for several days,” he said while

2:04 PM

grabbing her hand to see if he could get her to calm down, at least, by the looks of her breathing and the perspiration on her mask it seemed like she was having a hard time waking up. When she began demanding to leave, he leaned over her body to get a better look to see if she was in some sort of distress beyond what he already knew of - figuring her symptoms were normal since he was clearly an expert at this sort of stuff, and given what she’d gone through and how long she’d been passed out, he continued to hold her hand until the rest of the staff arrived. Also, it seemed like a nice thing to do. “They’ve got you stationed at the downtown hospital off Fourth Street. There are a lot of people wanting to talk to you for an interview. You’re famous. Every Grandma and Tom Didally-Doo heard about the shark attack - no one was sure if you would make it or not.”

2:04 PM

@Argeneau25