Alexia’s POV

His face was so serious, yet so comforting like everything was going to be okay. Then we both went in and got swept away. We got pushed off the cliff to be plunged to our deaths. Nick had said something then kissed me, it was as if he was saying farewell. The next thing I knew he pushed me away and fell into the water first. Then I hit the water, though it didn’t hurt as much as expected. After the water I hit his body, knocking the breath out of me.

Not again, not this again, I can’t take a breathe or I’ll drown once again. I clamber and struggle back up to the surface, I take a deep breathe. I’m so cold, making it hard to swim plus the pack is making it twice a difficult. I undo the clips and let the water wash my pack away. I look around for Nick but he hasn’t came up yet.

It’s getting harder and harder to swim every second that goes by. I look around, then down into the crystal looking water. I spot him still drifting towards the bottom, why hasn’t he tried swimming up yet. (No no no, it can’t be did he drown already. No no, wait no, is that why my impact wasn’t as hard. Did he use his body to break the water for me? He’s been going on and on about using his own life to protect me, but to actually do it.). I start getting a little frustrated at him and adrenaline starts to pump. I dunk under the water and slowly swim down to him. Takes me a few seconds but I reach him. I grab onto his arm and pull up and swim, it’s a lot easier than expected. I didn’t know this but the air inside the waterproof bag inside the pack is acting closely like a small floaty, it wasn’t enough to hold him up but with some extra help.

I only have a little bit of energy left when we finally reach the shore, I’m shivering uncontrollably but Nick isn’t moving. I tear off his pack from his back and slide it to the side. (If I remember correctly, there were lessons in school about CPR. But I can’t remember how to do it exactly) without even really meaning to I start pounding on his chest, out of frustration and anger at myself.

Cough cough cough, “Ouch ouch, please stop” Nick whimpers at me. I shriek in surprise and joy, then without thinking I kiss him, then start whispering thank you quietly to whomever is listening. “Wow, that’s a nice present for coming back…cough. Ow” he grabs ahold of his chest. “What, what’s the issue?” I ask in fear.

“Mmm, it would seem I bruised badly, possible broken rib or two. But more importantly we both need to get warm” he says as he fights to keep his eyes open. As the adrenaline is wearing off I can feel myself getting groggy too.

“What am I supposed to do?” I ask slowly. “Not going to like this, but same thing I did for you. Undress and cuddle for warmth” he says getting slower. “Wh what?” I ask trying to understand. “Only way for us to stay alive is to strip and cuddle naked, sleeping bag in waterbag” Nick falls asleep.

“Wwait” I fall closer to the ground. (Right need to move) I find his sleeping bag in the waterproof bag after a slow search. I remove his clothes but very reluctantly remove his underwear, though my head’s so muddy that I don’t notice any details. I roll him over onto the open sleeping bag, then begin stripping myself. I lay next to him and fumble around with the zipper as I barely get it zipped up. I rub up against his body as my own mind falls unconscious.