IMAGINE: Jude saving your life

     You lean against the railing, the sea breeze blowing at your face. Seagulls screech and dive bomb the ship. You’re on a cruise through the Caribbean. Right now the ship is docked. While most of the people are out exploring the little island you’re docked at, you’re on the ship, preferring some peace and quiet. You’re all alone on the deck and that’s exactly how you like it. You sigh happily and lift your face to the sun. You close your eyes, listening to the waves lap up against the side of the large ship. You lean harder against the railing and stand on your tiptoes. You hear the top of the railing creak and, before you can do anything, it breaks. You lose your balance. Your arms flail wildly, trying to grasp onto anything. You scream as you fall over the side of the ship. On the way down, your head hits the side of the ship painfully. Your vision dulls and you lose consciousness as you smash into the water. ——— Jude runs to where he hears the woman scream. It isn’t a playful scream. It was one of terror and panic. His heart thuds nervously. He was about to go join the other tourists in exploring the little Caribbean island, but something told him to stay back. Jude’s blue eyes search the empty deck. “Hello?” His eyes land on the broken railing and his stomach drops. He rushes to the edge of the boat. He peers over the edge. He doesn’t see anyone but blood taints the water. Without a second thought he dives into the water. His hands move through the water, looking for the woman–trying to feel for her. His hand brushes past hers and he grabs it. It’s limp. He reaches down and pulls her to him. He breaks the surface, making sure her head is above the water. She has a large gash on her head and it’s bleeding profusely. Her head lolls against his shoulder. “Hey, I’m going to get you out of here, don’t worry.” Jude says breathlessly, even though he knows she can’t hear him. He swims a little way to the shore. He drags her onto the white sandy beach and turns her onto her back. “Come on.” He pleads, lacing his hands together. He starts the chest compressions, his heart threatening to leap out of his chest. ——— You sit up and turn on your side, coughing up water violently. “Argh.” You gasp, clutching your head. You pull your hand away and it’s bright red with blood. You look up at the man who’s staring at you, his eyes a beautiful blue. Water droplets move down his face and he’s breathing hard. “You saved me.” You whisper. “What happened?” He asks. “I-I was leaning against the railing and it broke. I lost my balance and fell overboard. I hit my head.” “Yeah, that’s a really nasty gash. We need to go get that checked out. You’re probably going to need stitches.” He grabs your hand and gently helps you up. Your world spins and your eyes squeeze tight. “Oh...” You breathe. The man wraps an arm around your waist. “Easy now, easy now. It’s okay.” He soothes softly. You open your eyes and you slowly start walking, the man helping you along the way. “What’s-what’s your name?” You ask. “Jude. And yours?” “Y/N.” You answer. “How can I ever repay you? I would be floating dead in the Caribbean if it weren’t for you.” You whisper, tears stinging your eyes. “You don’t have to repay me, Y/N. I was just in the right place at the right time. I’m so glad I was able to be there and save you. It’s an honor.” He says softly, smiling at you. You smile back. “Interesting cruise, huh?” “To say the least.” He chuckles. ——— You sit in the nurses’ station on the cruise ship. A nurse pulls off her gloves. “Okay, you’re all good to go. Again, I’m so, so sorry. The manager is going to speak with you in about ten minutes. He’s just trying to clear some things up and then he’ll be right down. You can just wait outside.” “Thank you.” You smile. Jude wraps an arm around your waist and helps you off the table. You walk out of the room and sit down on one of the sofas. “Are you going to press charges or something?” Jude asks. “No.” You shake your head. “It was an accident. Sure, it could have been prevented, but it’s not really anyone’s fault.” He smiles at you. “Good for you. Some people would totally take advantage of that.” You gently nudge him. “I’m not ‘some people’.” You grin. He laughs. You lightly touch your head, fingering the stitches. You wince. “Most people go on cruises and get tans. Me? I fall off the ship and nearly drown.” You state. “Cruises can’t be parties all the time, can they?” Jude smiles. “The proof is in the pudding.” “Or the stitches.” He says, pointing to your head. “Touché.” You laugh. [THE END] I hope you liked it!