When Love is a Question Mark
Chapter 127: Regret in the waves

Chapter 127: Regret in the waves

Miss Aquila, who had been standing near the edge of the boat, noticed Timmy struggling. Without a second thought, she jumped into the water. Her strong, practiced strokes cut through the waves as she moved toward him. She reached him quickly, grabbing his arm and keeping his head above the surface.

"Hold on," she said firmly. Her voice was calm but commanding. "I’ve got you."

Timmy’s face burned with embarrassment as she pulled him back toward the boat. He couldn’t believe he was being saved—and by her, of all people. But he had no choice. He clung to her support, feeling small and helpless. When they reached the boat, the staff hurried to haul him back onboard. Timmy’s heart raced, both from the near-drowning and the overwhelming humiliation.

Miss Aquila climbed out of the water next. She brushed the droplets from her hair, her gaze already sharp and assessing. She turned to the staff, eyes narrowing. "Make sure everyone wears their life jackets," she ordered. Her tone was authoritative. "We can’t risk this happening again."

Timmy’s face flushed deeper. He had taken off his life jacket earlier. He’d thought he could handle the ocean without it. He’d been so confident in his swimming skills, but he hadn’t expected the muscle cramp. Shame gnawed at him. He couldn’t meet her eyes.

"I-I’m sorry," he stammered, his voice low. "I thought I’d be fine."

Miss Aquila raised an eyebrow. Her expression softened just slightly. "Confidence is good," she replied. "But safety comes first. You were lucky this time."

Timmy swallowed hard. He felt like a complete fool. But deep inside, his admiration for her only grew. She had saved him without a second thought. She’d shown strength and courage he couldn’t ignore. He watched her walk away, the sunlight catching in her damp hair. Her calm presence lingered even after she left his side.

When the island hopping ended, they returned to the resort. Timmy stayed quiet during the ride back, replaying the moment over and over in his mind. As the boat docked and everyone climbed onto the sandy beach, he knew he couldn’t let her leave without saying something.

Miss Aquila stepped onto the beach sand, seeming ready to move on, her attention already shifting to the next thing. Timmy’s heart pounded as he hurried toward her, almost stumbling in the sand.

"Miss Aquila," he called out, his voice cracking slightly.

She turned, her eyes steady and patient.

"Thank you," he said. He tried to sound confident, but his voice wavered. "For saving me back there."

Miss Aquila gave him a small nod. Her gaze softened. "It’s okay," she replied. "It’s our company’s responsibility to make sure our guests are safe."

Timmy’s chest tightened. He didn’t want to part ways with her. There was something about her that drew him in, made him want to know more. But he lacked the courage to ask for her name, her number, anything to keep this moment from slipping away.

"I... I really owe you," he added, trying to gather himself. "I mean, if you hadn’t noticed..."

"It’s what we’re here for," she said. Her voice was polite, professional. "Ensuring safety is part of my job."

He watched her closely. Her words were kind, but her tone was distant. She seemed ready to move on, and he felt a pang of disappointment. His stomach twisted. He wanted to ask her to dinner, as a thank you. Something to prolong this encounter.

"Would you..." He hesitated. The way she stood, poised and reserved, made him pause. "Would you like to..."

Miss Aquila tilted her head slightly, waiting.

Timmy swallowed hard. The words stuck in his throat. Her demeanor told him everything he needed to know. She’d only been doing her job. It wasn’t personal. Asking her to dinner seemed foolish now, like he was crossing a line.

He forced a smile. "Never mind," he said. "Thanks again."

She studied him for a moment, then offered a polite smile. "Take care," she said. "Enjoy the rest of your stay."

And with that, she walked away. Her strides were graceful and purposeful. Timmy watched her go, feeling a sense of loss he couldn’t shake. This was likely the last time he’d see her. The thought left a heavy weight in his chest.

He let out a slow breath. How he wished he’d had the courage to ask. To say something that would make her stay a little longer. But she was already disappearing into the distance, and he felt like he’d missed his chance.

Timmy turned back toward the resort, the ocean breeze ruffling his hair. He promised himself he’d remember this. The feeling of wanting more but not being brave enough to reach for it. He hoped, deep down, that he’d see her again. Even if it was just a fleeting chance.

Despite everything, the memory of her pulling him from the water, strong and determined, would stay with him. It was something he would never forget.

---

Timmy trudged back to his room at the resort. The sand clung to his wet clothes, making him feel heavy, exhausted, and embarrassed all at once. His mind was still swirling with everything that had just happened. Miss Aquila’s firm grip pulling him from the water, the way she didn’t hesitate for even a second. He still couldn’t believe he’d nearly drowned.

Once inside his room, he peeled off his soaked shirt, grimacing at the salt and sand sticking to his skin. The embarrassment still clung to him, wrapping itself around his thoughts. He sighed heavily, letting the wet fabric drop to the floor with a splat. The near-drowning had left him shaken, but what gnawed at him more was the feeling that he’d blown his chance to connect with Miss Aquila.

He stepped into the bathroom, turning the shower on as hot as he could stand. Steam filled the small space, and he closed his eyes as the water pounded against his shoulders. It was supposed to be relaxing, but his mind refused to let go. The way Miss Aquila had looked at him—calm, composed, professional—had only made him feel smaller. He wanted to be brave, to impress her, but all he’d done was look foolish.