Finally, the new girl, Clara, jumped in. It is much easier to relax when Clara is in the pool rather than watching her. Emma continued to float on her back and stare up at the stars. “I am Emma.” She said as the girl laid on her back nearby. Clara had said her name; it was only fair to return the favor. The night around them quieted down until the only sound that could be heard was the splashing of the waves and the breath of the two girls. “I agree, Clara. We should just stay here to watch the shower.” She found herself smiling back at the other girl.

Long blonde hair framed her face like a halo, and the water kept her body warm despite the cold temperature. Without warning, Emma flipped over and dove into the water. There was nothing like moving through the water. It was complete freedom, no pressure of any kind, just weightless floating. Emma broke the surface again, about a hundred yards out. “What” she breathed. She had not been under that long; at least it didn’t feel like she had been. Maybe she was just losing track of time, the water did feel good….

Just then, the moon reached its peak just over the pool. The water started to get warmer and then bubbled filled the whole pool. Emma looked around her; any edge was hundreds of yards away. “Clara!” She called in panic. As quick as she could, she started swimming for the beach. As she swam, the pool around her began to shimmer and turned a bright blue as if a bright midday sun was shining on it. Emma stopped swimming to cover her eyes from the bright light. Then it was gone.

The water was calm, like nothing had happened. “The hell?” Emma turned around in a circle, slowly. “What was that?” Emma swam towards Clara, throwing suspicious looks at the water, half expecting it to magically reach up and swallow them both whole. “I think we should get out…” She whispered. Thoroughly spooked, Emma began to slowly make her way to the water’s edge.