Words To Riptide By Vance Joy Novels & Stories

On the tile by the pool stairs, the word RIP had softened at the edges, the letters blurring as if something beneath the glaze were breathing. Outside, mothers began to cry.

“When I was in the water up to my waist, the water began to pull me out to sea, and I couldn’t turn around.” “Rip tides are dangerous,” Victor said. “And they are hard to spot. Most people don’t know what to look for.” “It wasn’t very wide,” I told him. “Once I stopped fighting it and swam parallel to the beach like you told me to, I was out of the rip tide in no time.” “Thank the Goddess, you are safe.” Victor squeezed my hand. “I could never have forgiven myself if you would have drowned.” I leaned over and kissed him. “It was my fault. Instead of running away, I should have found you at the party and told you what was happening.”

and on cue the music kicked in. Vanessa started strong and sang the first line: * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * I don't know why you're hurt inside Or what was said to make you cry * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Ryder opened his eyes but it was obvious that the real world was oblivious to him. I had to admit grudgingly that Vanessa’s voice was pretty well trained and euphonic. She continued:

and on cue the music kicked in. Vanessa started strong and sang the first line: * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * I don't know why you're hurt inside Or what was said to make you cry * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Ryder opened his eyes but it was obvious that the real world was oblivious to him. I had to admit grudgingly that Vanessa’s voice was pretty well trained and euphonic. She continued:

Vance walked onto the sand barefoot, wearing a dark pair of trousers, his hair still mussed from sleep. He didn't speak as he stepped up behind Noah, his large hands coming down to rest heavily on Noah's shoulders. He squeezed the muscles gently, his fingers finding the exact spots where the old habits of tension used to live. "You're up early," Vance murmured, his low baritone voice blending seamlessly with the sound of the waves. Noah leaned his head back against Vance's thigh, looking up at the clear blue sky. "I wanted to see the tide change." Vance smiled, his thumb smoothing over the collarbone exposed by Noah's open shirt. "No hidden agendas?"

Vance c⁠h‌oke⁠d‌, his ha‌nds clawing usel‌e‍ssly a‌t my wr⁠ist, his⁠ boots dangling t⁠hre⁠e fee‍t off⁠ the g‌round. "‌N⁠o m‍or‌e wor‌ds, Va‌nce," I snarle⁠d, op⁠eni‌ng my m⁠as‌sive, bl⁠ack-furred ja⁠ws wide. My razor‌-shar⁠p f‌a‌ngs hovered less tha⁠n an inch from h‍is exposed windpipe, read‍y to tear his‍ thr⁠oat complet‍ely out of h‌i‍s neck and en⁠d his pathetic⁠ li‍fe once and for all. ‘THUD-‍THUD-THUD.’

But my wolf was howling now, clawing to the surface with a word that echoed through my entire body like thunder. “Mate.” And in that moment, Vance’s eyes widened too. He felt it. But instead of softening, something darker flickered in his eyes—a mix of rage, shock, and something else I couldn’t name. Then he leaned closer. “Say a word,” he whispered, voice like ice, “and I swear I’ll make you regret ever being born.”

Until I’m not being crushed by the fear that’s trying to consume me. This isn’t forever. I’ll be okay. Grandpa will find me. He’ll keep me safe. icanttakeit. This isn’t forever. Riley will find me. This isn’t forever. iwontmakeit. This isn’t forever. imgoingtodie. He’ll keep me safe. Keep me safe. Caleb will protect me. nohewont. I’ll be okay. noiwont. I can protect myself. noicant. “Riley? Grandpa?” I whisper into the void. “Help. Cal, are you there? I need you.”

🎵Just because you don't like what I am, 🎵Just because you don't like what I've become, 🎵Just because you don't like me, 🎵I will not disappear, I will not run away 🎵I am not gonna back down, 🎵I am not weak. 🎵No. 🎵I am still here, here to stand tall, 🎵Here to stand proud in the face of 🎵Hate, pain, and anger. She rapped River's part happily

Rosa could barely see the bottom of the river with the forest being that dark but Vance knew what to expect. “Hold me tight. We’re going for a quick swim!” “What? No! I’m scared!” “Hang on!” He ignored her cries and jumped into the water. Rosa didn’t even get to inhale first and the first impact inside the freezing cold mountain river made Rosa scream. Of course, her voice turns into bubbles and she struggles against Vance. Realizing her situation, Vance swims up, and both cough hard as soon as fresh air enters their lung. “You idiot! I got so many waters in my nose!” She sobbed in both relief and frustration.