by K. K. Allen
A cruise around Apollo Beach is a happy escape, but I can’t allow it for much longer. My dad cruises into the middle of the Gulf for well over an hour, just circling around, creating waves for Jet Skiers who pass. At some point, he steers us toward land, but he aims for the back side of Summer Island rather than the marina. We approach a secluded section of the island near the School of Gaia where a small patch of greenery grows. I’ve always just assumed it was another mangrove swamp. To my surprise, my dad pulls the boat up to a small rickety dock that looks like it was made in a hurry.
“Don’t worry,” he assures me as if he can read my mind. “I made it myself.”
I take his hand and let him help me onto the dock. I look around, more confused than ever as my dad leads me through overgrown weeds and into woods filled with the biggest oak trees I’ve ever seen. “Where are we going?”
We stop a short while later, and I turn to him, watching his expression as he stares up, grinning from ear to ear. What is going on?
I turn to share his view. One of the oak trees, resembling the size of a small house, dominates the others. Its branches span out in every direction, some of them almost touching the soil. But that’s not the only thing that makes it a remarkable sight. It’s the only oak tree around with its leaves still intact.
My awe is replaced by surprise when my dad winks then raises his arms like a conductor before his last dramatic piece of the night. His energy creates a glowing green light that shoots from his fingertips and through the air. The light circles the tree and seeps into it. As the branches rustle, leaves descend around us like rain, falling in slow motion. A spiral staircase forms from the branches that now wrap snugly around the tree.
Halfway up the staircase, a flat platform is tucked perfectly between the heaviest branches.
My heart expands, and tears spill onto my cheeks before I can stop them. “You built a treehouse for me.” My words are airy, but I know he can hear me.
He wraps an arm around my shoulders and ushers me to the staircase. “My only regret is that I couldn’t give this to you sooner. Better late than never, right?” He smiles, and I’m not sure he understands what this grand gesture just did to my heart. “Come up and check it out.”
“When did you do this?” I’m still stunned, staring up into the thick of the branches.
Rather than answer, he nudges me up the wooden staircase, eager for me to explore his creation. A balcony wraps the entire house, and the main entrance greets us directly at the top of the stairs.
Oh my. I didn’t realize a treehouse could be so… spacious. My eyes sweep the area, giving it a quick once-over. It has all the basic luxuries of a home. A small kitchen contains a simple sink and mini refrigerator. There’s even a washroom enclosed by a long white curtain. The other side of the room holds a plush bench under a bay window, and I’m already aching to read in that exact spot. Apparently, my father knew I would want to do this because the two large shelves on either side of the window are filled with books.
“I’ve been in a treehouse before, and it did not look like this.”
My dad chuckles. “Consider it more like an apartment. There’s a trail that takes you directly to the school, but you can have your privacy anytime you need it.” He holds up his hands. “Not that you need or want it.”
A pang hits my chest at the thought of leaving Summer Manor—and Rose and Charlotte. “I don’t mind Summer Manor.”
Smiling, he squeezes my hand. “I know, Katrina. But look, there’s more.”
He pulls me through the main room and through a large, rounded opening into another room. I gasp. An antique telescope is propped up on a brass stand in the center of the room, pointing straight at the sky. The entire ceiling of the room is made of glass, and the leaves of the branches above us press against it.
“This area is perfect for stargazing.” Paul swipes his hand through the air in front of him, pulling the tree branches along with it. He laughs, and I’m breathless as I imagine the sights that can be seen at night from this spot.
“I can’t believe you did this.” My eyes are wet with emotion. A year and a half ago, I didn’t think I would ever have a father, and today, he’s giving me a fairytale treehouse. I throw my arms around him. “Thank you, Dad.”
He squeezes me tightly. “I love it when you call me that.”
A tear slips down my cheek, and I quickly swipe it away before looking around the room again.
“I did have some help,” he admits, almost sheepishly. “But I wanted to do this for you. Obviously, you aren’t ten years old anymore, but I’m hoping you find comfort here the way you did when you were little. You have far too much responsibility as it is, and you deserve a getaway when you need it. I figured this could be it. The best part is that since it’s on Summer Island, it’s protected again.”
I gasp and look up at him. “It is? How? When?”
He chuckles and shakes his head. “Let’s just say we pooled every resource we had and expedited the effort. Now, you can come here anytime… as long as you make me one promise.”
I pop onto my toes, ready to agree to anything. “What is it?”
“While Erebus is still on the loose, just keep me updated with your whereabouts.”
When he looks down at me with narrowed, fatherly eyes, I smile. “Deal.”
We return to the main room of the treehouse. The furniture, the books, the decorations—they all seem familiar, and now I realize why.
I gasp. “This is all my mom’s stuff.”
“Yup. Yet another good excuse for you to have your own place.”
He’s created a haven for me to spend time while surrounding myself with my mother’s memory. That gesture is even more beautiful than the treehouse itself.
He walks me to the other side of the room then peruses the small bookshelf there. I throw myself into the oversized bean bag chair and listen to him read excerpts of Early Greek Astronomy and Mythology of the Night Sky. One by one, he takes out a book and explains his own fascination with it. I realize where I get my love for Summer Library.
“Oh, you haven’t seen this.” He points to a trunk with worn brown fabric and a lock. “I used to collect stuff in this trunk when I was younger. Figured you could use it.” He opens the trunk to reveal a stack of envelopes and notebooks. Immediately, I recognize my mother’s journals, which I haven’t thought of since seeing them in North Carolina. Now, I ache to read them.
In my final look around the room, I notice a tall, two-cubicle-wide shelf filled with storage containers, Greek trinkets, and photographs. An old brushed-metal frame holds a photo I’ve never seen before. My mom has a large, protruding stomach, one hand placed over it—protecting me. My father stands with his arm around her. Both of them look radiant, with beaming smiles and glowing eyes as they pose for the photo. They look happily in love, like they’re about to spend their lives raising a family and cherishing each other.
Until death do them part. Except they never had that chance.
Paul makes his way across the room and stops to examine a wood strip in the doorframe. I look back at the photo and frown. He’s admitted it to me in subtle ways during our talks of their relationship, but it’s just now becoming abundantly clear. My father never stopped loving my mother, and even after her death, he will continue loving her.
We leave the treehouse and grab an early dinner on the patio of Island Grille, enjoying the burning orange sunset as it descends into the horizon. We’re nearly finished with our meals when my dad’s eyes move up and over my head.
“Johnny,” he says with a smile.
I turn to see Johnny paying the bartender on duty and grabbing a takeout container of food before heading to our table. He looks adorable in a hooded sweater and long jeans. Suddenly, I’m self-conscious, wishing I’d spun my hair up into something hotter than this messy bun and worn something nicer than my cream shirt and black leggings.
“Have a seat,” my dad offers.
“You sure? I wa
s just heading back to my boat.”
“I insist,” my father says, pulling out a chair beside me. “Sit. Eat.”
“Thank you, sir.” Johnny sits and opens up his container of food. He digs in, devouring it as if he hasn’t eaten anything all day. He sneaks a look at me, giving me that crooked smile that lights up my heart. I try to keep my face neutral so my dad won’t witness the effect Johnny has on me. He already knows enough.
“We just went to the treehouse,” my dad brags casually, as if Johnny is already aware of its existence.
I turn questioning eyes on both of them. “How does Johnny know about my treehouse?”
“I told you I had some help,” my dad says, tipping his head in Johnny’s direction. “He got everything started while we were still away in North Carolina. Turns out Johnny has some experience building treehouses with his father.” Paul is beaming.
Suddenly, the gift of the treehouse becomes much more extraordinary.
I reward Johnny with a tight smile. “I guess I should be thanking you too, then. It’s pretty incredible.”
His eyes lock on mine as he finishes swallowing a bite of his veggie burger. “My dad and I used to build small ones at all the places we’d port at. One of the areas actually turned into a park, but the city decided to keep the treehouse. They made some alterations, but it was pretty cool that they wanted to keep it.”
I take a sip of water, realizing with a rush of emotions that Johnny spent his Christmas working on my treehouse. Could this man be any more irresistible?
After what happened in the lifeguard tower, I knew it wasn’t just me who needed some time to sort through my thoughts. Johnny carried a burden that ran just as deep as the hurt I felt. I understand his reasons for leaving. I accept that he holds a responsibility greater than I’ve been able to admit until now. But our time apart only made me realize that I’ve already forgiven Johnny for leaving me on that dock. What I fear most, though, is that when I do give myself over to Johnny completely, he’ll own every piece of me—mind, body, and soul—and losing him again would completely destroy me.
My dad gets up to pay the bill, and I look over at Johnny with a smile. “You two sure are buddy-buddy lately,” I tease.
Johnny shrugs. “Makes it easier to spend time with you if he likes me.”
My entire body heats up then cools itself down instantly as I almost choke on my last sip of water. “Is that so?”
His eyes twinkle as he chomps on another fry. “It might have crossed my mind.”
“And when will you be spending all this time with me?”
Before he can answer, my dad returns. “Katrina, I just got a call from the plant. I need to check on some things. Johnny, can you make sure Katrina gets home?”
“Yes, sir.” Johnny stands and shakes my father’s hand.
I watch the exchange with shock and intrigue. I’ve never seen Johnny be this formal with anyone. When he sits back down, I just watch him as he devours the rest of his meal like it’s his last.
“You don’t have to walk me home. You clearly have better things to do.” I bite down on my bottom lip, stifling my amusement.
Shaking his head, he finishes his bite and swallows, then he tosses the rest of his burger into his box. He wipes his fingers on a napkin and takes a long pull on his straw until he’s drained his water. Pulling me to my feet, he says, “Let’s go.”
But instead of leading me home, he pulls me along the dock toward the boathouse. I don’t put up a fight. I’m too focused on how perfect my hand feels in his. I love the way it swallows mine.
I look up, focusing on his profile. His thick neck and hard jaw carry enough tension to tell me he has something serious on his mind, like he’s bringing me somewhere to talk. When I squeeze his hand, he peers down at me, his glacier eyes melting by the second.
“Is something wrong?”
He’s about to speak when his eyes catch on something on the path ahead then darken. His hold on my hand tightens, and he stops walking completely, causing me to take a few shuffles backward. I follow his eyes, and my heart free-falls onto the dock with a thud.
Alec stares back at us with a pained look that breaks my heart all over again… and he’s not alone.
Alec’s expression burns with pain, fury, and a whole lot of resentment. This is not how I imagined seeing him again. We haven’t even spoken since that night on my balcony, the night he broke up with me. He broke up with me. I try to let this justification win over the feelings of guilt, but it’s not working. Alec deserves better than the hurt I’ve caused him.
Khloe and Kaleb flank him on either side, and Arabella stands next to Kaleb. As their faces come into focus through the haze of my conscience, I see that they each regard me with different expression. Anger, envy, and confusion. Arabella’s look of empathy softens the blow to my ego.
I realize we’re standing in front of Kaleb’s parents’ yacht. They must have just gotten back from taking it out. This is the first time I haven’t been invited on one of their adventures. Suddenly, I’m an outsider, just like when I arrived in Apollo Beach. Is this how it’s going to be from now on? My friends having to choose between Alec and me? Of course they will choose Alec every time.
I try to pull my hand from Johnny’s, but he won’t let go.
“That didn’t take long.” Alec’s tone is dry, dripping with sarcasm. “We haven’t even been broken up an entire week.”
Johnny steps in front of me, shielding me from Alec’s face, but not his crushing words.
“Relax, man. You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“I don’t? Looks pretty self-explanatory to me. She chose you.” I peek around Johnny to see Alec’s jaw tighten. “Not really sure why, since you’ll just leave her again.”
Johnny takes a step forward, chest puffing out. “I’m not going anywhere.”
“You sure about that? Because I won’t be around to pick up the pieces when you leave this time. I’m done.
I move out from behind Johnny and glare between them. “Stop it, both of you. This isn’t solving anything.”
Johnny’s fuming, but when he turns to me, his fists are rolled into tight balls, his knuckles white from the pressure. “Let’s go, Kat.” Johnny reaches for my hand again, but Alec stands directly in front of him, challenging him.
“Care to move, Alec? I think you’ve made yourself clear.”
“I haven’t even started making myself clear yet.” Alec’s voice comes out low and threatening. I have never heard him talk like that. He’s shaking, and I can practically see the steam coming from his eyes and ears as he glowers at Johnny.
I take a gentle step forward, hoping to cut through their staring competition without making any sudden movements. One of them is about to strike the other at any moment. “Hey…” I tug at the hem of Johnny’s shirt. “Can we just go? Please?”
Johnny swivels his head. When he sees me, his eyes soften. He’s about to relent… for me. Not even a second later, Alec’s fist connects with the left side of his jaw in a cheap shot, propelling Johnny into me.
The weight of his massive form torpedoes me into the deck, shocking the breath from my lungs. If it weren’t for Johnny’s quick work to catch his fall with one hand while softening the blow of the back of my head with his other, I would probably be in a lot of pain right now.
Johnny searches my face and body, panic evident in his expression. “Are you okay?”
I nod quickly, not wanting him to worry. “I’m okay.”
But as soon as my words are out, Johnny’s worry turns to fury. Then it begins…
Alec looks down at me in horror while Johnny stands and retaliates with a right hook of his own. All I hear is the sound of bone crunching before blood gushes from Alec’s nose. A growl tears from Alec, then he lunges for Johnny. Meanwhile, Arabella scrambles to me, helps me stand, then pulls me away from the brawl.
Wide-eyed, Khloe and Kaleb watch the two men go at it while my jaw slacks in horror as I wa
tch it all play out. Alec and Johnny continue to take shots at each other, tearing each other’s clothes, all while grunting and growling like they’ve completely lost their minds.
Arabella squeezes my hand. “Just let them duke this one out,” she says. “This is about them right now, not you. They’ll be sorry in the morning.” She rolls her eyes in annoyance.
She’s right, but this wouldn’t be happening if I weren’t involved. No matter who started it, or who might end it, the guilt belongs with me.
Johnny has Alec in a headlock when he leans down and hisses, “Kat was never yours and never will be. Time to give it up, Alec. We’re done here.”
Johnny releases his hands and backs up, clearly calling an end to their fight, but Alec isn’t letting anything go. Instead, he raises his arms so his palms are out, expelling an element that looks like fire. Oh no.
“No!” I scream and try to run toward Alec, but Arabella yanks me back. She’s strong.
Energy fires from Alec’s palms, pushing Johnny back before the flames actually hit him, but Alec isn’t done. Johnny has his arms out now, ready to shield the next blast.
“That was a stupid thing to do,” Johnny snarls before using his powers to rip one of the side fenders from a neighboring boat to smack Alec in the head.
My mouth just about hits the floor as the connection slams Alec forward into the dock. His hands catch the platform, and he pulls himself up effortlessly. Then he barrels into Johnny, and they roll down the deck, taking swings at each other. Their knuckles are bloody from the impact their fists make with the wooden pillars beneath them, and gashes in their heads appear as they slam into the steel stakes holding knotted rope in place.
