Europa Awakenings

by P. R. Garcia

Medaron woke to the usual sound of song birds filling the morning air with their music. But today they seemed not to be singing songs of joy, but warnings of something coming. She had not slept well and this morning her body was filled with an uneasy feeling, a feeling of imminent danger. She sat up in bed trying to focus her thoughts, trying to decipher what the warning meant, but to no avail. The feeling was too vague to explore it further. Dismissing the feeling as a forgotten bad dream, she rose and walked down to the kitchen. The aroma of fresh brewed coffee filled the air as it had each morning for the past twenty years. Misso had risen early, as she did each day, and prepared breakfast for Medaron, having a fresh cup waiting for her at the table. Upon entering the kitchen, Medaron was delighted to see Jeanip was joining her this morning, as he did several times a week. She looked at the solider sitting at the table, noting his hair was almost entirely gray now. Even from across the room she could see the battle scars on his face and the large slash down his left arm. As she neared the table he stood, but she noticed he rose a little slower, his stance was not as straight or tall as before. Was Jeanip beginning to feel his age? Were the years of existing in human form taking their toll upon his body? Perhaps she should suggest he return to the Ocean Complex for some rest and rejuvenation. She considered ordering him to go below, but immediately dismissed the idea. He would not leave her or the children’s side. Jeanip was always the soldier, always the protector, always on duty. Perhaps once Europa was off to college, she could entice Jeanip to go swimming for a day in the ocean transformed into humpback whales. Although not as good as a few days rejuvenating at the Complex, even a short time in their true form would help his aging body. Yes, she must remember to do that. He would not deny her the request.

  “Good morning, Jeanip,” she greeted, taking her seat at the head of the table. Misso immediately brought her a plate of scrambled eggs, bacon, toast and hash browns. She then returned to the counter for Jeanip’s plate and sat it down in front of him.

  “Good morning, Your Majesty,” Jeanip greeted, sitting back down. He waited for Medaron to take a bite of food or a sip of coffee, for etiquette dictated no one ate or drank before members of the royal family.

  Medaron lifted her coffee cup and took a sip of the brew she loved. She held the liquid in her mouth for a second before letting it slide down her throat. She never grew tired of the taste of this marvelous brew. And for the hundredth time she thought “The human world may have many faults, but inventing such a marvelous drink certainly was not one of them.” Medaron sat her cup back down. “And where is our girl this morning? I went by her room before I came downstairs and saw her bed was empty.”

  “She was up early this morning,” Misso answered, pouring more coffee into Medaron’s cup. “She asked me to inform you she and her girlfriends wanted to spend some time together before she leaves. They were going to breakfast, do a little shopping and then spend time down at the beach. She said to tell you she would be home for dinner this evening.”

  Jeanip saw the slightest look of worry on her face. “Don’t worry, Medaron. She okayed it with me before she left. Her bodyguard, Birea, went with her. She is well protected.”

  “And Triton?” Medaron asked, looking around to see if her son was anywhere to be seen.

  “Of course. He never allows her to go anywhere without him. Why the worry this morning? Europa knows our security protocols and the importance of adhering to them.”

  Medaron smiled. “Probably just being an overprotective mother, but I woke this morning with an uneasy feeling. It is nothing I can put my finger on, but something feels different, out of place, foreboding. It is almost like a feeling I had once a long time ago. But I cannot remember what it was or what it means.”

  “I checked the security grid before I came in for breakfast. It showed nothing out of the ordinary. Perhaps you’re just apprehensive about her leaving in a few weeks. Or that she will soon be twenty.”

  “Twenty! Where have the years gone? It seems like we came up and began our lives here just last week. Twenty years! If we were home she would be preparing to lead her people, not going off to college somewhere. Instead of a small birthday party, I would be planning a gala event that would be attended by dignitaries and clan leaders and friends.”

  “Yes, if we were home. But we’re not, thanks to JeffRa and his vow to destroy our race. Europa will never know the celebration she should be having or the life she should be beginning.” Jeanip looked into his queen’s eyes from across the table. “She is happy, Medaron. Europa is a wonderful human with dreams of the future, a wonderful personality and a love for life. Forgive my frankness, Your Majesty, but what more can you ask for?”

  “No forgiveness needed, Jeanip, for you are right. Sometimes I slip into the past, remembering JeffRa’s unending lust for revenge, the lives he destroyed, the son he killed. Sometimes I forget he is gone and can no longer hurt us. Thank you for reminding me how fortunate we are that she is happy.”

  “Any time it is needed,” Jeanip smiled. “Besides, if we had not been forced to leave our world, we never would have come here and you never would have discovered coffee!”

  Medaron laughed. “That WOULD have been a tragedy!”

  “Now about this feeling you are having,” Jeanip stated, knowing the importance of Medaron’s intuition. If she was beginning to sense something than it was time to raise the security protection. “Let me know if it continues or if you get clarity on the cause. I will increase the security for a few days as a precaution and have the men double check the grounds.”

  “Thank you, Jeanip. As always, you protect us well. I am sure you are right, that her leaving soon for college and out of our protection has me uneasy.”

  “Remember, Medaron, Triton and Birea will be going with her to college. It’s not like she will be on her own. Plus, she will have security measures in place to assure her safety just as she has here. She knows to adhere to them. You have taught her well.”

  “More coffee, Ma’am?” Misso asked.

  “Yes, I think I will have one more please.”

  “Jeanip, would you like another?” Misso asked, walking toward Jeanip with the coffee pot.

  “No, I best get started with my day. I will take my leave of you, if you have no further need of me. Have a good day, Your Majesty.”

  “You too,” Medaron said. Jeanip had assured her everything would be alright. Now, if only she could believe that.

  ____________

  “Come on you guys,” Europa yelled, as she ran across the sand, grabbing a raft and jumping into the ocean. The salty water surrounded her tanned legs and rose higher with each step she took. The cool sand beneath her feet felt good after the hot sand on the beach and she eagerly dug her toes into it while closing her eyes, feeling the sun’s warmth upon her face. The ocean was her second home and she relished every experience it offered. “You guys are such slow pokes.”

  “Right behind you,” yelled Suzie. She and the other two friends grabbed rafts and ran into the surf. Jumping over the waves, they were soon at Europa’s side.

  Keeping one eye on Europa, Birea shook out a blanket and placed it on the beach. She folded the young women’s clothes and placed them on the blanket along with a towel for each. Seeing the area was secure, Birea sat down on the blanket, checking to assure her weapon was ready, if needed. Triton sat down beside her, watching Europa playing in the waves. Both would keep watch as long as Europa remained in the water, never taking their eyes off her. At the first sign of danger they would spring into action.

  “Hey look!” shouted Europa, pointing to a section of the ocean where the surface was being broken. “The jumpers are coming to play.”

  “Jumpers? Why do you call them that? ” asked Anna. “They’re dolphins.”

  “I know,” Europa answered in delight. “That is what my mother always calls them. I guess the title just stuck with me.”
/>
  “Hey, did you ever wondered why they only play with us here?” Suzie asked. “I live just down the beach and I’ve never seen them there.”

  “That’s because you’re not Europa,” laughed Anna.

  “Oh, I do not think that is correct,” Europa chuckled. “I think they come here for the fish. Jeanip said there are numerous schools of small fish that hide in the shallows, and the shallows only exist along this section of the beach. These particular fish are on the dolphins’ diet. So, while I wish it were true that it is my presence which attracts them, the truth is it is their stomachs.”

  “Who cares why they’re here,” Suzie exclaimed. “We get to swim and play with dolphins!”

  “Look, here come Jack and Jill!” shouted Europa, pointing to the two bottle nosed dolphins at the front of the pod. Each bore a purple starred birth mark on their sides, making them easily discernable. These two dolphins held a special place in Europa’s heart because they were the first two she played with as a young child. Behind the two were several more dolphins swimming their way, bringing their total to ten. As they drew closer, they began to click and whistle, encouraging the girls to play with them. Europa removed eight purple plastic rings from around her wrist and threw two to each of her friends. Excited by the game, the dolphins’ clicks and whistles intensified. They swam around the girls, leaping into the air and over the rafts, making their human playmates roar with laughter. The girls tossed their rings far out into the ocean in different directions and watched the dolphins speed off to fetch them. Observing from the beach, Birea wondered who loved the game more – the girls or the transformed Oonocks.

  For the next hour the girls played with the dolphins, laughing and having the best time. Too soon it grew late and they had to say their goodbyes to their sea friends and return to the beach.

  “That was the best!” Annie shouted, towel-drying her hair. “I could . . .” Annie stopped in midsentence when Triton jump to his feet, a menacing growl emerging from his throat. Notified of a possible threat, Birea immediately leapt to a standing position, weapon in hand. Both Triton and she stepped in front of Europa, forming a protective barrier. Further gown the beach, a figure could be seen walking towards them with a bicycle that appeared to have a broken wheel. Before Europa could react, Triton ran toward the figure in attack mode. He covered the distance in seconds, jumping upon the startled stranger and pinning him to the ground, his barred teeth inches from the stranger’s face. Birea followed with Europa and her friends close behind.

  “Triton, release,” Europa shouted, as she stopped several yards away from the stranger lying on the ground, his bike laying a few feet away. Triton lifted himself off the figure but remained in guard-mode, his teeth still barred, ready to strike if necessary. “Are you okay?”

  Weapon still in hand, Birea positioned herself between the stranger and Europa. “Who are you? What are you doing here? You are trespassing on private property.”

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t know,” the man replied, afraid to move as he kept an eye on Triton and Birea. “I had an accident with my bike just up the road. The wheel is bent and I couldn’t ride it back to town. Plus, I cut my leg pretty good so I didn’t think I could walk back either. I heard voices and thought there might be some one here that could help me.”

  “Triton, heel,” Europa commanded, staring down at the injured male. Triton growled one last warning, then sat beside Europa. “I am sorry if he scared you. You came out of nowhere, making him think you were a threat.”

  “I can assure you, I am no threat. Is it safe to stand up?” the stranger asked, still keeping an eye on Triton.

  “Yes, as long as you make no sudden moves you are safe.” Birea replied. She holstered her weapon and held out her hand to help the man to his feet. “What is your name?”

  “My name is Terrance Landers,” the stranger replied, accepting Birea’s hand and struggling to stand. Terrance looked at the woman; she was probably in her late thirties, about six feet two and very muscular. Yet, despite her physique, her facial features were very delicate, very feminine. Her light brown hair was cut very short and he noticed the early signs of grayness in her temples. Her eyes were an unusual color, almost the color of lilac, though Terrance knew such eye color did not exist. Perhaps she wore contacts, he told himself. “I’m staying at the inn in town. I’m sorry if I startled you.”

  Terrance stopped talking when he heard another voice speaking and saw Birea remove a radio from her pocket. Turning her back to the group, Birea answered the call. “Yes, Sir, this is Birea. (Pause) No, no backup is needed. (Pause) A young man who is injured stumbled onto the beach. (Pause) Yes, Sir, all is secure. Triton is standing guard. (Pause). His leg, Sir. Medical attention is needed. (Long pause). No, I see no threat of danger. (Pause) Yes, we will return shortly.”

  “Lean on me and I will help you over to the blanket,” Birea said, slipping her arm around Terrance’s waist and helping him hobble over to the blanket. He ungracefully plopped down, a low moan escaping his mouth. Triton quickly walked over and stood a few feet away, his gaze fixed on Terrance’s face.

  “You wouldn’t happen to have any water, would you? I lost mine when my bike flipped,” Terrance asked, noticing Europa’s beauty for the first time. For a moment, he was mesmerized by this vision before him. She looked to be around twenty, about five feet ten with soft curly, reddish-blond hair that was parted down the middle of her forehead and draped over her shoulders, still wet from her swim in the ocean. Like Birea, her facial features were delicate and feminine, but more refined. Her eyes were the color of the ocean, a soft blue that sparkled, as if they were stars. Her lips were round and firm and, even without lipstick, they held a tinge of warm pink. Still in her two-piece swim suit, Terrance saw she had a fine figure with a small waist, a long neck and a voluptuous bust line.

  “I’ll get it,” Anna answered, intrigued by the young, cute stranger. She ran to the cooler and retrieved a cold bottle of water. “That looks like a nasty cut,” she commented, handing Terrance the water.

  “I think it looks worse than it really is,” he stated, removing the cap on the water bottle and taking a long drink.

  “I believe you are correct, Mr. Landers,” Birea announced, tearing open Terrance’s paint leg to inspect the wound. “It doesn’t appear to need any stitches. I’ll clean it and put a dressing on it. This will probably hurt.” She retrieved a small bottle of antiseptic from a first aid kit and poured it on the wound. Terrance winced in pain, clenching the blanket with his hands and biting his lip to keep from crying out. The last thing he wanted was to appear a wimp, especially in front of the cute one with the guard dog. He gulped another mouthful of water, hoping it would make the world stop spinning and his nausea lessen. The water began to help just as Birea finished cleaning the wound and wrapping his leg.

  “I believe that will be sufficient,” Birea stated. “Just keep it clean so it doesn’t get infected. Drink some extra fluids the next few days to replenish your fluid loss.”

  Europa stood close to the blanket, staring at the man before her. She thought he was perhaps the handsomest man she had ever seen. He had light brown, wavy hair with natural blond highlights running through it. The features of his face were defined and his skin was tanned. His smile was warm and friendly, making you trust him. His eyes were the color of the sky. One could get lost in those eyes, Europa thought. And he spoke with a beautiful accent that stirred her heart.

  “Hi, Terrance, my name is Europa.” Europa extended her hand and smiled as she saw Terrance quickly check to see where Triton was before accepting it. “And this is Anna, Suzie and Rannie” she announced, pointing to each friends.

  “And who is the nurse?” asked Terrance, unable to look away from Europa’s gaze.

  “I’m not a nurse,” stated Birea. “I’m Miss Europa’s security guard. My name is Birea.”

  “W
ell, thank you, Birea. I appreciate your help.” Terrance tried to stand but was having difficulty since he could barely bend the injured leg. Anna and Suzie rushed to his aid and assisted him to a standing position. “Do you have a phone I can use? I can call the inn and have someone come out and pick me up.”

  “No need,” Rannie quickly answered. “We were just getting ready to head back to town. You can hitch a ride with us.”

  “That would be greatly appreciated,” Terrance replied.

  “You already have three in your car,” Europa announced. “And your trunk is too small for his bike. I can put it in the back of my truck and take him to the inn.”

  “Europa, we do not know who this man is,” objected Birea. “Your mother and Jeanip would not approve of you giving this stranger a ride. Besides, I told Jeanip we would return straight away.”

  “Call him back and tell him I am taking this gentleman into town. I am sure he is not a mass murderer.” Europa looked directly at Terrance. “Are you a mass murderer?”

  “No, I can guarantee you that I am not a mass murder,” Terrance assured her.

  “See, he is perfectly okay,” Europa stated. As both a tease and a precaution, she added, “Besides, Triton would have him for lunch if he tried anything. You may ride with Anna.” Europa spoke with such a commanding voice Birea knew better than to object.

  “As you wish,” she answered, slightly bowing her head. “I do not approve but, as long as Triton accompanies you, I will allow it. I will put your bike in the back of the truck, Mr. Landers.” Birea placed the broken bike inside the truck bed, securing it with a rope. She also grabbed Terrance’s water bottle and a piece of the blood soaked pant leg. She slipped them into her pocket, knowing Jeanip would want to run a complete background check on the stranger.

  Visibly in pain as he tried to walk, Suzie and Anna helped Terrance to the truck. Doing his best not to grimace from the pain, he slid onto the front seat.

  “Ready?” Europa asked, as she held the door open for Triton to jump into the back seat. As soon as Triton was settled, she hopped into the driver’s seat, closed the door and started the engine. “Buckle up,” she told Terrance as she drove away, Anna following close behind. She smiled to herself as she saw in the rear view mirror Triton sitting on the back seat directly behind her, staring at Terrance.

  “Are you sure it’s safe with him in the back?” Terrance asked.

  “He will not bother you as long as you do not make any sudden moves or try to touch me.”

  “Don’t worry, I won’t!” Terrance said. “Europa, that’s a very unusual name. Does it have a special meaning? ” he asked.

  “My father chose it for me. He was an amateur astronomer who loved Jupiter and her moons. He believed the moon Europa was the most beautiful object in space. When I was born, he said the most beautiful thing on Earth should have the name of the most beautiful thing in the heavens, so he named me Europa.”

  “Wow. I’ve never met anyone named after a moon before.” This made both of them laugh. Remembering Triton in the back seat, Terrance quickly glanced again at the dog and was relieved to see the canine had not moved. “Thank you very much for taking me back to town.”

  “It is no trouble. Besides, I did not want you to get injured further by my friends fighting over you in the car. We do not get many handsome strangers crashing our beach gatherings.” She blushed slightly, realizing she had called him ‘handsome’. She quickly glanced at him and saw him look down and smile, evidently noting the comment and feeling a little nervous also. “How did you say you injured your leg?” Europa asked, swiftly changing the subject.

  “I’m embarrassed to say,” Terrance said. “I’m in town to see my father. He’s a professor at the University of Michigan teaching Ancient Civilizations, but his hobby and passion is song birds. He heard of a colony of Red Rock sparrows nesting in this area that has had limited human contact. He couldn’t pass up the opportunity to study them. I thought I’d surprise him but, when I arrived, the inn’s manager said he left the day before for the field. So I decided to go out and try to locate his camp. Knowing the importance of silence, I rented a bike, which turned out to be a BIG mistake. I followed the trail the inn manager suggested, but I didn’t have any luck finding him. I was returning to town when I came across a family of squirrels chasing each other around some trees. I became so engrossed in their antics that I didn’t watch where I was going and drove right into this big hole. My front tire turned and the bike flipped, throwing me over the handle bars and down an embankment onto some tree branches, cutting my leg. When I finally managed to hobble back up the embankment, I found my bike’s front tire bent. Fearing no one would find me on the trail, I decided to try to make it back to town along the beach. I heard voices and you know the rest.”

  “You are lucky you were not hurt worse than you were,” Europa said. “And very fortunate to be close to the beach. It is pretty lonely out there. Those trails are seldom traveled and no place to be at night alone, especially if you are hurt.” She paused for a moment then asked, “How long are you staying in town?”

  “Probably a week, but it really depends on how long my father stays in the field. If he’s not back in a couple of days I’ll probably go stay at his place in Michigan until he returns. If he returns in a day or two, I’ll probably stay with him until his study is done. I normally spend my summers with him since my parents divorced some years ago. I live with my mom the rest of the year in Australia.”

  “I wondered if that was an Australian accent.”

  “I was actually born in the United States, but I’ve lived in Australia for the past ten years. I guess I’ve picked up a bit of their accent and lingo. Are you a resident or are you on vacation also?” Terrance asked, wanting to learn more about his rescuer.

  “No, this is home. I live up the beach with my mother on private property and off limits to people. But being new here I guess you did not know that when you stepped on to our beach.”

  “The inn manager did mention not to veer off the path.”

  “He probably told you that because to do so would put you on our land and possibly endanger you.”

  “Endanger me?” Terrance asked. “Why would I be in danger? Oh, you mean the dog.”

  “Actually, Triton would have been the least of your worries. Perhaps you noticed Birea’s weapon. She would have used it if you had shown any aggression toward us. And I am sure you heard her on the radio with the cottage. She was telling them we were okay and they did not need to send more armed guards.”

  Terrance looked at her, trying to decide if she was really serious or teasing him. By the serious look on her face, he chose the first. “Are you someone important who needs armed guards to protect you?”

  “To my mother I am,” Europa answered, smiling. “But there is a little bit more to the story that I will reserve for another time. Plus, my mother does not like strangers stepping onto her property unless they are invited.”

  “Well, I won’t make that mistake again.” He smiled and gave Triton another glance. “Do you always travel with a guard dog?”

  “Afraid so. Where I go, Triton goes. I cannot remember a time when I did not have a guard dog with me. He even attended school with me and will be accompanying me to college.”

  “You’re kidding!”

  “Nope. Like I said, where I go Triton goes.”

  “You said you live with your mother. Are your parents divorced also?”

  “No, my father died when I was very young,” she replied. “He was a treasure hunter and had discovered an unknown Spanish vessel deep in the ocean. While excavating it something went wrong and we lost him.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that.”

  “As I said, it was a long time ago. Well, here we are,” Europa said, pulling in front of the inn, Anna parking beside them. Birea immediately exited Anna’s car and walked toward the truck, unt
ied the bike and lifted it down to the street.

  “You have arrived, Mr. Landers,” Birea announced, opening the passenger door. “Europa, we need to return home.”

  “It was nice meeting you, Terrance,” Europa stated. “I hope you find your father.”

  Terrance slid out of the truck, being careful not to move too fast and startle Triton. Birea quickly climbed into the vacated seat and swiftly closed the door. Europa watched in amusement as her friends fussed over Terrance, almost knocking him to the ground as they began to escort him into the inn.

  Terrance stopped and looked back at Europa. “Europa, thank you again for your help. I’d really like to repay you for your hospitality. Would you be kind enough to join me for dinner tonight? Say, around six?”

  “I don’t think . . .” Birea began.

  “I would love to,” Europa announced, cutting Birea off in midsentence. “I will meet you in the lobby at six o’clock. Until then.” Europa put the truck in reverse, bubbling inside with the anticipation of seeing Terrance again as she drove away. “Not a word, Birea” she stated, knowing Birea had a list of objections on why she should not meet Terrance that evening. Birea remained silent, leaving the matter for Medaron. Seeing the stranger was now gone, Triton finally relaxed and fell asleep in the back seat. He too did not like the idea of Europa returning to have dinner with this stranger, but he knew she had a mind of her own. At least he would be going with her.

  Europa sped home, mentally running through her wardrobe, trying to find the perfect outfit to wear that evening. She noted Medaron and Jeanip waiting for her on the front porch when she pulled up in front of her home. Fearing they were upset with her for taking the stranger to town, she was going to remind them she would be twenty soon and capable of making sound decisions regarding the meeting of men. Birea exited the truck and walked up the stairs, passing Medaron and Jeanip without saying a word. Europa followed and walked toward them with as much strength and confidence as she could summon. Triton followed.

  “The young man has been safely returned to the inn?” Medaron asked. Europa searched her face, trying to decipher if her mother was upset with her or not.

  “Yes.”

  “His injuries were not severe?” Jeanip asked.

  “No, not too severe,” Europa replied. “He did get a bad gash on his leg, which Birea cleaned out and bandaged. And he smashed his bike up pretty good.”

  “I am glad he was not hurt too badly,” Medaron responded, as she and Jeanip turned to go inside.

  Europa stood there is disbelief, wondering where the lecture was. Was she dreaming? Choosing her words carefully, she said, “Mother, I hope you will not be upset if I change my mind and do not eat with you this evening. Terrance, that is the name of the young man, asked me to have dinner with him at the inn as a sort of thank you for rescuing him and I accepted.”

  “That was very nice of him,” Medaron said, as she turned back around. “I suggest if you plan on being on time you go upstairs and get ready for your date. Since your man seems to be an honorable gentleman, it will not be necessary to take Birea with you. Just Triton. I will have Jeanip fed him while you get ready.”

  “Yes, Mother,” Europa said, a big smile appearing on her face. She ran up the stairs and kissed her mother on the cheek. “Thank you.” She then hurried up to her bedroom to get ready.

  Europa and Triton met Terrance for dinner that evening and again the following day for lunch. On the third day, they meet for an early breakfast at the inn followed by a tour of the local sights. Feeling she was neglecting her friends, Europa suggested they spend their fourth day boating on the ocean. But Terrance had a fear of the ocean and no coaxing by Europa could convince him boating was a safe recreational activity. As a compromise, the five spent the day together on the beach. The women swam and played in the water while Terrance firmly sat on the beach watching them. When the dolphins came to play, Terrance wished he could join in the fun, but his fear of ocean predators and drowning was too strong to entice him into the water.

  Upon returning to the inn later that day they learned Terrance’s father still had not returned from the field. Realizing he was probably camping at one of the less familiar, more isolated rookeries, Europa offered to take Terrance the following day to the various locations. She did not want a repeat of his first attempt. Grateful for her assistance, Terrance eagerly accepted her offer and they agreed to meet at sunrise.

  “See you tomorrow,” Terrance stated, as he escorted Europa to her truck and closed her door. “I’ll bring breakfast.”

  “It is a date.” Europa prepared to leave when she heard Terrance call her name. She turned to see that he had stopped in front of the truck and was walking back to her window. Before she realized what he planned to do, Terrance leaned in through her window and kissed her quickly on the lips. “No,” she screamed, as Triton attacked. The canine obeyed and stopped, staring at Terrance, his teeth only inches from Terrance’s face. “That was a dangerous thing to do. Triton still does not totally trust you. Next time you get the urge to kiss me, let me know so I can prepare him.” A huge smile filled her face.

  Terrance looked at her, suddenly realizing how foolish his actions had been. Not wanting to break the fragile bond he and Triton had formed, yet still wishing to kiss Europa, he looked at Triton and said, “I would very much like to give your owner a proper kiss goodbye, if you have no objections.” Triton looked at Terrance, then at Europa. Seeing no danger in a kiss, he snorted, then turned and laid down on the front seat. “I believe he is saying he has no objections. So, with your permission, Miss Waters, I am going to kiss you.”

  “I would like that very much,” Europa softly answered. Still unsure of Triton’s reaction, she put her head outside the truck window and waited for her kiss. As Terrance’s lips moved toward hers she closed her eyes, and then felt his warm, soft lips on hers. Both became lost in their kiss, forgetting about Triton, forgetting about time itself. When Triton give a short bark, their lips parted and both were brought back to reality, immediately looking toward Triton.

  “Be careful going home,” Terrance said, as he turned and practically ran up the stairs. He had kissed Europa not only once, but twice and was still alive to relish the sweetness. He waved a final goodbye.

  Europa waved back and began her drive home, singing to her heart’s content with the songs on the radio once she had cleared town. Triton looked at her, pleased she was happy. He liked Terrance and was glad he brought such joy to his little sister.

  THE ROOKERIES