“Excuse us,” I said through gritted teeth. I grabbed Heather’s arm tightly and steered her around the corner.
“If you ever… talk... about Abby that way again...” my voice shook with anger. I took a deep breath, “I will pull every hair out of your head.” Heather stared at me like a deer caught in the headlights. I let go of her arm and she scurried away. I wheeled around and ran smack into Ethan.
He looked down into my blazing eyes with amusement.
“Wow,” he said, “Remind me to never make you angry.” I went back to my locker and got my things. I slammed the door shut and Ethan was leaning there, staring at me. His dark blue eyes drilled into mine.
“What did she say about Abby?” he asked seriously.
“Why don’t you ask her?” I said, my voice dripping with acid.
Ethan walked alongside me to art class, casting sideways glances my way. I was practicing the deep calming breaths that Abby had taught me in yoga class. I couldn’t remember ever feeling so angry, and my sudden violent thoughts frightened me. I wondered if my mother had a temper, because my father rarely even raised his voice. I felt like something dangerous was welling up within me, something wild and out of control.
When I got to art class I scanned the room for a seat as far away from Heather as I could find. I took the last empty spot at a table with three boys, who all stared at me, dumbstruck. This forced Ethan to sit with Heather and Jamie, who cast triumphant glances at me, smiling smugly.
We were tasked with drawing a mythical creature of our choice, which struck me as highly ironic. I thought about the first time I saw Lorelei rise from the water and started drawing feverishly. Her image came to me with with crystal clarity, and I remembered the surge of shock that brought me to my knees. I lost myself in the memory, drowning out all the chatter in the room. The sounds of the class became like the roar of the surf to me, and when the teacher called for us to stop I looked up, disoriented and dazed.
I could hear the boys snickering as they looked over at my drawing and was suddenly mortified. I had captured Lorelei perfectly, and the expression she wore took me right back to that day. The only problem was that she was bare breasted, and she happened to look almost exactly like me. I quickly slammed the drawing pad shut, holding it to my chest. Mr. Briggs came around to collect the art, which he routinely posted on the classroom walls for a group critique. I refused to hand it over.
“Now Marina,” he said, “we are all our own worst critics.” He reached out his hand for the pad. I looked around and saw everyone watching, surprised because they knew how well I could draw. The boys at the table started laughing, and Mr. Briggs looked alarmed. I slowly reached my hand out and passed it over with a pleading look. He flipped it open and studied it briefly.
His face was impassive, unreadable. He closed the pad and tucked it under his arm.
“Please see me after class,” he said, and continued down the row of desks. The bell rang and the room was noisy with the bustle of students filing out. I sat at my desk, pretending to arrange the things in my bag, willing the class to clear out quickly. Ethan went out last, standing in the doorway as if to wait for me.
“Please excuse us,” Mr. Briggs said to him sternly, and he reluctantly turned and left.
Mr. Briggs walked over to me solemnly, “Marina, you are one of the most talented students I’ve ever had the privilege to teach. Your sensibility is remarkable, and your level of sophistication is clear.” He handed me the sketchpad, “This is a beautiful artwork, and in any other venue it would be appropriate.” He smiled reassuringly at my worried face, “Let’s just keep it rated ‘G’ from now on.” He walked towards the door and turned back, “You know, you really ought to consider taking some life drawing classes at the junior college... I can give you a recommendation if you’re interested.”
My cheeks flushed with embarrassment, “Thanks, I’ll think about it.” I gathered my things and left the room to find Ethan waiting outside.
“Marina,” he called, rushing to catch up to me as I hurried away.
“What?” I asked, tersely. I really didn’t want to answer any questions about what just happened. After the day I had I really wanted to go home.
“I was wondering if tomorrow would be alright for a swim lesson,” he said, “I work on Sundays.”
“I haven’t had a chance to get a wet suit yet,” I replied, pausing impatiently.
“I think I have one that might fit you,” he said, sizing me up, “from when I was a kid.”
“Well... okay I guess,” I couldn’t think of a good reason not to.
I looked up to see Shayla and her friends watching us. The waves of hostility coming from them were palpable.
“I think your groupies are waiting for you,” I said sarcastically. He looked over at them, and back at me with exasperation.
“Do you and Cruz need a ride home?” He asked.
“No thanks, Abby will be here soon,” I turned and quickly stalked away.
“See you Saturday,” he called after me.
CHAPTER NINE
SWIM LESSON
I was curled up on my side, reading in bed, when I heard a big truck rumble down our street and stop with a whoosh of brakes. A minute later Cruz burst into my room with bright eyes.
“Marina!” he cried excitedly, “There’s a huge truck out front– they said they have a delivery for you!”
We rushed out to see Abby signing a clipboard as a couple of men wheeled a dolly holding a box the size of a small mattress up the driveway. They deposited it on the porch and left.
“Were you expecting something?” Abby asked, suspiciously eyeing the enormous package taking up the entire porch.
“No,” I shook my head, “Is it for me?”
“That’s what it says here,” she replied, looking up at me, “It’s from a surf shop!” Cruz and I set about opening the box. Inside was a beautiful woman’s wet suit in my size, along with two surfboards. I could smell Evie all over this one, and I smiled wryly.
“I told Evie about maybe learning to surf...” I looked over at Cruz, who was checking out the wetsuit.
“Marina, this is really expensive,” he said, impressed. “Look at how well it’s made,” he enthused, admiring the construction. I didn’t know anything at all about wetsuits, but I knew that Evie would only go for the top of the line. It was mostly black with teal insets along the arms and sides. There were separate boots, gloves, and a hood that matched it.
“I guess we don’t need to hunt for a used one now...” Abby looked at me, shaking her head,
“Marina, you are one lucky girl.”
“Believe me, I know!” I said. We pulled out the surfboards and laid them on the porch.
There was a big one that was longer and heavier alongside a shorter, thinner board with more fins attached to the bottom.
“We better put those in the backyard,” Abby said, “Why did she send two?” she wondered.
“If she can’t decide on something she always gets one of each,” I said, laughing.
“Must be nice,” said Cruz, as he helped me move the boards around to the side of the house.
“Thanks,” I said, heading back to the porch.
“Marina?” he asked.
I paused, “Yeah?”
“I uhm, overheard some gossip that you got in a fight with Heather today.” I slumped down and turned to face him, “It wasn’t really a fight,” I grimaced, “It was more like I kinda threatened her... a little.”
“Oh no you didn’t, ” he said teasingly.
“I’m afraid I did,” I said gravely.
“Why?” he asked.
I pressed my lips together, “She’s a nasty piece of work,” I said, “and someone needed to point that out to her.”
Cruz just shook his head at me, “They’re all like that– there’s no point in getting them all fired up.”
“What about personal satisfaction?” I winked at him and walked away.
I broke
down the giant box, putting it with the recyclables at the side of the house. Gathering up the wetsuit, I headed into my room where I looked over the accessories, trying on the gloves and boots. I stripped down to my underwear and squirmed to climb into the suit, wrinkling my nose at the strong smell of rubber. It had a zipper up the back that was hard to reach but after a struggle I managed to get it pulled up.
It fit like a glove, and I spun around in the mirror, inspecting the way it clung to my figure.
It was a little awkward to move around in, restricting my motions as I rotated my shoulders and stretched. It was so hot in the suit I started getting overheated immediately. I could see how this would help out in the cold water...
I looked in the mirror as a slow grin spread across my face. Now I could go back to see Lorelei! I could find out for sure if what she said was true. Best of all, I might find out more about my mother. The thought was so exciting I nearly jumped for joy.
Instead I called Evie.
“Thank you so much!” I squealed, “I love it!”
“Honey it’s my pleasure,” she said, sounding happy.
“But why did you send two surfboards?” I asked.
“The nice young man at the surf shop wanted to know if you used a long board or a short board. I thought you might want to try both so I had him deliver the best one in each size.”
“Evie, you don’t know what this means to me.”
“I wouldn’t dream of letting you go on your date in an ugly old outfit,” she said.
“It’s magnificent,” I said, “And it’s not a date. It’s a swim lesson.”
“Whatever you say dear, just have fun and remember two words...”
“What?” I asked.
“Waterproof mascara.”
We both burst into laughter.
I went to bed that night with an optimistic heart. The next morning the sound of footsteps on gravel woke me. Peeking out my bedroom window, I could see Ethan out in the garden. He was busily working away, raking up fallen leaves and tidying up Abby’s garden before he went to work again teaching me to swim. Did he ever stop?
I got up and searched through my suitcases for the swimsuits that Evie had sent me here with. I knew I’d have to put my wetsuit on at the beach and I had to have something to wear under it. I pulled out the designer suits, each one skimpier than the next. They sure didn’t look like they were made for swimming in. Just holding them up made me feel nervous, imagining Ethan seeing me... Arghh!
I finally settled on the only one-piece suit in the bag. It was a black Versace with a halter neckline. I tried it on and was relieved to see that it fit. From the front it was fairly covered, although the legs were cut very high. The back plunged scandalously low, and the color made my skin look pale. Lorelei’s sparkling scales flashed across my mind. I threw a pair of jeans and a T-shirt over it and put my hair in a ponytail. Ready as you’ll ever be, I thought.
When I got out to the kitchen Ethan was sitting at the table, having coffee with Abby. They seemed to be pretty well acquainted, and I overheard her asking him about his college plans as I walked in. They stopped talking and looked up.
“Good morning honey bunny!” Abby said with a warm smile.
“Good morning,” I said to both of them. I went over to pour myself a cup of coffee.
“Where are you going to have your lessons?” Abby asked Ethan.
“I was thinking about going out to the dunes,” he said. “The surf is more predictable there, and there’s no rip.”
“That’s a great idea,” she smiled.
“Abby, did you know there are two awesome new boards in your backyard?” he asked.
“Oh yes,” she said with amusement, “Those are Marina’s”
Ethan looked up at me, puzzled, “I thought you weren’t a swimmer.”
“I’m not,” I sat down next to Abby. How do you Explain Evie? “I have this neighbor, or more like an aunt or a grandma, and I told her I thought surfing looked like fun, and she likes to shop for me, and...” I was babbling.
“She got a big surprise package yesterday,” Abby said helpfully. “Have you had breakfast?” she asked Ethan. Then she turned to me, “You need to eat a good breakfast today. I’ll make a tofu scramble...” She started to get up.
“No thanks!” Ethan and I said simultaneously. Our eyes met and we smiled at each other, trying not to let Abby see.
“Yeah, we should get going,” said Ethan.
“I’ll just grab some fruit,” I said with a cheerful smile. I got up and filled a brown bag with a few peaches and plums.
“Are you sure?” she asked.
“Yes Abby,” I gave her a hug and turned towards Ethan, “Um, Evie sent me a wet suit too.
I’ll go get my stuff.”
We headed out to Ethan’s truck and Abby waved goodbye at the porch. “Be careful!” she called out after us. Ethan opened the door for me to climb in.
“It’s not much to look at, but it runs great,” he said. Ethan busied himself tying down his gardening equipment in the truck bed. I looked around the cab. It looked like he lived in it. There was a box with some clothes and school books stuffed into it along with a couple of folded beach towels. I bent down to wedge my bag under the seat. My sketchbook was there, the one that got soaked the day I met Lorelei, and I wondered why he kept it. Ethan climbed in and started the truck. We drove along in a nervous silence.
“How long have you known my Aunt Abby?” I asked.
“Me and Cruz went to elementary school together,” he said, “Abby was always really nice to me when I was a kid.”
I nodded, “She’s probably the nicest person I know.”
“Yeah she’s great,” Ethan said, “I used to spend a lot of time at their house. How come I never met you before?”
“We weren’t around much. My dad travels a lot for his work. He always takes me along...
until this time.”
“Why not this time?”
“He thinks Afghanistan is too dangerous,” I paused for a moment, “I think he’s being overprotective.”
“I don’t know about that. What’s he doing there?” he asked.
“He’s working to develop cash crops for the people affected by war and the drug trade. I talked to him after... uh... recently and he’s pretty excited about the possibilities.” I told him more about how my father researched new farming techniques and hybridized crops for people all around the world. I explained how he taught and lectured at the university, but preferred working outdoors in the fields, sun on his face, hands in dirt. I felt like I was babbling again but Ethan seemed genuinely interested. He asked pointed questions that kept me talking until we pulled into a secluded parking lot that looked out onto some grassy sand dunes.
He reached under his seat and pulled out a bakery bag.
“Healthy breakfast?” he said, offering me a doughnut.
“Thanks,” I smiled, “beats Tofu scramble.” We both laughed.
“Abby’s great, but she never has been able to cook.”
“Aren’t you not supposed to eat before you swim?” I asked.
“That’s a myth,” he said as he ate, “I wouldn’t go out after a really big meal but a doughnut won’t hurt you. Don’t worry, I wouldn’t let you do anything dangerous.”
“I know,” I said.
We took our bags and hiked down a narrow winding path through the dunes to an empty beach with gently breaking waves. It was a beautiful spot, and the sun started to win its battle with the fog, softly lighting the scene.
“Rule number one,” he said, looking at me, “You’re gonna need some sunscreen.” He laid his towel down on the sand and started to pull his gear out of an army surplus duffel bag. He handed me a tube and told me not to forget the tops of my ears. I felt like a little kid, but had to admit that I hadn’t considered it. I did tend to sunburn. Ethan stripped down to his swim trunks and pulled out his wetsuit. His body was lean and muscular, and I blushed, remembering the first time I
saw him.
I spread my towel on the sand and stood there awkwardly. I glanced over to see that he had climbed into his suit and was looking at me expectantly.
“Let’s go,” he said, “get your suit on.” When it finally dawned on him that I was shy he turned to face the water.
I hurried to slip out of my clothes quickly while he wasn’t looking. I thought about all of the surfer girls running around in bikinis and realized they wouldn’t feel awkward at all. I squirmed into my suit and was struggling with the back zipper when he turned around.
“That’s a nice wetsuit,” he said, “Let me get that.” I turned and he zipped up the back. His fingers brushed the base of my neck and it sent a shock wave down my spine.
“Aunt Evie just asked the guy at the shop...” I said nervously.
“I thought she was a neighbor,” he said.
“She likes me to call her aunt,” I explained, “But she’s like everything rolled into one. I never had a mom– I think that’s why she spoils me.”
“You’re lucky to have her,” he said.
“Yeah, I’m lucky,” I said, thinking of how I’d be able to talk to Lorelei soon. I looked into his eyes, “Teach me how to swim in the sea,” I said firmly.
Ethan told me the basic rules first. Never swim alone, and never turn your back on the surf.
He explained how to spot a rip current and get out of it. He told me how to turn and go parallel to the shore if you could feel the force of the water pulling you out. He spoke about the ocean with awe and admiration, and stressed that you must always respect its power.
We waded into the water, and the only parts of my body that were cold were my hands and feet. This was going to work nicely, I thought. He showed me how to spot sets of waves, and how to avoid getting smashed by one. The trick was to dive into the wave, getting your body as horizontal as possible so that the force of the water could pass over you. We practiced diving through waves and foam for a while. I found myself laughing with delight. I loved the smell and taste of the water. I started to feel like I belonged in it.
Derrolyn Anderson - [Marinas Tales #1] - Between The Land And The Sea Page 10
