Caught in the Net

by Breanna Hayse

“It’s too rocky over here. Move down to a sand bank so he doesn’t hurt himself,” Sam said, getting up. The animal followed her until she stood still, then launched himself up, banking himself with wiggling and snapping his jaws.

  “Keep your hand dry!” Michael ordered as his sister went running to her companion. Ton imaged the injury.

  “Eel. No, I didn’t eat it. No, my flukes are fine. It was an accident. No, I don’t know how.”

  “What is she talking about?” Jen whispered to Michael.

  He frowned. “Not sure. Sam? Is he integrating you? Sammi?”

  The girl didn’t answer, leaning against the whale's head as he joined with her gently. She felt the endorphins kick it, eliminating the pain in her hand. The swirls moved differently, faster and more erratic. They started to overtake her and Ton slowed the movement, bringing her out of the integration. She sank onto the sand next to him, unable to stand. Michael held Rich back; he had gotten a strong ‘no’ from the whale.

  The water gently washed over the girl’s legs as she sat next to the broad body of her water companion. She began to feel the contact again, slower this time and more gentle. Her body shivered as she allowed him to touch her. Satisfied, Ton began to wiggle to return to the water. Michael and Rich helped push him in before coming to Sam’s aid.

  “What was that about?” Rich asked, helping her to her feet and brushing her off.

  “I’m not certain. I think he’s trying to teach me how to integrate better. I can say this much, my hand doesn’t hurt right now.”

  “Yeah, but if it’s anything like what happened before, the pain will return with a vengeance,” Michael warned her. “Plus, it’s soaked. Let’s get back to the house and clean it up before it gets infected.”

  “I’m coming,” his sister answered slowly. She felt different this time. Something had changed again.

  Jen grabbed her friend’s arm as they followed the boys. “Are you okay? You look weird.”

  “I’ll explain this stuff later when I can think clearly. The method of communication over stimulates my endorphins so I’m kind of high.”

  “Isn’t this the stuff I’m supposed to have a clearance for before you show me?” Jen asked with concern.

  Sam shrugged. “I already took care of all that. You’re clear. I have my ways, trust me.”

  “I’m worried about you. You don’t look good.”

  Dr. Quimby said the same thing when they approached him. He peered into his daughter's eyes and felt her pulse. Everything was normal, except her pallor. Her turgor was sluggish too. “Okay, since you already got this wet, I want you to go down for an hour or two. Michael, please go with her. Jen, I need to explain some things to you. Come on,” Dr. Quimby said, taking the girl’s hand and leading her back down to the dock where they waited for Michael to return with his gear. The man slowly began to explain the situation and what she was going to witness. Rich sat quietly by them, holding Sam next to his chest.

  Jen looked at her friend. “I don’t get it. Okay, you need to be wet. I don’t quite understand how it works. But aren’t you going to get your wetsuit and stuff too?”

  “She doesn’t need to. She’s fully amphibious,” Dr. Quimby said softly.

  Jen’s jaw dropped. “That's crazy. There is no possible way for that to be true.”

  “Daddy, I’m going in. I’ll stay down here so Michael can find me,” Sam said softly, sliding into the water and sinking down to the bottom.

  Jen followed her with her eyes. “She’s going to freeze.”

  “Not when she’s out of balance. She can stay indefinitely submerged without any complications. She can also swim to depths that are humanly impossible. Probably deeper than even I’m aware of,” the father said sadly, gazing into the deep water before turning to meet Jen's eyes. He was telling the truth.

  “Rich, explain how this could be true. Please,” she whispered.

  He nodded. “I wish I could. I still haven’t gotten used to it. Hey Mike, she had to go down. She’s just below, waiting for you.”

  “Okay, thanks. We’ll be out soon. Don’t worry, she's all right.” He smiled with reassurance at his father.

  “Where’s your tank?” Jen asked as Michael slipped the mask on over his face. He winked and slid below the surface.

  “He doesn’t need one. That apparatus allows him unlimited air. I’ve tried it; it’s pretty cool. You’re freaking out,” Rich said, watching her face.

  “Wouldn’t you? This is like a science fiction fantasy film.”

  “If I could understand how this could all be possible, I wouldn’t be so worried all the time. Do you really think she’s okay?” Dr. Quimby asked Rich.

  He placed his hand on the man's shoulder. “Mike wasn't worried, so you know she’s fine. I just wish I knew what that whale did to her. This came on right after he integrated with her.”

  “Again? I thought I made it clear that she was to stop that without supervision.”

  “We were there. He halted Mike from approaching. He did take care of the pain in her hand. I think he’s trying to teach her how to use and control the swirly things.”

  “I wish I knew what you guys were talking about.”

  Rich patted her leg. “I wish I knew what I was talking about, too. I can’t really explain it well.”

  “The cetaceans communicate both verbally and mentally. It’s a form of telepathy; however, it uses images and chemicals, not words. Samantha’s just discovered it recently. It’s top secret; I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that. The odd thing is that the pods selected her, and subsequently, Michael, to become one of them. They’ve integrated their brain activity with the kids. Samantha is very sensitive to it, and the pods have been slamming her with instruction and experience. Too much and too fast. Ton has tried to slow them down without much success. I don’t know how else to explain it.”

  “It sounds pretty fucked up,” Jen stated.

  Dr. Quimby nodded. “I agree. Although, we try not to use quite that expression. I’ve experienced it from her. It’s pretty amazing.”

  “Me too, although that isn’t the word I would chose. It’s seductive and addictive for me. I lose all sense of control and reason. She’s forbidden to practice on me now because of the implications.”

  “Is that them?” Jen asked, seeing bubbles rising.

  Dr. Quimby nodded. “Yes. Are you doing better, honey? You didn’t go down deep or for very long.”

  “I feel much better. My hand still doesn’t hurt, either. Thanks,” she said as Rich pulled her out and wrapped a towel around her body.

  He kissed her. “I missed you.”

  “I missed you too. This itches,” she said, rubbing her wounded hand against her thigh.

  Dr. Quimby placed his hand on her back. “Let’s go change that into a dry dressing. You also need to talk with Jen about your situation and,” he winked at the blonde girl, “her choice of language. We’ll be right back.”

  Sam sat at the kitchen table while her father brought his supplies in. He laid a pad down then cut the wet bandage away from the wound. “Still not hurting?” he asked as he carefully unwrapped the remainder of the dressing.

  She shook her head. “Not at all. What’s wrong?”

  “What the... Samantha, this is impossible. Look,” he gasped, showing her the wound. It was completely healed with a small puckered scar and the sutures still embedded in the skin.

  “How did that happen?” she asked, staring at it.

  Dr. Quimby frowned, probing at the scar tissue. “I have no idea. Let me see if I can get these sutures out. Say OW.”

  “No ow. It’s numb. Daddy, if the swirls can heal…”

  “We really need to see how these things work. I don’t even know where to begin. Scott! Come here,” Dr. Quimby called, pointing to Sam’s hand.

  “You’re joking. Let me see that,” Scott said. Sam gave him her hand and he poked at it. “Incredible. How long since this happened?”

  “About two hours n
ow. Why?” Dr. Quimby asked.

  “If there is a repeat of what happened before, she’s going to start feeling it again in another hour or two.”

  “That’s what I thought too. And remember, she had healed before the pain returned the other time,” Michael added, entering the kitchen with the others. Jen looked at him confused. He sighed, glancing at his family. He choose to keep things vague, explaining that she had gotten mildly hurt and what had occurred with the pain and healing.

  “I never connected the absence of those marks with healing, though,” Scott said. He looked at his niece. “Should we give you something in case it starts to hurt again?”

  “No, we shouldn’t mask it. If it does start up, I would like your permission to try to use the swirls on myself.”

  “Go ahead. Just talk with us,” Dr. Quimby said.

  Rich beckoned to him. “I still need to speak with you two. Can we grab a minute while it’s quiet?”

  “Sure. Scott, outside. Michael, please stay here and keep an eye on your sister.”

  * * * * *

  “What’s up?” Scott asked, settling down in the lounger across from Rich. Dr. Quimby sat in the chair next to them.

  “I need your permission for something and I don’t know quite how to ask without being misunderstood.”

  “You know us better by now. Just say what’s on your mind,” Scott ordered.

  Rich took a deep breath. “Sam is getting more comfortable with me and, as a result, she’s starting to test me a bit. I want your permission to discipline her if I feel it’s necessary,” Rich said quietly.

  Scott grinned. “Are you asking us for permission to paddle that little monster's bottom? This is priceless.”

  “You know I’m responsible and would never harm her, but she is starting to push buttons and I’m afraid if I don’t assert myself that she will lose respect for me. I know how you two and Michael discipline her. I think it’s needed if we plan on continuing our relationship.”

  “Why are you asking us? I don’t understand,” Dr. Quimby asked, amused.

  “Out of respect for you and the fact she’s still lives under your care. I’ve already had to deal with a small issue once, but I assure you, she was not exposed or harmed in any way. Michael was aware prior to the event.”

  “Rich, the more family she has around to keep her under control, the less likely she is to hurt herself. Go for it. With my blessing,” Scott chuckled.

  Dr. Quimby smiled gently. “I trust you to be fair and not take advantage of her vulnerability at that moment. You also have my blessing, and I wish you the best of luck. She’s going to fight you tooth and nail.”

  “I’ve already informed her that she was to start wearing thongs so I have access to that bottom without exposing her,” Rich grinned back.

  “Good idea, however, I promise that she will defy you. I know her too well. If you have a need to expose her, just remember your purpose, not your pleasure,” Dr. Quimby said firmly. They all turned their heads, hearing a yell. Running inside, they saw Michael holding his sister firmly, rocking her as she bawled into his shoulder while holding her trembling hand.

  “Just what we thought would happen. Okay, honey, the shock will pass soon. Breathe,” Scott said, joined by his friend.

  “It’s okay, we’re all here. Hurts, huh?” Dr. Quimby said, stroking her hair. “Try to swirl if you can. Go on, baby.”

  “Use me if you need to. I’m here,” Rich said, taking her from her brother. He began to cover her lips with kisses, trying to distract her from the pain. Her crying subsided as she joined her lips to his and began to image in her mind. Rich’s kisses grew more aggressive as he fought not to lose himself.

  “We, we need to stop,” he panted, envisioning himself plunging into her. “Please, stop.”

  “I don’t want to,” she whispered back, lost in the integration.

  Dr. Quimby frowned, smacking her sharply on the thigh. “Let him go! Samantha Anne! Let him go now! That is an order.”

  “No, he’s mine,” she whispered huskily, hands pulling Rich’s lips tightly against hers.

  Dr. Quimby pulled them apart. “I know you can control your end. Now stop it. And do not ever tell me ‘no’ again when I give you an order.”

  The girl shook her head, clearing her thoughts. She faced the floor. “I’m sorry, Daddy. You too, Rich. Are you all right?”

  “I need a cold shower. Again.”

  “Sorry,” she said quietly. She looked at her father’s frown. “Am I in trouble?”

  “Not this time, but do not let that happen again. Is your hand better?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Okay. I want you to stay in tonight. I know you four had plans, but I want you to stay where I can monitor you.”

  “I really should go home and study. I have my finals next week,” Jen said, holding Michael’s arm. She hugged her new family and asked Michael to walk her out. He gladly did so.

  “It’s a little too much to take in all at once. I’m sorry,” he said, touching her face.

  Jen placed her hand on his strong chin. “I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Give me time; I’ll adjust. Thank you for everything.”

  “Would you like me to come over and help you study?” He held the door for her.

  “I‘m afraid that studying would be the furthest thing on my mind, if I was with you. That little demonstration left me winded,” she confessed.

  Michael leaned forward. “It’s nothing like the real thing,” he whispered, pressing his lips to hers.

  Fireworks. That was all she could think of. She was pressed against the side of her car; the only reason she was still standing. His lips were magical. She was panting when he finally released her. “Oh my God… I, uh, I better go before I forget I’m a lady,” she whispered.

  Michael smiled. “Will I see you later?” he asked.

  Jen forced herself to breathe normally. “I hope so. I gotta concentrate on these stupid finals.”

  “I could offer some incentives, if you need them.” He leaned through her window, kissing her lips.

  “Like what?”

  “Like if you pass, I’ll take you on a romantic evening, just the two of us. With more of this.” He kissed her again.

  Her heart pounded heavily. “And if I don’t?” she whispered into his neck.

  Michael nibbled on her ear lobe. “I might have to get firm with you. Trust me, you’d rather have the romantic evening.”

  “I don’t know about that,” she whispered. “I need more information regarding your definition of the word ‘firm’.”

  Michael pulled away, smiling. “You little vixen. Okay, since you asked, I’ll tell you. If you don’t do well, you might find yourself lying face down across my knee getting that beautiful bottom spanked. How about that?”

  “Hmmm, maybe I won’t study at all,” Jen answered back, her heart racing.

  “Don’t think I’m kidding.”

  She touched his face. “Don’t think I am either. Talk to you later, okay?”

  Michael watched as she drove off. Rich wasn't the only one needing a cold shower.

  * * * * **

  Three weeks later, early in the morning, the four sat outside on the deck waiting for Dr. Quimby and Scott to finish dressing for their outing. The six were going out to celebrate Jen’s success with finals. The older men refused to share their plans as they loaded the four into Scott’s Hummer.

  “Where are we going?” Sam asked, placing Rich’s hand on the inside of her knee. She trembled as his fingers gently stroked her.

  “Somewhere. Everyone have their overnight bags and a change of clothes just in case? Good. Now children,” Dr. Quimby said, turning around in his seat, as Scott started the vehicle. “We have two rules when we are on the road. No fighting and no asking when we will get there. We arrive when we arrive. Understand?”

  Michael and Sam giggled, nodding, as Rich and Jen whispered “yes, sir”, before looking at each other. Within ten minutes of
driving, it began…

  “Michael, get off me! Daddy, Michael’s sitting on me again.”

  “Am not. Stop looking at me. Dad! Tell her to leave me alone!”

  “Don’t touch me!”

  “Stop breathing my air!”

  Before Dr. Quimby could say anything, Rich and Jen joined in.

  “I need to go to the bathroom.”

  “Hey! Move over. You’re suffocating me.”

  “DO I HAVE TO STOP THIS CAR?” Scott bellowed. The four quieted down, giggling like six year olds.

  Dr. Quimby glanced behind him. “Very funny. Now all of you behave or you’re grounded. You too, Richard. Don’t look so innocent.”

  “Uh, oh, he called me Richard,” he whispered to Sam.

  She snickered. “Mr. Perfect is in trouble. Hah hah.”

  “And you are going to get a sound spanking if you don’t calm down,” Rich whispered loudly. Jen glanced his way, eyes wide. He winked at her. “You too, if you don’t behave.”

  “You wouldn’t dare!” she hissed.

  Michael put his arm around her shoulders. “Don’t count on that. If he doesn’t, I might. So be good,” he teased.

  Jen nuzzled his neck. “Yeah, but I might just let you.”

  Michael kissed her temple. “Let me? Baby doll, I do what I want. And keep laughing. We’ll see where that goes,” he teased back.

  “When are we going to get there?” Sam asked as her brother and Rich smashed her between them. Scott looked in the rear view mirror.

  “That’s one.”

  She could tell he wasn't angry. She put her chin on the front seat. “When did you learn how to count, Uncle Scott?” She grinned. He raised two fingers. “Oh, isn’t that the peace sign? I love you…” she giggled.

  “That’s three. Sit back.”

  “And after three comes… Four! That’s a smart boy.”

  “You are so getting it when we get home, Little Miss.” Scott grinned good-naturedly. He pulled the car into the airport parking lot.

  Sam started hopping up and down. “I wanna fly!”

  “No. Period. Michael, Rich, please enforce your authority. We’ll be right back.” Dr. Quimby said, leaving with Scott to check in.

  Michael elbowed his sister. “You’re gonna get it when we come home!” he repeated Scott's words light-heartedly.