Between the Land and the Sea

Chapter TWENTYTHREE

THE STORM

I made it through the entire night without any dreams. I woke with a start in the pink light of early dawn and looked up to see Ethan’s deep blue eyes studying me closely.

“I slept!” I whispered, surprised.

“You talked a little,” he said, “and you sat up a few times, but you didn’t try to get out.”

“What did I say?”

“I couldn’t understand,” he said with a sympathetic look. He brushed the hair back from my forehead.

“Oh,” I paused, disappointed. “Maybe it’s going to stop,” I said hopefully.

“Maybe. Why don’t you come with me to the farmer’s market today?”

“Aren’t you getting sick of me?” I asked.

“Do you know how perfect your eyes are?” he asked.

I sat up, feeling self-conscious, “I think you’d better unleash me.” Last night Ethan had barricaded the door and attached a surfboard leash from my ankle to his. He was certain that I’d wake him if I tried to detach it, saying he’d be the surfer and I’d be the board. There was something about that analogy that made me nervous.

Ethan moved the furniture away quietly while I gathered my things to go wash up and get dressed. We took turns getting ready and tiptoed out to the front door. I left a note for Abby on the kitchen table, explaining that I’d left early to run some errands.

“What in the...” Ethan looked out the window to see his dad’s car pull up out front. The passenger door opened and out jumped Abby, running towards us. We exchanged a wide-eyed glance and ran back to my room, leaning behind the door in spasms of laughter. We had to wait a few minutes, listening to her rattle around in the bathroom before she finally made her way into her room. Every time we made eye contact we started to burst into laughter; it was difficult to keep quiet.

Finally, I peeked into the hallway to see the path was clear. We tumbled out the front door.

“Can we take the Jag?” I asked, “Otherwise, she’s gonna worry.” As we drove out he turned to me, “So, she turned in early, huh?”

“According to Cruz,” I said, squelching a smile, “We should probably keep this to ourselves.”

“Good idea,” he said. We pulled into the market lot, “Marina?”

“Yes?” I asked.

He reached over to pull me towards him, “Good morning,” he said, kissing me.

“Good morning,” I replied, and it was.

Ethan left to go set up and I walked carefully over to the coffee cart. I felt eyes on me and turned to see Long watching me from a distance. He looked away quickly. It was a little disconcerting, but I wasn’t going to let his superstitions ruin my day. I picked up two lattes and a bag of chocolate croissants and went to go join Ethan. We sat down in chairs at the back of his stand for a few minutes before he had to get back to work.

“Is there anything I can do to help?” I asked.

He gave me a chocolaty kiss, “Just stay off your feet,” he said, “and don’t go anywhere.” I pulled a book out of my bag and started to read with my feet up on a chair.

“Hello water girl.” I looked up to see Lue Khang pushing a wheelbarrow past the back of the stand. I waved at him, smiling. He set it down and approached me.

“How are you today?” I asked politely.

He studied me, looking at my feet. I had the strange notion that he knew they were hurt, even though they were covered in another pair of fur trimmed boots. I swung them down selfconsciously.

“How did you know I made soup today?” he asked with a twinkle in his eye.

I laughed, and he invited me to come and have lunch with him later.

“Um, thanks. I’d love to,” I said with sincerity. Lue’s soup was delicious.

He nodded with satisfaction, “You should keep your feet up,” he said as he rolled away.

The day wore on, and as the crowd picked up I watched Ethan work, dealing with customers, giving gardening advice and stocking fresh plants. He moved with such natural grace, I kept having to fight back the impulse to run up and throw my arms around him, smothering him with kisses.

He asked me if I was getting hungry and I told him that Lue had invited me to have lunch with him.

“Naturally,” he said, smiling in amusement.

Long came over and took charge of the stand for Ethan, avoiding me as much as possible.

“He really doesn’t like me,” I muttered to Ethan, feeling rejected, “What did I do?” He laughed, and whispered in my ear, “He thinks you put a spell on me.” He took me by the hand and led me to a secluded spot behind one of the tents. “I think he might be onto something,” he murmured in my ear and kissed me, his hands kneading the small of my back. I wrapped my arms around his neck, sighing with happiness. We walked out holding hands.

“Marina, Ethan,” Lue called out, gesturing us over to his makeshift kitchen. He ladled us a couple of bowls and sat down with us, urging us to eat. The soup was as delicious as I remembered, and even better, because this time I sat close by Ethan, our legs pressed together shin to shin.

“Mmm, thanks Lue,” I said happily, “You ought to open a restaurant.” He found my observation very amusing, and laughed his funny little chuckle. Ethan thanked Lue, squeezed my knee under the table and got up to go.

“Take your time,” Ethan said, “But come back to me. Don’t wander off.” I watched Ethan walk away and looked up to see Lue gazing at me with a speculative look on his weathered face.

“Long says animals attack you. Water spirits are still angry.” I nodded, wondering how much he knew.

“Uhm, Lue... what exactly do you mean by ‘water spirits’?” He smiled indulgently, like I’d just asked a silly question, “Spirits that live in the water.”

“They’re trying to get me in the water,” I said, searching his hooded eyes, “Lue, do you think I’m the sacrifice they want?” I finally said it out loud, what I had been thinking for a while.

My father had taken my mother from them, and maybe they wanted revenge. A life for a life.

Lue contemplated the problem, showing no emotion, “Water doesn’t destroy water.”

“I don’t get it. What do I have they could possibly want?” I asked.

He looked surprised, “You have many gifts,” he said.

There was a flurry of feathers and a screech, as a seagull landed on the chair Ethan had just vacated. It advanced on me, turning its head and eyeballing me like the other one had done before. Overhead, a dozen more circled. I backed away but Lue went after it, waving it off with disdain.

“I better go,” I said nervously, suddenly wanting Ethan, “Thank you Lue.”

“Good luck Marina,” he said, “And don’t worry, water always finds its way back to Earth.” I turned back to face him, “Kob kun kup,” I said and bowed deeply, with sincere respect.

I hurried back to join Ethan as fast as my sore feet would take me, even more confused than I was before. He threw his arms around me, greeting me like we’d been apart for days rather than just a few minutes. I giggled at his enthusiasm and kissed him, a little amazed at how safe and comfortable I felt in his arms. As bizarre and painful as the events of the past few days had been, I’d never been happier, and it was all because of him.

I settled back down, quietly reading as the market wound down. Ethan worked swiftly, packing up the stand and swinging by to plant kisses on me every so often. He drove me home, pulling up to the spot around the corner where his truck was parked.

“What are we going to do about tonight?” he asked.

“I’ll be okay on my own. We have school tomorrow, and you need your–” he leaned over and kissed me, instantly making me lose my train of thought.

“You’re not getting rid of me that easy,” he said, “Your feet aren’t healed up yet… and you’ve only had one good night’s sleep. I’d be up all night worrying...” He got out to retrieve his duffel and slipped back in, leaning over to kiss away my last feeble objections.

We pulled up to see a shining new Volvo sedan in the spot where Abby usually parked. It had dealer plates and stickers in the windows, and looked like it came fresh off the car lot.

“Who’s here?” Ethan asked.

“I have no idea,” I said. We parked and went in. Abby came racing up to hug me with a resplendent smile.

“Did you hear about your dad?” she was bubbling over with excitement, “He won the Nobel prize!” I felt a twinge of guilt that I hadn’t gotten so fired up about it.

“Uh, yeah, I called him. Whose car is that out front?”

Abby beamed, bubbling over with joy, “Martin is so good to us! You see, the prize comes with a lot of money, and he wanted to help us out. He had that car sent over for me and he’s paying for Cruz’s design school. He told me to let you know that you can choose any car you like! Plus, he’s going to fund some very important research... I’m just so proud of him.”

“That’s nice,” I managed to force a smile. I was happy for Abby and Cruz but my heart sank, for this was typical of how my father compensated for not answering my questions.

“Congratulations,” said Ethan, catching my eye.

“Can you guys order some pizza tonight?” Abby smiled, “I’m going for a drive, I think I’ll go visit Dutch.”

“OK, tell him not to wait up. I have some work to do,” Ethan smiled at Abby. She took off like a rocket as I sat down on the couch numbly, feeling defeated.

“So… what kind of car are you going to get?” asked Ethan.

I was irritated and hurt as I blurted out, “He’s trying to buy me off so I won’t keep asking him. This is the story of my life. Every time I try to talk about my mom he changes the subject and gets me something... He can’t just take me out for an ice cream cone anymore!” I said angrily, fighting back tears.

Ethan sat down next to me and put his arms around me, “I’m sorry,” he said, rubbing my back soothingly. After a minute he started chuckling.

“What?” I asked defensively.

“You’re probably the only person I’ll ever know who wouldn’t be psyched about getting a new car,” he said, kissing my nose.

I sighed sadly, “Are you going to call me spoiled again?” Cruz and Megan came barreling in and we pulled apart, looking up at the door.

“What’s wrong?” Cruz asked, scanning my face.

“Nevermind,” I said.

“Did you hear? Your dad’s paying for my school! This is awesome! Now I can quit my job and just work on my collection! I can spend my inheritance money on a car! I should make your dad a suit! Do you have his measurements?” His enthusiasm snapped me out of my funk and I got up to give him a hug.

“He’s not really a suit guy, Cruz,” I smiled, and added sincerely, “I’m very happy for you.”

“Did you call Evie yet?” he asked.

“No, but I’ll do it right now,” I said, “Oh… your mom went out for the night. Hey Megan, can you stay for pizza?”

Cruz and Megan each plopped down on a beanbag, and I excused myself to change and call Evie. She answered on the first ring, excited about Dad’s prize and effusive in her praise of him.

She told me to let Cruz know how much she was looking forward to seeing her gown, and we made plans to bring it up to her on Saturday. She happily chattered on about getting us lunch reservations at a hot new restaurant. I always felt better after talking to Evie, and the sting of my father’s sidestep was eased.

I took a quick shower, luxuriating in the hot water rushing all over me. I thought about the frigid ocean and felt a twinge of pity for Lorelei. This was a pleasure a mermaid could never know. I dressed, ran a comb through my wet hair and joined everyone in the living room.

“We’re on for Saturday!” I told Cruz, stopping when I noticed how they were all looking at me. The mood in the room was heavy, the air thick with tension, “What?” I asked. “What happened?”

“You need to stay away from the beach!” Cruz exclaimed with wide eyes.

“Jeez Marina,” said Megan, “Are you going to be alright? Ethan told us about the sea lions.

How are you even walking on your feet?”

“Can we skip the pity party?” I said impatiently, casting an accusing glance at Ethan, “What kind of pizza do you guys want me to order?”

They lightened up a bit, mostly since I wasn’t going to tolerate any conversation about every terrible thing that had been happening to me. I went to go phone in our order and when the pizza arrived we ate lounging on the couch. Abby might not have approved, but she wouldn’t have liked the pepperoni either.

Ethan insisted on taking a look at my feet and decided he needed to change the dressings. He went out to the Jaguar to get his bag.

“He’s staying in your room now?” Megan whispered to me, eyes wide and amused.

“It’s not like that,” I said, my cheeks flushing hot, “He’s just worried–”

“I think he’s a little more than worried,” she said with a knowing smile.

“Me too,” said Cruz with a wink.

I glared at them, “It’s hard enough without all of your innuendos.”

“That’s what she said!” Cruz screeched, sending Megan into paroxysms of laughter.

The two of them were howling with mirth when Ethan returned, looking between them and me with amusement. He must have gathered they were teasing me, and sat by my side protectively.

He took my feet on his lap, unwrapping the bandages, gently scolding me for getting them wet. Cruz and Megan looked shocked when they saw the extent of the damage. Ethan tenderly applied ointment to the stitches and wrapped them back up. He pulled my sweatpant legs up a little to reveal a couple of enormous black and purple bruises on my shins. Cruz and Megan gasped.

“Good Lord, Marina! You really do need a bodyguard!” cried Megan.

Their pitying eyes irritated me, “It’s not that bad.”

“If that’s not bad, I don’t know what is,” said Cruz somberly.

“Do you see what I’m up against?” Ethan said, thankful to have someone side with him. “I have to work after school this week. I’m gonna need you guys to help me keep an eye on her when I can’t be around.”

“Oh come on! I don’t need babysitters!” I protested.

“Look Marina, clearly the mermaids are communicating with you telepathically,” said Megan, “And with animals too. You should at least try to always be around other people who can stop you if they– I don’t know... hypnotize you or something.” Megan always had a way of getting directly to the point.

“Since when did you start believing in ESP?” I asked.

“Oh, probably just after I started believing in mermaids,” she replied, “Time to break out the tinfoil hats.”

“The what hats?” Cruz asked.

Megan rolled her eyes at him sarcastically, “You know, tinfoil... so the aliens and the government can’t read my brain-waves?”

Cruz scoffed, “You’re weird!” he said.

“You are so totally thick!” she fired back, shaking her head.

“That’s what she said!” Cruz shouted triumphantly.

We all laughed, and despite the mess I was in, I was surprised to find myself happier than I had ever been. With Ethan next to me I felt calm and relaxed, and I started to believe that everything would turn out okay after all.

The next week at school he was by my side constantly, making sure I stayed off my feet as much as possible. He would have carried me around if I’d have let him, but we were attracting enough attention to ourselves as it was.

The group of girls that followed the surfers around were noticeably disappointed with the situation, and I couldn’t help but wonder what they’d think if they knew where he was spending his nights. He refused to give up his vigil, and I really couldn’t argue after a particularly bad episode on Wednesday.

I dreamed about the circle of mermaids, only this time they were clutching at me, grabbing hold of my arms and legs. I was fighting them with everything I had, and I woke up to find Ethan wrapped around me, trying to wake me up and hold me down at the same time.

I was mortified to find that I had clawed at him and left marks on his arms. My eyes stung with tears of remorse and shame, and as hard as I tried I couldn’t keep from crying. I was bitterly disappointed that the sleepwalking didn’t seem to be ending, and now Ethan was being hurt by it.

He just held me, telling me it was going to be alright, until I fell back into a fitful sleep.

I spent my afternoons with Cruz and Megan. It made me uneasy to see how they watched me, constantly on the lookout for any strange behavior, but I went along with it willingly, encouraging Ethan to get out and surf as much as he possibly could.

The waves were big, and the contest was on for Saturday. A storm brewing off the coast was creating large ocean swells, making the surfers very happy. I was frustrated, wishing I could go and watch Ethan compete, but I knew that my presence there would be a distraction. It turned out that going to Evie’s that day would serve a dual purpose.

I woke up early on Saturday and quietly watched Ethan as he slept. His chest rose and fell gently, and his lips turned up in the tiniest smile, as though he were in the middle of a sweet dream. I had to fight the urge to kiss his eyelids, to run my finger down the length of his nose, to nibble on his ear.

He was so heartrendingly perfect he took my breath away. I wondered how I could have been so lucky to have met him, much less have him sacrifice so much of his time for me. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for him. I think I fell for him the first moment I laid eyes on him, but over the weeks my feelings had grown and grown. I had to admit that I was in love – deeply, endlessly, hopelessly, head over heels in love.

Acknowledging it to myself was more than a little alarming. I knew that Ethan cared for me, I just wasn’t sure he felt it quite so acutely. I also knew he was protective of me, which made me love him even more, but I didn’t want him to see me as needy and helpless. He’d been careful not to get too physical on his overnight stays, and I took this as a sign that his feelings were more muted.

It was different during the day. At school the heat coming off of him was intoxicating, and we were always looking for some secluded doorway in which we could kiss and cuddle, hidden away from our curious classmate’s stares. The mixed signals were maddening, and only made me want him even more.

Friday night had been a good one, with no sleepwalking. I hoped I hadn’t woken him in the night, but I couldn’t be entirely sure. Some vague, diaphanous memories of dreams hovered frustratingly just beyond my ability to recall them, refusing to leave me in peace. I felt like I was missing the obvious – as though I couldn’t see something that hovered right before my eyes. The situation had to change soon, for my feelings were so strong they scared me, and I was afraid I was on the verge of losing control.

I wanted him to get some rest before the tournament, so I sat up slowly and stealthily tried to unhook the surfboard leash. I just about had it off when hands snaked around my waist, and I was pulled back down, giggling.

“Where do you think you’re going?” he asked, wrapping his arms around me.

“I wanted to let you sleep,” I said, snuggling up against him.

He kissed my ear and muttered, “Mmm, you’re not making this easy on me.” I blushed, suddenly shy. I sat up and unlatched myself with a smile, “I didn’t wake up last night.” He ran his fingers up and down my spine, making me squirm.

“I wish we could stay here all day,” he said.

“Are you trying to get me in trouble with Cruz?”

“Who... me?” he said, his lazy eyes smiling.

I got up and gathered my clothes for the trip to San Francisco. Evie liked to see me dressed up, and I didn’t plan to disappoint. It looked like a cold blustery day, so I chose accordingly, picking a pair of tall black boots, patterned tights, a short leather skirt and a gorgeous cashmere sweater. I left to go change in the bathroom.

Cleaned up, made up and changed, I looked like a different person. A city girl. I knew Evie would approve. I came back into my room to find the bed empty.

“Ethan?” I closed the door to find him standing behind it.

“Look at you,” he said, reaching out for me. He hugged me to him, and looked me in the eye, “You’re tall today.” I lifted up my boot to show him the four inch heel. His brow wrinkled,

“How are your feet feeling?”

I smiled with a shrug, “Evie loves the designer shoes. She says we must suffer for fashion.” He frowned, and I tried to placate him, “My feet are much better, plus I’m only walking in these from the car to the elevator.” I kissed him, running my hands across his broad shoulders and back. I whispered in his ear, “I wish I could be there to watch you surf.” He held me tighter and pressed his face into my hair.

“You’ll be safer in the city. Just stay away from the water.”

“In these boots?” I asked playfully.

He chuckled and kissed my neck, “Your skin is so soft,” he murmured, brushing his lips up and down my throat. I was having a hard time catching my breath.

I pulled away with considerable regret, “We have to get going,” I sighed, weak at the knees.

“Can I come by tonight?” he asked.

“How long can we keep this up?” I wondered aloud.

He drew me back towards him, enfolding me in a tight embrace as he whispered in my ear,

“As long as it takes.”

I kissed him and backed out of the room in a daze.

“I’ll miss you today,” he called softly after me.

I went down the hall to the kitchen to find Cruz sipping coffee. He was anxious to show Evie her gown and had gotten up and dressed early too.

“You look sharp,” Cruz said, and I took a bow.

“As do you. Where’s your mom?” I asked.

He snorted, “Out all night again,” he said with feigned outrage.

Abby was terrible at sneaking around, and Cruz had caught on right away. It was a good thing. Cruz had one foot out the door, metaphorically speaking, and had been feeling a little conflicted about moving to San Francisco and leaving her all alone. He was relieved that Abby had another man to fuss over.

It turned out to be convenient for me too, for smuggling Ethan in and out had been surprisingly easy due to Abby and Dutch’s rapidly developing relationship. Even when Abby was around she was floating around with her head in the clouds, and Ethan said his dad was the same way. They had thrown caution to the wind and gotten involved quickly; they were happy, and seemed to be a very good match.

I went to go tell Ethan the coast was clear.

We ate some breakfast together before I walked him out the door. This morning, the air felt different, as though it were supercharged with electricity. We touched and there was a spark of static. Ethan laughed and hugged me close. I wished him luck and sent him on his way after a long passionate kiss.

Cruz joined me on the porch, “I thought I was going to have to turn a hose on you guys,” he complained, “I mean, honestly! It’s like the two of you just suck up into each other when you’re together.”

“Let’s get going,” I said, ignoring him, too happy to care. I felt lighthearted despite the dark cloudy morning. We clambered into the Jaguar and drove to the city, full of optimism. It was going to be a wonderful day.