Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Chris driving out of the parking lot. He looked as if he had a lot on his mind and Marc could understand why. It probably wasn’t easy running a non-profit organization all on your own. He knew Chris had many volunteers to help him, but it probably got exhausting running the organization on his own most of the time. Chris really put his heart and soul into Shark Savors and anyone could tell that he really cared about his company. Chris waved to them and smiled as he zoomed out of the parking lot in a hurry.
“Bye Chris!” Cathy yelled out to him as she waved energetically.
“He’s a great guy. I can’t believe he started this organization all on his own.” Marc said turning to Cathy, trying to regain her attention.
“Yeah he really is,” She said as she led Marc back to her jeep. “He’s one of the most passionate people that I have ever known. Saving sharks really means the world to him and he also cares a lot about saving the environment. That’s why he’s doing all of these hydroponic growing systems. He also cares about the kids and giving them knowledge that will help them to save their tomorrows.”
“That would be a perfect description for him, if he ever needs a dating profile.” Marc joked.
“Oh I don’t think he will ever need to start a dating profile,” Cathy stated missing the humor of Marc’s comment. “He already has tons of girls dying to go out with him. He just never does. He keeps himself pretty busy with running Shark Savors. He wants the organization to be top notch. He’s put a lot of time and energy into it to make it what it is today.” She unlocked the doors and then opened her door to the driver’s seat as Marc opened his passenger door.
“Are you one of those girls dying to go out with him?” Marc interjected curiously.
“No, not really. Why?” She asked with a confused expression on her face as she started driving her jeep back to the dock so Marc could pick up his car.
“It’s just that you two have so much in common. I don’t understand why you never thought about dating him. I mean he’s good looking right? And he’s into marine life and he’s a vegetarian. He’s kind of like your dream man.” Marc said as he blew a breath out, not really anxious to hear her answer.
“You’re silly. You’re my dream man. We have a lot in common too. We both are in marine biology and we have a love for the ocean. We can talk about anything. You’re kind of like my best friend and lover all in one. It’s pretty much perfect.” She said smiling at him. She grabbed his hand and kissed it.
“That’s a good answer. You’re perfect too. Almost too perfect to be true. I don’t know how I got so lucky.” He said with honesty.
“Hmmmm, I don’t either.” She joked sticking her tongue out at him.
“That’s not very nice.” He replied by sticking his tongue out back at her.
“You know I am just joking. This has been the best relationship that I have ever had. We have open communication and every day that I am with you, I just feel happy. It just feels right. I don’t know how to explain it, but I feel in my heart that you are who I am supposed to be with.” She said bringing the conversation back to a serious note.
“I feel the same way about you. I can’t get enough of you. When I am with you, I do feel whole again. You make me happy too. We are meant for each other. At least I think we are,” He said with rectitude, before adding, “Feel free to disagree.” He joked again.
“No, no I do feel the same way. I’m glad we met.” She stopped the jeep right by his car so he could easily exit. “I had fun today. I look forward to next Saturday.”
“I’m glad we met too.” He leaned in to kiss her. “Do I have to wait until next Saturday to see you? How about tomorrow? I had a lot of fun too.”
“Oh, I just meant I looked forward to doing this again next Saturday. And sure, I would love to do something. Text me with the plans.”
“Deal,” He hopped out of her jeep and opened his car door. “Have a good rest of your day. I will call you later.”
“Great! Looking forward to it. Bye!” She waved as she drove off onto the sunset. Today had been a successful day. She had finally found a guy who truly made her happy. He didn’t judge her, he could handle her dangerous ways and he actually kept her in line. Marc was the type of guy that she needed in her life. She felt lucky to have someone who understood her for who she was. She looked out at the palm trees blowing in the distance and realized that she felt calm as well as happy. Marc made her feel complete and he brought true joy in her life. She had finally met the type of guy that her father would have wanted her to have.
Chapter 9
The following day was as blissful as any other day was with Marc. He had called Cathy late last night and had asked her to join him on a walk on the beach. She had been excited about his call and had gratefully accepted the invitation. Even though they had been dating a while, every day was something different and was always exciting. She usually got bored with most guys after some time, but she couldn’t see herself getting tired of Marc. He was easy-going, calm and knew how to hold her back when she needed it. She was appreciative to have someone like him in her life.
The sun rose gracefully as Marc led her down the beach. He held her close to his body with his arm wrapped around her waist. She loved how he always wanted her to be close to him. The way he held her was touching. He held her like he never wanted to let her go. And she didn’t want him to ever let her go. She had never been this in love in her life. Not even with Jason. Things were a lot different with Marc then they were with Jason. Marc understood her and her needs. He always put her first and he didn’t seem like a guy who would blow her off for another girl. He was a loyal man from what she had seen of him so far.
They whispered gleefully to each other as passer byers admired their love and affection for each other. Cathy loved when Marc whispered in her ear. He would always tell her that he loved her. It made her feel like the one of the most special girls in the world. This was what love was supposed to feel like, she thought to herself. Marc made her feel perfect, even though he knew her flaws. He still was in love with her and wanted to be with her. She couldn’t ask for much more. They had walked nearly a mile when Cathy suddenly stopped in her tracks.
“Let’s go in the water. It looks so clear and beautiful. I want to swim.” She whispered in his ear with delight.
“I don’t know Cathy, it’s always cold this time of morning. Plus the tide is high, it’s dangerous.” He answered cautiously.
“Are you scared?” She poked at his chest making him squirm. “It’s just a little water. I’m hot, we have been walking for miles. Come on, you know it would be fun once we got in.”
“I don’t want anything to happen to you.” He held her face and turned her chin so that her blue eyes were staring into his. “I really care about you. Let’s go back to my place and I will make you some breakfast. I can make you eggs, toast, waffles, pancakes or whatever you want.”
She laughed with pleasure. “Thanks for the offer.” She said as she threw off her dress and sported a light blue bikini. “But I want to swim.” She grabbed his face and kissed him briskly. “And I get what I want.”
She ran into the ocean with delight and dove into the first wave as Marc stood there and looked after her.
“Cathy!” He yelled out loudly into the desperate air. She had already gotten too far away to be in earshot of his calls.
She turned around briefly and signaled with her hand to come join her. He sighed and took off his shirt as he eased his way into the small waves, watching her in the distance crash through the big ones. He swore she was part angel and part danger. She had a way with him. He would always end up giving in. He was so enticed by her, he couldn’t seem to find the answer to stop it and maybe he didn’t want to. She was so difficult to please, reminding him of another time in his life.
“Dad, please don’t make me do this. I don’t wanna do this! I really, really, really don’t want to do this.” Marc cried as he looked up at his d
ad with plea in his eyes.
“Marc, this is for your own benefit. Your skills will improve if you can accomplish this task.”
“Dad, I’m scared! Please don’t make me do this.” He wiped a tear from his eye.
“Marc, they won’t hurt you. Come here, let me show you.” His father picked him up and brought him closer to the water.
“They look weird Dad. I don’t want to touch them.” He made a funny face. “Dad, I don’t want to be a surfer anymore. Can we just go home?”
Marc looked down at the bottom of the clear blue pool of water and shivered. He held his arms as his bodysuit wrinkled tightly around his body. He stared at his surroundings wondering how everyone else could be so happy about this. He was scared out of his mind. Looking at his flippers touch the ground, he thought to himself, ‘I just want to go home.’ As he picked his feet up off the ground and headed toward the pool he saw a dark gray fin approaching him. It came closer and closer and closer to where he was standing. He jumped back and let out a shrill scream.
“Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! It’s going to eat me!” He yelled at the top of his lungs as he ran away from the swimmers’ pool.
“Marc! They’re only dolphins, they aren’t going to hurt you! Wait, Son! You’re running into the women’s restroom!” His father cried as he chased after his 5 year old son.
He grabbed Marc right before he pushed his way into the women’s restroom. A lady with her two daughters gave him an odd, cold look as she brushed passed him to the entrance.
“Sir, this is the women’s restroom. You need to take your son over to the men’s. It’s just around the corner to the left.” She stated with ease as she pushed through the door with her girls. “Come along girls, now this is an example of how NOT to behave in the theme park.” She rolled her eyes and shut the door behind her. “Parents just can’t control their kids these days.”
His father sighed. “Well I guess I won’t be receiving the Father of the Year Award this year Son.” He hugged Marc tightly. “Please Son come back to the pool. I promise that the dolphins won’t lay a tooth on you. They are friendly creatures.”
“But why do I have to do this Dad? I don’t understand how this will help me surf any better.”
“Well Son, I have noticed that you are pretty scared of marine creatures. This is one of your big fears. If you can face this fear, you won’t have any fears when you’re out there surfing the seas. I want you to be able to face all your fears in life. This is just the start.”
Marc paused while he thought carefully about it. “Okay Dad, I will go back and face my fears. But I’m not doing it for surfing. I’m doing it for you.”
His father held his shoulder and looked him in the eyes. “Don’t do it for me. Do it for you Marc. Do it to be a strong person who lives life to the fullest.”
Marc smiled up to his father in agreement. He snatched his Dad’s hand as they walked back to the dolphin pool. He could feel his little fingers sweating in his father’s palm as he tried to calm himself down in order to try again. Feeling stronger with each step, they quickly approached the pool. He sat on the side of the pool and slowly dipped his flippers in the water. The instructor helped him in and coached him through the process.
“Good job Marc! You’re a great swimmer!” She said as she pat him on the back. “Now we are going to go over here by the dolphins okay? They are completely harmless.”
Marc nodded quietly in understanding.
“Now the dolphin that we are going to work with is named Fin. He’s five years old and has been working with kids his whole life. He is gentle and very happy to see you I might add!”
“I’m five years old too!” Marc exclaimed showing some signs of comfort.
“Wow! Really that’s great!” Okay so when Fin comes closer I want you to grab his back fin. He’s going to take you on a slow ride throughout the water. But you have to hold him as tight as you can so you won’t fall off. Are you ready?”
“Yes…I…I…think so.” He stammered nervously as he gulped.
“Alright! Here we go then!” She blew her whistle loudly as she shouted, “Fin!”
Marc’s teeth chattered as he waited nervously in the water for Fin to approach him. He held his arms out and waited for the dolphin. Fin swam elegantly towards Marc at a peaceful pace so he wasn’t afraid. Marc grabbed his back fin as instructed and held on for the ride. He closed his eyes as Fin slid through the pool, turning in circles rushing through the water. Holding on as tightly as he possibly could, Marc finally opened his eyes and felt the rush of wind going through his shaggy brown hair. He smiled as if he had just realized that his worst fear had actually become a pleasure. As Fin stopped in the water, he heard applause from the other side of the pool.
“Woo! Good job Marc! That was a great ride! You held on to Fin the entire time and you rode him like a pro!” His instructor shouted as she clapped as loud as she possibly could.
Marc looked down at Fin in joy as he still held him in his arms. He got off of his back and swam around to the front of his face. Marc swore that Fin was smiling too as they looked each other straight in the eye. Fin moved closer to Marc’s face and gave him a big kiss on the lips. The crowd awed as Marc hugged Fin. He held Fin tightly not wanting to let him go. He had faced his biggest fear with him.
“Fin, I love you.” He said truly meaning it.
“EEEEEEKKKKKK!” Fin squealed in delight and Marc took it as agreement.
“Thank you Fin for everything. You’re the best.” He hugged Fin one last time as he swam over the side of the pool where his father was squatting.
“Wow, Marc I am so proud of you. I can’t believe you did it. You chased away all of your fears.” He patted his son on his soaked back.
Marc grinned sheepishly. “Sorry Dad, I am all wet. That was fun. Can I do it again? I want to see Fin. He’s my friend.”
“Sure Son, we will come back another day. I’m just proud that you did it. We’ll come back and see Fin. I’m glad you liked him. I was so worried you were going to fall off of him and get hurt.”
“Fin wouldn’t hurt me Dad. He’s harmless and he’s my friend. Dad, he’s amazing. I’m not scared of dolphins anymore. It was so much fun, I might want to work here someday.”
“If surfing doesn’t pan out maybe you could be a marine biologist.” His father stated matter-of-factly as he took off Marc’s flippers and dried him with a towel.
“What’s a marine biologist?” He asked.
“They study the organisms of the ocean. You would study all of the plants and animals that live there.”
“Wow, that’s awesome! I’m doing that Dad.” Marc stated confidently. “I have never felt so alive in my entire life.”
His father let out a roaring laugh. “What about when you surf Son?”
“I love surfing. I feel fearless. I feel free. But with Fin, I feel alive. When we were swimming together it felt like we were one.”
“Do what makes you happy Son. Whatever you choose I will support you all the way through.”
“Thanks Dad.” He grabbed his father’s hand as they left the park arm in arm.
“Dad?” He looked up at his father.
“Yes Son.”
“If anyone asks me, you’re the father of the year.”
“Thank you Marc. It’s easy when I have a son like you.”
He held his father’s gaze for a minute longer and then looked off into the sky. It had been one of the best days of his life. He had finally faced his fears and had done something that made him feel right inside. He wouldn’t forget this day for the rest of his life.
Without realizing it, he just then noticed that Cathy had come out of the water and sat next to him in the sand. Her hair was soaked and dripping all over his legs as she squeezed the remaining drops from it. She brushed off the water from her legs into the sand leaving decadents of water drop prints. Her feet were full of sand as it stuck to her like glue. Before brushing more sand off her legs she looked at him
intently in the eyes.
“What were you thinking about?” She asked cautiously. “You were in the water, then you came and sat down here. Your eyes were glazed over. I could tell you were in another place and time.”
“Oh, it wasn’t anything too profound. I was just thinking about Fin and the day that I faced my fears, that’s the day I decided that I wanted to become a marine biologist. I told you that story right?” He answered immediately.
Her seriousness and concern left as she let out a small laugh. “You scared me I thought something was truly wrong. Yes, I remember that story. Fin was the first marine animal that you befriended. I remember you told me that your father made you swim in the pool with him when you were five years-old. You were terrified, but you ended up doing it. Your father was good at stuff like that. He taught you how to become a man and let your fears go.”
“I miss him.”
“I know you do. I see it in your eyes every day. I see the pain that you feel and I understand.” She added with a tone of sympathy.
“Life was never the same after he was gone. I felt like I lost a part of myself when he died. I gave up surfing, my happiness and ultimately my life.”
“I know how you feel. That’s exactly how I felt after my dad vanished. He was my best friend and we did everything together. My family was never the same. My mother had a hard time raising my sister and me alone, especially me. I didn’t want to believe that he was gone.” Sadness filled her voice as she felt tears come to her eyes.
Marc pulled her closer to him and wrapped his arm around her shoulder. She moved her face into his chest as tears started falling down her face. He let her use his sleeve as a tissue as she wiped her wet eyes into the dry cloth.
“Cathy, it’s okay.” He murmured softly to her over and over again until she finally stopped crying.
After a while he spoke again. “Do you want to know something funny?”
Shark Lover Page 13