A Deep Thing

by A. K. Smith

  Everything halted. Air bubbles filled the cramped space. Ryder’s tank was stuck. Swimming methodically, carefully concentrating on her pace, the water became agitated. Something was wrong, terribly wrong. She cautiously moved closer to Ryder, her breath increasing in pace accelerating in volume in her head.

  Ryder’s hose snagged on a serrated spiky rock, and he was urgently trying to free the hose without ripping it. She tried to calm her pounding heart, concentrating on her breathing and trying to steady her air intake. Her panic was obvious in her jerky twitches, her legs flailing in desperation. She attempted to turn her body to get Scout’s attention. Her anxiety built as she had difficulty controlling her breath. The tapered passageway seemed more constrictive than ever.

  Scout, unaware what was exactly wrong, went immediately into rescue mode. He pulled his tanks in and tried to get in front of them to assist her.

  As he yanked his tanks to fit behind him, they were caught in the limited area of the passageway. With a strong sharp pull, he hit the yoke regulator connector on the top of his tank on a jutting stalagmite. She watched it happen in slow motion, her heart pounding against her chest, paralyzed by fear. A tremendous blast of air burst from the tank, knocking Scout’s head against the wall and into a sharp point. She tried to turn to give him air. Blood colored the water and drifted toward her.

  Blood. Red dark liquid drifted in the clear water. As it floated by her mask, she gasped for control of her inhalation. Her heart hammered on so fast and she could not catch her breath. The harder she concentrated, the tighter her chest constricted. This is it she knew with certainty, this is it. Trying frantically to control her breathing, made it worse. Tim. She could picture his handsome face, I’m sorry, I’m sorry I can’t save your son. Scout. Poor Scout a wonderful man who was dying the same death as Tim.

  Ryder, please save yourself, she prayed.

  Out of the corner of her mask, a light illuminated the water in front of her. She could almost make out the outline of Ryder as she descended into blackness. Maybe he’s ok, in her mind she was jubilant for a moment, Ryder made it. In blackness she envisioned Tim’s beautiful face in front of her, swimming, his arms reaching out to grab her, and she knew then…she was dying and she let go, so she could be with him again.

  Chapter 59

  He was standing in judgement, in silence, meeting the blue-green eyes of the elder. He couldn’t look away. Without words, disappointment clouded the older man’s tan, stoic face.

  “Sit,” the elder pointed to the gentle curves of the beautiful hand-carved wooden chair.

  He sat, shoulders back and chin up as he had been taught from his military days. He opened his mouth to speak, and the elder held up his finger to silence his words before they came out.

  They sat in silence. The old man stared straight ahead, into the jungle. It was as if time stood still although the shadows from the sun moving on the jungle trees bore witness to its passing.

  He finally turned his eyes unwavering from his. “You’ve broken the most sacred rule of our people.” The elder paused, moving his hands away from his shoulders and unclasping his arms, the dark brown birthmark clearly displayed between the shoulder and collarbone. He continued, “I’m not saying I don’t understand why you made the choice you did, but why was she here in the first place?”

  “She was here, to bring him. She’s the reason he even came at all.”

  The elder nodded. “And that was the only way the boy would come?” he asked.

  “Yes, without me, I am certain it was the only way the boy would come.”

  The elder sat in a massive wooden chair made with loving curves and of the highest artisanship. He ran his hand through his long hair. “She can never leave, can you accept that?”

  He walked over to the elder with his hands outstretched and the elder took his hands in his. At the touch, a loving look passed between the two men, one of understanding and gratitude. “Thank you, I understand.”

  Chapter 60

  Ryder’s eyes fluttered and then opened wide. The bright light blinded him and his hand protectively covered his eyes. His first thought, I am alive. He touched the soft sheet across his stomach.

  He sat up, his head turning in both directions, and he muttered the words out loud, “Where am I?” The words echoed.

  He was alone, on a low, small cot in some kind of thatched structure with one side completely open to the elements and the sun. He inhaled freshness. The jungle, he could hear it, smell it, and see the green. How did I get here? In the distance a cascading waterfall; the sound of rushing water was louder now. He tested his fingers, toes, and legs, he was not injured. Pushing the soft sheets back, he sat up and stepped onto the stone floor. He had his swim trunks on, but his wet suit and diving equipment were nowhere in the hut.

  The other three walls displayed delicately crafted wooden artwork, and a vibrant blanket hung on the wall behind him, depicting a stunning water scene with beautiful fuchsia flowers and dark green foliage completing the background. A mirror image of the waterfall in front of him. Organic. Natural. Where was he? A large pitcher of water and a wooden cup sat on the table beside the bed.

  A shadow blocked the light, as his eyes adjusted, his heart accelerated in disbelief. “Am I in heaven?”

  The man, with blue-green eyes that mirrored his own, smiled warmly. “No, son, you’re not in heaven. You’re very much alive.” In one step, he embraced Ryder and held him tightly in his arms. Tears of joy ran down their cheeks.

  ****

  “How? How is this possible?” Tim had directed Ryder to sit in the only other furniture in the room, two beautiful dark wood and vine carved chairs. Ryder stared at his father’s face; he couldn’t take his eyes off him.

  “Am I dreaming?” Ryder pinched his arm.

  “No. I have a lot of explaining to do, Ryder. I want you to understand who we are and where our ancestors come from. I want to make it clear why I had to leave without letting you know. Without allowing anyone to know. Not even Kendall.”

  “Kendall, Scout.” Ryder’s voice was raised as he stood up, realizing as usual he had only been thinking about himself. He gulped for air. “Did they make it? Are they alive?”

  Chapter 61

  The intoxicating smell was sweet and pure, like vanilla and eucalyptus, maybe with a bit of lavender mixed in. The aroma filled her nose, just enough to be relaxing, not overpowering. She inhaled and let out a breath of air, opening her eyes.

  She had fallen asleep again and as her body and mind awakened, she remembered where she was. She was with Tim. She smiled at the flowers on the table beside her bed and touched her chest where she felt the tightness when breathing. The thunder of water. She looked out at the open wall and could see a beautiful waterfall in the distance. The birds were singing and the potpourri colors of the flowers were spectacular.

  She had never witnessed such a magnificent display of nature in her life. If a picture could be a million words this would be it. She smiled slowly, and then her heart started beating rapidly and confusion took over. Is Tim really alive? What happened to Scout and Ryder? Her thoughts ran rampant through her mind, did he really save me? For a minute, she wondered if she had dreamed everything. Maybe this was heaven.

  The single red and fuchsia flower lay across her sheet. It was exquisite, not just a flower but a work of art; it resembled a kind of orchid but with an unusually curly thin vine wrapped around a stem. She remembered, Tim had pulled it from the vase and given it to her the first time her eyes opened and she saw his face. Yes, she was indeed alive and so was Tim. He tried to calm her fears by telling her repeatedly how much he loved her, everything was going to be all right, he would never leave her again. Tender words spoken in a whisper as he held her face and assured her he would tell her everything, no more secrets.

  His face moved closer and she could smell his scent. “It will all make sense, I need you to trust me one last time, trust in the love you know we have.

  “Ryde
r is fine. Alive with no injuries.” But, sadness drifted in his eyes, he lowered his voice. “Scout did not make it. They could not save him. He did not make it out of the cenote alive.”

  Ryder was alive. Scout was dead.

  She heard him, and wanted to ask a thousand questions, but her eyelids were heavy and she couldn’t force them to stay open. He whispered in her ear, as she unwillingly fell asleep, “Rest my love, it’s okay we gave you something to sleep, mend your body. I’m not going anywhere.”

  ****

  The next time she woke up, darkness had crept into the room. A little groggy, she tried to control the thoughts racing through her mind. She was angry, confused, what was real? Her mind in the present, she wanted answers. Immediately. Getting out of bed, she attempted two steps and slumped down to the cold, hard floor. Her body weak, she was light headed as she sat on the smooth tan stone beneath her.

  Just then, Tim and Ryder walked through the door. In a flash, Tim was down on his knees with his arms around her helping her up.

  “Baby, are you okay?” His beautiful eyes were full of concern, tenderness, and love. Her heart constricted with emotion, and she knew then, she could never be upset with this man, the only man to own her heart. She was so happy to see him alive.

  Chapter 62

  If there was a heaven she was in it. Kendall leaned back on the hand-carved bench, inhaled the aroma of flowers and closed her eyes listening to the sound of the spectacular waterfall emptying into the small pond. Wearing a beautiful, soft cloth around her shoulders and another silky sarong wrapped around her body, she pinched her arm; she wasn’t dreaming. Ryder and Tim lounged beside her, bare-chested, both wearing tan handwoven drawstring shorts resembling a line of ridiculously overpriced surf clothing from an organic, all natural, high-end retail shop. It all seemed surreal, with Ryder’s birthmark and Tim’s tattoo visible. The birthmark. Tim explained he tattooed over his birthmark before entering the Navy SEALs on the advice of his Uncle Dan, who was also of the cenote blood.

  Silence finally filled the space, after talking for hours.

  “I know it’s hard to take in.” Tim tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. A familiar gesture she had longed for, wished for and never thought she would experience again. She concentrated on the water hitting the pond. Tim was alive.

  “So how have you been able to keep this place hidden from the outside world?”

  He placed his hands over hers on the bench. “It’s private land, and there are others, just like Ryder and me, cenote people who live and work in the modern world, who protect it.” He continued, “They knew the first time you stepped foot on the land. They were tracking your journey, and they let us know you were close.”

  “Did Scout know you were here?” She whispered, a sharp ping in her heart as she spoke his name.

  “No, he had no idea, but I knew he was a good man from the day I met him. I’m sorry we had to lose him. I know you were close.” Tim met her gaze. “He was kind to you, and Ryder; I wish I could have saved him.”

  She wiped a tear from her eye. “Without him, we would not be here. He brought me to you.”

  Tim squeezed her hand. “Then we need to make him a hero, he deserves to be called a hero.”

  The white noise from the waterfall filled their moments of silence for Scout.

  “What about Enrique and Roberto? Are they going to be okay?” she asked.

  “Yes, they are going to take you home, you, Ryder and Scout’s body.”

  “Take me home? But what about you? I’m not leaving here without you.” She placed her hands on each side of his handsome face. “I’m not losing you again, Tim, if you can’t leave this place, then I’m not going anywhere.”

  He smiled trying to see behind her eyes. “If you stay here, then you can never return to the life you know. It would be an irreversible decision; you could never change your mind. You can never leave.”

  She sighed. It would be the easiest decision she ever made. “The life I knew was only a life with you and me in it together. I could never go back to living a life knowing you are here living yours and I am out there trying to live mine. Maybe I can help your ancestors fulfill their desire; find a way to introduce the nutrients of this place to the sick and those who need them, so they don’t get into the wrong hands. I know this without any doubt. You have no idea how difficult it was for me to live without you.”

  “I’m sorry my love. It wasn’t supposed to turn out this way. I took the chance marrying you because I couldn’t imagine my life without you. I knew as we got older decisions would have to be made. I thought it would be me trying to live life without you.”

  “Whatever happens, my heart just wants to be with you for the rest of my life and my heart will never change my mind.”

  Tim stared at the waterfall cascading down into a clear pool of sparkling liquid. He took in a deep breath before he answered. “Well, that’s another thing, the rest of my life could end up being an unprecedented long time.”

  Ryder joined the conversation. “How long is a long time?”

  “Most cenote people live to the age of 175, even 200 years old. And it’s only in the last fifty years of our life, our physical appearance starts to change. We hit the pause button on aging around thirty-five to forty years old. We keep our physical appearance at that age for many years. Basically, we simply don’t age until the last fifty years. If you continue to drink the water, you will add years to your life and it will keep you looking younger longer. Kendall, since you have no cenote blood, it will be interesting to see how you react, how long you stay looking as beautiful and young as you are at this very moment.”

  She kissed him on the cheek and stood up, smiling mischievously. “So, let me get this straight, if I stay here I get to look and feel like I am thirty-six for another thirty or forty years?”

  He smiled for a quick second, but his features turned serious. “Yes, that’s what we estimate. We don’t really know for certain, because it’s been a long time since cenote people have given our water to an outsider.”

  Kendall rubbed her temples and sat back down. Was this really happening?

  He explained, “The last time a person without cenote blood continuously drank the water, it ruined the Mayan civilization. It was the king. He was given a gift by the cenote people to heal the treacherous plague killing thousands of Maya. The cenote people thought they could trust him, he would take the water and save the people.”

  “But he didn’t save them, right?” Ryder asked.

  “Right, he didn’t believe the water had magical powers, but still he tested it on two dying children and when they miraculously recovered, instead of sharing it and helping to heal those with disease, he murdered the children. His vanity and greed infested his body and mind. He kept all the water, building a temple around it, keeping it for his narcissist self, hoarding it, hiding it away from all the sick, dying Mayan people.”

  Tim stood and walked over to the ledge of rocks circling the magnificent waterfall. “That’s how the cenote people ended up here. They were forced to go underground, separate themselves from the other Maya to save and protect the water. When the Maya were sick and dying, tribesmen were poisoning other tribes’ water supply so villages with large numbers of infected people would die. They were trying to cure the disease by murdering sick and healthy people. Families were scared and desperate to survive. Everyone became afraid to drink the water. Man cannot live without safe clean water. Desperation does strange things to good people; they lose their humanity, their goodness.”

  He returned to the bench beside Kendall and threaded his hand through hers. “The cenote people are good and loving people, they wanted to help all the Maya but because of the greedy king, much of the water was poisoned and ruined. It was their mission to protect and preserve the sacred cenote water before man and disease destroyed what little was left. So they went underground into the cenotes and started creating their own world, their little oasis, this hidden paradise.�
� He held up his hands. “This is where we sit now. A garden of Eden. Nurtured for centuries by love and respect.” Tim took a moment to look all around at the beautiful scene they were sitting in. “And, just wait until you see the community, this is just the perimeter.”

  “It can’t be more spectacular than this,” Kendall said.

  “Oh but it is. With the nutrients in the water, crops plentiful, healthy people, we know little stress. Organic foods grown from the land mixed in with lots of love and happiness, free of disease, free of pollutants created by man. Peace and happiness do exist. It’s real as you and I.”

  “So why would anyone leave?” Kendall grasped his hand tighter.

  “To help the world and not end up like the greedy king.” Tim twisted the wedding ring on his finger. “Those of us who were born from the Roamers, the ones who left this paradise to watch the world, do end up getting diseases and illness from processed foods and man’s additives to our water and environment. But we can be cured with the return to our land and water. The water can cure most diseases, even cancer.”

  She held her breath. Cancer. “The neurosurgeon’s card I found…do you have cancer?” She covered her mouth with her hand.

  Tim gently moved her hand to his lips and kissed it. “I did, a brain tumor. I knew it was time for me to come home. I tried to do it for months without anyone knowing, but I was being followed round the clock. I am so sorry for the way I had to go. They were watching my every move, I couldn’t return as I had planned.”