by Nikki Lewen
His eyes rise to hers and his checks redden, “Sorry.” He averts his eyes as Sadie stands and pulls a sweatshirt over her head. The image of her nearly naked burns through his mind.
“What are you doing here?!” Sadie snaps, frustrated by the intrusion and invasion of her privacy.
Caleb, still visualizing her barely clothed body, fails to respond. Instead, his mind travels over what little material Sadie did have on. Catching the full intensity of her glare, Caleb knows he should feel bad about invading her space, but a part of him is glad he did. His thought is accompanied by a grin that upsets Sadie further. Trying to hold back his amusement, Caleb fights hard not to chuckle, and it agitates her intensely. Seeing her reaction, Caleb quickly recovers trying to prevent an utter disaster.
“I’m sorry. I should have radioed first. But…I didn’t want you to leave before I arrived.” His grin still lingers. “And…I expected you to be up…and about…especially this late in the day. Not…” he pauses, trying to choose his words wisely.
Sadie narrows her eyes. Unable neither to contain his joy nor hold back his thoughts, Caleb switches tactics. His eyes leave hers and travel down over her bare legs as he speaks.
“I’m sorry for barging in like this, but…damn! I mean, come on. You can’t expect me to ignore…your…physique. I know I should feel bad about intruding like this, but…I’m glad I did,” Caleb says, smiling.
His amusement isn’t helping and Sadie doesn’t appreciate any of the compliments. Sliding on a pair of pants, she covers up completely, but he doesn’t stop.
“No please…don’t let me stop you. Whatever you were doing, go ahead. Here…I’ll move to the other side…I’ll give you plenty of space.” He moves around Sadie and sits facing her. “You won’t even know I’m here. Please…continue.”
Sadie, still pissed, holds her stance.
Caleb, feeling light-hearted about the whole thing, keeps smiling. “Maybe it’d help if you took your clothes back off.”
Sadie picks up her shoe lying nearby and throws it at him. He catches it, but the second hits him across the chest.
For the first time Sadie’s mood begins to lighten. “I was doing yoga.”
“Sexy. Please…continue.”
His honesty and attempts at cuteness are working, but Sadie doesn’t let him know.
“I’ve a better idea,” she says—this time, tossing both his shoes at him, “You head out on patrol…the long version…and I’ll finish my practice.”
Caleb can see a hint of enjoyment in her eyes, but understands the seriousness of the request. She wants to be alone.
“Alright,” he responds, sounding overly downtrodden, still acting, for her benefit. He puts on his shoes, heads to the door and pauses. “You sure…you don’t wanna take your clothes off before I leave?”
Sadie chucks another item in his direction and he ducks through the door just in time as it misses. Whatever was thrown hits the door behind him, causing Caleb to laugh as he hikes away. Inside, Sadie, too, is finding some humor. Shaking her head, she appreciates his compliments, now that he’s away.
It takes a little effort, but she gets back to her routine—only, this time, she remains fully clothed. When finished, she goes about preparing a meal, eats alone, and curls up in bed with a book before drifting off into a nap. It’s the sound of the door opening that wakes her. Caleb, seeing she’s in bed, tries to move about quietly and not disturb her.
“It’s alright, I’m awake.” Sadie says, sitting up and stretching overhead. “If you’re hungry, there’s leftover red beans and rice.”
Caleb thanks her and sits down as Sadie puts on the teakettle and joins him. He pauses between bites to drink from his canteen, feeling an awkward silence develop between them. He’s not sure what to say, but Sadie does.
“Alright, Caleb…why…are you here…and not helpin’ Jose?”
He chews his last mouthful before answering. “We finished the last section of road ahead of schedule…so…we’re changin’ things up. Both of us needed a break from the tractor. Jose’s using the extra time to work on the boat…I’m here to retrieve another load of goods.”
Sadie tilts her head slightly to the side, giving him an inquisitive look. She knows there’s more to his being here, but doesn’t have to ask, as, seeing she’s not satisfied, he continues.
“This batch,” he points to the stack of goods in the corner, “is the last of the supplies. I thought I’d finish movin’ ’em to the homestead, so…officially, our task’s complete.”
Sadie maintains her same look, forcing Caleb to add more.
“And…” he pauses briefly, building his courage, “I wanted to see you. I thought it’d be nice to spend a day together.” His honesty embarrasses him, and Caleb grows quiet.
Sadie, too, isn’t sure how to respond and feeling a little trapped, thinks of something.
“Caleb, my plan for the day is to catch up on some sleep and rest. We’ve got a lot left to do…and before we know it…Gus could be arriving.”
Hoping to get Sadie’s focus away from work, Caleb gets up, cleans the dishes, and retrieves an item from the back shelf.
“Feel like a game?” he asks, setting a backgammon board between them.
Sadie hesitates, wants to dismiss him, but playing sounds like fun.
“Sure,” she finally responds.
They spend the first few minutes checking they’ve set up the board correctly. It’s been a long time since either of them has played, and they use the first game as a refresher. After that, it’s the best out of three. They talk, laugh, and enjoy one another’s company. Nearing the end of their match, Sadie makes another pot of tea and grabs a second board from the shelf.
“After I finish beating you,” she says, teasingly, “let’s switch.” She sets the Scrabble box on the table for Caleb to see.
He nods in affirmation and, rolling his dice, hopes for doubles. Instead, he rolls an ace-deuce, making Sadie giggle. Taking a last turn, Sadie removes two pieces from the board, completing her victory.
“How ’bout…the loser makes dinner and cleans up?” Caleb suggests, opening the Scrabble game.
Sadie likes the idea, and agrees to the proposition, while pulling a tile. The game moves slowly, and Caleb can’t believe the level of play she displays. He challenges her twice, only to lose both times when the words are found in the dictionary. With the last tiles out, Caleb knows there’s no hope of winning, but he doesn’t mind. His victory is in the fact that he’s getting the chance to spend time with Sadie.
After their game, Sadie puts things away and heads out for a short hike while Caleb makes dinner. He digs through all the food supplies, trying to determine what would make the best meal. With food cooking, he briefly exits the cave to gather some fresh foliage for a centerpiece. Back inside, he cuts the delicate fern fronds to accentuate one large trillium. Three prehistoric-appearing leaves, rich in texture, with intricate vein patterns, join together in a trilogy of green strength. At the stem, where the leaves meet, an imposing—but closed—bulb hangs. Hints of purple and white petals surround its stout-looking structure, complete with their own tiny accents.
The centerpiece sits in an oversized mason jar partially filled with water. On both sides of it, a variety of candles reflect their soft light. The entire cave is lit with candles placed subtlety around the space. “No rechargeable electricity tonight,” Caleb thinks, while finishing up dinner and turning off the burners. He finishes as Sadie enters. She sets down her bow and takes off her shoes, gazing around the entire time.
“Think you’re burnin’ enough candles?” Sadie casually jokes.
Looking straight at her, he responds, “I thought…for…just this once…for a brief bit of time…it’d be nice and…not too wasteful.”
Removing her jacket and using it as an excuse to look away, Sadie breaks eye contact. She hangs it up and washes her hands and face. Things smell and look like they were prepared with the utmost of care. The spread’s
impressive and attempting to decipher Caleb’s intent, she decides not to put forth the energy to think about it. In fact, Sadie doesn’t want to think about anything. It’s her day off, and that includes resting from all forms of mental anguish, preparation, thoughts, plans, and her constant attention to detail.
Now, all she wants is to eat, relax, and then curl up back in bed. Even though she’s slept more today than normally, Sadie’s body could use more. She’s charging for the final push and the shift to Anna’s, where she’ll live between the homestead and the helicopter clearing. Catching herself mentally organizing, she blinks and purposely shifts her attention to the food, ready for whatever smells so good.
The meal and the company are both relaxing and enjoyable. Caleb tells several amusing childhood tales and Sadie enjoys simply listening and not having to respond. Genuine laughter erupts between them and as it subsides, Caleb gets up, clearing the table. He charges a burner for tea and cleans up their mess. It doesn’t take long, and soon he returns with steaming mugs—the perfect ending for the day.
Sipping hers, Sadie’s content. They sit in a comfortable silence, letting the meal digest and allowing the hot liquid to keep them warm. When Sadie gets up to retrieve a blanket, Caleb watches her every move. She wraps it over both shoulders and sits on her bedding. Still cradling the steaming mug, she leans her head against the wall, realizing she’s nearly ready to sleep. Caleb, wanting to join her, hesitates, blows out most of the candles, and then chooses his bedding instead. As they sit across from one another, Caleb’s glad Sadie allowed him to stay and feels grateful for the evening they’ve shared.
“This was nice,” he says, looking at her and referring to their time together.
Sadie nods in agreement, sets her empty mug nearby, and discretely removes her outer layers of clothing before crawling under the covers.
Watching her add an extra blanket, he can’t help himself, “If you’re cold, I could…come over there and…keep you warm.”
Sadie, without looking at him, and while settling into a comfortable position, rejects the offer.
“Yoooouuuuuu sure?” He asks, teasingly.
An answer hits him, literally, upside the head. When Sadie hears the thud of the shoe, she giggles uncontrollably, making Caleb laugh, too. She’s still laughing as she blows out the last candle near her. When it finally quiets, she wishes him a good night and falls asleep grinning.
FORTY-TWO
Sadie’s pace is demanding. Her day-in and day-out schedule is relentless, starting before sun up and ending long after sundown. The boys are amazed at her output and at how quickly things shape up. The helicopter site is finished, stocked, and ready for Gus’s arrival. They have access roads cut throughout the entire area, and the Intrepid II’s ready for departure. Even Clara and Anna have arrived, all set to keep an eye on the harbor and station the homestead’s radio in preparation for the journey around the island.
Tonight, Clara and Anna will be alone as Sadie leaves to sleep on the boat with the boys, where they’ll begin the tedious task of drifting out with the rising tide. It’ll take diligence on their part, along with precise manipulation with the anchor. Jose is anxious to test a few new pieces of equipment he’s designed specifically for the process. As they finalize all departure checks, Caleb unties the watercraft, while Sadie uses one of the new pole tools to push it away from the cliff’s edge.
The former Coast Guard lifeboat seems to grow in stature as it slowly drifts further from shore, regaining a long-lost pride, setting out with good intent, as was its original purpose, and Jose beams with pride. Unfortunately, he witnessed years of wrongdoing and countless hardships the boat was forced to deliver upon others. In his heart, the boy always knew the ship deserved better, and now, as it’s captain, he can make it so once again. From now on, it’ll be a vessel of hope serving those in need.
It takes until near sunset for them to manipulate the craft out of the narrow mouth and into open waters. As the giant sea stack blocking the sight of the cove’s entrance fades into the distance, they cautiously travel east, keeping the shoreline within view. By the time it grows dark, they’ve turned south, and the waters calm. After a simple dinner, the sky clears enough for them to see stars and the rising half-moon. The reflections across the ocean’s still surface are an amazing sight and each of them appreciates their beauty. Sitting in silence, they pass time staring into the night, lost in their own thoughts and dreams. Eventually, Sadie directs them back to task.
“Okay…I’ll take the first shift.” She stands up, tells Jose he’ll go last, and then turns to Caleb. “Relieve me in…three hours.”
Jose, already beginning to descend below, passes Caleb, who still hasn’t gotten up. Sadie, sensing Caleb’s hesitation, quickly addresses him.
“Go on. I’ll wake you when it’s your turn.”
Caleb, nodding, leaves even though he wants to spend time alone with her. He heads below, attempts to empty his mind, filled with thoughts of Sadie, and eventually falls asleep. When she does return hours later, he hears her approach but lies still even as she whispers his name. Putting a hand on his arm, she lightly shakes him, and without opening his eyes, Caleb covers Sadie’s hand with his and mutters a soft hello. His thumb gently caresses her hand before she pulls it away and leaves him.
As he moves towards the deck above, Sadie crawls into bed and falls fast asleep. She sleeps soundly and once awake, Sadie notices Jose is still in bed and Caleb’s not. She bolts upright, looking about, thinking something’s wrong. There’s barely a hint of light, but it’s enough for Sadie to know that morning is on the horizon. Cautiously, she makes her way above and before emerging, takes several deep breaths, and then chances a quick look.
Finding Caleb standing with his back to her, she observes him unnoticed. His hat is pulled down tight, and Sadie sees the effort he’s putting into keeping his hands warm, as each of his breaths are visible in the chilly morning air. When he turns, she ducks, out of instinct, feeling her pulse quicken. It’s a curious reaction and waiting a moment before moving, she heads back down before returning with two steaming mugs. This time, she heads directly to Caleb and hands him one.
“Thanks,” he says, holding it between his hands and blowing on the hot liquid before taking a warming sip.
Sadie, curious about why he worked a longer shift, asks.
Caleb shrugs his shoulders and responds, “I thought the kid could use a little extra sleep. He’s been workin’ so hard and today’s gonna be a long haul.”
Sadie smiles at his thoughtfulness and turns, hearing Jose. She woke him up when returning below so he’d be ready for an early departure. He’s also holding a steaming mug, but his doesn’t contain tea. The boy takes a drink, smiles, and then takes another. When he nears Caleb, Jose shows him what’s he has.
“Hot chocolate!” Caleb exclaims, looking back at Sadie.
She simply smiles a reply. Caleb’s not the only one who thought the kid deserved a little something for all his efforts. As they prepare for the day ahead, the sky grows lighter. The horizon is a patchwork of clouds and as the sun rises, they catch the dramatic explosions of color that suddenly appear. It’s a weird sensation watching the sunrise over the Pacific. For all its beauty, it still serves as a reminder of how much the world’s changed. The colors fade as fast as they appeared, and soon the cloudy overcast weather returns. Jose fires up the engine and they continue south. Along the way, Sadie and Caleb scan the shoreline and scout ahead, weary of the looming sea stacks that dot their path.
Approaching what Sadie terms the tail of the island, she knows they’re already past Clara’s canyon. Following the tail’s shoreline, they spot the area where the break in the land exists, creating a separate island, as Sadie recalls first discovering it and trapping herself on the narrow peninsula. This particular part of the island is of great interest for Sadie and she looks forward to inspecting its layout. Amazingly, a short distance further, another larger break in the land appears and they d
iscover there’s a third island. The space between the landmasses appears big enough to squeeze the boat through, but without knowing the risks of submerged dangers, accompanied with an outgoing tide, they keep a safe distance.
The third island is much larger than the second and keeping a constant slow speed, they travel cautiously as the fog thickens. Reaching the tip of the peninsula and the furthest point south feels like an accomplishment. As they turn course, Sadie asks Jose to slow even more while she scans the cliff tops. Caleb notices a slight change in Sadie’s demeanor while searching and inquires about it.
“I thought…I saw somethin’, but…” Sadie lowers her binoculars and gestures at the fog hindering the view, “maybe not.”
Soon, the fog’s too thick to move safely, and they’re forced to kill the engine and drop anchor. It’s disappointing having to stop, but safety is priority. They gather in the closed bridge, and Sadie opens her map, reviewing the recently added details. She’s recorded shoreline features, sea stacks, and where the second and third islands are located. Her notes include the speed they’ve traveled between each landmark, along with the length of time it took to move from one to the next.
As Sadie and Jose make calculations, Caleb loses interest and feeling the lack of sleep, excuses himself to go lie down. Engrossed in their task, the two barely notice and together, they finish detailing what they’ve observed. As they work, static comes across the radio. It fades in and out and as Jose adjusts the dials, it begins to take some form. A broken transmission, too jumbled to make any sense of, comes through, and then it ends abruptly.
For the next hour, they scan the channel and others without any luck, but at least the fog thins, and they’re able to move forward. Sadie sends Jose to wake Caleb, and before he joins them, the boat’s already on its way. Sadie hands Caleb a pair of binoculars and he scans the shoreline alongside her. There are only a few sea stacks to circumvent and then it becomes easier to navigate, but they slow considerably, finally reaching the gap between the second and third islands. Letting the boat drift by, a huge boil—hinting at what sits just under the surface—attracts their attention.