Deep Blue Secret

by Christie Anderson

  “What? Tell me.”

  I hesitated, but his smile convinced me. “Did you ever want to talk to me, before that night on the beach?”

  He grinned and leaned over his lap, pausing. I held my breath, waiting for his reply.

  He continued to lean down but turned his face up towards me. “All the time.”

  I exhaled with relief.

  “I did actually talk to you once,” he added.

  “No way, I think I would’ve remembered that.”

  He sat up. “No really. It was right after I bought this house. You were only seven.”

  “You talked to me when I was a kid?”

  He chuckled. “Yeah, you were so cute. You told me you didn’t like my name because rain is wet and cold.”

  I was a little embarrassed. “I did? I can’t remember.”

  “You even gave me a nickname,” he said, laughing again. “Diamond-eyes.”

  Suddenly the memory clicked in my head. “That was you? My mom convinced me I made you up. She thought you were my imaginary friend. I asked her about you for months.”

  “Yep. That was me.”

  “I can’t believe you’ve been right across the street almost my entire life, and I had no idea.” I peeked at him from the corner of my eye. “You must really be old.”

  He folded his arms over his chest and grinned. “Maybe—maybe not.”

  “Seriously, you have to tell me; the suspense is killing me.”

  It really didn’t matter how old he was. He could say he was fifty for all I cared. It was too late for it to matter at this point. I was already in love with him—or at least bonded to him against my will. Either way, there was probably nothing he could do or say that would change how I felt about him.

  He shifted a leg on the couch with a smirk. “I’m nineteen.”

  He had to be joking. “Come on,” I said. “That would make you, like,” I stopped to do the math in my head. “That would make you nine years old when you first became my Keeper.”

  “I told you,” he smiled. “Age and appearance aren’t always the same; at least in my world they’re not.”

  I folded my arms and eyed him. This felt a lot like when the guys at school purposely told me outlandish lies, just to see how gullible I was. I gave Rayne a disbelieving look.

  “I’m serious. Look at me,” he said holding up an arm to flex his muscle. I tried to control myself but my eyes wanted to bulge out of their sockets. He continued with a laugh. “I’m youthful, strong, and full of energy. My age is nineteen. But that doesn’t mean I’ve lived nineteen years in order to reach my age.”

  “Okay, now you’re just talking in riddles,” I smirked, still trying to calm myself from admiring his arm. “But fine, I’ll play your little game. How many years have you lived in order to reach age nineteen?” I looked at him smugly.

  He clenched his teeth and mumbled something incoherent.

  “What was that now? Come again,” I teased.

  “I said,” his voice hushed almost to a whisper. “I’ve lived thirty-two years.” He looked to me hesitantly for my reaction.

  Huh. Thirty-two. I was half expecting him to say he was in his nineties. Thirty didn’t seem so bad. If it were anyone else—some normal person that actually looked his age—I probably would’ve found it creepy; but with Rayne it was different. I kept my face calm. I didn’t want him to see any sign of shock or doubt in my expression.

  “Wow, thirty-two; pretty crazy,” I said casually. “But you should be used to crazy by now, seeing how you’re practically a senior citizen. You’re lucky you can remember your own name.”

  “Okay, very funny,” he said. “But, I thought this would concern you. Doesn’t it bother you that I’ve been around so long?”

  I kept my cool. “No…you’re nineteen, right? I’ve hung out with guys your age before. I think I can handle it.” I smirked at him and paused. “Although, to be honest, it still doesn’t really make sense to me.”

  “Which part?” he asked.

  “Well I was just thinking, if you’ve lived so long, how do you even know how old you really are? I mean, why nineteen exactly? Wouldn’t you just be sort of guessing your age your whole life?”

  “No,” he said. “There’s a simple blood test you can do. It’s usually a requirement of the job as a Keeper to have a physical done every year and they always do an age test, but because of the unusual nature of my assignment I’ve only had to be tested every few years. I don’t go back as often as the others.”

  I nodded. “So when was the last time you were tested? How long ago did they tell you that you were nineteen?”

  “Actually, I have a small device of my own that will give me a reading just by taking a finger prick of blood, so that’s how I keep track. I’ve been nineteen for about six months now, but I’m not sure how much longer that will last.”

  “Why is that?” I asked concerned. “Don’t you guys age really slowly?”

  He shifted on the couch. “A normal Keeper takes about three years to advance another year physically, but nineteen came a year sooner than I expected this time. I guess because I’m away from the source of the Healing Water so much more than the others.”

  I squinted, trying to understand. “You’re aging faster because you have to stay here on this assignment so long?”

  He nodded. “That’s what it’s looking like, yeah.”

  I suddenly felt awful. Rayne was actually shortening his own life to be here with me. I stared at my hands not sure what to say.

  I felt his arm nudge me from the side. “Hey,” he said lightly, “it’s not a big deal. That’s just one year out of probably hundreds. I think I can spare a few.”

  My eyes went wide. “You’re going to live for hundreds of years?”

  “Most likely,” he said smiling.

  I gasped. “Whoa.”

  “So you really don’t mind hanging out with a decrepit, old senior citizen like me?” he asked.

  I chuckled. “Nope. Not even a little.”

  “Wait, who am I, again?” he joked. “I think I forgot.”

  I opened my mouth to come back with a smart comment but all that came out was laughter.

  It felt good to laugh and to have Rayne smiling next to me; and it felt good to know the truth of why he was here.

  We sat for a while, just being together. I wasn’t sure how long. I lost track of time because it didn’t seem to matter. All I knew was I felt happy near Rayne. The fact that the Healing Water played a part in that was frustrating, but it didn’t change the feelings inside me.

  I started wondering what was going to happen after all this. Now that I knew about our bond, would that change anything?

  “So what do we do now?” I asked, breaking the quiet.

  He looked at me. “What do you mean?”

  “I mean, even though the water might be causing us to feel bonded, that doesn’t change the fact that the emotions seem real. I don’t know how to separate these feelings from reality.”

  His tone was all business. “I know this is frustrating. I’ve been trying to decide the best course of action, but I don’t know yet. For now the fact remains, I have a duty to protect you and I plan to fulfill that duty to the best of my abilities.”

  “Well, then you have to stay with me as much as possible,” I said, trying to hide the pleading in my eyes. My palms were swelling with heat. “I don’t like it when you’re gone. Our bond must be really strong because sometimes…” I looked away nervously. “Sometimes I feel like I can’t live without you.”

  He didn’t even flinch. “I realize it’s easier for me because I’m trained to suppress the emotions, but you have to try.”

  “It’s too hard,” I said. “I’m not like you. I’m not strong enough to do that.”

  “It’s hard for me too, Sadie. My feelings for you are just as strong as yours. I would do anything to keep you safe. I would move mountains, cross oceans, if it meant protecting you. I would give my own life if I
had to—”

  “Then why are we fighting it? We can’t go back and change the past. We already have this bond between us.”

  His fingers curled into fists. “Because we can’t be together. I’ve sworn an oath and I can’t break anymore rules. I won’t be able to live with myself. There has to be some way you can be happy without me. It’s the only way.”

  I felt so helpless I wanted to cry. “It’s not fair. Your rules aren’t fair.”

  “You’re right. It’s not fair to you. You shouldn’t be suffering for my mistakes and I’ll keep looking for a solution, but in the meantime,” he sighed, “I’ll stay with you as much as you need. I don’t want you to feel unhappy.”

  I leaned over and hugged his arm. Perhaps if I held on tight enough he wouldn’t be able to escape. Why did everything have to be so complicated? It was difficult to imagine a solution to this impossible dilemma, but for the moment I felt somewhat comforted. It was an insecure comfort—not knowing how long it might last—but I would try to enjoy it while I could.

  “I have something I want to give you,” he said.

  I looked at him with childlike anticipation. “What is it?”

  He reached behind his neck and revealed a chain that was hidden under his shirt. “Here. I want you to have this.” He pulled the chain over his head and held it out to me.

  I grinned, awestruck. A beautiful diamond-like pendant dangled from a silver chain through his outstretched fingers. I was speechlessly bedazzled by his generous gift.

  “It’s very special. Do you think you can keep it safe for me?” he asked.

  I nodded, still trying to find my voice.

  He placed the tear-shaped crystal in my palm. I admired it as the light danced off the facets like a prism. Tiny beams of purple and blue shimmered as I moved it back and forth with care.

  “It’s beautiful,” I finally said.

  “This isn’t an ordinary crystal,” he said. “If you tilt it just right, you should be able to see the liquid in the center. It’s Healing Water.”

  “There’s Healing Water right inside the crystal?”

  “Yes. It’s a natural anomaly. It’s called a Water Briolette. They form at the source of the Healing Water, but they’re rare.”

  “Wow, that’s amazing” I said as I tilted the small stone back and forth in my fingertips. Where did you say they come from again?”

  “Like I said, they only form at the source of the Healing Water, but I can’t tell you where that is. It’s the most vital point in the Keeper code, our most critical duty, to protect the source. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I divulged that to anyone—even you.”

  I was so stupid. I should’ve figured that out. “Of course,” I said. “Sorry. I wasn’t thinking.”

  His face was warm. “Don’t worry about it; how could you have known.”

  I felt suddenly unworthy. “I don’t know if I can accept this,” I said. “It’s too special. What if I lose it? Or break it…”

  He put his hand over mine, curling it tightly over the pendant. “It’s not going to break. These crystals are stronger than diamonds, and the chain is platinum. It’s really durable.”

  “Are you sure you want me to have it?”

  There was no doubt in his tone. “I’m sure.” Then he smirked. “On one condition.”

  I hesitated, not sure what to say.

  “You have to promise me you’ll always wear it, that you won’t ever take it off.”

  I looked at him with serious eyes. “I promise.”

  His face grew wide with a grin. “Unless of course there really would be a chance you could lose it. I mean, I would probably take it off if you’re planning to take a swim in the ocean or something.”

  He was teasing me again and his smile was utterly charming.

  “Right,” I said sheepishly.

  He slid the chain over my head, the brush of his fingertip sending a shiver up my neck.

  He sat back and examined it. “I have to say, it looks much better on you than it ever did on me.”

  I giggled at his flattery, my fingers twisting through a strand of my hair. Who was this girl? Yes, I’d always enjoyed a good flirt, but was I a giggler now too? Rayne appeared to have strong effects on me. I couldn’t control myself.

  I gained my composure and stroked the crystal carefully as it hung down my chest. “Thank you. I love it.”

  He glanced at his watch. “It’s getting late. Have you even eaten dinner? You must be starving.”

  “No, I’m okay. I ate something at the mall with Heather.” I was actually getting hungry but I wasn’t about to let food get in the way of my time with Rayne.

  “Are you going back to school tomorrow? Maybe I should walk you home,” he said.

  I’d completely forgotten about school. It was amazing how I could forget my real life after just a short time with Rayne.

  “Oh right, school,” I said. “Yeah, I’m going back tomorrow.”

  The day seemed so long. It was hard to believe I’d left the hospital just this morning. I suddenly remembered back through my day, my shopping trip with Heather and all our plans for the dance on Saturday.

  “Oh,” I said, remembering. “I have something for you too.”

  I rummaged through my shopping bags and pulled out the blue shirt we’d picked out for Rayne earlier that day. “It’s not exactly a crystal necklace…” I held the shirt up in his direction.

  He looked at me with dry surprise. “You bought me a shirt?”

  “It’s for the dance,” I explained. “It’s tradition to wear matching clothes with your date.” I handed it to him and pulled my own blue shirt out of the bag. “See, I have one too.”

  He laughed once. “Okay, thanks.”

  “I know; it probably seems silly to you. Even boys my age have to be forced to do it. But it’s tradition, and it’s important to Heather. She’s my best friend by the way. You’ll meet her on Saturday.”

  One side of his mouth curled upwards. “I know who Heather is.”

  I stopped and stared at him. “Oh right. Ten years…I forgot.”

  I opened another bag. “Anyway, do you have a white t-shirt you could wear underneath and a dark blue pair of jeans, sort of like these. “ I held up my new jeans, picked out just for me, courtesy of my best friend. “And black shoes,” I added.

  He looked amused. “I think I can pull that together.” I wasn’t sure if he was just really agreeable or if he was secretly laughing at me.

  “Okay, great,” I said, not sure if I should be embarrassed. “Do you want to try it on? You know, just to make sure it fits.”

  “Sure,” he said. He stood up in a swift movement. For some reason I expected him to leave the room, but before I could blink his shirt was off.

  I felt my lips curl together nervously. I tried to look away and hide my blushing face. It was common to see men with their shirts off, especially at the beach, but we were alone in his house. I’d never even kissed a boy, let alone seen one undress right before my eyes.

  I looked up cautiously to check if his clothes were on.

  “How does it look?” he said cheerfully, as if completely oblivious to my embarrassment.

  My voice cracked. “Looks…good.” He looked more than good. The shirt hugged his physique perfectly. I was excited for Saturday when I could stare at him wearing it all night long.

  “Good,” he echoed. He extended his hand. “Shall we then?”

  “Uh, okay.” I was hesitant—but only because I didn’t want to go home yet. He gathered my bags in one hand and used the other to lead me out the front door.

  As we crossed the street through the dark neighborhood the empty curb in front of my house reminded me once again of my absent car.

  “I need to remember to call Heather,” I said. “To ask her for a ride to school tomorrow.”

  “I have a better idea,” he said casually. “Why don’t I give you a ride?”

  I liked that idea much better. A huge
grin stretched across my face. “Sure. Sounds good.”

  We made our way up to my house. “Should I come pick you up over here then?” he asked.

  I glanced at the front door and thought of my mother. “Um, why don’t I meet you at your place? If my mom gets a hold of you, she’ll probably get too excited to let me go to school.”

  “Okay,” he chuckled. “It’s a date.”

  Once I was inside the house, I couldn’t help but peek through the window blinds to watch him walk away. I watched until his figure disappeared through the white door of his house.

  I didn’t stay up long. Every moment awake was one more moment aware of his absence. I got ready for bed quickly—aside from the full five minutes I took to admire my crystal necklace in the mirror. Then I laid the necklace gently on my grandmother’s vanity, next to the orange daisy Rayne gave me at the hospital. I was afraid if I wore the necklace to bed, I might roll over and crush it in my sleep somehow. I held the flower to my nose one last time to smell the petals before turning off the bedroom light.

  As soon as my head hit the pillow, a tiny purple light glowed through the dark room. It was my diary. I hopped out of bed like a child on her birthday and opened the book.

  My eyes lit up as I read Rayne’s message:

  SWEET DREAMS…

  19. FAMILY TIES

  Concerns hovered in the back of my mind as I lay in bed, but I was too tired and overwhelmed to think about them anymore. It was the first night back in my own bed since the hospital and it was nice to be home again. I also felt a sense of security knowing Rayne was close by. He was right across the street, and I would see him again first thing in the morning.

  I hugged the diary to my chest for a few minutes, imagining Rayne whispering in my ear—Sweet Dreams.

  The next thing I knew it was morning. Memories dangled in my mind of romantic interludes conjured through the night; hopeful visions in my subconscious of Rayne and the two of us together without complication.

  Reality wasn’t so simple. But I did have a car ride to school to look forward to and a dance on Saturday. I tried to focus on the positive.

  I felt a renewed sense of energy for the day. It was nice to return to my normal morning routine, which helped me come back to reality. Instead of my watch, I clumped a large selection of bracelets on my left wrist to cover my birthmark. It still looked dark today, but I wasn’t sure if that was good or bad.