Secret Friends

by Summer Waters

  “It’s not brilliant,” she said at last. “But don’t worry. Bubbles will be back soon. He’s good at finding seaweed.”

  “I know,” said Dream. “He’s all right really, but don’t tell him I said that.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Antonia kept her fingers firmly pressed against Dream’s wound. Heal she thought, frightened by her inability to help the dolphin. In her mind she imagined the wound closing up. First its sides would knit together. Then the blood would stop leaking. A picture formed in her head of Dream’s damaged skin repairing itself. At once a warm feeling spread down Antonia’s hands and into her fingers. Suddenly, her fingers began to prickle. The sensation hurt so badly Antonia wanted to pull her hands away. No! She had to keep her hands against Dream’s wound. Gritting her teeth, Antonia continued to press down.

  Heal! Antonia imagined Dream’s soft skin re-growing, covering the wound. Dream trembled, but didn’t make a sound.

  Gradually the prickling lessened. Now it was more of an irritation. Antonia’s hands still felt warm so she kept them pressed against Dream’s soft skin until Dream cautiously said, “I’ve stopped hurting.”

  “Really?” asked Antonia in surprise.

  Just then Spirit, followed by Star and Bubbles slipped inside the dolphin circle. Their fins were covered in seaweed. Slowly Antonia lifted her hands away from Dream to inspect the wound. At first she could hardly believe her eyes. She looked again. The gash had healed, leaving a long scar with puckered edges.

  “Silver Dolphin, that’s amazing!”

  Spirit stared at Antonia in awe. Then swimming forward he lightly touched the top of Antonia’s head with his nose.

  “Silver Dolphin, you are even more powerful than I imagined. We are very lucky to have you with us.”

  “But…” Antonia stared at Dream’s scar in disbelief. “How did…that wasn’t me, was it?”

  “Who else?” Spirit smiled. “It is rare for a Silver Dolphin to have the power to heal. I know only of one other who can do this.”

  “Claudia,” said Antonia at once.

  Spirit nodded and Antonia felt a sudden rush of pride. Claudia was so good with injured animals. Could she really be that good herself?

  “Hey, Flipper Feet, that’s so bubbly,” squealed Bubbles, turning a somersault.

  “Steady, Bubbles,” Star warned him. “Your sister needs time to recover. She’s had a nasty shock.”

  “It’s all right, Mum,” said Dream. “Bubbles is cool. He’s had a shock too.”

  “Can we play?” asked Bubbles. “Seaweed tag.” He flipped the long strand of seaweed draped over his flipper at Antonia.

  “Not now, Bubbles,” said Spirit. “Your mother is right. Dream should rest. Besides, the Silver Dolphin must go home. You can play another time.”

  Antonia wasn’t sure if she had the energy to go anywhere. She felt exhausted. Her arms ached and her fingers still tingled. It was peaceful inside the dolphin circle. She wished she could stay there longer.

  “Do you need help?” asked Spirit. “Two of my dolphins can tow you some of the way.”

  Antonia pulled herself together. “I can manage,” she said.

  Spirit nodded approvingly.

  “I’ll swim some of the way with you,” he said. “No, Bubbles, you can’t come this time. Stay with your sister and don’t annoy her too much.”

  “As if!” clicked Bubbles, pulling a face and making everyone laugh.

  Antonia felt slightly awkward saying goodbye. Star especially made a huge fuss of her, rubbing her nose against Antonia’s nose and stroking her hair with a flipper.

  “Thanks, Silver Dolphin,” said Dream, lightly tapping her fin against Antonia’s hand in a gesture of friendship.

  “Flipper Feet!” clicked Bubbles, high-fiving Antonia with his fin. “Seaweed tag next time.”

  “You’re on,” said Antonia, high-fiving him back.

  Spirit swam with Antonia as close to the Princess Romana as he dared. Then he turned to look at her, his liquid eyes serious.

  “Take care, Silver Dolphin. Remember we are secret friends. There are many who seek magic for their own gain and their greed causes nothing but harm.”

  “Our secret is safe,” said Antonia, solemnly placing a hand on Spirit’s fin. “I promise that I’ll be careful.”

  They stared at each other in silence until Spirit dipped his head, then lightly ruffling Antonia’s hair with a flipper, he dived under the water and was gone. Antonia lay on her back feeling the vibrations in the water lessen as Spirit swam further away. When they were no more than a whisper she dived down and swam halfway back to Claudia’s beach underwater.

  Reaching the shore, Antonia felt like sinking down on the sand and falling asleep. Her muscles ached and it was a struggle to keep her eyes open. She forced herself on, not daring to sit as she recovered her swimming bag from the Sea Watch boat and pulled on her shoes.

  Antonia loved the light summer evenings, but tonight, as she crept into Claudia’s garden, she longed for the dark. Nervously she glanced up at the house and then she froze. Cai stood at an upstairs window looking out to sea. If he looked down now he would be able to see her. Antonia pressed herself into the shrubs and stood like a statue. The seconds ticked by. Antonia willed Cai to move away from the window, but to her horror he suddenly turned to the garden and looked straight at her. Antonia felt her heart fall to her feet. She could see Cai clearly, but could he see her in the shadows?

  Then a second figure came up behind Cai. It was Claudia, stepping forward and swiftly drawing the curtains. Antonia was grateful that Claudia still kept in touch with the dolphins. She must have guessed that Antonia would use her beach to answer their call. But had Cai seen her or not?

  Antonia’s stomach churned with worry as she scurried alongside the house and out into the street. What would she say if he’d seen her? She would have to make up an excuse. She hated the thought of fibbing to Cai, but knew she might have to. Becoming a Silver Dolphin was the most wonderful thing that had happened to her. She couldn’t break her promise to the dolphins. Touching her charm for comfort, Antonia forced her tired legs to carry her back to the swimming pool.

  When she was almost there she pulled Dad’s mobile phone out of her bag and called up ‘home’ in the address book. She was about to press the Send button when she noticed a blue people carrier parked outside the swimming-pool doors. Antonia’s heart raced. Nothing was going right for her. The car belonged to her dad. He must have come early to watch her swim.

  Stuffing the mobile phone back in her bag Antonia broke into a run. Her throat went dry as she imagined Dad seeking out one of the coaches to ask why his daughter wasn’t in the swimming pool. Both Mum and Dad had strict rules about her going out. At this time in the evening she was only allowed to take part in organised activities.

  Out of breath, Antonia arrived at the swimming-pool entrance. She made herself stand outside until she’d stopped panting then, wiping sweaty palms down her leggings, she went in. The reception hall was empty except for the lady she’d seen earlier at the desk. Luckily she was tapping away at a computer and didn’t notice Antonia heading towards the spectators’ door. Feeling sick with fear Antonia pushed the door open at exactly the same time as someone came through it from the other side.

  “Oh!” gasped Antonia, her face flushing a guilty shade of red as she faced her dad.

  “There you are.” Dad sounded relieved. “Why aren’t you in the pool with everyone else?”

  Antonia linked her arm through Dad’s and steered him outside.

  “I was allowed to get out early as it’s my first time.”

  “Was it fun?” asked Dad, unlocking the car door.

  Antonia hugged her swimming bag close to her chest. Fun didn’t even begin to describe the adventures she’d had this evening. Giving her dad a huge smile she said, “I’ve had an amazing time.”

  Chapter Twelve

  At school everyone was very excited. The damaged Rom
ana had been repaired and the boat was due to sail that afternoon. Mr Cordier decided that the whole school should go down to the promenade to wave her off. Only Sophie wasn’t happy about the news.

  “It can’t leave yet. I haven’t finished my picture,” she wailed.

  “Take your sketch pad with you and you can do some more drawing before the ship sails,” Antonia suggested, knowing that Sophie always brought her sketch pad to school.

  “I suppose I could, but it won’t be the same,” said Sophie glumly. “I can’t concentrate with too many people around.”

  Antonia laughed. “Once you get started you’ll soon forget everyone. You go into your own little world when you’re drawing.”

  Antonia was right. In fact, Sophie became dreamy and distracted as soon as she decided that she’d take her sketch pad on their outing to the beach. In English she did all her work in her maths book by mistake. Miss Brown was so cross she made Sophie stay in at playtime to copy the work out in her English book. Antonia was dismayed. She’d managed to avoid being alone with Cai all morning, but it would be more difficult with no Sophie to hang around with in the playground. She needn’t have worried. Cai didn’t seem to want to be alone with her either and ran off to play football with the boys. Miserably, Antonia sat on the edge of the field watching everyone having fun around her. She hated avoiding Cai, but what if he had seen her the night before and asked about it? However she explained herself Cai would know she was keeping secrets from him. Lunchtime was a little better. Cai, Toby, Sophie and Antonia sat together on the field to eat their sandwiches.

  “It’ll be good to see the back of the Princess Romana,” said Cai. “I used to see dolphins swimming in the bay, but they haven’t been around since that boat’s been stuck here.”

  Antonia choked on a mouthful of sandwich.

  “Steady,” said Cai, thumping her on the back. “Are you all right? You’ve gone a funny colour.”

  “I’m fine,” spluttered Antonia.

  She took a long swig from her drink bottle, then wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. She would have to learn to control herself and not start acting funnily if Cai mentioned dolphins again.

  “The beaches are opening again tomorrow,” said Toby. “The coastguard told Mum that the oil has almost gone and that most of the stuff washed up has been cleared away. The funniest thing they found was a whole crate of false teeth. Some of the teeth had dead fish stuck between them like they were having a snack.”

  “I bet you made that up!” said Cai when the laughter died down.

  “Would I lie to you?” Toby grinned.

  “Yes, you would,” said Cai, looking at Antonia. She felt her face colouring up. Cai started unwrapping a slice of cake.

  “Mmm,” he said appreciatively. “It’s not like I don’t miss my parents or anything, but Aunty Claudia is a much better cook. Did you ask about staying to tea tonight, Antonia? We’re having homemade pasta.”

  “Yes, I can come,” said Antonia, pleased that he still wanted her to go.

  Biting into her apple Antonia decided she was worrying about nothing. Cai was still being friendly so he couldn’t have seen her last night.

  After lunch Miss Brown made the class line up in pairs to go down to the promenade. It was crowded with onlookers so the police allowed the children of Sandy Bay Primary to go down on to the sand. The Princess Romana was flying several flags, including the Union Jack, alongside its own green, white and red striped Italian one.

  “Doesn’t it look pretty?” said Sophie, pulling out her sketch pad. “I can’t wait to paint this.”

  The crew lined the deck and when the boat began to sail they released a hundred green, white and red balloons into the air. Antonia cheered almost as loudly as the whole school put together. The beach was almost cleared and the oil spill had nearly dispersed so it wouldn’t be long before Spirit and his family could return to the bay. Suddenly, Antonia was so excited she did a little dance in the sand.

  “Antonia!” cried Sophie, brushing sand from her sketch pad. “Watch out!”

  “Sorry,” said Antonia, standing still again. “Wow, Sophie, that’s brilliant.”

  “It’s not bad,” said Sophie, rapidly sketching. “I could have done with longer, though.” After school Antonia walked to Sea Watch with Cai, Eleanor and Karen. As they entered the Sea Watch building Claudia drew Antonia to one side.

  “I need a word with you,” she whispered.

  Panic gripped Antonia, making her grey-green eyes widen in alarm.

  “You’re not in any trouble.” Claudia squeezed Antonia’s hand. “It’s good news. I’ll talk to you later.”

  Antonia and Cai offered to clean out the guillemot cages. They were in the back room, nine birds in three cages. The survivors were a tough, cheeky bunch and Antonia was growing fond of them. Donning large rubber gloves Antonia and Cai rolled up soiled newspaper and replaced it with clean stuff. They refreshed water dishes and finally refilled the plastic food cartons with fish.

  “They’re very greedy,” said Cai, watching the largest bird wolf down a herring.

  “They sound like cats.” The guillemots made a soft purring noise that made Antonia laugh. She was so absorbed watching them that she was only half aware of a tickling feeling on her neck. She rubbed at it and her fingers brushed against her dolphin charm. Suddenly, Antonia realised the charm was vibrating.

  Spirit, she thought, only just stopping the words from escaping out loud.

  “I’ll put the rubbish out if you sweep the floor,” said Cai, picking up the dustbin bag.

  “No, I’ll put the rubbish out,” said Antonia forcefully.

  Cai gave her a quizzical look. “All right,” he said. “If you’re that keen to do it then go ahead.”

  “Yes, no, I mean…” Realising she was babbling, Antonia clamped her mouth shut.

  She grabbed the dustbin bag from Cai, glad of an excuse to escape. The dolphin charm was vibrating strongly and Antonia was desperate to answer the call. Was Dream in trouble again? What if Antonia hadn’t healed her properly and the wound had turned bad? She wrenched the outside door open.

  A shrill whistle burst from Antonia’s necklace followed by a series of clicks.

  “Wait,” said Cai, holding her arm. “What’s that noise?”

  Antonia stared at Cai in disbelief. Surely he didn’t mean the noise coming from her necklace? Only a Silver Dolphin could hear that.

  “What noise?” she asked, pulling her arm free.

  “I thought I heard a whistle.”

  “I didn’t hear it,” said Antonia, backing out of the door.

  Cai followed, a dazed look on his face. Antonia wondered how to get rid of him when suddenly there was Claudia.

  “Antonia,” she said, winking. “Can you put that rubbish out on you own? I’ve another job for Cai.”

  Antonia nodded, gratefully escaping as Claudia steered Cai in the opposite direction.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Antonia dumped the rubbish in the wheelie bin, then hurtled through the gate that led to the beach. Quickly she pulled off her shoes, throwing them into the Sea Watch boat as she passed.

  “Spirit, I’m coming,” she panted.

  Soft white sand flew up in her face as she raced down to the water. She splashed into the sea and when she was in waist deep she swam, thrilling as her legs melded together like a tail. Antonia leapt in and out of the water, skimming across its surface as she hurried to answer Spirit’s call. It felt like flying, but she was too anxious to enjoy it. Sandy Bay was empty now the Princess Romana had gone. The sea stretched away, rippling like a huge blue flag in the breeze. Antonia hurtled on, swimming until she felt vibrations in the water and saw four dolphins coming towards her. Then she slowed. Three of the dolphins held back allowing the second smallest dolphin to lead the way. It was Dream. Shyly she swam up to Antonia and hesitantly greeted her, nose to nose.

  Antonia held her breath as she gently rubbed the dolphin’s nose back.
<
br />   “Hello, Dream, are you better now?”

  Dream dipped her silver head. “Yes, thanks to you. I’ll always be grateful to you for healing me, Silver Dolphin.”

  Antonia blushed, for once tongue-tied. Spirit, Star and Bubbles swam forward.

  “We’ll always be grateful too,” said Spirit.

  “It was nothing,” clicked Antonia. “I was glad I could help.”

  Spirit patted Antonia’s head with his fin. “We need your help again, Silver Dolphin. The dolphins in my pod keep finding funny coloured things floating in the sea. Can you take them back to shore so they’re not mistaken for food?”

  “Look, Silver Dolphin!” Bubbles exclaimed. “There’s one there, the green thing that’s a bit like seaweed.”

  “It’s a burst balloon,” said Antonia. “It’s come from the Princess Romana. The sailors released a hundred coloured balloons when they sailed from Sandy Bay.”

  “Was that the boat caught in the storm?” asked Spirit.

  Antonia nodded. “I don’t suppose the sailors realised the harm they could cause by letting the balloons go. They wouldn’t have wanted that, especially after the damage they’d already done to the sea.”

  Spirit nodded. “Pollution is often caused in error,” he clicked.

  “Dad, can I help the Silver Dolphin to find the balloons?” asked Dream.

  “And me,” squeaked Bubbles, rolling in the water.

  Antonia held her breath. It was the first time Dream had offered to help. She hoped that Bubbles’s exuberance wouldn’t put her off like it usually did.

  “Yes, you can. It’s a good idea,” said Spirit.

  “Thanks, Dad. Are you ready, Silver Dolphin?” Dream asked shyly.

  Antonia’s smile was a metre wide. At last she felt that Dream might become her friend. “Be careful, my darlings,” warned Star. “Don’t accidentally swallow the balloons.”

  “Muuum,” clicked Dream. “Don’t fuss!”

  Antonia, Dream and Bubbles swam round collecting up the burst balloons. Antonia shuddered each time she picked one up. They felt limp and slimy and they reminded her of jellyfish. Antonia was allergic to jellyfish and used to be very frightened of them until she’d learnt how to avoid them. When all the balloons had been recovered Antonia wrapped them into a ball with the ribbon attached to them, then tied the ball to her wrist. The balloon ball was so light it would be easy to carry home to dispose of properly.