by Tracy Kiser
“I know this sounds horrible, but…Daniel, I’m not sure if I want him to be out there, waiting to come back.” She whispered, the guilt emanating from her body. A tremor ran down her spine.
Daniel watched Sarah closely without a word escaping his lips.
“Like you said, it’s been ten years and I finally was beginning to feel like I could breathe again without someone in my head giving me the instructions. I finally feel like I could love again, let someone in. Does that make me a bad wife?”
Daniel saw small tears forming on the brim of Sarah’s eyes. A whole new river of emotion she had been holding in. He shook his head. “That doesn’t make you a bad wife, Sarah. That makes you human and it shows that you’re healing.”
* *
It was night and the sails were down. The boat rocked gently with the waves, a cradle swinging. Lana stood on deck staring at the stars, her neck begging for release from the awkward position. She and Aiden had been sailing for almost four days and the monotony was starting to wear Lana down. They had been on course following the compass point. Now they waited patiently to enter the Bermuda Triangle. Although, how they would be able to tell that they had entered the triangle was beyond Lana. She breathed in the salty air while making shapes in her head out of the stars, mentally connecting the dots. She tried to remember the names of the constellations but struggled. The fear of the unknown was taking over her mind. What would happen when she arrived at where the logbooks had indicated…?
Lana shifted her weight and brought her eyes back down from the heavens. She climbed below deck and crawled into bed with Aiden who had gone below deck a few minutes earlier. Her head hit the feather pillow and Aiden wrapped his body around Lana’s. The heat from his skin warmed her from the outside in.
With eyes closed, she could still see the stars. Lana’s mind kept them around her like a blanket. Aiden kissed her neck and whispered that he loved her. His mumbled voice gave the hint that Aiden was already half asleep. Lana laid there awake, feeling herself moving closer to her father, as if she were being pulled. She knew in her heart that she was on the right path. Her body grew excited, erasing the fear that hung behind her like a shadow, knowing soon she would be reunited with her dad.
* *
The next morning, Lana and Aiden stood on deck staring out across the water. A gloomy sense hung around the boat, suspended in the dense air. Aiden’s arm was upon the main sail mast, guiding the line with the wind.
The sky grew darker as more and more clouds moved in, hiding the sun. It fought to shine through the darkness. Lana saw the rays of light slicing through the darkness but they were immediately interrupted by the gray and black clouds. With every second passing, the wind became more like ice. It chilled both Lana and Aiden to the bone, goose bumps running up and down her limbs.
Aiden looked at the compass he had fixed to the mast. The needle seemed to be shivering, as if it could feel the harsh icy winds blowing in from the north. “Lana, are we headed in the right direction? The needle on the compass says we aren’t going southeast anymore…”
Lana turned to look at the compass. The needle started shifting back and forth like a metronome, keeping time for the waltz of clouds above them, and leading up to the grand finale of the piece. Lana watched it, not understanding what was going on. Her mind searched for an explanation. They hadn’t turned the boat in any direction. It had been perfectly on course for the past few days. How in the world were they now traveling south-south-west?
“Well, I thought we were, but this compass isn’t saying so. Is it messing up?”
As soon as Lana finished the sentence, the words floating up to join the brewing storm, the needle started spinning in circles.
“This doesn’t make any sense. Aiden look, it’s spinning.” Lana brought up her hand to touch the face of the compass.
“What?” Aiden moved closer to the compass and stared. He took it off of the mast and held it in his hand. The needle circled faster and faster. “Do you think we just entered the Bermuda Triangle?”
“I have no clue. It’s possible. I figured we’d enter it tonight considering when we left.” Lana moved her hands like she was holding two options in each of her palms, one weighing more than the other.
“That’s the only thing I can really think of. Why else would the compass go berserk? That could be one of the reasons there’s so much mystery surrounding this place.” Aiden offered as an explanation, not really knowing what was going on.
Lana agreed. “Makes sense. Did we read something about that when we looked it up on the internet?” She moved her head around in an arc, taking in the storm encircling their boat, forgetting about what she research she had done. “I’m kind of getting scared now… look at the sky.”
The clouds were a blanket covering every inch above them. Lana could see the pock marked clouds and felt the evil in the wisps of the storm clouds. The dark grays had nearly turned to black, a slow fading of hope.
“It does look like it’s going to storm. Hopefully, it’s not a bad one.” Aiden looked around them, taking in the terrifying sight just as Lana had. “We’ll have to buckle everything down and wait it out in hiding below deck.”
Lana hugged her body, trying to warm herself up. The goose bumps on her arms wouldn’t go away and chills skied across her skin. The storm was evolving around them. Lana could feel something happening in the air. Her stomach was in knots as if she would vomit at any moment. She moved closer to Aiden, watching a flash of light illuminate the horizon.
* *
The rain came down in sheets, slicing the sky. Lana felt like her arms were being sprinkled with ice. Aiden struggled to keep the main sail steady. The wind was whipping the ropes around everywhere. The storm had come upon them so quickly they hadn’t had time to finish preparing the boat to survive the storm. It seemed like as soon as Lana or Aiden would secure one of the lines, another rope would come loose and attempt flight with the wind.
“Lana, check the rigging!” Aiden yelled above the roar of the storm, his voice hitting Lana’s ears as a soft whisper. Thunder crackled around them followed by a bolt of lightning hitting the white foam of the waves, not ten yards from their boat.
Lana fought against the wind and walked across the deck to ensure that the ropes were secure. Holding on to the edge of the boat, Lana pulled the rigging taught. Something was glowing in the water. It caught Lana’s eyes and her head snapped back to look at whatever the mysterious color was. Pale blue balls of light shone from just beneath the surface, a bolt of lightning playing a nasty trick. The voice from her dream whispered inside the confines of her skull. “Come to me, everything will be alright.”
The image of her father flashed through Lana’s mind. Suddenly a gust of wind hit Lana like a brick wall. Her fingers slipped away from the rigging and it loosened with slack. Lana’s armed flailed in a fruitless attempt to catch the lines.
“Lana! Watch out!” Aiden screamed. The loose rigging had let the main sail move from where Aiden stood, trying to hold it. Aiden struggled to regain his grip on the sail that was swinging back and forth in the wind.
Lana turned as the mast swung toward her in a quick arc. She tried to duck and evade the blow, but the wood connected with the side of her head. A splitting sound resounded within Lana’s skull and she struggled against the blackness that had tinted the edges of her sight. Lana was thrown backward. She felt gravity pulling her overboard.
Lana hit the glassy black surface of the water and all of the air was forced from her lungs. Lightning illuminated the ominous thunderclouds rolling toward her. Her hand clawed the threatening waves and the salt burned against her throat. The edges of her vision blurred rapidly. Lana saw an ocean stretched out around her through a black tunnel. Ice grazed her arms and the pale blue light came out of the darkness. Then the black stole her away.
Chapter 15
Aiden saw what happened in slow motion. The mast moved toward Lana in a long blur. Her eyes were looking in the o
pposite direction. He screamed for her to watch out, she had to move. The mast arced toward her, threatening harm. He had felt himself reach out to her, his arm heavy. Aiden had tried to warn her, but it was too late. He stood frozen in place as Lana fell backward, over the edge of the boat.
The darkness was overbearing. Aiden ran to where Lana had just been standing, his legs wobbling with each step. He bear-hugged the swinging mast and looked over into the deep blue water.
“Lana!” He yelled into the waves, his eyes darting around, searching for any sign of Lana. She had disappeared, swallowed by the waves crashing around the boat. He shifted to the left and worked his way around the entire boat. Aiden’s gaze never left the ocean. He kept looking, hoping that he’d see a glimpse of her in the water.
Aiden was ready to dive into the cold water after Lana, but then he wouldn’t be able to see more than two feet around him. His clothes stuck to him, already soaked, making it difficult for him to move. The rain made his skin feel like ice.
Unless he wanted to battle against the loose sail mast, Aiden would have to secure the rigging. Without the fear of being knocked out he could continue to search for Lana in the water. Aiden carefully walked to the mast, not trusting his legs, praying that he’d be able to find Lana and get her out of the icy waters. How could he go back without her?
* *
Sarah sat straight up, propping herself up with her hands behind her. Her sudden movement startled Daniel. He had stayed with her the last four days, taking care of her and helping her breathe. Her stomach growled at the absence of nourishment but the worry filled her like stagnant water. Daniel turned his head up to Sarah; he sat on the floor leaning against the couch with his head on the cushion. Sarah looked at Daniel. His eyes had been closed, but had opened when Sarah had moved. They had both fallen asleep.
Daniel assumed that Sarah had just suffered another nightmare. The past four nights had been filled with them, waking her up every other hour. He lifted his hand in search of hers to calm her down.
Sarah could feel how puffy her eyes were, her eyelids taut as if struggling to contain her sanity. She placed her hand on Daniel’s shoulder, feeling his muscles beneath her fingertips.
“Daniel…” Sarah whispered.
He stared up at her, his head still on the cushion.
“You’re awake,” Daniel softly grumbled, the exhaustion filling his voice. “Another nightmare? Want me to move up there with you?” He shifted as he finished the question, preparing himself for the short distance. His muscles ached from the hard floor beneath the carpet.
“Daniel, something’s wrong.”
Daniel lifted his head higher from the couch cushion, turning his whole body to look at Sarah. His eyes grew wide. He saw the worry floating behind her pupils, a pain that he wished he would take away.
“What do you mean? What’s wrong?” Fear had replaced the grogginess in his voice.
“With Lana. Something happened to Lana. I can feel it.”
“It was probably just a dream, Sarah,” Daniel comforted. His muscles began to relax, his own words soothing him.
“No, Daniel. Something happened. I know it. We need to get a hold of her somehow.”
“We don’t even know whose boat she took. We could try the radio, but the chance of finding what frequency they’re on is slim.” He stood up and let himself sink into the couch. Daniel shook his head, why did he say that? He didn’t want to diminish any hope that Sarah had of reaching her daughter.
“Lana had to tell someone about her trip. Maybe Tara or Addie?” Sarah thought out loud. Her mind felt clear, for the first time since she’d found the note that Lana had left her. “We can call them and see if they know anything.”
“Don’t forget, Aiden,” Daniel added. “She might have told him too.”
“We have to call them. One of them has to know where she is and how to contact her. She’s smarter than just to leave without telling a soul where she went.” Sarah’s arm extended, reaching for the phone.
Daniel looked at his watch hanging from his left wrist and extended his hand to stop Sarah. “Dear, it’s three in the morning. We should probably wait to call them.” He waited for Sarah’s reaction. He hadn’t meant to use such an endearing term, old memories crept in his mind and he became momentarily distracted.
“Oh. I didn’t realize. Damn it.” Sarah put her head in her hands. Daniel shifted closer to Sarah, coming out of the memories. He wrapped one arm around her back and pulled her close, now reliving those thoughts that haunted him. His other hand found hers and he held Sarah close whispering that everything would be alright.
* *
Sarah sighed deeply as she hung up the phone. “Neither Tara nor Addie know where Lana is. They said that they haven’t even spoken to her since her birthday party.”
Daniel shook his head. “Let’s call Aiden. If anyone knows, I’d bet on him.”
Sarah dialed the seven digits and pressed the call button. She listened to the ringing. Relief flooded over her when someone answered the call.
“Hello?” the voice traveled to Sarah’s ear.
“Yes, hello? Is Aiden there? I’m Lana’s mother, Sarah.”
“Hey Sarah, we’ve heard so much about you from our son. I’m Aiden’s mother. It’s such a pleasure to speak to you, but I’m afraid that Aiden isn’t here.” The sweet voice evoked happiness. Sarah cringed at the jealousy she felt.
“Do you know how I could get a hold of him? It’s rather important,” Sarah urged trying to keep a tone of jealousy out of her voice.
“I suppose you could use the radio,” the woman replied lightly. If only she knew what was happening… Sarah thought.
“What do you mean the radio?” Sarah asked, looking directly at Daniel. Her muscles tense and her knuckles turning white from the strong grip she had on the receiver.
“He’s out on a sailing trip with his friends. One last time before he starts college in the fall,” she laughed. “I think the radio is pretty much the only way to reach him.”
“Sorry, I’ve never used one,” Sarah admitted. “How do I reach him on the radio?”
“The Marina will have one that you can use. I think our boat stays on channel 15, try that,” Aiden’s mother offered.
“Okay, thanks,” Sarah rushed.
“Wait, why do you need to talk to my son anyway?” Aiden’s mother asked, her curiosity piqued.
“Well…it’s a long story. The kind better suited for a face to face chat…” Sarah stuttered. “Goodbye, now.”
Sarah hung up the phone before Aiden’s mother could utter another syllable. She looked at Daniel across from her at the kitchen table. “So, I think I just found whose boat they’re using for this trip,” Sarah said slyly.
“Aiden’s? I knew it.” Daniel shifted his gaze, staring into space.
“Bingo, a sailing trip with his ‘friends’ before leaving for college. His mother said the boat’s radio is usually set to channel 15. We just have to go to the Marina and try to reach him.”
* *
Sarah and Daniel sat in the front of the radio on Daniel’s sailboat. The channel tuned to 15. All Daniel could hear was static.
“Aiden, it’s Uncle Danny. Pick up, over.” Daniel waited patiently. Sarah was growing restless. She hung on to the hope of hearing Aiden’s voice while she fought back the anger of knowing Aiden had allowed Lana to go on this crazy adventure. How could they both be so delusional?
“Aiden, it’s Daniel. Pick up, over.” Sarah stared at the radio, praying to anyone above that Aiden would answer their call. The static grew louder. Daniel and Sarah sat waiting. Sarah reached over and held Daniels free hand. A warm electric pulse ran up his arm. His heart beat faster.
“Aiden, it’s Daniel. Pick up, over.” Daniel’s voice was strained.
The voice came in scratchy. “Hey, Daniel. It’s Aiden. Can you hear me?”
“We can hear you Aiden, speak up though, there seems to be a lot of static. Everything all right
out there?”
“No Daniel. No it’s not. I need assistance. I’ve been trying to get this radio to work for the last two hours. It’s storming really bad out here and, and, Lana fell. I’m searching the waters for her.”
“What do you mean Lana fell?” Daniel asked. He felt Sarah’s grip on his hand tighten in fear.
“The mast swung and hit her. She fell off the boat. But I’m going to find her, Daniel. I’m not leaving until I do.”
Sarah’s eyes widened and grew heavy with tears. Daniel feared that this was the news that would put her over the edge. The news that would tear her heart into shreds and break her hold on sanity. Daniel’s heart ached at the thought of all the hardships the beautiful woman beside him had suffered.
“Aiden, buddy, you sit tight. I’m going to come help you. Tell me your coordinates.”
“Okay,” the scratchy voice replied. “Hold on, Lana has them written down.”
Daniel waited for Aiden to read off the coordinates, grabbing a pen and paper to copy them down.
“Okay, here you go, Lat, 26 degrees, 18 feet, 44.56 inches. Longitude is negative 70 degrees, 23 feet and 49.68 inches, or somewhere close to that.”
“Thank Aiden, you be safe kid. Look for Lana and I’ll be there as soon as I can.” Daniel’s eyes studied the numbers, trying to mentally place where they were.
“Okay, Danny, but please hurry. You have to help me find her.”
“No problem.” Daniel’s eyes shifted from the paper to Sarah’s face. He watched the small tears roll down and hit the floor, shattering into smaller droplets.
Chapter 16
Daniel was silent for a moment. Sarah sat staring at him. She was waiting for him to say something, anything to break the silence that threatened to consume her. He took a deep breath and sighed.
“Alright, I have an emergency bag packed. I’ll run home and get that real quick,” Daniel mumbled to himself. “Then I’ll take you home and I can be on my way in about thirty minutes.”
“Wait. What?” Anger flooded through Sarah’s body as she stood up in a revolt.