The Sea Taketh (Alex Singer)

by Teresa Rae

  “And you still think it’s you?” I tease.

  “Absolutely,” he answers, unequivocally.

  As we get closer to the school, we find the windows covered with posters. Vanessa’s and Jackson’s faces are on them. I’d forgotten it was homecoming week. The Powers are campaigning for homecoming queen and king.

  “I hope they get their fifteen minutes of glory,” Christian says, looking at the posters as Sven opens the door.

  “With the money their parents spend to campaign, they will. They win every year,” I say. “Last year, Vanessa won as a freshman.”

  “They should enjoy their glory days while they can,” Christian pulls me closer and directs me through the school. I’m glad he understands that there’s life after high school.

  There is more than one double take as we walk. Murmurings fill the air as we pass groups of students. Several girls shoot me dirty looks for being in Christian’s arms. I hold my head high and put my hand on his at my waist.

  Christian walks me to my first class, not caring that he’s going to be late for his. Sven and Henrik walk behind us.

  Stopping in the door to Calculus, Christian kisses me.

  “I’ll see you in French,” he says. The classroom is silent as I take my seat. Mrs. Smith even blinks a few times.

  “Good morning, Judith, you are lovely as always,” Christian smiles at her before disappearing out the door.

  Mrs. Smith blushes as she starts our lesson.

  Word of Christian and I dating spreads like wildfire. Jackson is waiting for me after Calculus.

  “Alex,” he says as I leave the classroom. “I just heard the craziest rumor. Tell me that you’re not dating that looser foreigner!”

  “Jackson, my personal life is none of your business,” I counter, walking away.

  “What can he possibly offer that I can’t?” he asks arrogantly as he follows me. “He shares that old car with his two cousins. They all wear clothes from the Salvation Army. And don’t even get me started on Marjory!”

  I cringe at his words.

  “I told you that my life is none of your business.” I go to my locker.

  He follows. “You know he has some gross, contagious disease. It would be a tragedy for someone with your looks to catch it.”

  “He has psoriases. It’s genetic, not contagious,” Jen joins the conversation. “Your dad’s a doctor. I thought you would know better than that.”

  “He says it is psoriases. What if he’s lying to you? What if it’s really leprosy?” Jackson says, grasping for straws.

  “Are you for real?” Jen frowns at him.

  “There you are,” Christian says as he and his cousins turn into the hallway. “I was wondering where you were.”

  He puts his arms around me and kisses me in front of Jackson.

  He drops his books. “You never even gave me a chance!” Jackson glares at me.

  “She’s known you since preschool. How much of a chance do you need?” Jen says.

  Jackson gives the Pedersens a murderous look before picking up his books and storming away.

  Christian kisses one of my hands. “We will have to keep a close eye on our friend Jackson.”

  Sven clears his throat. “Jen, I know you have other offers, but I would be honored if you would go to homecoming with me”

  “It would be my pleasure, as long as we go together in a group.”” She smiles victoriously.

  “Guys, I’m sorry,” I say, grabbing my history book. “I’m so grounded that I won’t be going anywhere. Gramps and I will be spending Friday night untangling fishing nets.”

  * * *

  The rest of the week is an assault on the senses done by the Powers for Homecoming Royalty Committee. Each day there are new posters, music, and snacks at lunch, and free gift certificates to various fast food restaurants. Luckily, I am so happy to be with Christian that I barely notice the mayhem.

  Sven’s and Henrik’s attitudes toward me have changed drastically since the picnic on the beach. They actually talk to me and go out of their way to be polite. Christian tells me it is because I’ve earned their respect. I don’t believe him. I suspect it’s because Sven likes Jen and wants to earn my approval as her best friend.

  Theory #6 is false. Apparently Sven and Henrik have decided it’s okay if I date their cousin.

  Friday, after school, I’m surprised to find Gramps waiting for me at the kitchen table.

  “Alex, I have a couple things I need to talk to you about,” he says. “First, Colin called today, and he wants to know if you’ll go on tour with him to Europe. It would be right before Halloween. It’s for three weeks, and you would have to have a tutor while you’re there.”

  “I don’t really want to go to Europe right now,” I say, thinking of Christian.

  He nods before continuing. “Colin wasn’t the only one to call. Principal Irons phoned because he had heard that you aren’t going to the homecoming dance, tonight.”

  “Why would he care?”

  Gramps flashes me a wide smile. “Because you were voted Homecoming Queen,” he says proudly.

  I shake my head. “I wasn’t even on the ballot. He’s made a mistake.”

  “There was a write-in campaign, and you got ninety-five percent of the votes. If your classmates went through the effort of voting for you, I believe you should be gracious enough to go accept the title.” He takes my hand. His eyes fill with moisture. “Your mother and grandmother would be so proud of you! Three generations of homecoming queens in the family!”

  “Gramps, it was really nice of them to vote for me, but I can’t go. I don’t have a dress or a date.”

  “I’m sure Christian would be more than willing to go with you, and I already called Peggy about a dress.”

  There is a knock on the door.

  “That should be her now,” Gramps quickly answers the door.

  Peggy skips in wearing a cute, pink fifties skirt and sweater. She has a garment bag draped over her arm.

  She hugs me while saying, “Alex, congratulations! I remember when your grandmother was voted Homecoming queen. She also won by a landslide victory, as did her daughter. What beautiful women are in your family! I’m glad I held onto this dress. I just had a feeling it belonged to you.”

  She opens the garment bag. Antique, green silk cascades from it. It’s the dress from her shop.

  “I don’t have a full slip to go with it, but I think we can make a half slip work.” She takes my hand and starts leading me to my room.

  “But I still don’t have a date,” I say.

  “I will take care of that,” Gramps smiles as he picks up the phone.

  Peggy is a lifesaver. Along with the dress and slip, she brought shoes, silk stockings, and elbow length gloves. She sews a liner into the bodice of the dress, so I can use the half slip, and then helps me put up my hair.

  I hardly recognize my reflection in the mirror. Peggy has done wonders with my hair and makeup. My upswept hair makes my neck appear longer and the slight makeup accentuates my facial features without covering them up. The dress is even lovelier than I had remembered – a true work of art. I love the way the silk drapes, hugging my form and emphasizing my green eyes. I run a hand across the beaded bodice, stopping at the pearl at my neck. It is the ideal accessory to go with the elegant dress. For the first time, I see the beauty in myself that everyone else sees.

  “Perfect, absolutely perfect,” Peggy says. “Let’s show Thomas.”

  When Gramps sees me his eyes fill with tears, again.

  “You look so much like your mother and grandmother,” he says, choked with emotion.

  There is a knock on the door. Gramps wipes his nose on his sleeve as he goes to answer it.

  “Good evening, Thomas,” Christian’s melodic voice suddenly makes me nervous.

  “Come in, Christian.” Gramps opens the door.

  When I see him, my mind goes blank. He is strikingly handsome in an antique, black tuxedo. His blue eyes stop on
mine and hold their gaze.

  “Good evening, Alexandra,” he says. “You are a vision, tonight.”

  “I think you both look stunning!” Peggy giggles, excitedly.

  Christian holds out an arrangement of white roses. “The customary corsage,” he says as he puts it on my wrist.

  “How did you have the time to do this?” I ask, smelling the sweet flowers. “I thought these had to be ordered a week ago?”

  “I have found that I can be very convincing.” He smiles.

  Looking at the clock, I say, “We have time to grab a sandwich before the dance starts,”

  “No, I am taking my girlfriend to dinner,” Christian opens the door. “Your grandfather already gave his approval.”

  “Gramps, you’re really bad at this whole grounding thing,” I say to him.

  “You’re grounding reinstates after the dance.” He kisses my forehead. “I’ll meet you there. I wouldn’t miss this for anything.”

  “I’m bringing my camera!” Peggy giggles, again.

  “Thomas, please bring Marjory with you,” Christian says. “She is so excited she has already dressed for the occasion.”

  “I was planning on it,” Gramps answers. “We’ll see you two at the dance.”

  I am surprised to find Sven, Jen, and Henrik waiting in the car. My best friend is sitting in the front with Sven. Henrik is waiting in the backseat. Jen is wearing a cute black and white dress from the nineties. She looks like she belongs in a Vanilla Ice video with her short frizzy hair and large hoop earrings. The boys are both in tuxes.

  Jen whistles when she sees me. “Girl, there’s a reason you were voted queen, and that dress is amazing.”

  “And it’s nice to see you in something besides a jersey,” I tease. “Where are we going for dinner?”

  “Pierre’s,” Sven answers.

  “I keep telling these three that there’s no way we can get in tonight,” Jen says. “But they’re convinced we can even though the reservations were gone a month ago.”

  “We can just go grab a fish taco or something,” I suggest.

  “I’m not going to eat a questionable fish taco, especially in a tux,” Christian says, snobbishly.

  A few minutes later, Sven parks outside the packed restaurant.

  “I told you there’s no way we’re getting in,” Jen says as she points to a sign in the window. It says, Reservations Only!

  “Then let’s wager,” Sven says as he gets out of the car. “If we get a table, you will cook me a seafood smorgasbord.”

  “And if I win, I want you to take me to prom,” Jen quickly adds.

  Sven goes around and opens the door for her.

  “Deal,” he says.

  “Did you want to make a wager, as well?” Christian asks me.

  “No, I’ve eaten with you three enough to know that if anyone can get a table in Pierre’s tonight, it will be you.”

  Stepping into the restaurant, the maître d' immediately shakes his head.

  “Didn’t you see the sign?” he asks.

  “We thought you could make an exception for us,” Henrik says as he passes the maître d' some money.

  “No, no, you teenagers are all the same!” The man begins to pass it back. When he catches a glimpse of the cash, his face pales.

  “I-I think I might be able to find you something,” he quickly amends.

  We are led to the very back of the restaurant, to a private corner. As soon as the maître d' leaves, Sven smirks.

  “I think next Saturday will be a good day to enjoy my smorgasbord,” he says to Jen.

  “How much did you give him?” she asks Henrik.

  “You really don’t want to know,” answers Henrik, shaking his head.

  Jen still isn’t impressed. “So you got us a table, but now the trick is getting served with all the other customers.”

  “Are you ready to order?” a waiter quickly comes over and asks.

  “Yes, we will have three plates of your finest lobster, crab legs, and shrimp,” Sven hands him their menus. “What would you like, Jen?”

  “Dude, I can’t afford this joint!” she whispers, looking at the menu.

  “Then it is good I’m buying,” he answers as he covers the prices. “Order what you want.”

  “I’ll have the shrimp,” she says after scanning the menu for a couple seconds.

  “Alexandra?” Sven asks.

  I’m also having sticker shock. Before I can order the cheapest thing on the menu, Christian takes it from me. He hands it to the waiter and says, “She’ll have the lobster with rice and extra lemon wedges. Also, please also bring us five dishes of your crème brûléé.”

  “Yes, sir,” the waiter hurries away.

  “I wish we were in Denmark,” Sven sighs. “Sea food is always better with good wine.”

  “Do you guys realize that you just spent more money on this meal than I make in a month?” Jen asks, incredulously.

  “A good meal is always worth the money,” Sven responds.

  “With the way you guys spend money on food, I’m glad you buy second-hand clothes. At least you’re frugal in that aspect,” Jen rolls her eyes.

  “We buy second-hand clothes because it’s better for the environment, and we hate to waste resources,” Sven corrects, causing Jen to roll her eyes a second.

  It is surprising how quickly our food makes it to the table. The guys must have given them a lot of money. While the tables around us wait, we are served our food.

  I don’t realize how hungry I was until I notice my plate is empty. Christian smiles and puts his arm around me.

  “How did you know I wanted the lobster?” I ask.

  “I’m very observant. When you ate with us at Marjory’s, you only finished the lobster. You should order what you want, not the least expensive item.”

  “And you should stop wasting money,” I say, thinking of the large amount they must have spent on Dan’s hospital bill. I worry that they will drain their bank accounts with all the eating out. I definitely need to have a conversation with him about saving his money.

  “It’s about time! The service is terrible tonight!” Jackson Powers yells from behind a decorative screen. “We’ve been waiting an hour!”

  “We’re sorry, sir,” a waitress says. “It’s a very busy night.”

  “I don’t have the time to sit around and wait for your other customers to be served! I’ve been voted Homecoming King and can’t be late! Now, we’re going to have to eat our food quickly! You are completely incompetent! Don’t expect a tip!”

  The middle-aged waitress emerges from the screen with tears in her eyes. She runs to the kitchen. I look at Jen.

  “I didn’t know he was voted king,” I hiss.

  She nods. “You won by a landslide, but he narrowly squeaked out a victory.”

  “I don’t want to go to the dance.” I put my napkin on the table.

  “Jackson does not have power over us,” Christian says. “We will enjoy our evening, regardless of him. Thomas, Marjory, and Peggy will be waiting for us.”

  “And here comes our crème brûléé,” Sven says. “Let’s finish our meal and continue with our plans.”

  The crème brûléé is absolutely wonderful. Sven pays for the meal, leaving obscene tips for both our waiter and Jackson’s waitress. On the way to the car, Jen hounds him about wasting his money, which just makes him chuckle and throw her over his shoulder.

  “Let me down, you big brute!” She pounds his back, and not too nicely.

  It makes his laugh louder as he walks. He gently puts her down next to the car.

  “You have a mean sting for such a skinny jellyfish!” He laughs.

  “You and your strange Danish sayings!” she exclaims. “And of course I’m skinny by your standards! The three of you have shoulders the width of refrigerators!”

  Sven continues to chuckle to himself as he opens the door for her.

  “Christian, Jen’s right,” I say as he opens the car for me. “I
t’s been fun eating out and all, but I think that from now on we better stay closer to home and save your money. It would be bad if it ran out before your year in Maine was over.”

  “Girls, you can put your fears to rest,” Henrik tells us. “Our family enjoys a comfortable financial situation.”

  “It won’t remain comfortable with the way you spend money,” Jen says.

  “Henrik is correct. You don’t need to worry about our finances,” Christian interjects.

  Jen and I look at each other. We’re both thinking the same thing. We’ll have to steer the guys to less expensive forms of entertainment.

  When we get to the school, we find the gym packed with people. Sven directs us through the crowd to the dance floor. We wave to Gramps, Peggy, and Marjory, who are sitting with the community on the bleachers. Christian puts his arms around me and holds me closely as we dance. Sven and Jen have a great time talking about soccer as they dance next to us. Henrik stands close by, texting on his phone, and refusing offers to dance.

  “Who’s the oldest of you three?” I ask Christian as we dance.

  “I am.”

  “Really? I thought Sven was.” I furrow my brow in confusion.

  “He’s actually the youngest but has the most forceful personality.”

  I nod in agreement. “You are very close for cousins,” I say.

  “Yes, we are extremely close,” he says. I detect a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

  “Do you have any brothers or sisters?”

  With this question he smiles. “I have a sister, Kerstin.”

  This revelation surprises me. I realize that I know very little about him.

  “How old is she?” I ask.

  “She’s attending her second year of college.”

  “I’m sure you miss her.”

  “Yes, but I’ll go home for Christmas break to…” He doesn’t get to finish as Principal Irons steps onto a makeshift stage.

  “It is my privilege to announce this year’s Homecoming Court,” the principal says. Everyone cheers loudly. “Coming in second place; the Homecoming Prince is Christian Pedersen, and the Homecoming Princess is Vanessa Powers.”

  The crowd fills with catcalls and more cheers.

  “Why didn’t you tell me?” I ask Christian.