by Krista Lakes
“Okay,” she said, with a hesitant nod.
With the lifesaver in hand, Marco hopped the rail and disappeared into the dark blue water. He resurfaced almost immediately, though, and swam toward the captain. He appeared fearless, as he powered his body against the waves, which seemed to pull him back a little each time. It didn't matter, though. He pressed on, unrelenting and steadfast. It took a few minutes, but he finally reached the old man. Once Sabrina saw that they were both holding onto the lifesaver, she began to reel them in using the giant crank that held the rope.
The first few turns were easy, until the rope became taught. Then it took all her strength to get it to turn. She let out a grunt as she pushed it down and pulled it up.
There's no way I can do this, she thought. I'm not strong enough.
But she thought about Marco and the captain. The two of them were relying solely on her. She had to make it happen. She didn't have a choice. So she turned the crank again, using her body weight to press it down and all of the strength in her legs to pull it back up. When she turned around, she saw that the she had pulled the two men noticeably closer to the boat.
It's working, she though. Oh, my God. It's working. I can do this. I can do this.
With a clenched jaw, she gave it all she had. She poured every ounce of energy into turning that crank, feeling the muscles in her shoulders and arms burn. She cranked and cranked until suddenly, the reel stopped turning completely. She couldn't budge it any more. By the time she spun around to see what was going on, Marco and the Captain were clamoring over the railing and back onto the boat.
“It worked,” Sabrina shouted into the wind. “It worked!”
Marco helped the old man hold onto the rail. The captain seemed weary and shaken up.
“Is he okay?” Sabrina called out.
The storm was directly over them now and the waves continued to pound the side of the boat. But Marco seemed unfazed. He walked across the floorboard toward Sabrina and pulled her in for a hug.
“He's fine, just exhausted from treading water,” Marco said, shouting in her ear. “I couldn't have gotten him back into the boat without your help.”
“Marco, we need to get out of here,” Sabrina said. “Can the captain still steer this boat?”
Marco shook his head. “I don't know. He might be able to, but to be honest, I don't trust his judgment any more. I'm not going to let him put you in any more danger.”
“What are we going to do then?” she asked, still panic-stricken beyond belief.
“I'll get us back,” he said, stepping past Sabrina.
She watched as Marco untied a few ropes and turned the main sail of the boat, until the vessel shifted back toward shore. Then he grabbed the steering wheel and pointed them away from the horizon. Sabrina sat next to the captain in the netting, wrapping an arm over his shoulder. He was shivering even though the water wasn't that cold.
“Are you okay?” she asked.
He just nodded. “I'm sorry. I didn't know it would get so bad, so quickly.”
Sabrina didn't respond. She just held him close, trying to stabilize his body as the boat continued to teeter on top of the waves. There was nothing she could do, so she closed her eyes and held on tight. Terrified, she focused on her breathing. She counted each one, concentrating as much as possible in an attempt to shut out the danger that surrounded her.
She was able to count to twenty-three before Marco's voice broke her out of the trance.
“We're almost there,” he said.
Those words were the most welcoming thing Sabrina had ever heard in her life. She opened her eyes to see the safety of land just a few hundred feet away. Marco spent the next few minutes expertly steering the vessel next to the dock that they departed just an hour prior. The only sign of the storm here was a light rain that was almost pleasant. After securing the boat, he walked over to Sabrina and helped her to her feet.
“Are you okay?” he asked, his dark eyes examining her for any sign of injury.
Sabrina nodded and took a huge breath of relief. “I'm fine. Just wet.”
Marco kissed her cheek and then turned to face the captain. He helped the old man to his feet and then off of the boat. Sabrina followed them and when they got to the sand, she almost felt like dropping to her knees and kissing the ground. She didn't do it, but that was the kind of relief that filled her.
“Next time someone warns you of a storm, please take notice,” Marco said to the captain. “You put both me and my girlfriend in extreme danger.”
“I'm sorry, sir,” the captain said. “The computer-”
Marco cut him short, “What's done is done. ”
The old man nodded in agreement. “Again, I'm sorry.”
The three of them walked across the sand and toward the parking lot that was a few hundred yards from the water. Sabrina's heart rate finally went back to normal, but her hands still trembled from the adrenaline. She walked beside Marco in a daze. What had started as a romantic boat tour had quickly turned into a life-threatening situation. But she was alive. She was alive and the captain was alive, all in thanks to Marco.
“I'm so sorry you had to go through that,” Marco said, as he embraced Sabrina.
She held him close, more tightly than ever before. She didn't want to let go.
“I was so scared,” she sobbed into his already soaking shirt.
“Me too,” he said, as he rubbed her back. “Me too.”
But she didn't believe him. He hadn't seemed scared at all the entire time.
“How did you know what to do?” she asked, pulling away just long enough to look him in the eyes.
Marco chuckled. “I grew up on an island. The water is my second home. Sometimes these summer storms come in quickly. It's happened to me before, but the captain should have known better.”
“You've done this before?” she asked.
“Not exactly this, but I have been in similar situations,” Marco said. “Let's just say that wasn't the first time I've had to go help someone who went overboard.”
And once again, Marco proved to Sabrina that he was an even more amazing man that she had thought. A soft smile crossed her face as she pressed her cheek into his chest. She felt like she was hugging Superman.
Chapter 16
Marco
Marco woke up early and crept quietly out of bed, so as not to wake Sabrina. He slipped on some khaki shorts and a polo shirt before making his way out of the cabin. There was a small gift shop down the road about a mile and he intended to go there to buy her something special as a surprise. He felt she deserved something nice after the boat tour had turned into a complete nightmare. Not only that, though, it was their last day in the island. It was his last chance to woo the girl of his dreams and hopefully convince her to go back home with him.
He made the walk down the winding paved road and eventually approached the gift shop. It stood just a few feet off the pavement, surrounded by palm trees. Luckily, it was open. And it seemed pretty popular, based on the handful of cars that were already parked in front of it.
Marco stepped inside, making his way through the maze of coat racks and glass cases that held inexpensive jewelry. He wasn't sure exactly what he was looking for, but he figured he'd know it if he found it.
“Aloha,” a plump man called out from behind the counter.
“Hi there,” Marco replied with a smile.
“How can I help you this morning?” the man asked.
“I'm looking for a gift for my girlfriend,” Marco said. “Any ideas?”
The man stood up from his stool and approached Marco, shaking his hand. “I suggest you take a look in the women's clothing corner. You might find something there.”
“I'll do that,” Marco said. “Thanks for your help.”
Marco turned and went to the back corner of the shop. Most of what he saw there was pretty typical. There were a bunch of swimsuits, hats and sunglasses. He glanced around, but didn't see anything at first. He was abou
t to turn and leave, when something caught his eye. There was a rack of summer dresses that were tucked in the very back. They had been hidden behind the rest of the products. There was one in front, though, that had particularly gained his attention.
“That's beautiful,” he whispered, as he approached the dress and pulled it off of its hangar.
Marco held it in front of him. The dress was light blue, with a vibrate floral pattern on the front made of red and purple colors. It was short-sleeved with a narrow waist, and made of smooth silk.
This would be perfect, he thought. She would look so good in this.
He imagined Sabrina in the dress. He thought about her long legs exposed and how the material would conform to her womanly curves. It made him practically pant right there in the store. He knew right then that he had found the right dress.
Marco spun around and walked straight to the counter. The rotund man had taken his seat back at the stool and greeted him with a smile.
“Ah, that's a great item right there, sir,” the man said. “Your lady is going to love that.”
“I agree,” Marco replied.
He set the dress on the counter and reached into his pocket for his cash. After paying for the dress, he turned to leave but hardly made it to the door before the employee stopped him.
“Sir, can I ask you a question?” he said.
Marco spun around. “Sure, what is it?”
“You look really familiar. I know I've seen your face somewhere,” the man said, stroking his chin. “I can't quite place it, but man, I swear I recognize you.”
Marco shook his head and pulled his hat down a little further on his forehead. “I get that all the time. I think I just have one of those faces. I assure you, you're thinking of someone else.”
Then he turned and left the gift shop before the man could reply. He walked quickly back to the cabin, chuckling to himself.
That was close, he thought. This was exactly why Sabrina was supposed to do all his shopping.
Marco quietly opened the door to the cabin and was greeted by the inviting smell of fresh coffee. He smiled as he heard Sabrina humming to herself in the kitchen. He did his best to conceal the dress behind him as he poked his head around the corner. Sabrina was standing at the stove making eggs, wearing only a t-shirt and panties. She turned around and smiled when she saw him.
“Hey,” she said, playfully putting her hand on her hips. “How long have you been standing there staring at me?”
“Not long enough,” Marco said, with a smirk. “I just got back from a little walk.”
“Yeah, I figured you had gone out to the beach or something,” Sabrina said.
“Actually, no,” he said. “I took a walk to the gift shop down the road and picked you up something.”
Sabrina's smile widened and she walked across the kitchen toward Marco. He continued to hold the dress around the corner, though, to keep it hidden.
“You're not supposed to do that,” she chided, but smiled widely at him and did an excited little dance. “But, I love surprises!”
Marco shrugged. “I wanted to get you something special to make up for the terrible boat tour yesterday.”
“What is it?” she asked, nearly jumping up and down. “Show me.”
Marco found her child-like impatience to be cute and endearing. Sabrina was so much fun and he loved that she got excited over the simplest of things.
“I'm not sure if you'll like it, but when I saw it I just had to buy it for you.” Marco stepped around the corner and held the dress out in front of him.
Sabrina gasped and then jumped up and down, snatching the dress from him. “This is beautiful! Marco, oh my gosh, it's perfect.”
She spun in a circle, her eyes fixated on her new dress. Then she carefully set it over the back of the couch and ran to Marco, embracing him in a hug. His smile was just as wide as hers. He realized that making her happy also made him happy.
“I'm glad you like it,” he said, before kissing the top of her head. “I wasn't sure. I know it's kind of bright, but I figured it would look really good on you.”
“It's so perfect,” she said, still squeezing him tight.
She pulled away and then stood on her tip toes, giving Marco a quick kiss. Her soft lips pressed into his and his hands drifted down her sides. He wanted more, but she spun around and walked back to the dress to admire it again.
“Should I put it on?” Sabrina asked. “What are our plans for the day? Maybe I can wear it out to lunch or something.”
“Save it for tonight,” Marco said, as he walked into the kitchen to pour himself a cup of coffee. “It's our last day in Hawaii and I want to take you to a beautiful dinner. I did some research and there's a really nice sushi place on the beach, just a few minutes from here. I think that dress would be perfect for the occasion.”
Sabrina nodded in agreement. “Yes, that sounds great. I'll hang it up in the bedroom so it doesn't get wrinkly.”
She carried the dress around the corner, leaving Marco in the kitchen. He loved to see her happy, but his own emotion was still brought down by the fact he would be leaving for Orsino Island the following morning. Sabrina still hadn't made up her mind about going with him. He deeply hoped that she'd agree to accompany him back, but the thought of her not doing so created a sinking feeling in his gut.
I'm not sure what I'll do if she won't go to Orsino with me, he thought. She's the only girl in the entire world that I want to be with. Now that I've spent time with her, I can't imagine my life without her. She's the one for me.
Sabrina reappeared from the bedroom. She walked with a spring in her step, clearly excited about the surprise gift from Marco.
“I seriously can't wait for tonight,” she said, making her way back into the kitchen to turn the eggs in the frying pan. “I'm so looking forward to wearing that dress.”
“It'll be a great night,” Marco said. “You're going to look amazing.”
I just hope that tonight isn't the last night that I get to spend with you, he thought.
Marco and Sabrina were seated at a small table on the patio of the restaurant. He'd reserved the seats earlier that day, asking the hostess to put them as close to the ocean as possible. He wanted the evening to be perfect.
“Look at this view,” Sabrina said, turning to face the ocean.
Marco much preferred to look at the view of the woman he loved, who sat across the table from him. Sabrina's new dress looked amazing on her. The silk held to her curves and he hadn't been able to take his eyes off of her since she'd put it on.
“I think it's a full moon,” she said, reaching over to touch Marco's hand.
He looked over to the horizon and nodded in agreement. “I'm certain that it is.”
The sky was clear and the moon shone brightly down over the ocean, giving the tops of the waves a silvery glow. The fact that the moon was full brought more meaning to Marco than just its beauty, though.
“Where I come from, a full moon is considered auspicious,” he said, bringing his attention back to Sabrina. “We think of it as good luck and therefore, a time when people should celebrate and make important decisions.”
“Really?” she asked. “Where I come from, the full moon is when people turn to werewolves.”
Marco chuckled. “I suppose that could happen too. But not on Orsino. You should see it, Sabrina. The people all gather into giant groups on the beach during the full moon. Right now, I'm sure hundreds of citizens are dancing on the sand on Orsino, praying and celebrating. It's a giant event every single month.”
Sabrina brought her fists to her chin as she listened to Marco tell the story. “That sounds like fun.”
The waitress approached, delivering a bamboo platter completely covered in different types of sushi. From fresh unagi, to spicy tuna rolls, to sashimi, it was all there.
“Anything else I can get you two?” the waitress asked.
“Can we get some hot Saki, please?” Marco requested.
; “Of course,” she said. “I'll be right back with that.”
Sabrina was staring at the plate of food as though she had just seen an alien. “I don't know what any of this is.”
“You've never had sushi before?” Marco asked, tilting his head to the side.
“I haven't,” Sabrina admitted. “But I'll try anything.”
The waitress brought them the Saki Marco had ordered and filled up the two porcelain cups, before walking away to help the other restaurant patrons. Marco held the cup in the air and Sabrina did the same.
“Here's to adventures,” Marco said. “Sometimes they're exciting and sometimes they're terrifying, but we're always better for having sought them out.”
Sabrina smiled and clinked her glass to his. “Yes. Here's to that.”
They sipped the rice wine and then dug into the food. Marco was surprised by Sabrina's willingness to try every type of sushi, even the ones that were completely raw. In fact, the only one she cringed at was the octopus. She still managed to chew it up and eat at least one piece, though. After the meal, the waitress took away their plates and left them to themselves to enjoy their Saki and the view.
Marco reached across the table and held Sabrina's hands. He gazed into those beautiful blue eyes of hers, wishing he could just get lost in them forever.
“It's hard to believe that this trip will be over tomorrow morning,” Marco said, trying hard to savor every ounce of the moment that he possibly could.
“It's gone by so fast.” Sabrina squeezed his hands. “It feels like yesterday that I was doing the interview for the job.”
Marco sighed, his eyes still locked onto hers. This was the moment of truth. He needed to find out whether or not she was going to come home with him to Orsino. It scared the hell out of him to ask, for fear that the answer would be “no”. But he couldn't ignore the topic any longer.
“Sabrina, I know that you had some hesitations about coming with me to Orsino,” Marco said, leaning closer. “But I'm wondering what your current thoughts are about it.”