The Equinox

by K. K. Allen

  “Help yourself to anything in the kitchen,” he calls from outside of the boat.

  I’m not about to rifle through his cabinets and I’m too nervous to sit. I make my way back to the entrance and lean on the frame of the door’s entrance. “Impressive.”

  “It’s my home.” His tone tells me that this explains enough, and maybe it does. If he spends all of his time here it might as well have everything he needs.

  “Do you need help?” Not that I know how to do anything he probably needs.

  Johnny stands and wipes his hands. “Nope. Enjoy the ride. C’mon. We’re all set.”

  He takes my hand as he passes me, leading me through the living area and kitchen, until we reach a set of glass doors at the front of the boat. Inside sits two plush leather chairs in front of the boat’s navigation controls. An array of colorful buttons, speakers, and knobs sit in front of us in a jumble of confusion—for me at least.

  I watch in admiration as Johnny flips a few switches and pushes just the right buttons before starting the engine. He calls someone on the microphone and schedules our marina exit before finally idling out of the marina. Effortless.

  From this angle I begin to see a different view of Apollo Beach as it grows smaller and smaller behind us until we’ve exited the bay and moved into the Gulf. It’s exhilarating to know that I’m leaving Apollo Beach with Johnny. The suspense helps too. Where is he taking me?

  The chair is comfortable, but I feel strange sitting so far away from Johnny. When are we going to talk to each other? We’ve crossed so many hurdles to get here, I want to be near him and I hope that today can be a day that he opens up to me more.

  Johnny’s had a much different past than me. He had two parents and he lost them both. Other than his relationship with Roy, he’s been mostly independent since their death—not like me. I was never allowed to feel alone—Charlotte and Rose were right there to fill as much of the void of my mom as possible, and although nothing can replace her, I’m glad to have family here—even if that family can at times be tremendously stubborn and confusing; Rose being the Queen of that.

  I stand up and get as close to him as I feel comfortable. I don’t want to distract him from whatever he’s doing, but now that we’re surrounded by nothing but water, I feel brave. “Hi,” I say smiling up at him.

  He looks at me and smiles back causing my pulse to quicken. “Hi.”

  It’s enough for now. We crossed some invisible threshold yesterday which was exhilarating and completely satisfying—but now we’ve entered an entirely new level of jumbled emotions and expectations. Perhaps this is something Johnny is used to. I would like to think not. For me, it’s foreign territory. I should and want to enjoy every moment—and even the silence. Because in this silence it’s just the two of us. He invited me here, and that should be enough.

  My eyes turn front just as the boat begins to slow.

  At some point, when the only thing surrounding us is water, I catch sight of a dolphin jumping in and out of the water, parallel to us. I gasp and raise my arm, extending my pointer finger to show Johnny.

  Johnny laughs in response and I realize how young he looks when he lights up like that. Broody fits him, but happy Johnny is much more attractive.

  His hand wraps around my waist and he pulls me in so our sides touch. Finally. If this isn’t a gesture of his affection toward me then I don’t know what is.

  I relax and rest my head on his chest while watching the dolphin escapades beside us. Eventually it disappears into the water and Johnny slows the yacht completely.

  I lift my head from his chest and release my arm from his waist. Looking out at the Gulf water lifts all tension that my body had been building up until this point. I feel free; just like the moment I’d accepted who I’d become as an Enchanter; that euphoric feeling that nothing could touch me. I was lighter than air, just as I am today.

  “Come. I want to show you something.” There’s a smile on Johnny’s face as he pulls me toward the entrance of the boat. We walk outside and turn left to reach a set of stairs that takes us to the upper deck.

  There’s another set of chairs and a steering wheel at the front of the boat. Oh, I like this view of the Gulf much better. We’re covered by a partial roof that’s just meant for the controls and the chairs, but the breeze and fresh air is most welcome. I turn and stare out at the gulf water as it moves against the whispering breeze. The morning sun is just rising and there are more jumping dolphins in the distance.

  I bravely turn my focus on Johnny who is standing a foot away from me but looking in the same direction. When my arms slide around his waist I grab his attention. His arm swings gracefully around mine but this time he turns his face down toward me and our eyes meet.

  “Thank you for bringing me out here,” I feel shy when I say this. “I think this is just what I needed.”

  He smiles back. “This is my favorite place to be.” My heart catches in my throat as it beats like crazy as we explore each other’s eyes. He looks away for a second, breaking the spell, to admire the scene around us. When he looks back at me his face tells me that he’s contemplating something.

  “What’s wrong?” I ask, now worried.

  He shakes his head. “Nothing.” His face is serious, full of thought. “I really want to kiss you.”

  My eyes widen. Then do it! I’m tempted to stomp my foot and pout but I’m happy to have some restraint left.

  “I just don’t want you to faint again.”

  I can’t stop the laughter that comes next. Is that what he was worried about? His kiss did literally take my breath away, but it was my fault for not stopping when I knew he was sucking the energy from me. I didn’t even know that was possible so obviously I wasn’t expecting it. Now that we’re outside beneath the strong energetic rays of the sun, I’m confident there’s nothing to worry about.

  “I’m fine.” I say with eyes looking directly into his and with a tighter hold around his waist. “I told you. I didn’t eat much yesterday.”

  “And you had a hearty breakfast this morning, I hope?” His eyes twinkle and I know his worry is gone.

  I nod, eyes wide. “The heartiest.” I grin.

  His face nears mine and my smile fades. I’ve never wanted anyone to kiss me so badly.

  Finally his lips touch mine and I’m floating high above the Gulf. His strong arms hold me tight and I relax into them. Now that he’s not draining my power it’s almost as if the opposite effect is happening. I feel a buzz on my lips that reaches my head; just a light tingling sensation. I pull away before it gets too intense. Did he feel that?

  Johnny has a confused look on his face but he shakes his head and smiles down at me. “Want to swim?”

  Relieved I follow him down to the back ledge of the boat. I wait as Johnny anchors us and as I watch him I’m fascinated by how natural his movements are. How someone can manage a yacht like this all by themselves is incredible. He’s clearly been doing this his whole life.

  “Did you have a boat like this with your parents?” I call to him.

  “It was an older boat, but yes, same model and size.”

  I think to ask him what happened to the other boat but bite my tongue. Of course he wouldn’t want to live on the same boat he shared with his parents.

  He pulls down a ladder that drops into the water at the back of the boat. “You ready?”

  Signaling with a smile, I let him know I am ready, and watch as he confidently pulls off his white top, revealing more muscles than I knew existed on an eighteen year old guy. Johnny isn’t just good looking—he’s divine.

  My face is warm from an obvious blush creeping up my cheeks. I ignore it and pull my sundress over my head.

  He takes my hand. “Count of three. One. Two. Three.” Together we jump into the bay. The water feels invigorating as I dunk in and pull myself up. Johnny is right there, helping me back up above the water. I don’t think he ever let go of me.

  “Are you a good swimmer?” He asks
me.

  “Yeah, I am. Why?” I angle my head. “Wanna race?”

  He laughs and pulls me closer. “No, I want you right here.” The way he says this makes me want to snuggle up to him and nuzzle his chest. “I was just curious.”

  Our moment is interrupted by a the shiny nose and smiling face of a dolphin poking his nose so close to us I feel it brush my skin. My eyes widen in surprise and a laugh escapes me. “It came right up to us!” I exclaim through my laughter.

  Johnny doesn’t seem surprised. His hand rubs the back of the shiny dolphin’s coating as he leans down, scrunching his face. The dolphin reciprocates by touching Johnny’s nose with his.

  “Wow,” I whisper as I watch the interaction. The dolphin’s curious beady eyes and permanent smiling face turns to me and nods his head energetically.

  Johnny laughs now. “This is my friend, Katrina. You’ll like her.”

  My eyes narrow and I look at Johnny now. Is he really talking to this dolphin like he knows him? “How do you two know each other?”

  I am half teasing but Johnny responds, while rubbing and patting the dolphin again. “This is Sally. Her family lives in this area.”

  “So you know Sally?”

  He grins, his eyes still on his dolphin friend. “Yup. She’s about four years old. I’ve know her entire pod since I was four, believe it or not.

  “Is a pod their family?” I reach out to touch Sally and she turns into me, closing and opening her eyes, mouth open wide in contentment.

  He nods. “Kind of. It’s just a group of dolphins that swim together and mate. Sally’s father left the pod a long time ago though.”

  “What about Sally’s mother?”

  “Hunted,” Johnny looks angry as he answers this. “Hunting dolphins is despicable.”

  “You are passionate about your sea creatures.”

  Johnny shrugs as if he’s never considered how passionate he is before. It’s just natural to him. “Dolphins do so much for our environment, and like manatees, they’re harmless.”

  I shake my head. “There’s such a disconnect in the way we give back to Mother Nature. People take and take but never give back…” Rose tells me that Enchanters give back. Our energy is completely recyclable. But what does it mean? How can our energy possibly provide back what we, as humans, take from the earth?

  “You know, dolphins are one of the first indicators out there that can tell us how our environment is performing. Scientists monitor dolphins and their contaminant levels to learn what needs to be done to protect the environment.”

  Wow. Johnny knows everything and is so familiar with these creatures. Manatees, now dolphins. What’s next? Killer whales? Sharks? I shudder at the thought of getting close to a shark.

  “How did you recognize her?” I ask now, curiously.

  Johnny reaches over to Sally’s fin. “Her dorsal fin is unique to other dolphins. I’ve just come to recognize it quickly, but even if I couldn’t recognize it I think I still would remember her from her personality alone.

  As if on cue Sally lets out a happy clicking noise. Then she starts to bob her head rapidly and turns her side to me, tipping her fin.

  Johnny laughs. “She wants to take you on a ride. Go ahead,” he moves behind me and I feel a rush of adrenaline.

  “What do I do?” I turn to look at him over my shoulder.

  “Put both hands around her fin and hug it. She’ll take care of you. Promise.”

  I take a deep breath and do as he says, placing my hands firmly around her fin and hug it tightly. Almost immediately she takes off and I’m moving through the water in up and down motions, like I’m in a water rodeo. The movements are quite quick and rough, yet exhilarating as I splash through the water with Sally. She brings me around in a complete circle, delivering me to Johnny.

  I’m still laughing by the time Johnny grabs hold of me and waves to Sally as she swims off happily. “That was so much fun.”

  He’s looking down at me with that gorgeous smile that drives me crazy. “You did good.”

  “Well, thank you for introducing me to your girlfriend. She’s cute.” I scrunch my nose at him and he rolls his eyes.

  “Don’t tell me you’re jealous of a dolphin.” He leans in and kisses my nose teasingly.

  I practically dissolve right there. “I’m jealous of any girl who holds your attention if it’s not me.”

  I can’t believe I just said that. Johnny’s eyes grow wide. I’ve surprised him too. He pulls me in so his arms are wrapped around my waist and my face is just under his, upturned so I can look up at him. His energy does anything but make me weak today. I’ve never felt stronger.

  There’s a tortured look in his eyes that I don’t understand but one thing is clear as I reach up and brush the wet strands of hair from his forehead. He does like me.

  My hand lingers on his cheek surprised by how natural this feels to be touching Johnny so intimately.

  I want to know him; everything about him. How did his parents raise him? Was his mom nurturing? Has he had many girlfriends? Does he see himself living in Apollo Beach forever? But questions don’t form on my tongue quickly. I’m too caught up in his mixed expression of deep thought and desire, guarded by curiosity and resistance.

  His expression sums up my own feelings and thoughts. Want. Passion. Uncertainty. The intensity between us could cause a spark in any wind storm.

  “Hungry?” He asks me with a gentle voice.

  I nod my head almost robotically, but as I do I realize that my stomach is making noises. I’m starved. “Yes.”

  “Good. Let’s go in.” Is he relieved?

  There’s a bowl of fruit in the fridge and a plate of cheese and crackers. He hands me two waters and we make our way around the perimeter of the yacht to the front where we lay our towels out and can catch the most sun.

  I begin shoving crackers in my mouth one by one when I hear Johnny laugh. “You are hungry.”

  I freeze as heat floods my cheeks. “Sorry.” I take a minute to swallow while he’s still laughing and decide to quickly change the subject. “How do you know mammals so well?” There, that will distract him.

  “Been around them my whole life. My dad was a marine biologist. He was always taking me snorkeling and diving. I practically grew up on the water.”

  I watch him take a bite of some cheese and then turn to stare off into the distance. His movements are so natural.

  “You look older than eighteen.”

  He smiles. “I look old, huh?”

  I shrug. “Nineteen. Twenty.”

  He tilts his head, appearing to be amused. “Who told you how old I was?”

  I shrug. “Trisha. Why don’t you go to school?”

  He laughs. “What makes you think I don’t go to school? I graduated from High School last year. I was home schooled up until my parents died. I took a few classes but I was way ahead of everyone else.”

  I remember something Trisha told me once. “People think you dropped out of school.”

  He smiles. “Nah. I didn’t. People will say what they want. It’s my fault, really. I don’t open up much. I just let people think what they want.”

  Not caring of other’s opinions. Admirable.

  “I took some tests and got my diploma early,” he continues. “I’ve been looking into some biology classes at the local college though—just to pass the time next year.”

  I smile. “Follow in your dad’s footsteps and become a Marine Biologist?”

  Johnny nods. “It wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world. I probably know more than the instructors with all the time I’ve spent on the water.”

  “Maybe you should teach the class.” I say this as a joke but the expression Johnny gets on his face tells me I’ve given him an idea.

  He reaches for another cracker. “What about your parents? You said your mom passed away recently?”

  I lower my head as I speak, unsure of how my words will come out. “We were making breakfast one day, she ran to
the store to get groceries, and she never came home.” If I think about what I’m saying I might cry. This kind of pain never goes away. I’m not even sure it’s faded. I’ve been distracted and haven’t dwelled on the agony of not having my mom in my life anymore.

  Johnny lets out a sigh. “I’m so sorry Kat.”

  I shrug. “Well, you know the pain. Except you lost both of your parents. I never lost my dad. He just never wanted me in his life.”

  “He’s a coward.” Johnny is deep in thought as he says this. “He should have been there for you growing up, especially after your mom died.”

  His words feel as if someone’s punched me in the stomach. I know he doesn’t mean any harm but these are the same thoughts I’ve had recently. It’s all so confusing as to why he hasn’t come around by now. Why hasn’t he even called?

  “I’m sorry. That came out wrong.” Johnny scoots closer to me and wraps an arm around my shoulders. “I just meant that he’s crazy to not be here with you—to know you. He’s missing out on knowing you. You’re pretty amazing Katrina Summer.” He says this last part with a smile and a nudge into my side.

  And just like that, Johnny’s words lift me to a higher, happier place.

  “His actions are his own,” he continues. “I hope you never take blame for them. Sometimes people make really stupid choices.”

  As he says this I wonder where he draws this wisdom. His parents seem to have been perfect. His apology is enough for me though. I allow myself to relax in his arms; the arms that were built to protect me.

  It’s bliss as we stare out into the Gulf. With Johnny, I’m safe.

  I turn up to stare at his strong and cleanly shaven jaw. Without thought, I press my lips to the soft spot of skin right below his jaw. I feel his jaw tense and I smile, knowing I’ve succeeded in surprising him. I kiss his neck and he adjusts himself so he’s looking down at me now.

  “Careful,” he laughs and greets my mouth with his. His hand lands on the small of my waist. His fingers brush my skin just enough to cause a tingling through my body.

  A honk of a horn separates us. We look out into the horizon and see the passengers of another boat, waving in the distance.