by Jamie Loeak
At one point, Kate couldn’t see her parents. She stopped there and began playing in the smaller waves closest to shore. A young man came up to her while she played alone. He began talking to Kate, asking her questions about her life and her family. She had answered the stranger willingly, unafraid.
She sat there talking to the stranger for fifteen minutes before she heard her parents screaming her name. She looked in the direction of their voices and waited for them to come meet her new best friend. Her parents were frantic when they found her, half-thankful and half-afraid of the man that was willing to talk to a little girl.
When Kate and her parents walked away from the man, her father yelled at her. He told her that she was never to leave their sight again and that they had been worried about her. She never did leave their sides again, always staying close to her family, afraid of being yelled at. Most of all, she was afraid of disappointing her father, the man that loved her most in this big world.
Kate was brought back to the present when someone knocked on her door. She opened it to find Rico on the other side, carrying a package.
“May I come in?” he asked.
“My father’s pretty sick so we have to stay downstairs but come on in. Let me warn you; it doesn’t sound pretty. He’s got the flu.”
“Did he catch it at work?”
“I think so,” Kate said. “He came back last night and was fine, but started coughing this morning. He’s not doing so hot.”
“I’m sorry, Kate. Do you want me to come back another time?”
“No. Right now works perfectly fine,” she said.
“What’s wrong?” Rico asked. He was worried about Kate.
“He just yelled at me, that’s all.”
“He’s not feeling well, Kate. He probably doesn’t even realize he’s doing it.” He pulled Kate into an embrace, allowing himself to hold her until he was forced to let her go.
Kate smiled, feeling better already.
“What’s that?” she asked, pointing at the package.
“It’s a present,” he replied shyly.
Kate pulled him into the living room, and they sat on the couch. Rico looked absolutely marvelous this evening in black slacks and a light grey t-shirt. He wore his signature black and white Converse. Kate watched as his icy blue eyes clouded over, filled with emotion.
Rico held out a small package wrapped in brown paper. A navy ribbon was tied around it, the ends curled. Kate smiled, knowing that Adriana wrapped it for Rico, and took the gift.
“I hope you like it,” he said.
Kate untied the ribbon carefully and placed it on the couch next to her. She flipped the package over and tore the brown paper along the tape line. Inside sat a black box. Kate paused before lifting the lid and looked into Rico’s eyes. She leaned forward and kissed him softly, her hand resting on his cheek.
When Kate lifted the box’s lid, she gasped.
“Rico!” she exclaimed quietly. “It’s beautiful.”
Kate pulled out Rico’s necklace. She held the small black stone in her hands, cradling it. Rico took it from her, and clasped it around her neck. The silver chain was long, and the necklace pressed against Kate’s chest, the stone resting near her heart.
Rico kissed her then. His lips were rough against hers, almost a question. She answered by kissing him back, leaning into him so that their bodies pressed together. Rico’s hands were tangled in Kate’s hair, pulling gently on her curls. Kate’s hands rested on Rico’s neck, her thumbs pressed against his jaw. He began to run his hands down her spine, sending shocks of electricity to her fingertips, and Kate pulled away, gasping.
“Hold on,” she said. “I’m sort of out of breath.”
“That good, am I?” Rico asked playfully.
Kate pushed him lightly and stood up. She pulled her hair into a bun and fanned herself. Rico smiled up at her.
“You know, for you being so cold, I’m still hot. How does that work?”
“Your body heat rises when we kiss. I balance that. This time, however, you went crazy. I don’t know what would’ve happened if you had been kissing a human.”
“I’ll let you know,” Kate said jokingly.
Just then Kate’s father had another fit of coughing. Kate grimaced.
“Hey, I’ll go and let you take care of your father,” Rico said. He stood up and kissed Kate on the top of her head before he let himself out.
Kate tried, unsuccessfully, to take care of her father until her mother came home.
That night, Blaire slept in the guest room across the hall from Kate. Kate sat up half the night, worrying about her father, afraid for her mother, who was probably sitting up just like she was. At around two a.m., Blaire snuck in to Kate’s room and slept with her daughter until dawn.
A routine was established after three days of Kate’s father being ill. Blaire would leave in the mornings after taking care of Aaron, and Kate would take over until her mother came home in the evenings. The aura in the house had changed from ease and contentment to stress and complexity. After three days of this, Blaire threatened to call the hospital but Kate’s father wouldn’t allow it. He was certain that he would be better in two days time, and Blaire gave him the benefit of the doubt because she loved him so much.
Kate’s father stepped out of the room Saturday morning, looking much better. He wore faded jean shorts and a white and brown striped collared shirt. His hair was slightly disheveled, like he had just woken up, but his complexion was rosy and his eyes were bright.
Aaron quietly took a seat between Kate and Blaire and sipped on his coffee. “I feel so much better,” he said.
Kate watched as he leaned toward her mother and kissed her on the cheek, trying to ease the tension that was circulating around the room.
Blaire smiled, her anxiety visibly dissolving. Her shoulders relaxed and she let go of the air that she had been holding in.
“I’m glad you’re better, honey. I was so worried,” she said.
“I’m sorry for scaring both of you,” Aaron said.
“It’s okay,” Blaire and Kate said in unison.
“Dad?” Kate asked.
“Yes, honey?”
“Please promise to let us take you to the hospital the next time you’re sick. It was hard around here with you so sick. Mom and I were on edge the whole time. I almost thought that you were dying, Dad.”
“I’m all better now, honey. There’s no need to worry any longer,” he said, finishing the conversation without answering Kate’s request.
“Are you going to work Monday, Aaron?” Blaire asked.
“I’m not certain. We’ll see how the rest of the weekend goes, and I’ll decide tomorrow evening whether I’ll be able to go in to work.”
“Do you think you’ll be handed a new case this week?” Blaire probed. She had spoken to Kate about the fact that her father had been taken off of the case that he had worked so hard on, mentioning once or twice the unfairness of it all.
“I don’t know, Blaire,” Aaron said angrily. Blaire flinched.
Kate let her jaw drop open slightly. Her father never acted like this. He must not be feeling as good as he thought; he never would have said something like that to Blaire if he had been feeling as good as he claimed.
“I’m sorry,” he said guiltily. “I don’t know what’s come over me. I’m still upset about getting taken off the case, and I’m taking it out on the two of you.”
“That’s fine, honey. I understand that you’re still not one hundred percent,” Blaire said reassuringly.
Aaron smiled at her gratefully.
Kate decided that it was time to go, then. She had made plans earlier in the week to hang out with Rico, and she decided that now was as good a time as any.
“Where are you going, sunshine?” Aaron asked Kate.
“I’m hanging out with Rico today. I’m going to go upstairs and get ready.”
“Have fun,” Blaire said. “You deserve it after being cooped up in the ho
use all week. I thank you for all of your help, baby.”
“Blaire, I think it would be nice for Kate to stay in today. I haven’t seen her all week.” Aaron turned to Kate. “Would you mind staying home with me today?”
Kate looked down and played with her fingernails, searching for the right words.
“Aaron, why don’t you let her go out today? She can stay in with you tomorrow. I think she deserves today after all of the time she spent taking care of you.” Blaire said, coming to Kate’s defense.
“I suppose,” he said sadly. “You have to promise that we’ll spend time together tomorrow, though. Okay, Kate?”
Kate smiled. “Of course, Dad. I promise.”
Kate hugged her father and mother before heading upstairs to get dressed. While upstairs Kate mused about how her mother and father had seemingly switched places during breakfast. Blaire was defending Kate, and Aaron was attempting to hold her captive; it was odd that Blaire was more understanding and sympathetic toward Kate’s current situation, while Aaron was not. Normally, Kate’s father would push Kate to escape the house after being trapped inside for so long.
Kate walked downstairs after getting dressed, eager to see Rico now that their relationship was easier.
Chapter 23
Kate knocked on Adriana’s front door a while later. She wore a mint green dress and Rico’s necklace. Leather wedges were strapped to her feet, and a dark leather clutch held her possessions. Kate’s hair was down, her curls tumbled down her back; an opal headband sparkled in the sun, changing colors like the sunrise.
Rico answered the door and shut it behind him. He took Kate in his arms and kissed her fiercely. Kate was breathless when he let go.
“I’ve missed you,” he said.
“I’ve missed you too,” Kate said. “So what are we doing today?” she asked next.
“It’s a surprise.”
“Is everything going to be a surprise?” she asked, lifting an eyebrow at him.
“I think so,” he said, grinning.
Kate found herself sitting in Rico’s Ferrari, speeding down the interstate minutes later. She knew they were headed north but didn’t know where Rico would stop. The car ride was pleasant, a nice escape from the week she had been having with her father and his illness. Rico was supportive while Kate complained and whined about it.
By the time that Rico pulled off the interstate, Kate felt much better. They were in Lake Wales this time, their destination: Bok Tower Gardens.
When Kate stepped out of the vehicle, she was instantly hit by the glorious scent of blooming flowers. She glanced at Rico and broke out into a fit of giggles. This was exactly what she needed. Kate held her arms out, stretched her fingers, and spun around, basking in the warmth of the sun. The sensation was exhilarating, and Kate grew dizzy with excitement. Rico watched her, admiring her carefree spirit.
Kate stopped spinning and held her hand out. Rico took it, and they began walking into the gardens. Kate pointed out different flowers and talked to Rico about the gardener, Mr. Evans. She followed him as he led her around the gardens. They took different paths, exploring everything while they were there. Kate loved seeing the firecracker plants, azaleas, and snapdragons. Rico was partial to the Mexican sage bushes and trumpet trees.
Rico and Kate sat on a bench near the tower after they were finished walking around the gardens. They alternated between talking and kissing until they were tired of both, and then walked toward the car, hand in hand.
“This was perfect,” Kate said quietly; she was almost afraid to ruin the mood.
“I thought that you would enjoy the open space after being cooped up in your house. I didn’t want to go to a place that was too crowded. I wanted to be able to enjoy my time with you; I wasn’t ready to compete with the other spectators.”
“You know that you have my undivided attention, Rico.”
Rico smiled. “I know.”
Kate pushed him softly and ran toward the car. The smile that crept across her face was strong and real, concrete evidence that it had been the perfect day.
Kate let herself in her house after Rico dropped her off. She was completely enthralled with him; her thoughts rifled through every detail of their afternoon together. She thought of their hands, tangled in one another’s. She thought of Rico’s lips and how they were soft yet urgent when they touched hers. Kate allowed her thoughts to continue on their path and slipped upstairs before her parents had the opportunity to force her to commit to a movie. She was too caught up in Rico’s cobalt eyes and beautiful smile to focus on anything else.
Kate stood in the gardens at Bok Tower. The sun was radiant, shining down on the Earth and painting it gold the way it always does in the late afternoon. She stepped forward, drawn to the tower.
As Kate walked, she let her fingers trace the soft petals of the azaleas. Her bare feet relished the feeling of the soft grass, the crunch of the gravel. She walked calmly along, ready to see what was waiting for her at the bottom of the tower.
When Kate reached the tower she didn’t see anything immediately. However, she walked to the bench that she and Rico had spent part of the afternoon at, and saw what she was meant to see. There was a small photograph of her as a child. It was the day that her father yelled at her so many years ago. The picture was a shot of her sitting in the sand during the time that she was alone; her parents were still working somewhere down the beach. Kate’s back was facing the picture but it looked like it had been taken right behind her. Her thoughts traced over the events of that day, and she never remembered anyone standing behind her, let alone with a camera. Next to Kate, on her left side, was a drawing etched into the sand. It was the burning world.
Suddenly the photograph caught flame, and Kate dropped it. The green grass began to blaze. Kate attempted to stop the burning by stomping on it, but it spread like wildfire, claiming the plants and trees around her. Within minutes Kate was trapped in a ring of fire that spread all around her, claiming the gardens as its own.
Kate woke up screaming again. A moment later, she felt Rico’s strong arms around her. She stopped screaming at once, comforted by his presence, but she shook so violently that Rico rushed to the bathroom, turned the hot water on, soaked a towel, and wrapped it around her after ringing it out. When she was calmer he called Adriana and asked her to come over.
Adriana slipped into Kate’s room a little later, a worried look on her face.
“You had another dream, didn’t you?” she asked.
Kate nodded, affirming what everyone already knew.
“What happened?” Adriana asked.
Kate shook her head, knowing, for some reason, that she couldn’t tell them when they were here, in her bedroom. She had the strangest feeling that someone would be listening to the words she was about to say. Instead of speaking at all, Kate grabbed a notebook and scribbled down her thoughts. Adriana and Rico understood immediately, and the three of them silently snuck out, making sure to lock Kate’s door behind her, so that her parents couldn’t get in easily.
Kate snuggled in Adriana’s bed, the blankets warm and cozy. They comforted her somehow, and made her feel safer. She sipped on hot chocolate, preparing herself to tell Adriana and Rico everything that she had kept hidden. She knew that she couldn’t keep her darkest parts to herself now. Rico and Donovan had told her their blackest secrets; it was time for Kate to do the same.
“I lied to you,” she started. “I have had more dreams. I was afraid to tell you because they were much worse than the dreams I had warning me about Erik.”
Adriana put her hand on Kate’s.
“Kate,” she said, “Rico and I love you. No matter what you say, we’ll be there. You don’t need to feel ashamed or frightened.”
“I know that now,” Kate said honestly. She looked into Rico and Adriana’s eyes before continuing. Adriana squeezed Kate’s hand, letting her know that it truly was okay to be afraid of the truth.
“In the very first dream, I was searchin
g for something. I was walking in the woods, looking for something that I knew I had to find before it was too late. The worst part about it is that I craved it, the thing I found.”
Rico placed his hand in Kate’s empty one and squeezed gently, letting Kate know that he would always love her. Adriana sat patiently waiting, her hand seemingly warm in Kate’s own.
“It was the world,” Kate whispered. “The world was catching fire.”
Kate looked at Rico. “It was the same image I drew in the sand that day on the beach. I lied to you when I said that I didn’t remember it, but it wasn’t a complete lie. I don’t remember drawing it; I was in some sort of trance when it happened, but I did see it when I woke from it. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry for lying,” she said sadly.
“It doesn’t matter, Kate. You’re telling us now,” he said with a small smile. It comforted Kate somehow, and she continued.
“In my second dream I stepped on to a beach covered with the pictures I drew, showing me that I knew that this would happen. It was almost as if the drawing was a prediction or premonition. For some reason I wanted this to happen even though I knew that it would hurt the people I love. It scared me. I thought that I was evil for craving this somehow. I thought that you would hate me, that you would leave. I know now that I was wrong. Your friendship is stronger than all of this,” Kate said calmly.
“Our friendship, Kate. It’s ours, not just mine or Rico’s. And you’re right. We will never leave you,” Adriana stated, agreeing with Kate.
Kate continued. “The last dream, the one I had just now, had a photograph in it.” She described her most recent dream to Adriana and Rico while tears tumbled from her grey eyes.
“I drew the same image when I was five. I didn’t remember it until now, but after I saw the picture I remembered that moment. I was scared of what I had drawn. I was so scared that I never left my father’s side again when we were on the beach. The first night here was the first time I had been alone on the beach since I was five. Even in Australia I was accompanied by my parents because we didn’t live right on the water,” Kate sobbed. She pulled her hands from her friends’ comforting embraces, and wiped the tears that were still falling. Kate knew that if she didn’t pull herself together soon that she would hyperventilate, and she wasn’t prepared to look so weak; she couldn’t appear weak anymore.