Chapter 3: Rising Action
While Riss and Ronan slept across town, Alex tossed and turned. After rescuing that girl from the ocean, Alex hasn’t felt right. He tried to work the next day but all his coworkers could tell he was completely out of it. Assuming he’d caught a cold or something after his heroic rescue, his supervisor sent him home, telling him to rest as long as he needs. He tried to sleep, but his brain was buzzing with questions. Who was that girl? Was she okay? Why was she alone in the ocean at night?
He couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. It wasn't just about the girl, though. It was about everything. His life, his work, his sense of purpose. He felt restless, like he was waiting for something to happen.
Through the window, he could see the moon reflecting off the water. He couldn't help but wonder if she was out there, lost and alone again. The thought made his heart ache.
He sat up in bed, rubbing his temples.
He felt like he was losing his mind. Maybe he should go to the hospital, get checked out. Maybe he had some kind of brain injury from almost drowning.
Or maybe he was just going crazy. He felt pulled to the water, to the moon, to the ocean. It’s like it was calling for him, cooing in his ears, playing in his dreams.
He looked out at the water again and saw her face, her beautiful dark hair, her exotic features. He could almost hear her voice, laughing and teasing him, despite only having heard her frustrated tone. His heart pounded in his chest as he stood up, a sense of determination washing over him. He had to go back to the ocean, right then and there.
He threw on a jacket and some shoes and ran out to his car, not bothering to lock his apartment behind him. He drove to the beach, his heart pounding in his ears, his hands gripping the wheel tightly. He could feel it, the pull of the ocean, the call of the sea. He had to find her. He didn’t know why but somehow, he knew the ocean would soothe his mind.
The beach was empty, the moon casting a silver glow over the sand and water. He looked out over the waves, straining his eyes to see if he could spot her.
He knew he was being ridiculous. He didn't even know her name, her history, her story. But there was something about her.
As his eyes were pulled to the moon’s reflection on the water’s surface, he felt his mind relax, going fuzzy and slowing his thoughts. Without thinking, he dropped his coat, his keys and wallet tucked inside, and slid off his shoes. Somehow, he knew they’d be there when he got back.
Got back? He thought for a moment, confusion disturbing his peace like a stone thrown into water, where was he going? But the moon and the ocean soothed his mind once again, pulling him to the water’s edge. Only, he didn’t stop there. He kept going, walking deeper and deeper into the sea until his head dipped under.
He should be gasping for breath, sputtering out sea water, on some level he knew that. But instead, he breathed smoothly, the water keeping him safe and calm. Floating under the surface, his eyes drawn to the hazy view of the moon through the rippling waves, the call of the ocean was stronger than ever.
I’m here, he thought. I’m in the ocean so why does it still call? What do I need to do?
In his mind, he heard the rumble of a deep voice. “She’ll be looking for you, Alex. Just as you seek her, she seeks you. Do not fear your connection, it is owed to you by the ocean herself. Please, Alex, take care of her. Protect her, love her, come to understand her. She was my most precious gift and now she’s yours. Don’t take that honor lightly.” The voice was calming despite its ancient rumble. Alex felt himself nod. He wasn’t consciously agreeing to anything but he could feel his heart agree.
Softly, the waves brought him back to the shore, safe and sound, and miraculously dry. Kneeling in the sand as he tried to process what just happened, Alex’s mind raced, even faster than before.
Who was the ‘she’ the voice was referring to? Could it be the girl from the other day? It didn’t make any sense but then, none of this did. How did the voice know him, know his name?
It said she was looking for him, so he guessed all there was for him to do was be found. Maybe he’d know more then.
Still exhausted and confused, Alex stumbled back to his coat and shoes and drove home. He collapsed into bed as soon as he got to it, finally sleeping for the first time in days.