He held me close in his arms, and I knew at that moment that whatever feelings I thought were returning for him were only from my traitorous hormones. He might be a wonderful man, quite possibly the man that I should settle down with, but he was not my soul mate. If I were to find love and risk my heart again, I’d not risk it for anything less than everything. I wanted more than what my parents had. I wanted a shot at what everyone should have, my soul’s other half to share my life with. I fell asleep in Keith’s arms watching the stars, thinking about life. He woke me with his light snores a few hours later.
“Keith, wake up. We have to go to bed. We’re diving tomorrow and I don’t want to miss that.” Hand in hand we walked to my room and slept.
Morning, lover.”
“Ugh, toothbrush. Now.” I pulled the covers up to my nose, mostly to hide my grin.
“Now that’s just mean. You’re supposed to be all mushy when someone loves you.”
“Fine, just brush your teeth. You smell like fish.” I pulled the covers over my head to hide my smirk. He laughed, dragging me into the bathroom with him.
Forty-five minutes later we were clean, satisfied, and late for breakfast. We grabbed a quick bite and headed to meet with the other divers. I forced my bagel down to settle my nerves, while Keith practically danced around the halls. He was so excited to share this with me and to see some of the wreckages we’d read about. His excitement was contagious.
“Don’t worry, Tasha, we’re going to be fine. I’ve been on dozens of ocean dives, and it’s just like diving in Tahoe, only better. You’re so going to love this! The water is so much warmer than Tahoe and should be very clear. I won’t let anything happen to you, I promise.”
“I’ll get over it, just let me be.” Stupid fear. I wished I’d never seen Bite. Whoever thought great white sharks mauling people and hunting an entire family would make an excellent film was a genius and a sadist in one. I admit it was a great movie, just not for an impressionable seven year old. I’d had a fear of sharks since the first time I saw the girl thrashing about in the shark’s maw. I can do this. I wanted to do this.
I reminded myself that it’d be just like riding my sport-bike; stupid, reckless, and so much fun. I bought the motorcycle on a dare, not realizing the freedom it’d bring to my life. I was determined since then to live my life to its fullest potential. It was a reminder I needed right now. Nerves and fear are healthy. They help keep you safe. While it wasn’t altogether natural for someone to dive, I knew this would be fine. It was as controlled as diving could get.
“Don’t let fear rule your life,” I whispered. Keith turned and smiled at me. His hair was disheveled and his wet suit fit him like a second skin. A little thrill went through me at the thought of him being mine. My hormones did their happy dance, and I smiled back.
“Are you sure you want to do this? We could just stay in bed all day if you chicken out.” He took me in his arms, nipping my nose with his lips.
“Shut up. I’m okay, now. Let’s go.” I laughed at his antics.
Before the skiff would depart, we had to go through the final instructions from the lead diver, Jorge Mendoza. He was the one directing the more novice divers like me, unless we were partnered with a more experienced diver. Keith had been on dozens of dives, and I knew he’d keep me safe. He and I were with his friends, and Maurice and Stuart were able to join our group. Keith’s friends were the same rambunctious guys he used to hang with, the playful ribbing continuing as if time had never separated us.
There were a few other people that I hadn’t seen before, and I was especially surprised to see Victoria. She wore the same scowl that I was beginning to think was her customary expression, hidden behind more clothing and sunscreen than I’d ever seen on a young, attractive woman. Jorge was an older guy with an expression of absolute seriousness. He didn’t seem too excited to be taking us out in the deep ocean.
“Now, before we take off, there are some rules to follow. Number one: do not let go of your buddy. Number two: keep an eye on your O2 tank. The boat will be out here for approximately three hours, or until the last one of you returns, whichever is first.” Jorge’s voice was stern, clipped. He didn’t wait for us to settle down, rather he expected us to shut our traps and listen. “Remember that time is your enemy down there and that depth can be deceiving. You need to plan for fifteen minute stops every fifty feet you’re down to avoid getting the bends. You’re all experienced divers or you wouldn’t have been given clearance to dive. Remember to be safe down there; I’d like to be able to have a congratulatory dinner with all of you when we get to Bermuda this evening. Be back at the skiff no later than thirteen hundred hours, that’s one o’clock for you landlubbers.” His eyes met mine for a moment before darting off and continuing.
“If you’re not back by then I’ll assume you’ve lied on all your paperwork, or have decided on a nice ocean grave, and we’ll leave you there. Your loved ones will be charged for the loss of my equipment, and will be given a letter explaining your stupidity. I notice a few of
