Seahorse Cove

SEAHORSE COVE By RANDY WHITE 6750 Linden Avenue Long Beach, CA 90805 (714) 392-8980 Ranman_78@hotmail.com Randy White/ Seahorse Cove 1. Life is taken much too seriously. Childhood is fleeting. The innocence and wonder replaced by a growing cynicism that comes with the reality of our daily existence. But every so often an event occurs that shakes all of our preconceived notions to the core. And the belief in something beyond our own mortal world is restored. Karissa Boone, a twelve year old girl, with a reclusive demeanor, sat patiently on the sofa. She stared absently at the Motorola television in its mahogany cabinet before her. She tried to close out the conversation around her with the banal banter of the sit-com that was on. But real life takes precedence over scripted, especially when it involves you. Madelyn Edwards, Karissa’s mother, was on the phone in the kitchen with her father. Karissa knew this because of the pitch in her mother’s voice. There was no love lost between her parents, even after the divorce. Communication was always strained at best, combative at worse. At this moment it veered from one extreme into the other. “You think I can just drop whatever I am doing to fit your schedule? ” Madelyn questioned to the receiver. Since her ex-husband was a couple thousand miles away, Madelyn’s reaction was telling to his response. “Either you want your daughter for the summer, or you don’t! ” Karissa cringed and crossed her arms together protectively. Madelyn noted with finality, “Fine. She will be on flight 1047 tonight. ” Randy White/Seahorse Cove 2. Karissa jumped to the sound of the telephone receiver being slammed down on the hook. She stared obediently towards the kitchen entrance. Madelyn appeared from around the corner. She was a businesswoman in her forties dressed in a prim suit jacket and slacks. A permanent crease between her eyes hardened the otherwise pretty features of her face. The crease pinched up in an expression of sympathy. Madelyn bent down and laid both hands on Karissa’s small shoulders. She smiled with a look of distress then kissed her on the forehead. Madelyn pulled back and addressed Karissa. “It’s time to go “ A piece of sandwich was dropped onto the area of water below. It floated over the dappled surface a moment before being snatched up by something from beneath. High above the sea level, Gary Long, a roughneck, watched the occurrence from the deck of an oil platform. Long pressed his stomach into the guard rail to get a better view. He grinned with anticipation. He pulled apart another piece of the sandwich. He prepared to throw this bite out to the recipient under the water. “ What cha’ doin’, there? “ Gary was deterred by the voice behind him. He turned in place, leaning back on the railing. He explained in a start to Ned Harty, the rig’s operation team leader. “ Feeding the fish. “ Randy White/Seahorse Cove 3. Gary’s grease smudged face lifted with enthusiasm. Ned returned a look of skepticism. Gary rotated on his heel and flung the remainder of the sandwich into the ocean to demonstrate. He gripped the railing with both hands. Ned watched over his shoulder. Gary pointed down for his benefit. “ Just you wait! “ The sandwich was snapped under by the voracious, unseen entity. Ripples spread from the point of submersion. Back up on the rig platform, Ned stared at Gary with new found belief. “ Sure are biting today, “ he conceded. Miles away from the oil rigs drilling platform, a small, single engine boat rode the motion of the waves. The craft was equipped with shortwave antennas and a sonar dish. The sharp cry of a signal, steady and repetitive, echoed in the air. A blip of light marked the round screen of a sonar monitor. It pulsed in synchronization with the signal, which now sounded like the bleating of an animal. Randy White/Seahorse Cove 4. Drew Boone, a scraggly, bespectacled oceanographer, pushed in close to observe. He keyed in coordinates on a computer console to identify the location of the signal. As if it sensed his intention, the blip on the monitor suddenly changed position. Boone rapidly input the data. “ I like a challenge, “ he said. The blip complied. It began to dart all across the screen leaving streaks of light behind in its wake. Boone raced his hands over the keys, trying to maintain. The direction of the signal moved so quickly, a web of separate trails formed over the monitor. Boone retracted his hands from the keyboard with frustration. He held them out yoga style and inhaled a cleansing breath. “ Have it your way, “ he said. Boone reclined in his chair. He removed his glasses and tossed them upon the work station. He massaged the bridge of his nose. He stared at the intertwined light pattern in resignation. “ Stay a secret, “ he said with acceptance. Randy White/Seahorse Cove 5. A ship to shore radio buzzed from a transmission coming in. A mature woman's voice with a trace of a New England accent followed. “Sorry Charlie, this is Home Shore.” Boone turned his attention to the message. He spun around his roller caster chair and guided it over to the radio console. He grabbed the hand held microphone in response. “ Sorry Charlie. Over.” Marla Boone was at the other end of their connection, Drew's mother. She was a striking woman in her fifties. She was beautiful, but not in the classical sense. Her beauty came from the kindness of her spirit. She had a full head of white hair and mystical, aquamarine colored eyes. Her cheeks were wind burned to the point of their being permanently rosy. Marla was seated at a desk with its own radio console. The table where it set faced a window with a spectacular view of the surrounding coast and the ocean beyond. She could see a speck on the tapestry of blue moving inland at a snail's speed. This was Drew's boat. Marla announced into the microphone with a pleasant New England accent., “ Son, Karissa is here. “ Off to one side Karissa stood observing the boat coming inland with haunted eyes. Randy White/Seahorse Cove 6. Drew Boone was revitalized by Marla's announcement. Anticipation shown on his face. “ I'll be there before you know it, “ he said The Sorry Charlie sailed past the offshore drilling platform. Some of the roughnecks familiar with his presence called to Drew from the observation deck. One of the roughnecks asked in general. “ Hey, Doc! Find anything today?” Drew manned the wheel of his craft and waved back at the rig workers in a celebratory manner. He shook his head with enthusiasm as he answered. “ Every day! “ Drew Boone pulled up to his mother's provincial house on the corner. His heart beat fast as the figures of Marla and Karissa became visible. He commented out loud upon seeing his daughter for the first time in nearly a year. “ Look how she's grown! “ Drew was overcome by a sense of melancholy momentarily before dismissing it in favor of the reunion pending. He switched off the engines ignition and clumsily opened the car door. He felt himself depart from the vehicle and stand up in the street. His head turned towards the front yard. He saw Karissa waiting for him with a blank expression. Marla made up for it with her glowing smile. Randy White/Seahorse Cove 7. Drew began up on the sidewalk and then remembered that his shirt was unbuttoned. That was no proper way for a father to greet his little girl. Drew worked to insert each button in its hole before he reached the gate. Marla ushered Karissa forward as Drew pushed through the gate to the white picket fence that surrounded their property. “ Say hello to your daddy, “ Marla encouraged Karissa. Boone stopped short of meeting Karissa on the walkway. He dropped to one knee out of past memory and waited for his daughter to come to him. He put out his arms to welcome her. Karissa took tentative steps coming into her father's embrace. When she stood across from his hopeful look, Drew reached forward and hugged her. “ Oooh, “ Drew said, “Big hug!” Marla watched their reunion with approval. Drew eventually released Karissa, but stayed on one knee to talk with her at her level. “ So, what do you want to do this summer?” Karissa shrugged. “ Want to go out on the boat? “ Drew asked. Karissa looked blankly at him. “ Swim in the cove?” he suggested. Randy White/Seahorse Cove 8. Karissa gave a similar response as to his question before. Drew nodded in return. Emotion flushed his face. “ We can decide on that later, “ he said. His voice quavered as his feelings rose. “ I missed you, sweetheart!” Karissa endured another one of her father's long hugs. Drew sensed the distance with her and pulled away. He looked Karissa in her eyes and put out his hand impulsively. He held it palm open towards her. “ Keepsies?” he asked gently. With that gesture, a reminder of happier times, Karissa was brought back to him. The cloudiness in her eyes cleared. She raised her own hand and touched palms with her father. Karissa answered in a barely, audible voice. “ Keepsies.” After making contact with each other, Drew and Karissa pledged this promise over their hearts. Randy White/Seahorse Cove 9. CHAPTER TWO- The town of Seaside Cove where Drew and Marla called home, was located on the New England coastline. The residents of the Cove, as it was affectionately known, were a hale and hearty people, many with ties to the sea which surrounded it. Over time not much had changed. That was how the people of the Cove wanted it to remain. A cool breeze chilled the air even when the sun was at its brightest. There was a bite of salt to it that invigorated the body and the soul. Framed above the rocky ledges were the homes that had weathered the intimidating climate as well as time. Further inland was the commercial section of the Cove. It was here in the cobblestoned rotunda,that people did their shopping and domestic duties. The rotunda also served as the location for special events. On this particular day it was the site for the Founders Day Festival. The annual gathering paid honor and remembrance to the brave forefathers who built the town of Seaside Cove. Over the years the reason for the festival became less about paying homage and more about giving everyone the opportunity to socialize. The festival was set as it was for every preceding year in the local park. The park was an area that was no longer than an average football field. But the grounds were meticulously kept seeded and tended as it was the centerpiece to the town itself. The park also served as a compass point for which the rest of the town branched out from the five streets joined by its hub. The citizens of the Cove circulated about the many food tables, carnival attractions and display booths. Randy White/Seahorse Cove 10. Near the entrance a stage had been set up. Presently an amateur jazz quartet supplied mellow grooves. Throughout the festival was a sense of close relationships and community which served as the hallmark which the Cove had become known for. Drew and his family marched over the grassy slope. Coolers were strapped across Drew's neck and shoulders. The additional weight made him sway when he walked. “ Look for a friendly face! “ he directed the other members of his party. Marla and Karissa trudged a couple of steps behind him. They also lugged picnic gear. Dan Tanna, a reedy man with unnaturally large eyes for his face, waved the Boones over. The Tannas were camped at an area of tables next to a barbecue pit. “ Hey, Boone! Over here!” Drew responded with a wave to acknowledge. The motion to do so, put him off balance. Drew lurched trying to keep his balance. He widened the stance of his legs to steady himself. He extended his arms to stop the coolers from swinging. Finally he lifted up his shoulders and continued on. Once at the Tanna's reserved area, Drew freed himself from his shackles. He shrugged off the load, one piece at a time onto an empty table. “ Sure there's room?” Drew asked Tanna. Randy White/Seahorse Cove 11.. Tanna pushed aside a group of serving bowls on the table before him. “ We'll make the room!” he declared. Marla and Karissa were helped by Nora Tanner in positioning their contributions to the spread. Nora was a healthy looking woman with an athletic quality. She wore a haltertop, shorts and sneakers and looked like she was constantly on the verge of running in a relay race. She commented to Marla, “ You're the first ones to arrive, after us.” “Oh, “ Marla noted, “ How many are you expecting?” Nora counted out the answer on her fingers. “ Three, four, five more families.” Marla resigned herself to the probability of overcrowding. “ Oh, well, the more the merrier, “ she said agreeably. Teresa Tanna, was a socially correct girl around Karissa's age. She introduced herself to Karissa with an air of privilege. “ I'm Teresa Tanna. “ Karissa looked back without interest. Randy White/Seahorse Cove 12. “ So? “ she challenged. Teresa was miffed a moment but quickly recovered her poise. “ So, what's your name? “ Karissa replied on the end of a sigh, “ Karissa. “ “ Do you want to play, Karissa? “ Teresa asked. Karissa looked over to her father and Marla with reluctance. Drew nodded, prompting her to relent to Teresa's offer. Karissa faced Teresa then rolled her eyes. “ Sure, “ she conceded. She followed Teresa out to an open part of the park. Drew and Marla smiled, encouraged by her participation. Marla leaned back against the table they were seated at. She took in a deep breath of fresh air and exhaled. “ Well, now, this is peaceful, “ she commented. Randy White/Seahorse Cove 13. A little later the situation had changed. The picnic table bustled with activity as three more families have joined them on the benches. Ken Crimson was the Cove’s resident police chief. He cited Roy Schreider’s character in the movie “Jaws” as his primary reason of going into law enforcement. Consequently, most of his duties for the Cove consisted of checking on fishing licenses and the occasional drunk and disorderly. Crimson wore a black t-shirt on this day off instead of his usual pressed uniform. But to remind everyone of his authority it had the word POLICE spelled out in big,block letters across the chest. Crimson presided over the other members of his household,wife Grace, whose name defined her demeanor, and their headstrong son, Jim. Milt Rosenbaum was a wizened, Jewish businessman who also was president of the Cove’s only bank. His wife Deloris was a born socialite. She was involved in every public event to be held in the Cove. She also served as the welcoming party for new arrivals to the town. The Rosenbaum’s son Willis was a brainy, nine year old with an insatiable curiosity. Lastly the Lamonts were unusual in that they were a nuclear family. Deneise Lamont was a thirty-something cougar on the prowl. Tasha, was her imitative young daughter. Conversation between the families came from all directions and more often than not, all at once. “ Drew, where you been hiding your angel?” Dan asked in reference to Karissa. Drew tried to keep his voice down as not to attract attention. Randy White/Seahorse Cove 14. “ Um, I haven’t. She lives with her mother Madelyn, my ex-wife. I’ve only got her for the summer. “ But anonymity wasn’t possible since Ken Crimson had taken special care to eavesdrop on their conversation. He tried to look sympathetic while announcing in a booming voice, “ Mother’s got custody,huh?” Drew shrinked under the resulting scrutiny brought his way. He dipped his head down between his shoulders. “ Isn’t it obvious? “ he asked with sullenness. Ken shook his head in response, inquiring to Drew’s further discomfort. “ What’s Mom doing while you’ve got the kid?” Drew swiveled his head towards Ken. “ I have no idea, “ he answered evenly. Deneise changed the mood with her flirtation with Drew seated across the table from her. “ Why, Doctor Boone, “ she purred. Deneise bit on her fingertip and batted her eyelashes. Randy White/Seahorse Cove 15. “ I didn’t know you were avail…” She stopped herself and covered her mouth to keep from revealing her true meaning. “ Alone, “ she said in correction. Marla interjected in her son’s behalf without thinking, “ He’s not. He lives with me!” Her outburst silenced everybody at the table. Boone blushed from his living arrangement being made public. Marla smiled with a look of satisfaction as Deneise retreated. Dan ventured empathetically. “ I imagine divorce has a way of changing a man’s perspective. “ He down played his relation to Boone’s situation with a supportive glance at Nora. “ Not that I would know, personally.” Milt could not help but add, “ Not to mention his prospective. “ Deloris slapped his leg to quiet him. He looked back with a what did I say out of place expression. Drew confessed to their mutual curiosity with some resignation, “ I don’t mind contributing to my daughter’s welfare. “ Ken was compelled to remark in turn, “ You’re actually lucky. “ Randy White/Seahorse Cove 16. His provocative comment turned everyone’s head including Drew’s. “ Some states require divorced husbands to give their ex’s half of everything. “ Milt expounded while chewing on a chicken wing, “ Like, California.” Every adult present echoed his sentiment on the Golden State, murmuring in agreement. Dan tried to turn the subject back upon it’s source, feeling somewhat responsible for the public lynching of his friend. “ Crimson, “ he said, “ You’re a regular, public service announcement. “ In rebuttal, Ken folded his arms in a show of authority. “ Hey, I’m not saying it’s right, “ he exclaimed, “ I’m only saying it’s the law. “ Marla glared at him. “ Where did you read that? “ she challenged. Drew relented to what everyone now knew about him with a sigh. “ Doesn’t matter, “ he said in acceptance, “ What’s done is done.” Deneise reset her sights upon Boone. Randy White/Seahorse Cove 17. “ That’s the healthy way to look at it, “ she said with insinuation, “ Time to move on.” Marla retorted, “ You’d be one to follow your own advice, missy.” Deneise went silent and pouted. Dan attempted at that moment to get everyone’s mind of one another. He pointed beyond where they were seated and exclaimed, “ Hey, everyone. Look at the kids!” And like that, the adult’s petty squabbling was turned by the disarming sight of their children playing together. Randy White/Seahorse Cove 18. CHAPTER THREE But upon closer inspection, that which from a distance looked like innocent children playing,revealed personalities that bore more than a passing resemblance to the parents themselves. In the context of the smaller children, Jim Crimson was a strapping, ten year old. He reveled in this advantage by acting as their de-facto leader. He tried to initiate a game of tag by shoving Willis Rosenberg hard. “ Ha, ha, “ Jim laughed as he danced at a safe distance, “ You’re it!” Willis, whose whole body reverberated from Jim’s appointment, straightened the wire frame spectacles that hung catty-corner on his face. The other children were quick to respond to the game that had started. The rules were simple. Stay away from the person labeled as undesirable. They pranced around the tree and taunted Willis to try and catch them. Willis ran with a spastic lope. His reach was far off from the children that eluded him. He whined in disappointment as they darted past his groping hands. Willis’ head swiveled then went still in a moment of discovery. He smiled in anticipation and readied himself with a lowered stance. The reason for his optimism, Karissa had not engaged in what she saw as a silly, waste of energy. Randy White/Seahorse Cove 19. She stood in place. In her eyes, she was defiantly refusing to run. To Willis, she was a sitting duck with a big, tag me sign on her person. Karissa watched the other children’s frantic activity with increasing boredom. Willis surprised all with a burst of speed and agility. He galloped by Karissa and whacked her on the arm. Willis pointed at her in glee having relieved himself of the it title. “ She’s it!” he shouted in elation. Karissa rubbed her shoulder where the skin was still tingling. She faced her oppressors with a contemptuous look. All of the kids banded in a circle around Karissa. They sang a chorus of she’s it to her dismay. In spite of all their attention, Karissa did not attempt to retaliate. She remained stationary. A frown intensified on her face. The other kids were impatient for her reaction. They did not have to wait long. Karissa ended all speculation by sitting down on the ground. She folded her arms with a look of anything but submission. “ Fine!” she retorted. The other kids were stunned. They gazed at Karissa in disbelief. Karissa’s resolve did not falter even under their combined forces. After a while, when it was clear that Karissa was not going to budge, they disbanded. They walked away leaving Karissa by herself. Karissa’s display of anti-social behavior was also observed by the adults. Randy White/Seahorse Cove 20. Drew felt all eyes fall on him for an explanation. “ Is Karissa a bit shy for her age?” Dan inquired. Drew grinned uneasily. “ Withdrawn is how her teachers put it. “ He gauged the curious faces at their table and attempted to explain his daughter’s personality. “ Ever since Madelyn and myself divorced Karissa has pulled back into this emotional shell.” He noticed the expressions change to show sadness for his little girl. Deneise inquired, “ She’s unable to accept that her mother and father are no longer together?” Marla is surprised by Deneise’s intuitiveness. “ Her counselor says she blames herself for it, “ Drew revealed. A well spring of pity rose for Karissa. Deloris asked sympathetically, “ Is there any chance of you two getting back together?” Drew shook his head, stressing the futility. “ No, We tried that before. It didn’t work out. “ Randy White/Seahorse Cove 21. He noted after a self-depreciating shrug, “ That’s why the divorce is finalized. “ “ Too bad for the kid, “ Deneise commented. Drew gazed off in thought. “ Yes, it is, “ he agreed. Karissa decided to remain on the grass. At least until her father came out to tell her it was time to go home. She did not want to participate. She was content in her own private solitude. She had just closed her eyes to shut out the world. The sound of grass blades crunched before her. Karissa opened her eyes with a start. She directed a gaze at Willis, who’d stopped just short of where she sat. Willis gawked at Karissa through his oversized, glasses lenses. He stood up straight in an attempt to compose himself. Willis extended his hand down and introduced himself properly. “ Hello. I’m Willis Rosenberg. “ Karissa returned a look of irritation. Undeterred by her chilly reception, Willis continued. “ You don’t have to answer, “ he added with a ready smile, “ In fact, I find your rejection of traditional, social formalities most refreshing. “ Randy White/Seahorse Cove 22.. His lack of ego made Karissa reconsider her response to his interruption of her privacy. Without the camaraderie of the other children, he seemed safe. Karissa tilted her head to her shoulder and squinted at him. “ You talk funny, “ she said. Willis clasped his hands behind his back and hopped once in his anxiousness. “ Strange you should say that, “ Willis answered, smiling, “ I didn’t think you talked at all. “ The features of his face beamed with her acceptance of him. At the stage, the jazz quartet finished their set. The final sax note trailed off with the audience’s muted applause. The individual members of the quartet raised their instruments in a cool manner and ambled off. The microphone was cleared. Emmett Jones, the mayor of Seaside Cove, walked up clapping for the quartet’s performance. “ Give it up for the boys, “ he extolled. A few more isolated claps were prompted. Jones turned from the departing musicians back to the crowd. He stretched the straps of his suspenders with his thumbs. Randy White/Seahorse Cove 23. “ Ladies and gentlemen, “ he began, “ Welcome to Seaside Cove’s annual, founders day festival. “ He received spotty applause mixed with a few cat whistles. “ You all getting enough to eat? “ he asked. The people addressed began to warm to his presence. More than a couple answered back. “ Digging the tunes? “ Their participation increased. A veritable chorus started to echo his every statement. Jones chortled, “ That’s just fine! “ He glanced off to his immediate left, having worked the crowd. “ Now I don’t mean to take up any more of your afternoon than I have to. “ Jones finished after a brief pause, “ And neither does our guest of honor. “ He extended his arm, changing his casual talk into a formal introduction. “ Please give a warm round of applause for the man who made all of this possible, our sponsor, Mr. Martin Thompson! “ Jones started to clap furiously, encouraging the audience to do the same. Randy White/Seahorse Cove 24. Martin Thompson, the only man at the festival wearing a suit, walked up center stage. Jones stepped back relinquishing the mike. A smattering of boos were heard as Thompson prepared to speak. Thompson was a middle aged man with a Machiavellian appearance. Pointed eyebrows, a severe widows peak and overly white choppers prone to grinning, completed his portrait of corporate insincerity. “ Sam Hill, this is a fine looking group, “ he said, before raising his voice, “ Makes me proud to be a resident of Seaside Cove! “ The people met his announcement with subdued enthusiasm. “ I see progress in our future, “ Thompson proclaimed, “ Far beyond that which we have already achieved. “ He raised his hands and joined them in illustration above his head. “ This community and A.T.O.I.L. working together for a better tomorrow! “ A sole heckler was overheard. “ What about the pump? “ they needled. Thompson seemed to momentarily lose his composure. He worked to hide it from the crowd, at least on the surface. His arms fell to his side. He leaned forward and intoned into the mike. Randy White/Seahorse Cove 25. “ I’ve said my piece. I’ll leave you to yours. “ He said in conclusion, “ Enjoy your day. “ Thompson walked swiftly off the stage, hoping to leave what had just occurred behind. The jazz quartet stepped back up from the wings. They picked up their instruments and locked into a groove identical to that of their first set. Thompson was joined at ground level by his aide Alan Ross, an owlish toadie. Ross jogged to keep alongside Thompson as he made his way to the parking lot. “ Great speech, M. T, “ he said, “ Short but sweet. “ Thompson did not break stride, biting his words off. “ It’s no use, Ross! They just won’t forget. No, sireee! Accidents happen. Not all of the time, but they do happen! “ He put on his brakes to ponder a thought. Ross almost rear ended him. “ I don’t get it, “ Thompson reasoned, “ It’s not like we are the enemy. We provide employment, bring in capital. “ His face turned with his darkening mood. “ So, we had a spill, “ he recalled bluntly, “ Big deal! We helped with the clean up of the coast. We didn’t shirk on our end of the responsibility. “ Randy White/Seahorse Cove 26. He turned to Ross with another suggestion. “ Do you think it’s personal?” Ross offered a consoling smile. “ Not with you, sir. You are extremely personable. “ Thompson nodded in agreement. “ It’s just bashing big business is in vogue right now. “ Thompson registered the logic in his explanation and vented his frustration. “ Damn, bleeding heart environmentalists, “ he railed, “ Why can’t they mind their business and keep their noses out of mine?” Ross noted plaintively, “ They have no lifes, sir. “