Lovers Rock

1

Living in a small town was never my dream. I always thought I would be a big city girl, hypnotized by the huge buildings and flashing lights. Then, as I got older, I realized how much I craved silence. Just being able to sit in a room and not hear constant noise. Which lead me to taking a job, uprooting my life, and moving across states.

I'm not sure what drew me here, to La Push, but I'm grateful for it. There's nothing quite like waking up to sounds of the ocean. I came here for a fresh start and that's exactly what I get every day. I open the window, the curtains blowing gently in the breeze. The salty air meets my face and causes a smile to grow. I tip toe to the bathroom, the cold wood floors feeling heavenly against my feet.

I do my morning routine and return to the room in search of clothes for the day. Once I find something suitable for me to be in the sun, I take a seat. Pulling open the drawer of the bedside table and feeling for the polished cover. I pull it out and grab a pencil, leaning back on the headboard and readying my hand.

I take a glance out the window, my eyes naturally gravitating to where the sky meets the sea. The sun is almost above the horizon and casts a hazy glow on the water. I fix my eyes back on the paper, the dull lines bringing nothing to my imagination. I continue to stare at it for a while, tilting my head as I try to find my previous inspiration.

My alarm rings and I reach over to my phone to cease it. I know I have another two hours before I have to work, since I like to be up earlier. I turn back around and begin scribbling onto the work page of my sketchbook. I've been trying to finish this sketch for days now and it's just not coming together. Ever since I moved here, I've not had much time to focus on my hobbies.

Between needing to get a job and unpacking, there's been little time left over. Now that I'm settled in, I've tried getting back to it but haven't had any luck. I close my little journal, slipping on some shoes and putting it under my arm. Making my way to the beach and over to a less populated area. I cross my legs and sit down, placing the book on my lap and opening it once more.

With my pencil in hand, I look out over the water stretched before me. The rays of light reflecting off the little waves. My job isn't far from where I live, nothing is really 'far' in this town. Everything is walking distance, in fact, there's not even any cars. Well, except for the tourists since they drive in and out.

I manage to sketch a few more lines, at least giving the piece a little structure. I check the time before heading back and returning the things to their places. I grab my key ring and lock the door behind me, walking over to the pier. Yet another thing I thought I'd never be doing; life works in mysterious ways. I wave to some people that are untying their boats as I make my way into the little shack.

I sigh as I enter, flipping on the lights and straightening out my coworkers mess from last night. A knock sounds at the door just as I've sat down and I yell for them to come in. "Morning" my boss greets me, "good morning" I sigh tiredly. "Here's the schedule for the day, you only got 3" he informs and that makes me smile.

I know that summer is coming, which means more tours and I'm not exactly looking forward to it. It means more money too but I'm newer at this and, given the previous year's turn out, I'm nervous. Walter hands over the papers before tipping his hat and leaving. He's a strange man to say the least, nothing wrong with him per say... just strange.

I look over the times and see that they're all back to back which makes me groan. At least I can get them over with. I get the boat prepared for the first round of people and they arrive early. I suggest we take off ahead of time and they're completely up for it. The ride is short and sweet, they ordered the cheapest package.

The second group was a family of four on a little one-day adventure. They're littlest one was fascinated by the water, it was cute to watch. He kept leaning over the edge and grabbing onto various ropes. His parents tried to keep him under wraps but his little spirit was just too big. With their permission, I let him hold the wheel for a bit as we were heading back.

Finally, the last group, it wasn't a group at all actually. Just a single woman leaning against the office building. I noticed her when I docked for the family to get off. I mean, she's not easy to miss. Her long legs seem to shimmer in the sunlight, her shorts barely reaching mid-thigh. As she steps from under the shade of the roof, her long blonde hair appears to glow.

I watch as she slowly walks towards me and stops right in front of me. I look up at her, since the floor of the boat is lower than the dock; though I'm sure she's taller than I am. "You're Martina, right?" she prompts, "that's me" I answer. Without another word she boards the boat and I just stare in awe.

I don't think I've ever seen any person more beautiful in my life. "Well, are we going to go?" she asks softly, "oh, yeah—sure" I stutter. I start the boat again and slowly accelerate, bringing us into the open water. "You look familiar..." I prompt, "I get that a lot" she replies dubiously. I realize she's not going to give away information, I have no choice but to ask what I want to know.

"What's your name?" I ask, "Cordelia" she answers. Cordelia, that's pretty. "I think I've seen you around here before. Do you live in the area?" I inquire, "something like that" she answers vaguely. Mysterious. "So, what makes you take a tour then? I'm sure you've seen it all before" I point out and she shrugs as she leans back on the bench.

She recrosses her legs, putting the right one over the left. I watch as her toned stomach is slightly revealed under the hem of her shirt. Her arm on the edge of the boat flexing as she gently plays with the ropes. "Being at sea is calming, don't you agree? I'd hope so, considering your job" she quips, a subtle smirk on her lips.

"I do agree, yes. It's just not often I meet people from here, at least not at work. I mean sometimes they'll bring the little ones but, it's mostly tourists" I explain, "I guess I'm your first" she jokes and I chuckle softly. "I guess you are..." I say as I stare into her eyes and she smiles softly. For a while it's silent between us, I go a little slower than normal.

I usually do so on the last tour but never like this. There's something about her that I can't place but I want to know more. Of course she's absolutely gorgeous, however, it's not just that. It's something in her eyes, the way she moves, her voice. The energy she gives off is intoxicating and I find myself wanting to spend more time with her.

Unfortunately, the tour has to come to an end at some point. I don't want her to catch on to my actions and misinterpret my intentions. As I turn back around towards the shore, she finally speaks up. "You never go to that island... why?" she asks, pointing at the furthest island to the south. "Oh... that's sort of the forbidden island I guess. You've never heard of it?" I ask surprised and she shakes her head.

A smile grows on my face as I'm happy to educate her. It's the best part about this job, getting to share little fun facts with people. "Legend has it, sirens populate that island. Which, if you know about them, not a very good idea to get too close" I say, "why not?" she asks with an unreadable face. "They kill people. Lure them in with their songs and drown them... or eat them" I answer with a funny smirk on my face.

"And you believe that?" she asks as I park the boat, "I give tours, they say don't go there... I don't go" I reply as I secure the boat to the dock. "That's not what I asked. You just blindly believe people? Mythical tales at that?" she pushes and I finish what I'm doing before turning to her. I exit the boat and stand next to her on the wood planks.

I have to tilt my head to meet her eyes as I cross my arms. "I believe anything is possible but, no, I don't think they're on that island" I state and I see something flash in her eyes. I start to think that maybe I was a bit harsh and as I open my mouth to apologize, she speaks. "Have a nice day, Martina" she utters before turning and walking away.

I'm left standing alone on the dock, watching as her figure gets smaller and smaller. I curse myself for being such a smart ass while I walk back to the office. I shut everything down for the day and head home, the blonde never leaving my mind. Maybe I'll see her again and can apologize? I could even take her to the island she asked about. After all, they said nothing about leisure visits.