The Jump

27 Circles and Triangles

Merrill and Lucinda woke up early the next day, ready to get the morning started. They drank a protein shake and then made their way down to the beach for some exercise. As they stretched, they waited on the sand for Raif while he slowly made his way toward them. He was still sleepy-eyed and had two surf boards in hand. He yawned as he set them down and then leaned into Lucinda to give her a kiss good morning. The early fog lay low on the ocean, creating a cast of gray to the sky, but the sun was forcing its presence behind the clouds. Merrill took a seat, crossing his leggs on the sand and began waxing his board. Raif nestled down next to him and stared at the waves, while Lucinda continued doing some yoga stretches.

"It's a beautiful morning," Merrill said as he squinted his eyes against the overcast sky.

"Hopefully it stays that way," Raif sighed.

A shout from somewhere behind them caused Raif to turn around, where he spotted Rachel standing by her Mercedes. She waved to him frantically so he would know just how urgent whatever she needed was. Seaguls were screeching above the parking lot, swirling in a circular patter as they searched for food and he secretly wished they'd poop on her. He turned his head back and sighed again while catching Merrill's eye, who in turn gave him a sympathetic look.

"Her majesty awaits..." Merrill joked.

"Care to brave it with me, Lucinda?" Raif turned to her.

"Sure. What kind of girlfriend would I be if I left you to battle a beast on your own?"

"Hollar if you need some back up," Merrill laughed.

Raif got to his knees, dusted off his wetsuit and offered a hand to Lucinda to help her up. Hand in hand, they went off to Rachel's car to face her hurricane strength wrath, together. As they approached, they could see Gavin sitting in the passengers seat with his arms crossed and listening to his music again while Rachel stood outside.

"I wasn't going to bring him but he begged me," Rachel said with arms crossed, mirroring her pouty son. "It's too dangerous out there. The water isn't safe for kids and it's going to be foggy all day but he threw a fit, locked himself in my parent's spare bedroom and refused to come out. He even called me a witch with a capitol B."

Raif chuckled, but then immediately stopped as Rachel glared her eyes at him. "Sorry," he muttered.

Rachel let out a huff. "He can surf with you but do not, I repeat, DO NOT let him out of your sight."

"Rachel, I've been surfing all of my life, trust me, he'll be fine."

"I mean it Raif!" Rachel snapped. "This boy thinks he's invincible. You should just see the complaints I get from school. He thinks he's a dare-devil."

"Rachel, it'll be ok. If the water is too rough or if I see he's having a hard time, then we'll call it a day. Plus Merrill will be right there helping me. Ok?"

"You're not going out there?" Rachel directed to Lucinda.

She shook her head. "No, I'm going for a jog."

"Figures. You're so slender..." Rachel said with folded arms, which made Lucinda unsure whether to take it as a compliment or insult? "I want him back in one piece. Call me when you're done so we can make arrangements on where to pick up or drop off."

"Sounds good to me," Raif replied.

Rachel opened the driver's side door and instructed Gavin to be safe, to be respectful and to listen to Raif. Out the boy hopped with a small bag in hand that looked as if it contained a towel and perhaps a change of clothes. Rachel moved around to the passenger side of the car where he stood and kissed the side of his head.