The Jump

16 See You Later

It had only been two weeks, but Merrill had grown fond of life in the sleepy beach town known as Breeze Bay. It reminded him so much of his youth and meeting his wife, Louise, but he knew he needed to get back to Redwood Village. However, before returning, he decided that he would need to conquer one last thing. Which was not only catching a wave, but also managing to keep his balance on the surf board long enough to ride it all the way in. So he made arrangements with Raif and just like that, they made it out to the ocean the next day.

At first when they paddled out into the water, Raif stayed close by like a father guiding a son. Several times Merrill fell from his board, but then he would pull himself back up and they would paddle out to catch another wave. It took a great effort on Merrill's part, and his arms even began to feel like rubber bands as the morning wore on, but Raif never let up with cheering him on. It fueled Merrill despite his shoulders starting to ache with a burn as well. After an hour or so, Loris joined them out on the water and together, the three of them tried to ride the waves. When they became tired from tumbling due to the rough ocean, they decided to just sit on their boards and bob along the water.

"So Raif," Loris said as he splashed water over his wetsuit. "Are you and Lucinda officially a couple now? Annie tells me I shouldn't gossip, but it's hard not to wonder with the whispers around town."

Raif smiled as he rubbed the back of his neck. He briefly flashed his eyes to Merrill and then back to Loris. "Well... we haven't exactly put a label to what we are, but I'm definitely not seeing anyone else and I like her. A LOT."

"Well mate, judging by that huge grin plastered on your face and the way your eyes get all dreamy at the very mention of Lucinda, I'd say you're stark-raving mad over the woman!" Loris laughed.

"Is it that obvious?" Raif asked, his smile growing even wider.

"Hey, no judgment here." Loris held up his hands. "I bet I look just as crazy when it comes to Annie. That woman is my entire soul." He then turned his attention to Merrill. "Tell me, what advice would you give a man like me about marriage? How do I make it last as long as yours did?"

"Well..." Merrill rubbed his chin in thought as the sounds of the waves lapping over their boards took over. "Never give up." He nodded. "To be with someone for as long as I was, you have to never give up on each other. Also, admit when you're wrong and apologize. Remember to appreciate your wife for the little things. Sometimes we get so caught up in the day to day stresses, that we don't always notice the little things. For example, my wife Louise always had my morning cup of coffee ready for me. Sometimes I would forget the fact that she didn't have to get up early and do that for me every day. Yet she did it any way. At night when we would go to bed, she always fluffed my pillow because she said it would help me sleep better. I don't know if that's true or not, but it was her small way of showing me her love."

"Yes, I see what you're saying. Annie always buys this marmalade that I like to spread on my toast, even though she thinks it's too sweet. And sometimes, after a really long day at work, she'll rub my shoulders," Loris replied and then looked off to the horizon where a few surfers were on their bellies as they paddled out in an attempt to catch a wave. With the sun shining mid-way into the sky, casting it's rays down onto their backs, the surfers looked like sea lions plunging into the waters. With his gaze still on the surfers, Loris added, "Mates, I'm going to ask Annie to marry me."

"Wow! Congrats!" Raif exclaimed as he reached over to pat him on the back.

"Well don't congratulate me yet. She still needs to say yes." Loris laughed.

"Judging by what I've seen from the two of you," Merrill began to say. "I have no doubt that she'll say yes, so congratulations."

"Thanks, mates." Loris nodded with a dopey grin. "I'm just nervous about the proposal. I want it to be romantic but at the same time not over the top since I know Annie isn't the type for histrionics. I just want it to be special. Know what I mean?"