Waterline

The Grand Whale

Darrel was driving to the Grand Whale. The journey there had a good view of the ocean. The Grand Whale has a scenic view of the ocean that tourists love. They also like the cheap and fresh seafood that is served. The group wanted to go there more often but could barely make time for it because of college and work. It was rare for them to be heading in that direction.

Darrel parked his truck against the sidewalk of The Grand Whale. There wasn't too much people so that means the service should be good. It was already late so not many people would want to go out and eat at this time. Everyone poured out of the truck after being compacted in his truck. "Trust me you will like there food!" Libby assures Nelson. The group walk towards the entrance of the diner and tried to comfort Nelson. His internal conflict of morality keeps making him cower away. But with his friends around he was able to push pass that.

Darrel opened the door for everyone. They were greeted by a giant tank of fishes and other sea creatures. There was a sign in the middle that read: "Your food straight from this tank!" That wasn't a good start for Nelson. "This way!" Allen quickly rushed Nelson away from the fish tank. Darrel took some time to stare at it. The tank contained many fishes and crabs moving around. The undersea world looked gorgeous, that may be the only perk of being a siren. Darrel loved the beauty of the ocean and all its habitants.

"Hurry up, Darrel!" Libby calls for him. Darrel perked up as he caught up with the rest of his group. They were at the front desk, ready to pick there seats. "Could we sit at the balcony?" Libby asked as the server collected menus. "Yeah," the server told them. Then he led them through a door that led to the outside dining room. He picked a spot that was against the edge. That spot was perfect. "I'll be right back," the server says as he puts the menus on the table. The group had time to settle in to there seats and enjoy what they got. The balcony had a perfect spot that gives a clear view of the ocean from above. It was on a steep hill that gave a distant view. "I like this spot," Nelson compliments as he stared at the ocean.

The young server came back with a notepad in his hand. "Would you like anything to drink tonight?" He asks them. Darrel and Nelson got water. Libby got lemonade and Allen got himself green tea. The server left to allow them to browse the menu for food. It also allows them time to chat and do other necessities. Nelson stared at his menu and looked unsure with himself. "I'm not sure what to pick," he admitted as he set the menu down.
"Let's start lightly with my favorite seafood: lobster," Allen told him. Nelson nod but didn't seem sure on what to pick.

"Would you like to try the lobster roll? It's mostly just a lobster sandwich," Allen explains to Nelson. "Okay," Nelson said then he stood up.
"I'm going to the restroom," he said.
"Wait, I had to go while we are on the drive here," Allen said. He decided to go with Nelson to the bathroom to do his business and protect him. "If our server comes back, tell him I would want the crab salad," Allen tells them. He also gets up and heads to the bathroom. Nelson follows behind him as they walk back into the restaurant.

Darrel was now alone with Libby. He was afraid that it would get too awkward for him but luckily Libby was a social girl. "Darrel, do you know what your getting?" She asks, looking up at him. They both sat at the same side so Libby had to turn her head. "I'm thinking about getting the stuffed salmon fillet," he told her. She smiled brightly at him. "I'm getting the Fisherman's basket," she tells him. Her expression then changed to a blank one. Darrel instantly knew something was wrong with her.

"What's wrong?" Darrel asked her. He shouldn't hold back, he has to help her.
"I'm good, I was remembering something," Libby said, her smile seems forced.
"What is it?" He asked her.
"It's nothing important," Libby shakes her head.
"You can keep saying that but I know how important it is. Something came up," Darrel told her. He tried to be stern but gentle with her.
"You are special, you can see true me where others can't. That's why I like you. You deserve to know," Libby looked up at Darrel. She set her menu down as she told her story.

A young girl with short brown hair pulls on her mother's hand. "Let's go, mama, I'm hungry," she urges her mother to rush. The mother giggles at her daughter as she picks up her speed. Today was bright and beautiful, perfect time to have fun. A mother chooses this day to spend some of her only days off with her daughter. She has returned home from the Air Force to be with her family. The mother wants to spend more time with her daughter.

"Relax Libby, we're here," the mother tells the small girl. They both look before them the small seafood shack. It was a small area but the food was good. The mother opened the door for her small daughter then thru both walked inside. They found a small table that was fit for both of them. Libby sat on a booster seat to reach the table. The mother loved watching her small daughter wander the world with amazement. She always had an innocent and curious mind.

"Mama, I don't know what to get," Libby says, she was holding up the menu and only looked at the pictures. She was already learning how to read but she was a slow leaner. It took her time to understand and remember. No one complained about it, she's a good and loving girl. "How about we share a dish?" The mother suggested. The girl smiled widely as she quickly nods her head.

The mother grabs the menu as she looked through the items. "How about we get the Fisherman's Basket?" The mother suggests. Her daughter cocked her head to the side. "What's that?" She asked her mom.
"It's a surprise," she tells her.
"Yay, I can't wait to see it!" Libby says. The mother chuckled at her. She then told the server their order and was left to spend time talking to each other.

"How is that after school program? Did you make any friends?" The mother asks. She knew that Libby just started a few days ago but she wanted to know if Libby was getting a good start. "I made a friend," Libby tells her mom.
She gave an amazed yet fake gasp at her daughter's accomplishment. "Who is it?" She asked her.
"His name is Allen. His dad also works for Italy like you," Libby told her.
"Wow!" The mother said in amazement.

The waiter returned with a basket of seafood. It was filled with assortments of seafood, most were deep fried. "I'm ready to eat!" Libby cheered as she stare hungrily at the food. "Let's start eating," The mother said. She tore off a piece of the fried fish to a small piece. Then she gave it to Libby. She happily ate the piece. Both of them spent time eating and talking to each other. They shared the food that was in the basket. Libby gave her mom the seafood she didn't want. Like the calamari, which was too tough for her to eat. The mother made the food easier for Libby to eat.

Both of them shared a valuable memory with each other. The restaurant and dish would be associated with it. It will be that time where Libby and her mother spent a day together before her mother went back to work. A night that should be a tradition. "Mama, can we do this again when you come back home?" Libby asks. "Of course," The mother smiled. Sadly, that has been the only time Libby's mother came home.