In the Shadows

Chapter 33

(Author's Note: If you would wish to listen to Chapter 33 parts 1 and 2 on audio, please click the video. I hope you enjoy it)

   We travel in silence, except for the radio in the background. He doesn't have it loud as he always had it before, but it's a soothing and calming noise. How serene after the scene with Meg? I spend most of the journey debating on my decision to come with Chris and whatever the hell he wants to show me. He repeatedly exhales his breath as if intending to say something, but decides against it.

  We have been driving for an hour when he finally pulls his car up to Sea Quincy Street and into the Quincy North parking lot. As I let myself out, I can see the blue ocean close by us, maybe a few walking distances. I can even smell the salty water with a hint of fish scent and rows of boats lined up for miles and miles beyond the horizon. 

  "Are you just going to just stand there gawking at the ocean? Or are you coming?" Chris teases me. 

  "What are we doing here, Chris?" I ask.

  He rolls his eyes. "Isn't it obvious? I'm taking you sailing. Remember that was one of our agreements, first I took you to the Auto shop, and now I am going to take you sailing."

  "Really?" I ask and I can't seem to hide my smile.

  "Yes really," he says and rolls those blue eyes at me again. I want to roll my eyes at him, but since he is taking me sailing, I've decided against it. 

  "Come," he says as he takes my hand and I look down to where his rough hand touches mine. I have to admit when we hold hands, it brings a giddy smile to my face. 

  We stroll with molded hands together, heading to the docks. It's a beautiful day, a little cold, but not too bad, and as we come nearer to the docks, the boats become immensely gigantic. I also notice a huge red building that has enormous white capital lettering, that says:  QYC. 

  "Chris, what is that building?" I ask.

  "This is a club, for people to do activities such as sailing." He points to the red building and says, "Those letters stand for Quincy Yacht Club. It was established in 1847. If you want to, you can rent this building for special general get-togethers such as weddings and fundraisers."

  "This would be a beautiful place to get married."

   He hesitates and shrugs. "Yeah, I guess so."

   I assume Chris is not into marriage, not that I plan to get married soon, but I hope in the future to be married, someday.

   Chris leads me to the docks, where I come across a monohull, and on the edge of the boat, I see the name Suave attached to the vessel.

  "Is this your boat?" I ask.

    "Yes."

    "I noticed you named your boat after your last name."

    "Well, I did not name this boat. It was actually my grandfather who named it. He owned it. I think I already told you, he left me everything, including this boat." 

   "Yes, you did." I just did not know you owned your own boat.

   "So, you're ready to go sailing, or do you want to just stand here all day?" He laughs.

   I roll my eyes and take it upon myself to climb up onto the boarding stairs and head aboard to where I am standing beneath the headsail. I go to the railing and as I stand at the steel rail around the edge of the wooden deck, I grip it with both hands while I close my eyes and tilt my head back to catch the sun's warmth. I notice Chris still standing out on the dockside and I call out to him, "Aren't you coming aboard?!"