The beach was almost deserted as the two young couples strolled along the edge of the surf, shoes abandoned and pant legs rolled. The cool water lapped at their feet, and the north wind gave a crisp pleasant chill to the evening air.
“A fire would be nice,” Jeff suggested. “Let’s gather some driftwood and see what we can do, Wes.”
Marla and Kristen returned to the blanket where they had left their shoes, while Jeff and Wes began scavenging the beach for firewood.
Although Marla seemed aloof and distant, Kristen tried to make pleasant conversation. “Isn’t it lovely here? It’s like something out of a picture book.” The moon casting its reflection upon the rippling water made a shimmering path to the horizon. Far out, distant boats looked like fireflies winking at the world.
“I can’t imagine living out here without cars,” Marla mused.
“Cars are easily accessible. It’s just a short boat ride to the parking garage. Besides, there are a few emergency Jeeps and three-wheelers on the island.”
“It sounds inconvenient, but I suppose it’s all right for a short visit now and then. But no stores! Just imagine! Wouldn’t you think they’d at least have a convenience store? I think this place would get old in a hurry.” Marla shifted her weight on the blanket, and turned her head to see when the men would be coming.
“The convenience of stores seems a small price to pay for all this peace and natural beauty. I felt as you did at first, Marla, but this place grows on you.”
Marla nodded, but Kristen could tell that she was still skeptical.
It was almost half an hour before Wes and Jeff found enough driftwood to make a good fire. In a spot well away from the trees and tropical shrubs, Jeff struck a match to light the dry kindling and logs. Fanned by the breeze, it ignited easily, and a warm, blazing bonfire sent its smoke and orange flames swirling into the air. The fire snapped and crackled and radiated a circle of instant warmth.
“I used to camp out on the beach when I was a boy,” Jeff told them, settling himself comfortably on the blanket beside Kristen. “I’d bring a few supplies and my pup tent, and stay for days at a time.”
“Have you always lived in this area?” Kristen thought how fortunate he must have been.
“Yes, my dad was a commercial fisherman. Back then, there were only a few houses on this island, mostly owned by fishermen and their families. I used to travel to school on the boat they send for the children who live out here.”
“You mean like a school bus?” Kristen’s interest mounted. “I know the mailman comes to the island on a boat every day, but I had no idea the schools provided transportation.”
“Yes. You weren’t here during the school year, but if you had been, you would have seen the children lined up by the dock with their books and tablets, waiting just the way you might have waited for a bus when you were a little girl.”
“It must have been terribly lonely growing up out here,” offered Marla sympathetically.
“Not on your life! I had the kind of boyhood other guys dream of. After school, I helped my dad with the nets and the boat. Some of the other fishermen had sons, too, so I had plenty of friends. No, I was neither lonesome nor bored here on the island. Now I just count myself exceptionally lucky to be stationed here, and I don’t even like to think of the possibility of being transferred, but of course, I’m at the mercy of the United States Coast Guard.”
“Life on the island can get pretty exciting,” Wes agreed. “In fact, sometimes, it can make city life seem dull by comparison.”
It was obvious by Marla’s look that she was unconvinced, but she tried to be a good sport, even joined in when Jeff suggested they sing some familiar songs.
As they sat by the fire, singing, others wandering along the shore stopped to join the fun, and the sounds of laughter and music floated across the cool water and warm sand and blended into the starlit night.
A young man who joined their group recognized Jeff. “Aren’t you the Jeff Garrett I went to high school with, way back in the dark ages?”
“Yep, the very same. We used to play on the same football team.”
A young woman remembered them both. “We used to come out here to the beach on weekends, play volleyball, and sing, and you guys would try to terrorize us girls with your ghost stories.”
“I remember,” admitted Jeff.
“Jeff’s favorite trick was to try to convince us that the ghost of Jose Gaspar still stalked the beach. He made it all so real, honestly, sometimes we thought we actually saw him.”
“Who was Jose Gaspar?” Marla wanted to know.
“Yea, Jeff. Tell us about him.”
“Well,” Jeff began, “Gaspar’s story is real. That’s how this island got its name.”
A hush fell over the crowd, and all eyes focused on Jeff, his face ominously illuminated by the flickering fire.
As he began his story, Kristen looked over to see Marla’s reaction, and was surprised to see her sitting alone. Wes was nowhere in sight. Had he returned to the house? She hadn’t seen him leave. Marla’s eyes were focused on the storyteller, and Kristen wondered if she even realized her companion had left.
“Jose Gaspar,” Jeff told his spellbound spectators, “was a notorious pirate who razed and terrorized ships and their crews in the Gulf and Caribbean in the early 1800s. His favorite treasures were jewels and beautiful women, and he had no qualms about helping himself to either. He used this little island as a hideaway where he stored his loot and held his lovely ladies chained in captivity. This went on for years. He successfully evaded all his would-be captors. Then one day he found the beautiful Spanish princess, Josefa, and carried her away to his island. For the first time in his life, he fell truly in love.”
Jeff paused and looked around the circle. The only noise came from the wind and the pounding surf, as his audience waited for him to continue. The smoke from the fire rose in graceful, pearly spirals generously studded with glistening sequins of orange sparks.
“For the first time in his life, the pompous pirate proposed marriage but, much to his surprise, Josefa just turned up her pretty nose and refused his offer. Well, he kept begging and pleading, and finally one day she got so tired of his ardent attentions that she cursed him and spat in his face!”
To heighten the drama, Jeff leaned forward and spat angrily into the fire, and waited while the flames sparked and sizzled. His voice grew suddenly loud: “Gaspar was enraged! He drew his saber and beheaded the beautiful Josefa.”
Now he dropped his voice almost to a whisper, as his audience crowded closer in anticipation.
“Afterwards he grieved at his impulsive action, but it was too late. And it’s said that her headless ghost still stalks the island, dragging the chains that bound her.”
As he finished his tale, there was a moment of silence before they all heard the sinister sounds coming from behind a nearby dune. There was no doubt about it! It was the rattling sounds of a heavy chain being dragged through the sand!
Kristen heard the startled gasps and surrounding shrieks and squeals, and she watched in amusement as several of the young boys in the crowd took full advantage of the excuse to protectively embrace their dates. Now she realized why Wes had disappeared so quietly. She couldn’t suppress her laughter.
“Come on, Marla; let’s catch us a ghost,” she said, scrambling through the sand and over the nearest dune. Marla was right behind her.
Sure enough, there was Wes, caught red-handed with his chain, grinning sheepishly. They dragged him down to the fire, where he made a full confession to the amused audience.
When the party finally disbanded, Jeff led Kristen toward the house. Marla and Wes lingered behind, gathering up the blanket and covering the dying embers with sand.
“I’ve enjoyed this evening more than you can imagine, Kristen.” Jeff’s voice was deep and sincere. “I’d like to call on you again soon.”
“I’ll look forward to seeing you, Jeff. Come by anytime. Janelle’s so very fond of you, and I can see why.”
“Wes has told me a lot about you, all good. He certainly has a lot of admiration for you. And the way you’re beginning to bring Janelle out of her shell is truly a miracle.”
“She’s a lovely child. This is probably going to be the most challenging summer I’ve ever had, but the most rewarding, too, if I can help Janelle.”
“There are many unique features of this island. I hope you’ll let me share some of them with you in the coming weeks.”
On the porch, he took both her hands in his and bent to kiss her cheek. “Thanks for a wonderful evening, Kristen.”
“Jeff, I—” she drew back hesitantly.
“Don’t worry, Kristen. I only want to be your good friend. I won’t deny that I wish it might grow to be more, but Wes has warned me that you already have a special man in your life, so I won’t get any romantic illusions.”
“Oh, Jeff, I do need another good friend here on the island. I’m so glad we’ve met.” She ignored the reference to her romantic interests. Evidently Wes believed the reply she had given him on the beach that night. Thankfully, he hadn’t guessed the identity of the man who had captured her heart.
“Kristen, look at me.” She looked into his green eyes and warmed to his unpretentious smile. He winked at her before he asked, “Would you be surprised if I told you I’m well acquainted with that special man in your life?”
For a moment, she was startled. How could he know? She had told no one. Then, “Am I that transparent?” she asked.
“No, not to the general public. But I could feel the vibrations all evening. Sometimes I have a sixth sense about things like that. But don’t worry; your secret’s safe with me.”
Kristen blushed. He really did know. Suppose it showed to everyone. She neither denied nor confirmed his suspicions, but his expression told her that he had no doubts.
“All I can say,” Jeff continued, “is that sometimes my best friend has very poor judgment. If he lets an opportunity like this escape him, he must be out of his mind.”
Wes and Marla were coming up to the porch now, so their conversation ended. Kristen gave his hand a little squeeze, as she said, “Thanks for everything, Jeff.”
“I’ll call you next week.” He turned toward the steps then, and while he was bidding good night to Marla and Wes, Kristen slipped quietly inside and went upstairs to bed.
The cool air drifting through her window had a salty fragrance, with a lingering hint of smoke from the extinguished bonfire. She took deep breaths of it, wanting to store it in her memory among the other treasures she was collecting there.
The house was quiet, and Kristen could picture Wes and Marla sitting together on the couch, mapping out their plans for the future.
Much later, she heard Marla in the bathroom they shared, running the shower and humming to herself. Jealousy was wrong, so Kristen would have to guard against it. Perhaps she could help Marla learn to love the island as she did. For Janelle’s sake, she hoped so. That little girl deserved a family. She missed her mother so much.
Louise must have been a lovely person. I wish I could have known her, she thought as she drifted off into dreams.
When Kristen opened her eyes on Sunday morning, her first thoughts were of the small neighborhood church she attended in Atlanta. The congregation would be assembling now for their early service, and she could almost hear the organ playing the familiar hymns she loved so much, hymns she had learned as a child no older than Janelle was now.
She had gently probed into Janelle’s religious training, and learned that Louise had been a good Christian mother, dedicated to nurturing her daughter’s faith. Apparently, since her death, Wes had done little to nourish that faith. How sad.
How far did her own authority reach in teaching Janelle about Christianity? She had already initiated a few talks with her, and Janelle was quite receptive. She hoped to lead her into a realization of the great source of comfort available for the asking.
There was no church here on the island, and no plans had been discussed for an excursion to the mainland. She’d have to be content with her own private worship in her room.
After Bible reading, meditation, and prayer, she dressed and went downstairs. Janelle and Wes were already seated in the dining room, having breakfast together and talking. Apparently, Marla was still sleeping.
“Wes, I’m sorry about the sea oats last night. I’m going to be a good environmentalist for the rest of my stay, I promise!”
“Forget it, Kristen. I apologize for my outburst, too.” She could feel his eyes follow her as she moved toward the buffet.
Breakfast consisted of a chafing dish of hot buttered grits, a warming tray of sausage and scrambled eggs, and a variety of homemade muffins and biscuits. A pitcher of juice and a pot of hot coffee rested beside cups and glasses at the far end of the buffet.
Kristen poured a glass of orange juice and a cup of black coffee and joined them at the table.
“Can we have a picnic today, Daddy?” Janelle seemed happy to have Wes by her side.
“I’m afraid we’re going to have to wait for that picnic, sweetheart, but you can count on it for the Fourth of July.”
“But why can’t we have one today, too?” Her childish whine always softened his heart, and, like most children, she knew just how to turn it to her best advantage.
Wes squirmed in his chair. “Well, today, Marla thinks we should get an early start. She has a couple of stops she needs to make on the way. We’ll have to grab lunch at a restaurant along the way. But don’t worry, I’ll make up for lost time when we come again on the fourth.”
“Did I hear my name?” Marla descended the stairs like a queen, her perfectly coiffed head held high as she smiled down at the people below.
Janelle glared at her without speaking, as Wes stood to greet her. She wore a striking navy blue jumpsuit which accented her lean, statuesque figure to perfection. “Am I late for breakfast?”
“Not at all, my dear. You are just in time.” Wes poured himself another cup of coffee while Marla filled her plate from the buffet. He poured a cup for Marla, and refilled Kristen’s cup at the table.
“And my little sweetheart over here is still working on her glass of orange juice.”
Instead of returning his smile, Janelle pushed out her lower lip and sulked. “Can’t you at least stay until afternoon?” she pleaded.
Still hoping to coax a smile, Wes came up with an alternate plan. “When Marla and I have to leave, why don’t you and Kristen take your lunch up to the crow’s nest? You can see the bay from there, and you can wave to us as we leave. We’ll wave back, and I’ll blow the horn three times. That will be our special signal that says, ‘I love you.’ ”
“No! I won’t! I don’t want to watch you leave!” She jumped up from her chair and ran up the stairs.
Wes excused himself and followed her.
“She’s certainly spoiled, isn’t she?” commented Marla. She spread marmalade on a biscuit and bit into it. When Kristen didn’t answer, she continued, “What she needs is a firmer hand. I could cure that attitude of hers in a hurry.”
“Marla, she’s really a very sweet child, but she’s experienced a lot of trauma for an eight-year-old. She’s making progress, but it takes a lot of patience.”
“Oh, I suppose you’re right. And I know I don’t have a lot, especially with sulky children. Well, when we come back for the Fourth of July, I have an idea that I hope will help win her over. I have a special present in mind. One I feel sure she’ll like. You can tell her I’m bringing her a surprise, so she’ll have a reason to look forward to my visit. All children like presents.”
“That’s a nice idea.” Privately, Kristen thought that it would take more than a present, especially for a little girl that had all the material things her heart desired. But at least it showed that Marla intended to make an effort. Maybe it could be a beginning.
After breakfast, Marla returned to her room to pack her bags, and Janelle and Wes sat at the table playing Candyland. Soon the child was giggling again, as she beat her daddy at their favorite game.
Kristen took a magazine out onto the porch. Even though the sun was high in the sky, the gulf breeze kept the porch cool and comfortable. She settled onto a lounge chair, leafed through her magazine, and began to grow drowsy. My, but she was getting lazy. Would she be able to get herself back into the work force in the fall? She’d have to if she planned to eat!
She was drifting off into the nicest dream. Wes was saying to her, “Come along. We must get started.” Her eyes popped open and she realized that he actually had spoken those words, but not to her. They were leaving.
She and Janelle did go up to the crow’s nest after all. Mrs. Baxter had fixed their sandwiches and lemonade. But the atmosphere was not festive, as Kristen tried in vain to cheer the dismal little girl. Although Janelle refused to turn her eyes to the bay, they finally heard the “toot, toot, toot” that meant “I love you,” and Kristen longed to be included in its message.
She could see the strain written on Janelle’s sad face, and knew that she would have to work hard for the next two weeks to keep her busy and happy. Paving the way for a smooth holiday when Marla and Wes arrived was going to be a major task!