2 Chapter 2

Chapter 2:

Waking up I slapped my hand on my alarm clock to silence the never ending radio that got louder and louder.

Rolling out of bed I stretched and released a yawn while rubbing my eyes. Headed towards my bathroom I turned on the lights. Grabbing a fresh towel from the cupboard, I turned on the shower and adjusted the water temperature. Taking my nightgown off, I tossed it to the floor and hopped into the shower.

Feeling my body relax under the warm water. Rinsing my face quickly, I reached over and squirted a dime size dab of morning burst scrub on my hand then massaged it into my face and lathered it for 30 seconds. Leaning forward I washed it off my face. Feeling a bit more refreshed as my body woke up more.

Reaching down I grabbed my shampoo and lathered it into my hair and let it sit. Grabbing my scrunchy I applied a decent amount of soap and rubbed it till I had a nice amount of bubbles. Taking the scrunchy I started washing my body then rinsed it off. Hanging up my scrunchy I rinsed out my hair and added conditioner, letting it sit for a short period then washing it out.

Finishing up my shower, I turned off the water, opened the curtain and I grabbed my towel. Drying off I stepped out of the shower and walked over to the counter. Grabbing my hair brush I ran it through my hair and finished up with my daily bathroom routine. Turning off the light I walked over to my walk-in closet.

Taking a quick look around I grabbed a pair of joggers and a sleeveless sweater along with a sports bra and a pair of spandex. Slipping into my clothes I grabbed a pair of socks and made my way downstairs.

Jumping down onto the landing I skipped into the living room and turned on my surround sound stereo. Blasting some music as I wandered into the kitchen.

Opening the fridge I grabbed a bunch of fruits then shut it with my butt as I walked to the counter.

Bringing out my blender I plugged it in and threw in some fruit to make a smoothie. Once finished I grabbed a cup and poured the mix into it and drank it. Afterwards, I but the blender glass and my cup in the sink and rinsed them out.

I've always liked rinsing off my dishes if I wasn't going to wash them right away. It made my task much easier later on.

Wiping off the counter I looked up at the clock on the wall and smiled. Right on time. 4:15 am.

Hurrying into the other room I grabbed my jogging shoes and slid them on. Pocketing my keys and my ipod. I walked into the living room and shut off my stereo and lights as I headed towards the backdoor. Unlocking the door I walked out then locked and shut it again.

Breathing in the fresh morning air I sighed and started my morning stretching.

Once warmed up I put my headphones in and started jogging along the beach. Taking deep breaths I enjoyed my jog. Jogging towards the cliffs I made my way up. Reaching the top I sat and looked out over the ocean removing my headphones.

It was beautiful. Touching even.

You could hear the animals talking, the birds calling out to each other, the dolphins whistling and clicking to each other, the waves hitting against the shore. On land you could hear a den of foxes calling to each other, the occasional barking from a dog in the distance as the wind awoke and carried the notes. Everything was waking up.

The sky couldn't have been more beautiful as it started to change as the sun started to rise. Once dark now streaked with pink and orange. Wisps of clouds joining together to create a masterpiece.

Closing my eyes I soaked up the sun as it displayed its first hint of warmth.

Standing up I walked towards the side and embraced the wind as it blew the ocean breeze. Putting my hands up in the air I smiled big and started spinning in circles while laughing.

Stopping I moved my hair behind my ears and listened to the ocean on the wind. Hearing it's whispers of joy as it awakened with life.

I could feel the love surround me. Could feel them calling me back to the sea. Whispering for me to explore its natural beauty. To swim with the animals and experience freedom.

This is why I love the ocean.

This is why nobody but Nolan is be able to fully understand me, I thought. Sighing I hugged myself and then started back down.

Jogging back home I unlocked the back door and walked in, closing the door I bent over and removed my shoes placing them on the mat by the wall.

Walking into the kitchen I grabbed a cup then filled it with water and took a nice long drink. Placing the cup on the counter I grabbed a bowl from the cupboard then turned and opened a cabinet to grab my oatmeal.

Dumping the oatmeal packets in my bowl I heated up some water and put it in the bowl as I grabbed more fruit out of the fridge.

Grabbing a knife I started dicing up the fruit and put it on the top of my oatmeal and grabbed a spoon.

Sitting on a stool I placed my oatmeal on the counter and started mixing the fruit in better as I felt a shift in my mind.

'Morning Raihl, How was your morning jog?' Nolan sent to me wrapping me in a tight embrace that made me feel safe and loved.

'Beautiful, you should come with me next time.' I replied and sent him an image of the ocean this morning.

'I'll think about it. It looks beautiful.' Nolan replied.

I could feel his longing, his deepest most suppressed urge, he wanted to touch the ocean, be welcomed home in her loving arms, explore each thrill. But his mates human. So he buried his urge. A sacrifice for her. Scuba Diving can only do so much, you can feel free while doing it but the minute you leave the water you can no longer feel the oceans loving embrace or its sweet whispers of nothing.

It brought tears to my eyes. I could feel his love for her. Feel the hidden desire that he wished his mate was like us, that she felt mother oceans sweet call but he was content with just being with her. It was intense.

Breaking the connection I started washing off my dishes, after washing them off I placed them in the strainer and jogged upstairs. Changing into a pair of gym shorts and a tank top then grabbed a ponytail to put my hair up, as I walked back downstairs to slip on my shoes.

Grabbing my purse and keys I opened the front door then locked and shut it as I headed to my car. Turning the key in the ignition my car purred to life and I headed to work.

Reaching The Diving Center I opened the doors and walked in, turning on the lights.

Going in back I locked up my things and started going over the plans for the day. Writing and organizing the schedules I wrote them up on the whiteboard.

Standing back I took a quick glance to double check that I had wrote everything correctly then headed out front. Checking the cash register I restocked it then locked it back up.

Glancing at the clock I headed back into the break room.

'15 minutes until it's opening time.' I thought as I set up the coffee machine grabbing out the filters and adding a couple scoops of coffee, then adding water and pushing the start button.

Walking back into the main store I took a glance around. Satisfied everything was set up I grabbed my wallet and keys then headed to the front of the store.

Locking the door I closed it and walked across the street to Frankie's Bakery.

Opening the door it was completely dark besides some light from the back room. Walking towards the counter Frankie called from in back. "One moment honey. Had a slight problem with the flour this morning but I'm almost done!"

"No worries Frankie. I'm not in a hurry." I called back while I sat at the front counter spinning in my chair while I waited for Frankie to finish.

Hearing the kitchen doors swing shut I turned and saw Frankie holding 3 boxes. Setting them on the counter we walked over to the register.

Ringing it up I handed him the usual amount of cash.

"You know, you sure are the nicest boss honey. You spoil them employees of yours so much." Frankie chuckled with a toothless grin. He was such a lovely older man, Clara was lucky to have a man like him.

"Of course! What type of employer would I be otherwise?" I teased while winking.

"True. True. See you later honey and you tell them, workers of yours, they should come on over themselves sometime, instead of making you do all the work." Frankie said smiling.

"I sure will. Bye Frankie and thank you." I said as I grabbed my boxes off the counter.

"Honey, it's me who should be thanking you. You buy my food." Frankie said laughing. Smiling we waved goodbye as I headed out.

Going back to the shop I unlocked the door and headed back into the break room. Setting everything on the counter I went and put my wallet and keys with everything else in the locker, then headed out front and turned on our sign.

'The Scuba Diving Center'

'Scuba Diving Lessons: Monday - Friday 6:30 am until 6:30 pm.

Monday & Wednesday; Clean The Ocean Days: 11:30 am until 5:30pm.

Tuesday & Thursdays; Feed A Sea Animal Tours: 6:30 am until 6:30pm.

Monday, Wednesday & Friday Are Dolphin Oasis Tours: 6:30 am until 6:30pm.

Saturday & Sunday: Private Scheduling Required.

Ask inside for more detailed information about our Lessons and Ocean Tours.'

Going behind the counter I heard the bell in front of the door go off as the front door was opened and Malcom, Becky, and Rina all walked in.

"Good Morning My Ever Lovely Employees!" I called out with a big smile.

"Morning Raihl." Malcom greeted coming around and giving me a quick hug before heading into the break room.

"Morning." Rina and Becky greeted in unison as they both gave me side hugs and followed Malcom.

Shaking my head I turned around and brought up the fund jars. Setting them up I organized them on the counter for the customers to see.

Turning around I watch Becky walk back out of the break room with half a croissant roll in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other. Shaking my head I put my hands on my hips and she stopped to look at me.

"What? Come on. It's just coffee..." Becky whined while eating.

"At least put it in a travel mug," I commented with a raised eyebrow.

"She does have point Beck." Rina sang as she walked passed both of us to get her gear and Becky groaned.

"Yeah Beck, why can't you be like me?" Malcom said with a smile as he pulled out his cup.

"Ta-Da!" He yelled and did a little dance.

"Oh. My. Lord." Becky exclaimed in repulsion and turned to me.

"You actually let him use that?!" Her doe eyes got huge with disbelief.

"Yeah, why not? If it keeps him happy and stops him from spilling his coffee on things then why not?" I commented with a shrug.

"But it's so...so.." She started and Malcom jumped in.

"Beautiful. I know. I designed it myself." He commented proudly as he looked at it.

Glancing at me with a horrified face as I started laughing.

"Okay so. I'm going to go get that mug." Becky said as she walked back to the break room.

Smiling I turned and looked at Malcom who was still admiring his cup.

"Okay, Romeo get to work," I told him as I gave him a shove then called out to everyone.

"Don't forget Nolan's off until 11:30. So that means double the tasks. Time is money, know your schedule."

Before long the bell started ringing as customers started flooding in. Taking over I grabbed my clipboard off the counter and started gathering the Registered Groups off to the side. By 7:15 we had the first two boat groups ready to go.

Dividing the six families in half I put them on their boats and wrote it down.

Walking back to the shop I waited for Becky to finish ringing up a customer before sliding the clipboard beneath the counter and turning to her.

"Alright, boats 1 & 2 are ready to go. As soon as I'm back we'll be taking the groups out. Rina's down by the pools for lessons if you need her." I told her as she nodded at me.

Walking back to the docks I hopped onto the boat and we started off on our journey. The ocean was calm, rocking gently under the boat as we traveled. Birds were soaring through the air calling to each other as they dived. Excellent time! I thought.

As a Scuba Diving Host, Malcom and I entertain the guests and went over the rules until we reach our destination.

"To your right you'll see a flock of Australasian Gannets, also known as Morus bassanus, as they plunge dive into the sea after a school of fish." I said to the group hearing my voice echo around the deck as the speakers played my voice.

Looking to the right tourists pulled out their cameras and started taking shots of the gannets descended doing a plunge dive into the ocean. I could feel the ocean ripple as they struck beneath the surface. There was no hate only acceptance. It's the circle of life.

"How fast can they dive?" A tourist at the front questioned going to the railing.

"An Australasian can dive from a height of 30 meters, which is 98 ft, achieving speeds of 62 miles per hour as they strike the surface of the water, which enables them to catch fish much deeper than most airborne birds." I announced hearing them converse in awe about how fast they can go. They really are magnificent creatures to view.

Moving forward on the water we circled around the cliffs and ridges showing them the best sights.

Glancing over the water I spotted a pod of whales and smiled.

"Looking to the left you will see a pod of whales, called Sei Whales as they go down for feeding." I mentioned and everyone gasped in awe.

"How do you know they're Sei Whales?" A tourist asked taking pictures of the pod of whales as they went under for feeding.

"A Sei whale has a dark, bluish grey back and light-colored belly. They also have pointed rostrum which is their snout, short pectoral fins, a tall slightly hooked dorsal fin and slender body which ends with their thick tail. Also, take note that they have single ridge that stretches from the tip of the snout to their blowholes. You can identify the type of whale by studying what they look like," I replied.

"What does it eat?" Another tourist questioned.

"Sei whales are carnivores. They consume around 2.000 pounds of krill, copepods, zooplankton and fish per day. If you look at their mouths they have 300 to 400 baleen plates on each side, they form a comb-like structure which filters in edible matter from the water ingested during the feeding session." I replied turning my head as I heard their growl-like call as they communicated with each other under the surface.

Shortly after some tourists jumped back as a Sei Whale surfaced close to the boat and released a funnel of water from their blowhole. The tourists still at the railing were sprayed with water and people started laughing.

Smiling big I glanced out at the pod of whales. They were happy. The food was more than bountiful and the ocean was calm.

"Look out folks. Looks like we're in for a bit of a whale shower." I joked and people started laughing harder, a few started snapping pictures.

Continuing forward we reached our destination.

Once we stopped, Malcom and I gathered everybody together at the back of the boats and got suited up. Once ready we gathered our groups and took count.

10. Nodding to Mike he checked the list and headed back to the wheel.

"Alright, when we go down, I want you to be careful and mindful of your surrounds and please above all, have fun. If you need me I have this Bright Pink flag for you to look for and as you can see you all have a bright orange flag on your tanks. These are for visual safety. Please be safe." I explained then smiled and put my scuba mask on and pencil dived into the ocean.

Moving further into the ocean I watched as the rest of my group jumped in. Each group divided into groups of two or three people.

Keeping an eye on them I swam around, occasionally pointing out things for them to observe.

The dolphins were swimming in between all the people, chattering and whistling as they got attention. Looking around I took it all in. The schools of fish swimming calmly, avoiding most of the tourists but I few got close.

Glancing down I pointed out a fever of Spotted Eagle stingrays gliding beneath us. They were beautiful flowing through the water like they were flying, all 6 of them.

Glancing down at my watch I swam over and touched my groups' arms. Once they looked at me I made a thumbs motion and started pointing up. Nodding their heads they started for the surface. Turning around I rounded up the rest of my group. Waiting patiently I climbed the boat steps and started to take a headcount.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. 10. Everyone's back.

Taking our gear off we hung it up and went back to our seats. Glancing over Malcom signaled that everyone was accounted for. Nodding my head I walked over to Mike.

"Hey Mike everyone's here and ready to go." I said as he nodded and we headed off.

Reaching a small Island we docked and both groups disembarked. Following Malcom and I the groups brought their lunches. Walking towards the beach everyone spread out along the shore, some on the rocks, some on the picnic tables and others laid a blanket out on the sand and started bringing out their meals.

Glancing at Malcom, Mike and Steve our other boat driver I walked over and helped them set up our spot.

Reaching into our cooler I pulled out our meal and everyone started digging in. As I ate I glanced around to make sure everyone was still in the area. We can't afford to have guests wander off and have something happen which comes back on us.

After a half hour, we loaded up our things and boarded the boats to head back to the mainland.

Docking at the bay everyone disembarked and carried their gear back up the shop while sharing laughter.

After everyone from the tours had left the store died down to just a few customers. Malcom walked over and flung his arm around my shoulders.

"Well, that was fun." He commented with a big smile. Shrugging his arm off I gave him a playful slap.

"Isn't it always?" I remarked with a grin.

Sharing and grin he shrugged, "Sometimes yes other times, oh no."

Releasing a laugh I pushed him and walked over to Becky to get my clipboard. Checking my clipboard my sight was suddenly blacked out.

"Guess who?" A voice I easily recognized said.

"Nolan." I replied.

"Oh darn. You always know." He pouted as he moved his hands and I turned around.

"That's because you're the only one that does it to me. So it is so obvious." I remarked with a smile.

"New approach," Nolan whispered as he held his chin in his hands and looked at me with a tilt.

"Get to work," I commented and shoved him towards the break room.

"Geez. Pushy." Nolan commented with raised arms.

I sent him an image of me pushing him into a pit if he didn't get to work, hearing his laughter echo back to me as I shook my head in amusement.

Focusing back on the clipboard I smiled. Life was good. I had a good business, great friends and employees, the ocean out my back door. But still there's a nagging in the back of my mind. Something is missing. Shaking my head I continuing working as I hung up the clipboard and went to restock items.

* * *

Day after day, went by and before I even realized it a few weeks had flew passed by doing our normal routine at the shop. Some days it felt never-ending while others it was almost too quiet. Not that we have to worry about money or anything, we make more than enough. We do these tours and lessons because we love doing it. It's as simple as that.

Nothing is more soothing than a dip in the ocean. Feeling lonely or wanting an adventure? Join the schools of fish swimming, watch the jellyfish, spend time with the dolphins, listen to them sing or maybe take a longer trip and sing with the whales.

The options are limitless.

Sighing I stood on the edge of the pier and looked out over the ocean. Wind blowing through my hair, sun shining on my face.

'Home.' She whispered.

'Yes, home.' I agreed and brought my hand to my chest as the wind picked up carrying the smell of salt and the sea as the waves crashed into the shore with every tide.

Times were changing. I could feel it, like an ever growing feeling in my heart. Whether it's a good thing or bad has yet to be determined. All I know is I'm missing something. Something big.

I need to find it.

It's more than just a call of curiosity, something is lost and needs to be found. I need to find it. Soon.

'Yes, Find it. Ours. Find it.' she voiced back.

'Do you need me, little sister? I can feel you emotions.' Nolan asked sending comfort to help with my distress.

Shaking my head to clear it, I looked back at the ocean. These past few weeks have made it clear that it's not just me in my body.

Weird to say but how could I describe her voice or intense emotions of trivial things? It's not only me, she resides inside me, guiding me. She's an important part of me. She is me, yet she isn't. Something is missing.

As the days go by, I'm finding it harder and harder to drag myself away from the ocean. Everyone's noticed. I know they're watching me. They're all worried. Especially Nolan though, he's the only one that truly knows the beautiful call of the ocean. He fears that I'll leave him. To go to the ocean where he cannot follow. It pains him. He's torn between staying with his mate and following me wherever I go.

Glancing back I saw them all standing just outside the store talking and glancing over at me. I don't mean to worry them, I just can't stop myself. It's like an age old instinct, no matter where I go, it's always there.

Sighing I turned and headed back to the shop with a smile on my face sending Nolan a blast of love feeling him send me his own burst of love. Relaxing as it wrapped around me.

"Who wants to go out for a dive?" Were the first words that left my mouth. I couldn't even stop myself.

"How about we stay on land today?" Rina questioned cautiously.

"Yeah, I wanted to go hiking today," Nolan commented backing Rina up and everybody nodded. I could feel my mood drop but I tried to stay cheerful.

"Okay, where too? It's been a while?" I asked and everyone looked surprised.

"Well, I was thinking hike mount jack then cut over to Single Runner and down through the icy caverns," Nolan explained holding his chin in his hand then stopped and looked sheepish over at Rina, while rubbing the back of his neck. "But that's just what I was planning on doing."

"That actually sounds like fun," Rina commented.

"Yeah." Everyone chorused.

"Then it's settled. Let's get our gear and met back here in...lets say a half hour?" I questioned looking at my wristwatch.

"Works for me," Nolan said.

"Me too." Malcom and Rina chorused.

"Gotcha," Becky remarked and then we all went our own ways.

Hopping into my car I headed home. Watching the ocean I glided around the bends. Arriving home I pressed on the keypad unlocking the door and walked in.

Going through the house I placed my keys on a dresser by the door then started walking towards my front window I opened the curtain and looked outside at the ocean.

The call was getting harder and harder to resist.

'Home.'

'Yes, our home.' I agreed as I felt Nolan send me a blast of love and comfort. He understood my longing. Knew that it was hard to resist yet I did so out of love for him. I could never just leave Nolan. He is a part of me as much as the sea is.

Grabbing a longer pair of socks and my hiking boots, I walked into the kitchen. Setting my bag down I took out the water pack and turned on the kitchen faucet waiting for the water to get colder as I glanced out the window. Filling up the pack I closed it and put it back into the bag.

Sitting down I slipped on my socks then grabbed my hiking boots and started to lace them up. Once finished I tucked my pants as best as I could and stood up. I never quite liked tucking my pants but for hiking I will. Grabbing a water from the fridge I chugged it and threw away the bottle. Reaching down I grabbed my bag and walked towards the door, swiping up the keys I opened, closed and locked it.

Opening my car door I placed my hiking pack in the passenger seat then hopped in, started the car and continued on into town. Reaching the Diving Center everybody was already there. Hopping out of my car I grabbed my pack then locked and shut my door.

"Finally. We were beginning to think you weren't coming." Rina teased.

"Please. Let's not forget I live 15-20 minutes out. I had to drive home get changed, throw my things together and drive back. I made perfect time. We agreed a half hour did we not?" I replied raising my eyebrow.

Nolan and Malcom started laughing.

"Alright, let's go." Nolan said and grabbed my pack hauling it into the back of his truck.

Smiling I walked over and hopped up front the moment he opened his door. Shaking his head he smiled and hopped in after me.

Nolan and Malcom started laughing.

"Alright, let's go," Nolan said and grabbed my pack hauling it into the back of his truck.

Smiling I walked over and hopped up front the moment he opened his door. Shaking his head he smiled and hopped in after me.

Malcom and Rina went around the side and hopped in.

"You know, Nolan. I believe I know why our parents think we'd always end up together, I mean watch us. We do almost everything in sync, you open the door, I walk in. You pull out a chair I sit down, something happens to me, you're always at my side." I commented while thinking it over. Though knowing most of the reason we were so in sync was because of our bond.

Laughing he looked over at me as Malcom and Rina glanced at us.

"We haven't been apart since your birth. Besides I am chivalrous. I was raised to have manners." Nolan smiled acting like he was playing it off while shooting me a wink.

'That was the first time you ever talked or called to me.' Nolan commented.

'And I was just a baby.' I sent back with a grin.

'But still, you called me to you.' Nolan teased.

"She's right though. I've been there since her birth too. You've always been there. Never let her down, made her happy when she was sad, spent most of your days looking after her." Malcom threw in.

Shaking his head Nolan chuckled.

"Of course. I'll always look after her. She's my best friend and I love her." Nolan replied honestly.

Looking up I saw Rina's face fall in the mirror.

"You should have seen him growing up Rina. Overbearing." I teased and waited for her to smile.

Glancing up she cracked a small smiled.

"I bet he was." She teased as I nodded my head and Nolan shook his head no.

"You little Vixen." Nolan cried as he reached a hand over and ruffled my hair.

"NOLAN, keep your hands on the steering wheel!" I shouted glaring at him as everyone laughed.

Pouting I turned on the music I groaned as I heard country music playing, yuck. Switching the station I kept going until it landed on a random but decent station then turned it up as we jammed and chatted about random things on the car ride to Mount Jack. It was about a 15 minute drive from town but worth every minute of the drive.