Bay of Sirens

Making Moves

                                                                            Chapter 1: Making Moves  

Prologue For as long as I could remember, it had always been me and my dad, and he was my best friend. When my mom walked out and completely fell of off the face of the earth when I was only 8, dad sacrificed everything for me to make sure I was taken care of. Being a single parent was not easy on him, so he took a better job and moved us from California to Colorado. We had always planned on moving there eventually, but our move was expedited after mom left. Colorado has cheaper living compared to good ole Cali, but most importantly, we had to start new, leave all the bad memories behind us. I had always missed my home in Morro Bay, California, and I always wanted to go back, but not like this. Little did I know the journey I had ahead of me.

“The cancer has spread to your kidneys and lungs. I am afraid it's terminal, Mr. Orea.” The doctor said these words to my father and myself so effortlessly, as if he were ordering a latte. He continued, “I would suggest hospice care. Try and be as comfortable as possible.”

So a stranger fluffing his pillow is what we had to look forward to?

“Thank you, Doctor. Yes, I have already looked into that a bit. May I have a moment alone with my daughter?" The doctor nodded and quietly left. I hadn’t realized how much I was holding back my tears until he left the room, but then I couldn't stop crying. Was I really going to lose my dad?

My father spoke very softly, "Maddie, we knew this was coming. I’ve been sick for two years now, on and off, on and off, an endless cycle."

“I know, Dad, but I’m not ready for this. You’re my hero, and heroes don‘t die. I can't lose you,” I said through my tears, most likely inaudible.

“Listen to me, we have already talked about every outcome, every solution we could make. Maddie, I know this is hard but let’s try and make these last few months memorable, make every day count and focus on being happy.”

Focus on being happy? How can he be so calm? He was just told he was practically on his deathbed. I knew deep down inside that this day was coming, but I never thought it would truly come. He was right though; this is happening whether we like it or not, so the best thing we could do was enjoy our time together.

“Maddie, you need to be strong and brave. Promise me that you will be both. You have to, for both of us now.”

“I promise, Dad. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

Two months later, he was gone. His plan was for me to move back to Morro Bay with my uncle who lived in our old beach house. The house had been in the family for years, so once we moved, naturally it went to him. Other than this last visit to my dad and being here to help with everything, I only ever saw my Uncle Tucker once or twice a year for the holidays, sometimes not even then. He was pretty much all I had left since everyone on my Mom’s side was gone, so it was either live with him or with my Grandparents in Maine. At least I still knew a few people from my old school in California, so Morro Bay it was. Losing my dad and moving back to California at the beginning of my senior year, not very ideal, but I promised my dad I would be brave and I that I would be strong.

I truly did miss my old home in California. I just wish the circumstances had been better. As I walked into my old home, it looked exactly the same: off white walls with a random patch of old wooden paneling behind the entertainment center. The carpet looked the same; I think I was even able to see some stains from nail polish spills from my sleepovers. My uncle even kept all of my mom and dad’s knick-knacks that were left behind, right down to the wind chimes on the porch. I guess he thought by keeping them, he had a piece of his brother. As I explored my old home, I found my old room. I had always hated the yellow cream color my dad picked out for the walls, with a rug to match no doubt. My room seemed smaller than I remember, but my uncle did furnish it with the basics: bed, desk, dresser, and an old TV that must have been at least 10 years old. He must have gotten all of this from the Goodwill. It didn’t bother me though. I was used to bare essentials since we had to sell a lot of items to help pay for my dad’s medical bills, including the car I got for my 16th birthday. I only had a learner’s permit anyways, so it was no big deal. I tested the bed, and it was pretty comfortable at least, which is just what I needed to relax.

“Hey, Madalyn,” my Uncle Tucker said as he began knocking on the door frame.

“I prefer Maddie,” I said in a bit of a huff. I forgot he hadn't been around me enough to know what I prefer. I think I just liked it because that’s what Dad always called me. “Sorry, I just like Maddie better.”

“Sure, well, Maddie, I know you’re just settling in, but I got to go to the facility for a few hours to work on the new tank. Should be back by seven.”

“That’s fine, I’m probably going to take a nap.”

“It's only a quarter after 12,” he paused. “Its fine, just relax. It’s still summer and school doesn’t start for another few days. If you want to hang out with your friends, you can take the Schwinn down to the beach. In fact, you can have the bike. Put it to good use.”

“Thanks, I really appreciate it,” I said as I started to settle into my bed.

“Maddie, I know it’s been a rough few years, what with your mom and now your dad, but I want you to know I am here for you. You lost a father and I lost a brother. Connor was the best big brother ever, and the most devoted father I have ever seen. Gosh, you look so much like him.”

I really did. I had his dark thick hair, his olive skin tone and facial features, his freckles, even his feet! The only thing my mom gave me were her sea green eyes, which were probably my favorite feature, and the wave to my hair. My dad taught me to love books and my mom taught me to love music. I must have gotten my independent attitude from Uncle Tucker, I guess. He’s kind of a loner, only ever focuses on work.

“Thanks, Uncle Tucker. I might go and try to catch the sunset on the beach or something. Have fun at work.”

“Will do. Oh, and Maddie, if you happen to go down to the beach, just be careful of the tide. There’s been a few reports of some folks swimming out to far and getting pulled in. A few counts of some boaters going under; it must be the summer storm we’ve been experiencing. You might see a few extra patrol cars around. They’re still doing some investigations for the lost swimmers and boaters.”

No problem there. I wouldn’t swim in that ocean if you paid me a million dollars. Tucker must’ve forgotten that I don’t swim, or maybe just never knew to begin with.

“That’s one thing you don’t have to worry about, trust me. See you tonight.”

Tucker worked as a marine biologist at the Morro Bay Marine Center, or the MBMC, not too far from home. Pretty cool job if you ask me.

I appreciated the effort to try and get me out of the house to keep me from moping. I could tell even though we weren’t super close, he truly did want me to be happy, especially after everything. Luckily, it was still summer break for another few days, so I had some time to relax before starting my new school.

I debated calling up Grace or Lyla, my best friends growing up. It had been 5 years since we actually saw each other, but thanks to social media, we still kept in touch. They seemed excited when I told them I was moving back, although we are all completely different people now. Grace and Lyla were completely wrapped up in water polo while I was more of a choir kid. Definitely not the athletic type, I mean, I didn’t even remember how to swim! Since I'm living less than a mile from the beach, maybe I should learn. Just got to conquer that pesky fear of open water. So much to think about, but for my first day, I desperately needed to sleep.

I awoke and it was completely dark out. How long was I napping? Where was Tucker? I slowly got up to search the house.

“Uncle Tucker? Are you home?” Silence. Maybe he had to stay later then he anticipated. Then I heard it, the wind chimes on the porch clashing together violently. Maybe it was Tucker? I went towards the door to see if it was him, and there she was. My mother.

“Mom?” I said in disbelief.

“Maddie? Maddie what are you doing here?” she answered in a worried tone.

I was dumbfounded. I didn't know what to say. I had a lot I wanted to say, but where do I start? Why did you leave? Where did you go? Do you know about dad? So many thoughts raced through my head and then I noticed it. She looked exactly the same only this time I was tall enough to look her in the eye. She still had her pale skin, wavy red hair, sea green eyes, but she was soaking wet.

“Why are you wet?” Why are you wet? I hadn’t seen her in almost 9 years, and this was my first question?

“Maddie, I need you to listen to me stay away from-”

I awoke in my bed. It was still daylight. Had it been a dream? Of course, it was. It was only three pm. It must be the house. It must be jogging a part of my memory. I am pretty sure I read an article online about things like that; random memories flood your mind when you are around things that remind you of someone. It felt so real though. What was she trying to tell me? I decided to forget about it and not fixate on it. Maybe Tucker was right; maybe I should take the bike to the downtown area. Get familiar with my surroundings again. Get my mind on other things.

I threw on some quick makeup, tied my hair up with a green ribbon, and got on the bike. Fortunately, it was not too much of a ride to the downtown area. It felt nice being able to smell the ocean in the air again, getting stronger and stronger with every step of the pedal. I missed this feeling, the ocean breeze on my face and in my hair; it was definitely a pain to untangle, but it was worth it. I figured I would hold off on reconnecting with Grace and Lyla until school started. After all, it would just be them expressing how sorry they felt for me and reassuring me everything will be alright. While that is much appreciated, I need a me day. A day to unwind. Maybe grab a vanilla iced latte and relax in the sand.

I started to turn the corner and wham! Next thing I knew, I was on the ground, the bike was on the ground, and some poor stranger I ran into was on the ground.

“Oh my god, I am so sorry! I turned the corner too fast without even looking. Are you ok?”

“Yeah, I’m fine, just a scrape. Are you ok? Do you need help getting up?”

Of course, I was still flat on the ground. Nice Maddie. You hit a stranger, and he’s the one offering help.

“No, I’m ok,” I said, clearly lying as my knee was busted open.

As I got myself up, I finally saw this poor guy’s face. He was a pretty cliché surfer looking guy, long shaggy dirty blonde hair, blue eyes, and a killer tan, but yet he looked familiar. Why did I recognize him?

“Madalyn Orea, right?” he asked.

Ok, so it’s not just me. Maybe we went to school together? That has to be it, I was only here until the 3rd grade, but he obviously recognizes me. Still, I couldn’t place him.

“Yes. I'm sorry, what was your name again?” I lied as if I remembered him too.

“Tyler, Tyler Chase. We went to school together until 3rd grade, and then I had to leave.”

“Oh my god, that’s right, you left towards the beginning of the year because you got really sick or something, right? How are you doing?”

“I'm doing really great. Cancer free for nine years now. Caught it just in time. How are you though? You moved with your dad to Colorado around the same time after your mom-” I could see Tyler catch himself as he realized what he was starting to say. “So, how’s he doing? Your dad, I mean. Did you guys move back?”

Great, the one question I was trying to avoid today, but hey, we weren’t close growing up, so he doesn’t need to put on a whole show to prove he is concerned and sorry for me.

“Um, just me. I just moved back about a three days ago. My dad passed away last month.”

“I am sorry to hear that. What happened, if you don't mind me asking?”

“Cancer. He got real sick real fast, and after that, it all just happened in the blink of an eye.”

“Wow, I don’t want to be that person that says I know what you’re going through, but I do. I’ve been on the other side of it. I am so sorry he didn’t win his battle. What are you doing back in town?”

“Well, when my dad was sick, his brother moved down to Colorado for the last month of my dad’s life, then stayed to help me clear out and sell the house. After that, he moved me down here with him. He’s pretty much the only family I have here, other than my grandparents in Maine, so I moved in with him.”

“That’s right, he lives in your old house now. My dad used to work with him at the marine center. Tucker, right?”

“Yeah.” This conversation was going better than I thought; no long speeches about how everything will be ok, how he’s in a better place now. Not as painful as I expected. I almost forgot I had busted my knee open.

“Hey, I should find a shop nearby to get a band aid, clean this mess up,” I said as I tried to cover the gash.

“Hey, I work at the surf shop around the corner. I just closed up, but we have a first aid kit in back. I’m sure we have all the essentials, and it's not too far.”

Of course he worked at a surf shop, “What would your boss think?” I asked.

“What she doesn’t know won’t hurt her. Besides, am I supposed to let you just bleed out here?” he said in a jokingly manner.

I was in no position to refuse. “Yeah, that would be great, let me just grab the bike.”

“I got it," he said as he reached for the bike. “It looks like it’s in pretty good condition. I can just push it along; follow me.”

I followed him, and he was right. It was literally around the block: Saundra's Surf Shack and Rentals. I remembered this place being here when I was a kid, although I never went inside. Loved the ocean, but I was terrified to go in, let alone try to do a sport based around it. Still, a cute little shop. Tyler parked my bike out front as we headed in.

“Go ahead and look around. I’m just going to head to the back to get the kit,” he said as he disappeared behind some hanging beads serving as a door to the back.

There were tons of photos all over the wall…of pro surfers, I guess? There was even one of Tyler up there. I wondered if he surfed professionally.

“Hey, is this you?” I asked as he re-entered the room.

“Yeah, that was last year, sort of an amateur competition that the city held. You ever surf?”

“Oh no, no, no, no. I’m not even good at sports on the land, let alone on water,” I said hoping that answer was good enough without me having to admit I didn’t swim.

“Well, I’m also an instructor if you ever want to take a lesson. No charge.”

“Yeah, I’ll think about it,” I lied, but it was not worth the explanation.

“Well, here’s the kit. Do you need help with anything?” he asked innocently.

“I think I’m good, unless they have changed the way band-aids and disinfecting spray works here,” I said hoping to get a chuckle. “So how long have you been surfing for?”

I figured a little small talk couldn’t hurt; after all, he was going out of his way to help me. Plus it would be nice to know more people here.

“I started about eight years ago, after my treatments. I didn’t have too many friends what with being home schooled from the 3rd grade on. Surfing was really a solo sport, and my dad saw how happy it made me, so he got me a board and some lessons, and that pretty much the whole of it.”

I didn't remember too much about him, but I did remember he was always a bit of a loner. I guess it made sense. I always made friends easily, but I also considered myself a bit of a lone wolf as well. I think my best friend was my dad to be honest, but now, I guess having a solo activity wouldn’t be so bad.

Just as I finished cleaning myself up, his phone started to ring. I hope it wasn’t his boss calling to see why the shop wasn’t closed yet.

“Hey, sorry I have to get this,” he said as he reached for his phone.

“Sure,” I answered. Please don't be his boss. I would feel so bad if I got him in trouble.

Tyler stepped in the back to have his phone call, and I could faintly hear his conversation. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but those beads weren’t doing him any service. Sounded like a bit of a heated conversation. Maybe I should go? Tyler returned to the room looking a little pale through his tan. I knew it; it was his boss, and it was my fault. I just had to leave the house today.

“Everything ok?” I asked, hoping for a positive answer.

“Yeah, sorry about that. Just some relationship problems.”

Of course he was taken. I mean, he’s not much of my type anyways, but I hope he didn’t think I was flirting with him. After all, I did refuse when he asked to but the band-aid on me like some knight in shining armor.

“Anything I can help with? I happen to be a girl, so maybe I can help you with some girlfriend problems. It’s the least I can do after I ran you over and you helped me with my knee,” I said, trying not to meddle.

He paused for a second. I knew it, I was meddling. Not your business, Maddie. Just keep your mouth shut and go.

“I'm sorry, I didn’t mean to-”

“No, it’s not that,” he said, cutting me off. “How are you at boy problems?”

“Oh, oh,” I replied as it finally sunk in. “That was your boyfriend on the phone?”

I hope he didn't take any offense to that. I mean, I was playing out a meet-cute in my head; girl hits boy with bike, girl gets hurt, boy comes in to save the day.

“Yeah, his name is Oliver. We met six months ago at a surf competition, and it just hasn’t been working out,” he replied.

I didn’t want to meddle. Plus I have never had a real relationship, so I probably wasn’t the most qualified. But he did ask for my advice and I did offer.

“Well what’s the problem? Usually in the first few months of a relationship, people are still in the honeymoon stage. They see each other every day, can’t get enough of each other…”

“That’s the problem. He lives in Australia. He was only here for a month, and everything was great, but since he left, this whole long-distance thing just isn’t working.”

Long distance relationships never work out, at least that’s what everyone says, but I needed to be supportive of him. He really was nice, so I had to stay positive.

“I see. Well, if you two really care about each other, I am sure you guys will make it work,” I said trying not to sound to cliché and scripted. “I was going to head to the beach, catch the sunset. Want to join? We can talk more about Oliver, or maybe not talk about him at all and get your mind off things?”

That definitely sounded like I was asking him on a date, but now that I know he plays for the other team, I feel a little more comfortable. Girls are always looking for a Gay best friend. Maybe Tyler could be mine.

“Yeah sure, let me just lock up real quick.”

He pushed my bike along the sidewalk as we headed to the beach. He told me all about Oliver, how they met and how he fell hard and fast for this Aussie surfer. Ever since Oliver went back to Australia, he’s been distant. Tyler suspected maybe Oliver was cheating on him, but from the way he described their time together, it seemed like they really did love each other. He explained that he knew it had only been six months, but he knew he loved him at first sight. I don’t really believe in that sort of thing anymore, but hearing Tyler’s story was making me more optimistic on the matter. We finally reached the beach and found the perfect spot to settle in.

“For what it’s worth, Oliver sounds like a great guy. I think you two just need to really talk it out and figure out where to go from here, you know?”

“Thanks, I just wish he was more invested in this. Sometimes it just feels like I am the only one trying,” he said as his eyes glossed over with tears.

“Hey, you are a great guy, and I’ve only known you for like 2 hours! He’d be crazy to throw your relationship away. Hang in there, he will come around.”

“Thanks,” he replied. “Can I hug you,” he asked as he turned towards me.

I hadn’t been hugged since my dad passed. I very cautiously avoided it because I was afraid human touch would break me down. But Tyler was different. He’d been through the ringer, what with being sick himself in the past, and now this. He gets it. I made a decision; he was my friend now.

“I’d love a hug,” I replied.

We sat there for a minute, maybe ten. Thirty? I'm not sure, but it felt nice to have a friend to sit with, enjoy the breeze, and see the sun finally set.

“Well, I need to be heading home, make sure my dad has something for dinner. Did you want a ride?” He asked as he started to get up.

“That’s ok, I'm going to stay a bit longer. Plus, I have the bike. But I have your number now, and you have mine. We should hang out again.”

“Sure. I’m working tomorrow 11am-4pm, but if you want, come by and say hey,” he replied.

“Yeah, I think I might. Get home safe.”

“You too,” he said as he started to head back towards the main street.

This was the first time I truly felt relaxed in a long time. I had forgotten how beautiful a sunset on the beach was and how much I really did love the smell of the ocean. This beach brought back so many memories: building sandcastles, playing frisbee, and climbing the rocks that were just a little ways down. That’s where my parents met, actually.

They were both only 18. My dad was doing his usual walks around the beach, reading his handwritten poetry. Dad was a lover of literature, but he was always so shy to show anyone his poems, so he used to go out by the rocks where no one was around and would just read his poems to the sea. A bit of a romantic, he was. He would go there every day, since the beach house was his childhood home just down the way, and then, he heard it. He heard the most beautiful voice coming from the rocks, so he followed it. There she was, Rhea, my mom. My dad claimed it was love at first sight. My parents had the classic summer love story: met, fell in love, got married moved in together, and had me, all within a year in a half. Then, she walked out on us. Never knew why. Love at first sight, wasn’t that a joke? Dad always suspected another man but never knew for sure. Apparently men were always drawn to her and she loved the attention. There is so much about her I can’t remember. I hate that I miss her, but I just wish I knew what happened to her, where she went. Would love to meet who she gave us up for.

Ok, that’s it, Maddie, this was supposed to be relaxing time. Positive thoughts only. What other memories did I have here? Collecting shells, playing with sand crabs, swimming. No, not swimming, not since the incident. Well, once these memories started pouring in, there was no stopping them. One summer, when I was 7, I was a bit too fearless in the water. Even though my mom would only let me play as close to shore as possible, on this particular day, I decided to go out further. I remember jumping through the waves, diving under each one to get further and further out. I remember seeing a strong one coming my way. I tried to dive under, but it sucked me in. Every attempt to catch my breath failed. I was too far out and too far under. No matter what I did, I couldn't reach the surface for air, and then, there was just darkness. I don’t know what happened, but somehow, I washed up on those very same rocks where my parents met. As I opened my eyes, I remember my parents hovering over me, tears running down their faces as a lifeguard was checking on me. No one knew how I got there. The lifeguard said that the current must have carried me towards the rocks where I landed, which was odd considering it was so far down. I was very lucky to be alive. That was the day I stopped swimming. That was the day I was no longer allowed in the ocean. That was the day my fear for open water developed, and that’s the day everything changed. Shortly after that was when my family fell apart.

Well, here we are back to being sad. It was time to go, maybe try to cheer up again tomorrow. The wind was really starting to pick up, my cue to exit. As I stood up, the wind almost completely knocked me down. It even blew my band-aid right of my knee and straight into the waves. Yep, definitely time to go. I gathered my things, got on the bike, and made my way back to the house.

The lights were all on, so Tucker must have been home from work a bit early. I hope he wasn’t too mad I was gone after it got dark. Maybe he didn’t notice due to this whole guardian thing being so new to him. Either way, I’d have to walk on thin ice until I found out how strict Uncle Tucker was or wasn’t.

“Madalyn, is that you?” Tucker called from the other room.

Again with the Madalyn stuff. “Yeah, Uncle Tucker. It’s me, Maddie.” I tried not to sound to sassy. Thin ice, remember, Maddie. Thin ice.

“Sorry, I meant Maddie, I’m in the kitchen making some dinner. I didn’t know if you had a chance to eat.”

Making me dinner? Guess everything was fine. Maybe he was better at this whole guardian thing then I thought. Whatever he was cooking sure smelt good. Better than the takeout we’ve had the last few nights.

“No, I lost track of the time, so I would love a meal,” I said as I entered the kitchen. As I entered, I saw nothing but frozen dinners. Well he was halfway there.

“Sorry, I am not much of a cook. I usually don’t have time with the new lab area we are working on at the facility, but I stocked up today. I got one of everything from frozen pizza, to Salisbury steak. Take your pick.”

“How about a frozen pot roast?” I replied.

“Coming right up in approximately 4 minutes,” he said as he popped the frozen dish in the microwave. “So, I’m guessing you went out. How’d it go?”

Investing in my life? I’ll give credit where credit is due. I could make the small talk.

“It went really well. I ran into an old friend from school. I quite literally ran into him. His name is Tyler Chase; he said you might know his dad?”

Uncle Tucker paused for a moment, as if I had opened up a can of worms. “Yeah, he’s Phillip’s boy. He used to do just basic clean up jobs at the marine center: sweep, mop, clean a tank or two, helped out with animal transport. It was long before I officially worked there; I was just an intern at the time, so I didn’t interact with him too much. His separation with the company didn’t end well though," he said as he tried to avoid eye contact.

“What happened?” I asked, trying to dig a little deeper.

“He got accused of stealing some company property, but they could never fully prove it. Plus, that’s about the time his son was sick, so the authorities didn’t investigate any deeper. I met him once before. He seemed friendly, but he’s kind of become a recluse since then.”

I wonder why Tyler didn’t mention any of that. I mean, I guess that’s a pretty awkward conversation to bring up, but I figured he would maybe have some hostility towards me because Tucker still works there. Well, I wouldn’t bring it up if he didn’t.

“So, what’s your plans for tomorrow?” Tucker asked while taking a bite from his micro-waved spaghetti.

“Probably going to take the bike down to the main street around noon or so, cruise around the beach. Is that ok?”

I could tell he wanted to inquire more about Tyler, but he didn’t want to ask too many questions. Maybe he thought he was the one on thin ice?

“Sure,” he said in a very unconvincing tone while he grabbed my dinner from the micro-wave. “I have to work early tomorrow anyways, so go ahead. You said you wanted some you time, and since you didn’t really get to do too much of that today, try again tomorrow.”

He definitely emphasized on the you, part. I can tell he is not a fan of the Chase household despite using the term “friendly”. Either way, he said he was ok with me leaving for the day, so that was good enough for me. We finished up our dinner, and Tucker caught a few episodes of whatever show he was watching. I made myself some sleepy time tea and headed to my room.

I sat down on my bed, sipping away at my tea while I re-applied a new band-aid to my knee. I could hear the sound of Tucker’s show in the background and him chuckling at whatever was happening on the screen. Things were going to be ok. I met a friend, was getting along with Tucker, and still had a few more days of summer. Everything was going to be fine. I finished my tea and tucked myself into bed. Please let me be able to sleep through the night.