“I love you too.”
Sam and Shawn joined us before we could say anything else. Sam’s cheeks were flushed from the excitement of the ride, or maybe it was from being with the guy she was in love with.
Sam was able to talk me into going on the “Haunted Castle,” which was just cheesy enough that all of us were laughing when we got off the ride.
We ended our day at the Boardwalk by going on “Loggers Revenge,” which was a ride where you sat in a wooden log drifting along on the water until finally you drop off a hundred foot decline splashing at the bottom, so the water completely drenches everyone on board.
I put an end to the rides after that. I felt like I had left my stomach at the top of that drop, and now that I was soaked, I was ready to leave.
We decided that it would be best to do our research on the internet at Mark’s house, since I still hadn’t told my mom about Mark.
Sam and I called our mom’s to tell them we were going to the movies, and out to eat afterwards.
I felt terrible about lying to my mom yet again. I was not the type of person who lied and the guilt was eating through me until Mark hugged me. I marveled at the warmth that spread through me at his touch. All the guilt seemed to flow away to make room for his warmth.
“Thanks,” I said, he knew instantly what I was talking about. “I figured out yesterday that we neutralize each other’s abnormalities. When I was angry at Matt yesterday, you touched my face and it was like a blanket being thrown over a fire,” he told me.
Shawn and Sam were listening to our conversation, but didn’t look surprised.
“We figured out the same thing when we first got together. It’s almost like we were put together to even the other person out. I’ve discovered that when I’m at school away from him, I am almost in physical pain. This week has been especially tough because I’ve been with you all week, but at least the dreams seem to replenish us during the night.” Sam said, looking at me.
I felt terrible. “Sam, you should have something. I wouldn’t have been so selfish with your time.”
“Get out of here. Shawn and I knew it was important that I spend time with you, once I realized that we shared all these crazy traits. Yeah, it has been tough, but in the long run, it’s more important that we figure out all this insanity. Besides, I like hanging out with you,” she said, reaching over to give me a quick hug. Her warmth wasn’t as strong as Mark’s, but it instantly began to sooth me.
We all piled into Mark’s charcoal Navigator.
“Nice car man,” Shawn said, running his hand over the smooth leather.
“Yeah it’s nice,” Mark said in an offhand manner, using a tone I didn’t recognize. “Sorry, my dad used it as bribery for missing my graduation. He didn’t even buy it; he had his assistant do it. I feel like a sellout every time I drive it, like I approve of his absentee parenting.” Mark cut off his tirade as he pulled into a spectacular driveway.
Shawn let out a long whistle. “Wow dude, your dad must be loaded. This house is unbelievable.”
It was every bit as beautiful as the houses I had admired on our drive to the beach the previous week.
“Thanks, I talked my dad into buying a house on the beach when we first moved here. I do admit, I did use the absentee father card on that one.”
The house was breathtaking; it looked like it belonged on some swanky T.V show. The side that faced the road looked like it was constructed of driftwood you would find on the beach. The front doors were made from the richest oak I had ever seen. Each held a beautiful stain glass window that resembled the crashing waves of the ocean. Conch shells and miniature tiki lamps lined the sidewalk. The driveway was made up of thousands of crushed shells that crunched pleasantly underfoot. The lawn was lush with palm trees placed strategically around to give a person the feeling that they were on their own private little island.
Mark opened the front door and we all stopped in awe. The inside was even more breathtaking than the outside. The side of the house that faced the ocean was made up of glass panels from floor to ceiling that were only broken up by a set of oversized French doors leading to the patio outside. The plush carpet in the living room swallowed up our bare feet as we made our way toward the patio.
I walked over to the patio doors and opened them up. Inhaling the fragrant ocean air, I looked at the deck in wonder. Jeez, his dad must be loaded; I thought echoing Shawn’s sentiments. The patio held one of the infinity swimming pools that I had only seen in movies. It seemed as if it was stretching out into the horizon. Lounge chairs were scattered abundantly across the patio and a wood patio table big enough for a party of twelve sat in the far corner next to the outdoor bar. The whole look was completed by a magnificent freestanding waterfall.
“Wow, is your dad a movie star or something?” Sam asked.
Mark laughed. “No, just a businessman.”
Mark came over and stood by me. “This is beautiful,” I told him.
“I know; I love it here. When we decided to move, my dad left the house hunting up to me and I fell in love with this one the moment I laid eyes on it. My dad travels so much, it feels like mine.”
“Your dad must be good at his job to be able to afford this,” I commented.
“He owns his own company, he’s a troubleshooter. He goes in and helps companies that are having problems get back on their feet. He’s earned quite a reputation and is in high demand. The only problem is that he’s always out of town, working. I used to get upset about it, but then it just became normal.” >My thoughts were interrupted by Mark. “What’s so special about the picture and why did you want us to see it here?” He asked.
“See for yourself,” Shawn said, digging around in his knapsack. Shuffling clothes and toiletries around, he finally extracted a big yellow manila envelope. Pulling the tabs open, he carefully removed an object covered in bubble wrap. He gently peeled the wrapping away to reveal a plastic Ziploc baggie with a faded worn picture inside.
“I put it in a baggie a few years ago after I discovered that my constant handling was ruining it. I knew it was important to preserve it the best I could,” he said as he gingerly handed the picture over to Mark.