From Shadows, Emerging Tides

Melody appears on the deck to decorate for the fourth of July party. Seagulls call as they coast just above the shore. Birds chirp. A palm tree stands, leaves bent from the recent storm. The mango sun, kisses the sea, melting into the horizon, spilling golden-orange shimmers, illuminating the rolling waves. Crystal clear teal water spills towards the white sand.  A warm breeze whips around Melody, wafting her chestnut strands, gently flapping her sleeveless ruffled white blouse and dark red linen skirt, enveloping her in an oceanic scent, freeing her spirit of any strife.

 Gage races up the painted ocean wave cement steps. Melody turns to face him, he rushes to her, wraps his arms around her waist, his hands rest on her navy blue linen belt. He lifts her up and spins her around, his face nuzzles hers, then he backs off before someone bursts out of the seaside cottage. Gage whistles for Jet, who is patiently waiting at the bottom of the steps. Melody kneels down, gracefully, to greet the snowy white golden Labrador. His tail wags, causing most of his body to wiggle, his black wet nose sniffs all over Melody. She giggles. “Hi, Jet, I haven’t seen you in awhile.” She wraps her arms around the dog, for a hug then rubs her hands through his fluffy fur. “ I’ll be right back.” Melody steps inside, only to quickly return holding Pearl closely, Melody slips off her cushioned navy blue pumps, then quickly moves down the steps before placing Pearl on the white sandy beach.

Melody holds Pearl’s leash as she romps around, tail wagging, her body moves with quickness and attempts to break into a sprint. Melody follows along allowing Pearl to release her energy. Pearl’s nose points towards the sand as if tracking something. Then she stops, her little jaws wrap around a piece of driftwood, she tries to drag it along, but struggles to move it. Jet appears by Pearl, he lowers on the ground in front of her. She pounces towards him, her tail wagging, he gently teethes on her, wagging his tail, he trots around her, shifting his weight back and forth between his hind legs and front legs. Melody giggles at the dog play.

Gage walks down to join the fun, whilst his red and white striped beach sweater billows in the warm coastal breeze, revealing parts of his tanned athletic torso. He pulls a ball out of his dark blue linen pant pocket, raises an arm, up and back, muscles contracting and tensing, then sends it flying into the air. Jet’s honey eyes follow the ball’s path, he quickly races Pearl to grab the ball, she can’t quite keep up. Jet’s teeth grip the ball, he struts towards Pearl.

Melody senses something out of the corner of her eye, a tall man with dark hair, in a grey suit, Melody’s eyes narrow towards the figure, her heart thuds in her chest, a warming sensation sweeps over her. Gage’s eyebrows furrow, noticing Melody’s gaze and facial expression. His eyes stare down the individual. Melody’s whiskey-green amber eyes switch gears as she comes to the conclusion, it’s not Blaze. She grounds her self, heart still pounding, Melody takes a slow deep breath in, through her nose, letting in the salty sea air. Her feet rub over the gritty white sand, whilst her chest lifts, and back straightens.

Melody’s eyes turn to Gage, softening, sparkling in the mango sunlight. A smile tugs at his mouth, his hand reaches for hers, gently caressing it. Melody embraces his calloused warm hand, “Melody, how about that date, just the two of us? Any time soon?” his voice rumbles to her ears. Southern twang. Melody’s cheeks flush. “How about, after the party we can spend some time together, after my kiddos go to sleep.” Her chestnut trusses, slightly jostled from running around, fly about untamed, like her spirit. “Mom,” a voice travels from the deck of her dome shaped beach cottage. “Yes!” Melody sends her voice over the deck. Leo appears, “Can we fly our kites on the beach!”

“Absolutely, come on down darling!” Melody responds adjusting her navy blue sweater.

A faint voice, “Mia, she said yes.”

The kids, bear kites in their hands, moving down the stairs, “Take your time, so you don’t fall.” Melody calls out in a stern voice.

“Yes, ma’am.” Mia sounds off.

“I am,” Leo replies. Once Mia and Leo reach the bottom of the stairs, they run over to Melody and Gage. Mia comes running, arms out “Hi, Gage.” He kneels down to scoop her up. “Wow, Gage you’re tall. Do you want to help me fly my kite!”

“Sure, hold it up, and we’ll get it going. Ready.” Gage begins running, switching Mia to his shoulders, he reaches for a high five to Leo, then rubs his back a little. “Hey Leo!” Then turns back to Mia, who is holding her kite up, unrolling it. It takes and catches in the wind, the pink ribbon fluttering. “Yay, my kite is flying now!” Mia’s bare feet drape over Gage’s broad muscular shoulders, whilst her red, white, and blue Patriotic starry dress, tucks under her. Gage lifts her from his shoulders with ease, then places her gently on the ground. “Leo, do you want a boost with your kite?”   Leo grins ear to ear, his blue-green eyes light up, “Sure, that would be cool!”  Gage lifts Leo up, on his shoulders. The mango sun casts a warm glow to Leo’s chestnut hair, the sea breeze, ruffles his light blue button up shirt, a red undershirt, remains unbothered, his legs bearing navy blue shorts, drape over Gage, just as Mia’s did. Leo holds his green and blue kite up above his head and lets it go, whilst holding the handle and rope. Gage runs to help give it speed. Mia chases after them, and the kites collide, then wrap around one another.  “Mia, our kites got tangled.”

“Sorry, Leo!” Mia giggles triumphantly. Gage kneels down so Leo can climb down and plant his feet in the sand. Melody has been watching the whole time.

“Well, kids I think we should go upstairs and prepare for the party.” Melody explains.

Melody’s phone chimes, “What time is the party? Gerald and I will come over for a bit.”  A message from Azalea.

“Nice to hear from you, Azalea! A few hours, bring whatever you would like, Gage will be assisting me, with the barbeque.” Melody responds.

“So what’s the deal with you two?” Azalea asks.

“Oh, we are getting acquainted!” Melody responds.

“I think he’s nice. We’ll still keep an eye out! See you after awhile!”

“Great, see you soon!” Melody responds. Her instincts sense Blaze. She marvels at her steps, the ocean waves on each one, smooth blue tiles on the back part. The she glances over at the paved driveway, where her dark blue rav4 sits. No more sharp rocks under those tires. She admires her décor, the dangly lights wrap around, a blue, red and white banner runs along the fence, and some foldable chairs or red, white, and blue, are leaned up against a wall. Gage starts the grill. Melody, leans against him, breathing him in, she looks up at him, her eyes softened, her hair dances in the wind sending her scent his way, “Thanks for being here, you are simply, wonderful!”  He holds her gaze, breathing her in, a fragrance like lavender and coconut. Her glossy pink lips, shimmer in the mango sunlight. Air escapes Gage’s lungs, “Melody, it’s nice to hear you say that.”

“You are such a natural with kids, they like you.” Melody explains. “I need to go grab some snacks from the fridge. I’ll be back.”  Melody, rises to her tiptoes and kisses Gage’s warm bronzed cheek, a few freckles reside there. Gage sneaks his arm around her side. Jet has positioned himself by the gate, as if to block visitors, his head perks up, his honeyed eyes follow Melody as she moves towards the white screen door. She walks inside. In the living room, Pearl is resting in her playpen on a pink velvety bed, with half chewed bones. Mia and Leo are sitting at the kitchen table eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. “Are y’all that hungry? You don’t want to wait for barbeque?”

Mia giggles, “maybe, I’ll have room, in my belly!”

Leo laughs outwardly, “Mia, Gage is cooking meat outside for everyone.”

Melody’s hand grips the stainless steel fridge handle, then swings the door open. She brings out some platters, the goodies are assembled in a festive manner. Diced strawberries and blueberries, mixed with yogurt, fresh out of the freezer. A veggie and cheese platter arranged to mimic the American flag.

Melody turns to the stove, tending to the macaroni and cheese. She uses red and blue spiral noodles and mixes in a crème sauce giving it a white appearance, the pasta looks festive. Melody covers it and sets it aside. A spinach salad awaits in the fridge with red tomatoes, and blue corn tortilla strips. She pours ranch dressing into a small circular dish. Melody stirs the red, white and blue potato salad, and covers it. She loads everything on her stainless steel serving cart, then rolls it outside onto the deck. A red, white and blue oval outdoor rug spans most of the floor, whilst little flags are attached to the deck fence posts. A patriotic wreath, hangs on the front metal door. Blue, red, white, satiny and shimmery ribbons with stars and stripes, come together in numerous bows. Glittery red and blue stars dangle, and a message, “Let Freedom Ring” is plastered on a small wood block.  Melody places the platters on the deck table, which has layers of ruffled red, white and blue tablecloths.

The kids appear from the pastel blue dome cement cottage, as Melody prepares snow cones for them. She drizzles them with blue raspberry, and cherry syrup, then adds whipped cream on the top. Mia bites into the snow cone, the shaved ice melts in her mouth, “Wow that’s cold, I think I got a brain freeze.”

Melody glances at Mia, “touch your tongue to the roof of your mouth. Like this!” Melody places her tongue to the roof of her mouth, just behind her front teeth. “And slow down. Take your time to enjoy your snow cone.” 

            “Mia, did that work?” asks Leo while sucking on syrupy ice.

Azalea and Gerald, enter at the gate. Melody approaches with a hug. “Hi, it’s so good to see y’all.”

“Look at you all grown up with children.” Gerald mentions, blubbering a little. “It seems like just yesterday you and your sister were running around here, playing on the beach, eating ice cream sandwiches.”

Melody smiles, “aww Gerald, thanks for the memory. Blissful childhood nostalgia, something I keep with me.”

Gerald looks over at Gage, smoke pours up out of the grill, the aroma of spicy barbecue sauce and cooking meat floats Melody’s way. “Gosh, that smells great!”

“Do you need a hand with any of that!” Gerald his mostly grey hair, is combed over, glued in place whilst his husky stature walks towards Gage.

Another person arrives, a predatory walk an expensive linen suit in blue, a red undershirt, a white satin handkerchief in the pocket, moves through the gate. Jet black hair combed back, icy blue eyes narrow on Melody. Then at Gage, and at the children.

Melody, pinches her arm, thinking she is dreaming. “What are you doing here? I have a restraining order.”

“Daddy?” Mia rushes to her father’s arms.

He bends down then lifts her up.  “Hi darling, I’ve missed you! Where’s the necklace I gave you?”  a rough icy voice speaks.

“Um, mommy took it to a jewelry shop, so you can’t track us.”  Mia replies.

“Hmmm. Ok.” Blaze responds, his brows furrow at Melody, a menacing gaze her direction.

“Blaze put her down, and leave NOW.”  Melody speaks sternly. Her heart pounding as her chest tightens, a knot forms in her stomach.  

Meanwhile, Azalea pops inside, locks the door and calls nine-one-one. She closes the blinds so Blaze does not catch on to watch she is doing. “911 what’s your emergency?”

“Yes, my name is Azalea, I’m at a neighbors house. She has a protective order against her husband and he has just shown up. Can you send law enforcement right away.” Azalea’s voice cracks in fear as she speaks.

“Ok, give us the address, and I put the request in. Does he have any weapons?” dispatcher discusses.

“I’m  not sure. But he’s abusive and is holding one of the children.” Azalea responds. She provides the address, hangs up then casually steps back outside.

Gage stops focusing on the grill and turns around, standing beside Gerald. He looks at innocent Mia, being held by her father.

“Sir, I don’t think you are on the guest list today, please go.” Gerald replies. “And give Melody her baby back.”

“Leo, how are you doing?” Blaze asks, ignoring Gerald.

Leo looks at his father with spite and resentment. “You hurt Mom, you don’t deserve to be here!”

“Ok, I’m sorry you feel that way.” Blaze responds, his voice rough and icy.

“Mia, come see Mommy, please.” Melody calmly says, reaching for her.

Blaze turns to leave with Mia in his arms, just as the Police climb up the cement steps. They discuss the ocean wave stained steps and blue tiles. The officers quickly pry Mia out of his arms, and hand her to Melody. She holds her close, strokes Mia’s hair and kisses her forehead.

The officers, restrict Blaze’s linen covered arms, behind his back, then wrap metal handcuffs around his wrists, they click into place. Each officer holds one arm as they escort him down the cement steps. Melody watches the police, open a car door, and place him in the backseat. A minty breath escapes her lungs, her hands shake a little.

“Mia, I’m sorry. Daddy isn’t safe right now. He wasn’t supposed to be here.” Melody attempting to soothe tearful Mia.

“Wow, he was going to kidnap me.” Mia says. “Why is Daddy mean now?”

“Darling, he is just not nice anymore. I can’t explain it.” Melody says swaying her daughter in her arms.

Azalea hugs Melody, “I’m sorry dear. He’s gone now!”

Melody breathes and focuses on the ocean. Watching the dark waves churn in the Sea. The days mango sun, is disappearing as the grey crescent moon begins to rise, the sky darkens over. “Who is ready for fireworks?” Gage asks. “They are going to, shoot them off in a few minutes.”

Leo bites into a turkey leg, lathered in barbeque sauce. “I am.”

Melody notices stars for the first time. Gazing at the beaming moon, she nibbles on the dessert Azalea brought. “Azalea, this blueberry and strawberry cheesecake is delicious.”

“I’m glad you like it! It is one of Gerald’s favorites as well.” Azalea responds.

A squealing noise is heard, then a loud pop followed by a crackle. Melody turns to see fireworks. Sparkly bright bursts of red, blue, and white, expand and spread out in the sky, above the silvery shore. They trickle down leaving a small trail of smoke, which leaks an aroma of sulfur and metal salts.

The group on Melody’s deck observe the various starbursts. After the grand finale, Azalea and Gerald agree to stay in the house with the kids while Gage and Melody take a walk.

Along the silver glistening shore, “I’m sorry he showed up and tried to take Mia.” Gage says. He walks beside Melody on the beach, their hands interlaced. Dark waves rush at their white sandy feet, Melody gazes at the midnight blue sky, noticing the constellations and the blanket of stars. Gage looks at her, then follows her eyes.

“Honestly, I sensed him. And now he’s in jail. I’m not sure for how long, but I feel safe right now. Until he is released anyway. Mia’s birthday is next week and I’m going to have a party for her. It’ll be princess themed. Would you like to come?”

“Sure, that’ll be fun. You know when she asked me about kids. Why I didn’t have any. My wife was pregnant, not far along, just a few months. We were ready to be parents but the boat ride with her friends, she never came back. Their boat was found, tipped over. It was heart wrenching. But, I live on and still have a chance.” Gage reveals, tears surfacing in his eyes.  

“I’m so sorry, darling.” Melody sweeps Gage’s hair and wraps her arms around his muscular torso, her palms rest on his back, He smiles, “Its been about six years, but it struck a nerve. I guess some things you just don’t get over.” His somber eyes dart to the stars, then back to Melody. “Do you want Jet and I stay the night, just in case, he is released and comes back?” Gage asks.

“That may make us feel better, thank you.” Melody responds. Melody’s hands travel up toward the base of Gage’s neck, gently running her fingers along his hairline. His weeping heart spills into hers, braced, by her patience and reciprocation.

 Ocean waves splash and roar, the beach is dark, lightly illuminated by distant porch lights, and the pier. The beaming moon, casts a silvery glow on the waters whilst the stars blink. Gage, turns his face towards her, she holds his gaze. Fireworks burst up beyond them, down the shimmering shoreline, echoing, breaking the tranquil sound of sea waves with loud bangs and crackles. He leans close to her, his hands, wrap around hers, which were stroking the nape of his neck. Gage rubs his nose against hers, then his velvety lips reach for hers. The scent of sulfur and metal salts mix with the ocean sandy mist, the air thickens between them, as their faces move closer. Their lips, collide as fireworks explode, vibrating in Melody’s chest, smoke lingers in the silver moonlit sky. Their heavy breathing syncs as the rhythmic dancing of their tongues, begins. Slow deliberate; yearning. He gently releases her hands from his, sending them back around his neck. Gage’s arms flex and contract, reaching around her back, he lifts her into his arms. Her legs wrap around his waist, he spins them around, still lip locked. A kiss that never wants to end. A cool breeze brushes Melody’s cheek, the fireworks dissipate, only the sound of ocean waves splashing is heard. His mouth detaches only to travel along her neck. Melody’s feet find the sandy ground, his grip loosens. He draws back, an enigmatic, smile forms.