Between the Land and the Sea - By Derrolyn Anderson Page 0,84
than ever.” He looked thoughtful, “Let me take you for a drive.”
“You just wanna get your hands on my Jaguar,” I said teasingly.
“Among other things,” he said, making me blush.
We went out to the car and I handed him the keys. He got on the freeway heading north of town and took the college exit. We climbed up a steep winding road and parked in a lot at the top of a hill. Ethan took my hand and led me down a series of gravel paths that wound through a beautiful terraced garden. He explained that this was the university’s botanical collection and that he would be attending here next fall. The garden was divided into sections featuring specimens from different continents, and as we walked along he pointed out some of his favorite plants and areas in the garden.
I liked Ethan like this, full of enthusiasm and plans. I felt like he was showing me a side of himself that no one else saw, and it made me feel special. We hiked around the hill, taking in the spectacular views of the ocean in the distance. He led me to a bench that looked out over the whole campus, and he pointed out some of the different buildings and told me what schools they housed.
“I hear they have a really good art department here,” he said casually, “Are you sure you want to go to school in the city?”
“I don’t know,” I said, scuffing my shoes in the gravel, “I don’t know what I should do. It’s funny, I see you and my dad, Cruz and Megan, and you all know what you’re supposed to do. I mean, I like art, but I’m not really sure what I’m good at.”
“You don’t see yourself at all, do you? It seems to me that you’re good at everything you try,” said Ethan sincerely.
“I had a dream I could breathe underwater,” I said flippantly, “Maybe I’ll go swim with the mermaids.”
Ethan turned to look at me with shock in his eyes.
“Just kidding,” I said, alarmed at his reaction.
He sighed, “That’s not funny Marina, don’t even joke about it.” He suddenly looked pale and tired. I felt like I had spoiled a perfect day, and worried that he wasn’t feeling well.
“I talked to Lue Khang this morning,” I said, trying to change the subject. “I think everything’s going to be fine...”
He looked surprised, “Is that why you were in such a good mood this morning?” I smiled encouragingly, “Yeah, I don’t think there’s anything to worry about.”
“Really?” he asked hopefully.
“Yes,” I said, “It’s all up to me.”
His eyes narrowed, “What exactly did he say?”
“He thinks they want something from me, but I get to decide what to do about it.”
“What do you mean?” he looked too serious.
I took his hand, wanting him to relax, “They won’t just take something... I mean, it has to be something I give up.”
“Give up?” his eyes widened.
I set my jaw, “Sacrifice... trade– whatever! I can handle it. I’m not afraid of them.”
“Marina,” Ethan said solemnly, “I’m afraid for you.”
“It’s okay. I just need to make some sort of... deal… with them. Even the fortune teller said that.”
“Fortune teller?”
“Evie took us to her psychic yesterday for a reading. I thought it was a bunch of– well, I didn’t expect anything to come of it. Evie always has a spiritualist of one kind or another lurking around... But she said pretty much everything Lue did.” I tried to read his expression, but he leaned back on the bench with his eyes closed, “That’s why I decided to go see Lue,” I added,
“just in case there was something to it.”
He sighed, and turned to look at me with a weary attempt at a smile, “What am I going to do with you?”
“How about you get something to eat with me?” I said, pulling him off the bench by both hands. “I’ll drive and you can critique me.”
I drove us back into town, watching him out of the corner of my eye. I came upon a little restaurant that looked good and parked. His face was averted, his eyes remote. He looked a little sad.
“Do you like Chinese?” I asked hopefully.
We discovered that we both liked spicy food, and ordered Szechuan style. The food was good, and we stayed a long time drinking tea and talking. I asked more questions about the university and his mood improved.
“I guess your dad probably wants you to go to school in the city,” he