Keep moving. You’ll make it.

  “Are you all right?”

  “I’m tired,” she gasped. “I must reach the shore.”

  A grey form appeared beside her. Jewels jerked, her pace faltering. She’d failed to keep track of Clarence’s position.

  “Grab my fin. I’ll pull you to shore.”

  A splash hit her in the face. Jewels spluttered a moment. “Grab your fin?”

  His tall dorsal fin drew even with her. “Yes.”

  This is crazy. Tightening her hold on the ball with one arm, she reached out with the other. Her left hand caught Clarence’s fin at the base. The rough skin prickled but she secured her hold.

  “Hold tight.”

  They moved forward. Waves washed over her face. Clamping her lips together, Jewels squinted, focused on the approaching shoreline. She almost lost her grip when something brushed her chest.

  Don’t panic. It’s his pectoral fin below you.

  Clarence slowed. “Here you go.”

  She released his fin. Grasping the ball tight, she swung her feet forward. They struck a sandy, gravel surface. Off balance, she rolled to her side. Her butt hit the bottom, bringing the water up to her chest.

  Secure at last, she looked for Clarence. A metre in front of her, he wiggled his body in reverse. With a final thrust, he tossed his head and slid into the sea.

  He almost stranded himself bringing me in.

  Scooting backwards, she brought her knees up, pressing the ball against her chest. “Thank you. Are you okay?”

  A fin broke the water’s surface. “I’m fine. Are you better now?”

  “Yes.” Jewels bit her lip. “Clarence, I’m sorry.”

  “Why are you sorry?” He vanished from view.

  “Because I don’t trust you and I should.”

  The ocean’s current rippled across her legs. Holding her breath, she waited for his response.

  I hope you can forgive me.

  A fin appeared a few metres out. It approached, deliberate in its pace. It grew in size and a shark’s head appeared two metres out. Clarence lifted his head clear of the incoming spray, razor sharp teeth glistening in the morning sun.

  “I would never hurt you. You are my friend.”

  “I know. I’m sorry I struggle with trust.”

  “Why are you afraid? Did another shark hurt you?”

  Her chest tightened. A wave of panic overtook her. His question dredged up unpleasant memories. They fluttered, a flock of disturbed birds, and she tumbled backwards.

  “Jewels?”

  His earnest entreaty calmed her. Flailing in the waves, she righted herself. “Not a shark. A person.” Her words sent a shiver through her.

  Clarence wiggled closer. “Who hurt you? I can take care of that person for you.”

  Despite the painful memories, a smile pulled at her lips. I’d love to see that. “It was a long time ago. He’s gone now and I’m glad.”

  “Who’s gone?”

  “My father.”

  Licking her lips, she contemplated her answer. So many years had passed—no one else knew. Could she tell him? Yes. “My father walked out on my mother and me when I turned ten. He was also physically abusive, so I’m glad he left. But it forced my mother to raise me by herself.”

  “I’m sorry,” Clarence said, sliding into the water. “I don’t think either parent stays with young sharks. Of course, I don’t remember.”

  “Parents protect their young.” Her mouth twitched with amusement. “I imagine baby sharks don’t require protection for long. Not the way humans do.”

  The fin drew closer, and Clarence’s snout poked from the surface. “I can protect you.”

  Jewels released a bark of laughter. “I know you can. No one is messing with a great white, that’s for sure.”

  The weight on her heart eased. I know you’ll keep me safe. And I know you won’t tell anyone. Who would you tell?

  She glanced up at the sun. Lunchtime drew near. Despite her late start, playing with Clarence consumed several hours. And I still have the ball.

  “I need to go. I have to work this arvo. And I must get something to eat first.”

  “I should feed, too. Will I see you tomorrow?”

  She rose to her feet. “Tomorrow evening, right about low tide.”

  “I’ll be waiting.” Clarence flicked his tail and turned towards open water. “Goodbye!”

  “Bye!” she said, waving with her free hand. Jewels wrapped her arms around the plastic beach ball, pulling it tight against her chest.

  You always make me feel better. I bet no one else has a guardian shark, either.

  Chapter Five

  She donned her gloves, wiggling her fingers into the stretchy rubber. Hopefully no one notices I took my suit home last night. It’s not like someone else will need it today, though.

  Gloves secure, she called to Clarence. The fin circling beyond the rocks drew closer to the sandy beach and he gave the signal. Jewels strode into the water, shoulders arched in confidence.

  “Do you have your suit?” Clarence said, poking his head over the ocean spray.

  She smiled and held up her palms then gestured to her wetsuit-clad figure. “Yes! No skin burns today.”

  “I still feel bad I hurt you.”

  The waves up to her hips, she leaned forward and slipped into the ocean. “It’s not your fault. I lost my grip. Besides, I should know better to grasp a shark with bare hands.”

  “You require tougher skin.”

  “That’s why I’m wearing a suit,” she said, spitting out a mouthful of salty water. And another long shark burn on my arm might be hard to explain.

  She drew up next to Clarence and paddled out from the shore. The shark kept pace with her, his caudal fin moving ever so slowly back and forth. They cleared the tidepools and proceeded into open water.

  “If you’re sure, let’s try this again,” Clarence said.

  “I’ll be okay. Let me know if I’m holding on too tight.”

  Moving closer, she draped an arm over Clarence’s back and clutched the front of his dorsal fin. Her other hand curled over his pectoral fin and she pulled herself tight against his flank. Her head even with his large dorsal fin, she lifted her chin higher and straightened her frame.

  With my luck, I’ll scrape my exposed chin. “I’m ready.”

  “Here we go!”

  His body arced to the right and whipped to the left. Jewels’ fingers tightened around his fins, and they moved forward, gaining speed. Clarence pumped his tail harder, his muscled form slapping against hers. Straining against the force of water flowing over and past them, she managed to bend her knees and curl her feet to her butt.

  Remember to start in this position next time!

  Breakers sprayed over her face. Jewels pressed her lips together and squinted. The wind pushed aside her hair as they raced through the water. Clarence continued to gain momentum. She could only guess their speed. Thirty kilometres an hour at least.

  We’re flying!

  She smiled, forcing her lips to remain pressed together. It wouldn’t do to swallow a mouthful of seawater now.

  Beneath her, energy rippled from Clarence’s form. Enough power to tear apart prey twice his size. His streamlined form consisted of muscle designed to slice through water and leave no survivors. Yet all that strength focused on a thrilling ride for Jewels instead.

  His pace slowed. She waited until the ocean lapped against them naturally before releasing her grip. Kicking her feet, Jewels treaded water and turned towards the shore. She gasped at the sight of the cove, all but a line on the horizon, the glow of the late morning sun blurring the sight further.

  “Look how far out we are!” she said, her excitement dimming.

  “I told you I can move fast,” Clarence said, orbiting her. “I’m glad you held on today. When you’re ready, we’ll return to shore.”

  Jewels spun around. Two boats rested near the horizon, but nothing else stirred. She took a gulp of air, fighting the panic rising from the pit of her stomach. And you want to go out and study marine life on a ship. You’re such a coward!

  “Are you okay?”

  She nodded. “Yeah,” she stammered, reaching for his fin. “We can go back now.”

  “I won’t go fast going back to shore.”

  Securing her hold, Jewels clung to the shark’s back while he propelled them through the water and towards land. She kept her gaze fixed on the approaching shore. Their tiny beach grew larger, the waves lapping the sand now visible. Clarence gently cruised past the edge of the rocks and at last she felt comfortable letting go.

  “I’m sorry, I won’t take you so far out next time. I forget how fast I can move sometimes.”

  She stretched her toes and found the bottom. The rocky sand squished through her toes in a comfortable manner. Treading water, she spun about to face Clarence.

  “Sorry, I got a little scared. I know you were with me, but we were really far out. It would’ve been a long way for me to swim.”

  “I wouldn’t leave you out there,” Clarence said, circling the cove.

  “I know. I need to trust you. I’m working on it.”

  “That’s all right. I understand.” Clarence glided closer, slowing as he approached. “I won’t take you out again unless you want to.”

  Jewels brushed aside a stray lock. “I…do. Just not as far. Please.”

  “We’ll go out when you’re ready.”

  After a few minutes, Jewels worked up her nerve to try again. True to his word, Clarence swam half the distance. With their beach in sight, she enjoyed the trip more.

  Comfortable with the distance, Jewels encouraged him to go faster. His initial burst almost dislodged her grasp. Once he achieved cruising speed, she secured her grip again. She never lost hold, but she swallowed water on multiple occasions when her laughter bubbled forth.

  “Are you all right?” Clarence said during one such coughing fit.

  “Yes,” she squeaked, trying to clear her throat of salt water. Another hearty cough and she could breathe again. “If I could keep my mouth shut, I’d be okay. I get to laughing and I inhale a bunch of water.”

  “I enjoy your laughter. It makes me happy.”

  Jewels smiled and coughed once more. I wonder if I could teach you to laugh?

  She took a deep breath, her lungs clear. Leaning back, she gazed at the sky. A few birds squawked overhead, but nothing else occupied the expanse above her, not even a lone cloud. Between the birds and the lapping of the surf, a peace settled over her.

  “Jewels!”

  Clarence’s voice pierced the silence in her head. She jerked her head down and spun about. “What?”

  “We have to go.” His snout emerged from the sea in front of Jewels and he angled beside her.

  “Why?” she said, grabbing his dorsal fin.

  “There’s another shark below us twice my size. Sorry, he snuck up on me.”

  Fear seized her. “Oh, God!” She clasped tight, her body pressed close to him.

  “Hang on!”

  His initial thrust threatened her tenacious hold. Fear alone kept her fingers glued to his fins. Pressing her lips together, she lowered her head. Her heart hammered in her chest. Her life depended on Clarence now.

  “He’s following us. Don’t let go.”

  She closed her eyes. She had but a moment to dwell on those words though. Clarence twisted his frame, caudal fin whipping around. Jewels’ eye flew open when she lost her grip. Her bottom hit gravel, sending a shock up her spine. Thrusting her hands behind her, she caught herself before tumbling over. She sat in shallow water.

  Moving with a purpose, she scooted backwards and onto the beach. Jewels scanned for Clarence. His fin rose a couple metres from her position.

  “Stay out of the water,” he said. “I’ll distract him.”

  “Please be careful!”

  Despite her trembling legs, she managed to stand. The waves rolled in, but no fins appeared.

  “He’s cruising the shoreline,” Clarence announced. “My presence might be attracting him if he thinks I’m on to a meal. I’m going to draw him away.”

  “Clarence, wait! Please, I’m out of the ocean. Don’t risk yourself.”

  “I’m not afraid!”

  His voiced echoed, as if at a distance. Jewels clutched her fists to her chest. “I know you’re not, but I am,” she said in a whisper.

  Jewels walked the shoreline, watching for a sign. Unable to see him, or the other shark, she took up position on a large rock and waited.

  What if the shark goes after Clarence? What if it becomes a feeding frenzy? Jewels rubbed her forehead, her fingers sticky with nervous sweat. Still shaky from their flight, she sat. You better return to me in one piece!

  The rolling breakers crested in a roar of sound. The melody grew smooth as the water raced up the beach. Jewels focused on the ocean’s song, hoping the calming tones might sooth her nerves.

  “Jewels?”

  She leapt to her feet. “Clarence!”

  “He’s gone. Off in pursuit of a school of fish.”

  She exhaled, the force depleting the last of her anxiety. A familiar fin appeared in the ocean. She raced along the water’s edge to a boulder sticking out into their cove. Clarence lifted his head and gave his customary greeting. When he completed the gesture, she knelt and touched his nose.

  “I’m glad you’re okay.”

  “I’m sorry that shark got so close.”

  Jewels slid into the water. She patted his hide. “The ocean is full of predators. And we were out rather deep.”

  “I’ll keep better watch. I can at least keep our cove safe.”

  She smiled. “Why don’t we stick to the cove then?”

  They circled the rocks in the cove, clinging to the safety of the shallows. No shark could sneak below Clarence in a metre or so of water.

  Jewels glanced at the sky. “I must be going soon.”

  “Will I see you tomorrow?”

  “I’m afraid not.” She backstroked and planted her feet on the sandy bottom. “I have a class early tomorrow morning and then I’m at the aquarium for most of the day.”

  His silver snout broke the surface. “I’ll miss you.”

  “And I will miss you. I’d much rather spend the day with you. At least tomorrow arvo will be fun.”

  “What’s happening?”

  The upcoming event brought a large smile to her face. “We’re releasing a manta ray back into the wild. Probably not too far from here.”

  Clarence swam closer. “You’ll be in the ocean?”

  “Yes, in a boat. A couple kilometres off shore. The cruiser holds a four metre long shallow reservoir for transporting sea animals and fish.”

  His head appeared in front of her, one dark eye watching her close. “Fish can ride on the boat?”

  “Yes, jets keep the water moving over their gills so they can breathe.”

  “That’s amazing. A fish could be out of the water and breathe.”

  “We have oxygen tanks to help us breath underwater. If I had access to one, I could swim underwater with you.”

  “Really?” His tail flicked with excitement.

  Jewels shook her dripping hair and glanced at her fingers. Ten wrinkled prunes stared back. “I have to go. I’ll see you the day after tomorrow. Thank you for all the rides.”

  Clarence sank from view. “You’re welcome. I’m sorry the other shark interrupted our fun. He’d better not return! I’ll chase him all the way out to sea.”

  Jewels smiled at his words all the way up the cliff to her bike. You are my brave hero.

  Chapter Six

  “Easy now!”

  Jewels adjusted her hold on the sling. Inside, the manta ray shifted his weight. Kicking her flippered feet harder, she kept her end of the netting above the water. Almost there. A bit lower and freedom awaited the ray.

  “Let him go!”

  She pulled her section higher, as did the two people flanking her. Arms raised and the sling blocking her view, she missed the moment when the manta ray slipped out the other end. The lack of tension in the sling, not to mention the cheers on the adjoining side, signified success. Lowering the sling, she and her companions added their voices to the victory cry.

  “Well done, everyone,” Raymond called, his declaration resounding across the ocean waves.

  Releasing the sling, she glanced at the boat. Her superior beamed with pride at the group, and she found herself grinning in return. Raymond never failed to encourage his team, even the trainees such as she. One of the few men she honestly respected.

  He clapped his hands once. “Everyone back on board.”

  The sling hoisted out of the water. Jewels waited until it cleared the railing before paddling to the ship. The first to reach the platform, she hauled herself out of the sea. Raymond offered a hand and she swung into the boat.

  She took two steps to clear the way and removed her flippers. When the others returned to the craft, she retreated to the bow of the ship to give them room. Jewels set down her flippers and slicked back her hair. Still smiling, their successful release filling her with joy, she stared at the open sea where they’d freed the ray. He now glided through the water, well below the waves.

  If only I could swim beneath the surf with Clarence…

  “Jewels!”

  Gasping, she seized the rails and peered down. There in the rolling current floated a familiar shark head.

  “Clarence!” she hissed, glanced at the others. Everyone continued to linger in the stern of the ship. “What are you doing here?”

  “You said you’d be on a boat releasing a ray. I approached when he entered the water and knew I’d found the right one.”

  Stealing another peek at her co-workers, Jewels bit her lip. “Yes, but it’s not safe. Someone might see you.”

  Clarence sank lower into the water. “What would happen if someone saw me?”

  “I dunno,” she whispered, pressing her chin on the railing. “They might panic. I don’t want anything to happen to you.”

 

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8