The room was dark when she woke up. Aliyah often woke up before dawn to go exploring, but now it was becoming a daily occurrence. Connie stirred in her sleep, but this 14 year-old wouldn’t be getting up for a couple more hours. Sage surprisingly was already up.
“You’re up early,” Aliyah whispered.
Sage chuckled, “I just finished hanging up smelly deep-weed on Carlson’s door. He’s gonna swim right into it this morning!” This was payback for the spicy sponge Sage bit into a week ago. Sage yawned, “I had to make sure I finished before he got up. You never know with him. Can’t the day start at breakfast?”
Everyone who lived in the palace shared breakfast together. This included King Evan, Queen Stephanie and their son, Carlson. King Evan’s younger brother, Daniel also joined them as well as Sarah (his wife) and their youngest daughters: Sage, Aliyah, and Connie. Occasionally, Aliyah’s eldest sister would visit with her husband and two young children, Bella and Asher. Very rarely, Aliyah’s Aunt Mara would also visit. Breakfast was a family affair and everyone was expected to be on time. Especially the prince. So he stopped his morning adventures with Aliyah (who tended to be a bit tardy at times), but that didn’t stop him from roaming inside the palace in the early morning hours.
“If you start the day after breakfast, you’ll miss the sunrise.” Aliyah loved watching pink and yellow rays brush the sky awake. She loved it even more now because it meant that she’d soon see her favorite land-dweller walk up the beach.
Sage knew what Aliyah was up to, “You’re going to see your land-dweller again aren’t you? Mom and Dad are going to figure it out eventually, you know. I don’t think they will be pleased.”
Aliyah took Sage’s hands in hers, “Oh please don’t tell them yet, Sis. I’m still trying to figure out how to tell them it’s true love.”
Sage squeezed Aliyah’s hands, “Aliyah! You haven’t even talked with this boy! How can you possibly know it’s true love?” Aliyah pulled away and looked down at her rose pink shells adorning her skirt.
Sage sighed, “I’m sorry, Aliyah. Look, if you want to find true love, maybe start looking in neighboring sea-kingdoms. I’m sure Mom and Dad would arrange a visit to Castillo de Mollendo. Their prince is very handsome and bilingual.”
Aliyah knew her sister meant well. Sage was 20 years old, 2 years older than Aliyah. She visited Castillo de Mollendo for a few days last month. Their prince was indeed handsome, but not Sage’s type. He was still fair game for her younger sisters.
“You know how I feel about princes, Sage. The only prince for me is Cousin Carl.” She offered her sister a good natured smile. “I know there are other sea-dwellers, but I felt something different with this land-dweller, I believe we’re destined to be together.”
Connie moaned and sent both sisters a message. Please, can you talk about this later? Or at least use telepawave communication?
Right, sorry Connie, Sage replied.
Aliyah swam to the looking glass and touched the large agate on the shelf next to it. Auntie Mara gave her family these transparent rocks to light up the palace. Her magic captured the light in the agate until a sea-dweller needed it. It glowed just enough for Aliyah to evaluate her flowing strawberry-blonde locks. Satisfied with what she saw, she touched the agate again, returning the room to darkness.
I’m not going to stop you, Aliyah. It’s just… Please be careful. Oh, and good luck! Aliyah appreciated her sister’s love and support even if Sage didn’t completely approve of her choices. The telepawave message felt like a warm hug.
Thanks Sis!
Aliyah broke the surface just as the sun stretched its gold fingertips across the horizon. Early mornings near shore were always so peaceful. It made her heart sing. Typically the music in her soul would transform into the song she was practicing for choir, but lately only one song escaped her lips this early in the morning. It was a tune that originated from sea-dwellers off the coast of Ireland. It also happened to be the solo she practiced and performed a week ago.
Sky and the Sea, lovers they be Forever divided Tempest and rage, show lovers’ pain Yearn to be united Lightning will flash as the waves crash Arguing they may be On other days, when dolphins play Sweet rain kisses the Sea If you should be, like Sky and Sea Enraged and divided Tempest and pain, splendor and rain Try to be united
She sang it for him. Each day she hoped the wind would carry it not only to his ears, but to his heart. Maybe she could be his sea as he was beginning to be her sky. Aliyah closed her eyes and recalled those brilliant blue eyes that had pierced her soul. She’d give anything to have those eyes locked with hers again. To be so close. She wondered what kind of man hid behind such kind eyes.
She was singing the final verse when she saw him. She loved the way the wind tousled his blond hair. Today he wasn’t wearing his usual red hoodie, but a wetsuit instead. He also carried a board under his arm. Interesting, Aliyah thought.
When she finished her solo, he clapped. That was a first. Usually Aliyah ducked behind a wave before she could finish because another land-dweller would run up. When she dared come up again, she’d see both land-dwellers running together along the shore. Sometimes he’d look back and wave. This time was different.
Aliyah’s heart raced as the land-dweller started wading into the ocean. What was he doing?!? Didn’t he remember what happened last time? Aliyah started swimming towards him just in case he would need rescuing.
They met somewhere in the middle. Aliyah treaded water while the land dweller sat on his board. He reached out his hand.
“Hi, I’m Derek.”
Aliyah felt like she should reach up for his hand, but was afraid that doing so would pull him under. She hoped a sweet simile would suffice. “Derek… My name’s Aliyah.”
Derek’s smile was stunning. “Aliyah. I wanted to thank you for saving my life and I didn’t know if you’d hear me if I shouted so um… yeah… Thank you.”
Aliyah didn’t know what to say. She offered him a nod. He continued, “You have an amazing voice by the way. I’ve never heard anyone sing like that. You’ve got some talent!”
Sea dwellers used telepawaves when they sang. It added extra depth to the song and honestly, they didn’t know how to sing without it. This is what made their singing voices extra powerful above the surface. Indeed, Derek wouldn’t have heard any land-dweller sing like Aliyah could.
Aliyah blushed at the compliment. “You like my voice?”
“Well, yeah. It’s beautiful, just like your eyes… Gray like a stormy sea–they’re captivating. I mean uh…” Derek looked down. “What I meant to say is… That song about a stormy sea is captivating…uh” He covered his face for a moment but then regained composure. “I’m glad I finally got to hear the end of it. Heber usually comes before you finish. Oh, he’s my friend I run with before school. He’s not coming today because he likes to sleep in on Saturdays.”
Aliyah, Beatrice is coming for breakfast today. Can you help me find the small utensils for Bella and Asher? Carlson must have moved them again. –A telepawave from her mother. Did her sister have to visit today? Aliyah didn’t want to cut her conversation with Derek short, but knew she needed to respond to her mother soon.
“I’m glad you like the song, Derek. Hey listen, I have to go… but I’d like to keep talking with you. Will you be out here tomorrow?” She hoped he’d say yes.
“Oh um… yeah. I suppose I’d have time for a swim before church.” He chuckled, “What am I saying? We see each other at sunrise. Of course I’ll have time!”
Aliyah smiled. “Thank you. Sorry I have to go so soon. I’ll see you tomorrow!” She spun around quickly, much like the first time they’d met. And just like that day, she stopped to look back. He waved at her. She waved back.
Asher waved a half eaten sponge in Aliyah’s face, snapping her out of her daydream. He was a 2 year-old who loved to share food. “That’s okay, Buddy. You eat it.”
“Hey Aliyah, did you hear my story?” Bella was 4 and liked to tell Aliyah stories about her pet crab.
“Um, I heard most of it, Bella. Crabby is the best pet isn’t he?”
At the other end of the table the adults were discussing tonight’s concert. Every Saturday night, the sea-dwellers off of Lincoln City, Oregon gathered for a musical celebration in a partially underwater sea cave. The royal family was heavily involved. The concert was a way for the sea-dwellers to prepare for their worship service the next morning. Aliyah’s solo last week was well received. King Evan had high expectations for Carlson’s flute duet tonight.
“Yes, Dad. I know it’s a hard piece. Arlen and I have been practicing for weeks and we’re ready.”
The duet featured two voices on the flute. One part represented the Creator and the other represented the sea-dweller’s first parents. The first sea-dwellers were actually born on land. The married couple found themselves trapped against the coastline by a wildfire. The music portrayed the dancing of the fire and their pleading to the Great Creator for help. The Creator answered by giving them tails, and they dove into the sea to safety. The piece was difficult because of the long held out notes that represented the Creator that is joined by the sea-dwellers when they give thanks.
Aliyah turned to Connie. “Do you think the Great Creator ever grants sea-dwellers legs?”
Connie’s eyes flickered with panic. “You aren’t planning on becoming a land-dweller, are you? Because I’d miss you so much!”
Sage overheard the conversation from across the table. “Aliyah! It’s a good thing Auntie Mara wasn’t here today. Your comment would have really upset her.”
Oh yeah… Auntie Mara and Auntie Rita. Mara and Rita were very close sisters. They did everything together. Rita, being the spiritual sea-dweller that she was, wondered what it was like to walk on land like the first parents. She convinced Mara to use her magic to give her legs, so she could find out for herself. They both assumed Mara could change her back. They were wrong. Mara tried everything she could, but it was not enough. Rita was stuck on land. It was a sore topic for the royal family. Mara was so devastated, she moved out of the palace in self banishment. The King and Queen essentially lost two daughters that year. Evan and Daniel hardly ever spoke of their sisters. They tried to include Mara in family events, but you could tell that she didn’t quite feel welcome. She still harbored guilt from unintentionally separating her sister from the family.
“You girls want to share what’s so interesting over there?” Beatrice had glanced over to check on Bella and Asher and noticed the change of mood.
Aliyah didn’t think it would be wise to bring up Auntie Mara and Rita.“Oh uh… Bella was just telling us about Crabby. Weren’t you, Bella?”
Bella didn’t need a second invitation to take the spotlight. “Yeah! And Crabby likes music too. He crawled on Mommy’s bassoon once, but she told me to take him off of there…”
Everyone’s attention was on little Bella. There were smiles and giggles around the table, expect for where Aliyah sat. She poked at her clam with her fork. It occurred to her that if Derek was her true love, their relationship would be more like the song than she’d like. Like sky and sea, they’d always be separated.
Sky and the Sea, lovers they be Forever divided Tempest and rage, show lovers’ pain Long to be united
Aliyah wanted as much time as she could get with Derek. She tried to give her mom a heads up that she would be late to breakfast the next day- if she showed up at all. Sarah was not pleased.
“And what exactly will you be doing that is so important in the wee early hours?”
“Uh… I’ll be… seeing someone?”
Aliyah’s mom still had her arms crossed, but she was a romantic at heart. She assumed that if anyone was worth Aliyah seeing at the break of dawn, it would be a boy. “Seeing someone?… What’s his name?”
“What? Oh uh… Derek…”
It was an excruciating conversation. Aliyah purposefully forgot to mention that Derek was a land-dweller, but at least she got permission to be away tomorrow–as long as she was back by worship service, of course.
Aliyah spent the day jumping through the waves with Carlson and Arlen. Each tried to outdo the other by adding more flips or new spins. That is, until storm clouds rolled by. At first it was fun to feel drops of rain on their faces, but when the lightning started to flash, they knew their fun was over.
Carlson and Arlen decided to practice one last time before the concert. Aliyah also headed back home.
She swam into the room that she shared with her sisters. Now with more natural light, she could see all the shelves of rocks on Connie’s wall. Sage and Aliyah would pick up a shell every now and then to display in their room, but Connie was the serious rock collector. She loved the subtle greens, stunning auburns, and brilliant whites. And the textures! Sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rock, Connnie had them all. Aliyah swam over to admire one of the fossils when something else caught her eye. The sisters’ three hammocks were stacked in the corner and Aliyah could see something was in hers. She swam over for a closer look. It was a beautiful piece of obsidian with a note etched onto some driftwood.
It read: “Please don’t go. -Connie”
Connie was such a gentle soul. She greatly admired her older sisters. Mom worried that Connie would have a hard time when Sage and Aliyah married and moved out. Aliyah regretted asking Connie about the Great Creator granting sea-dwellers legs. What was she thinking? Now Connie must think Aliyah was trying to become a land-dweller like Auntie Rita.
Aliyah studied the obsidian in her hand. It reminded her of Connie’s hair: smooth, rich, and black. She placed it in the pocket of her skirt. Could she leave this all behind? Aliyah hadn’t seriously considered becoming a land-dweller, but she couldn’t help entertaining the idea now. What if she was destined to marry Derek and becoming a land-dweller was the only way? She’d miss everyone at the palace, but she was going to move out eventually anyway. She wasn’t going to share her sister’s room forever… Aliyah pushed those thoughts away. She needed to be performance ready in 20 minutes. The choir was counting on her to bring her best.
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