Deep Blue Secret (22 page)

Rayne stuttered over his words. “It’s g-good.” he tried to recuperate his composure. “I mean, actually, it’s excellent, sir. This is one of our sweetest harvests this season.”

“Really?” Hamlin said in a cheerful tone. “Do you think I could try a sample?”

“Of course, sir. Help yourself…on the house.”

Hamlin surveyed the fruit to make his selection. As he pulled a lizzy from the basket it knocked a couple loose and they rolled off the stand. Rayne reacted out of instinct and caught both pieces before they hit the ground, returning them to the display.

Hamlin threw his lizzy in the air and caught it in his palm. “You have quick hands, son.”

“Yeah, I guess so. I get a lot of practice up in the lizzy trees.”

He watched with anticipation as Hamlin sank his teeth into the fruit’s juicy, red flesh.

Hamlin tasted the fruit thoughtfully and swallowed, pausing for a moment.

He finally smiled in Rayne’s direction. “I think you’re right, young man. This is one of the best lizzies I’ve had all year.”

Rayne beamed proudly. “Thank you, sir.” He watched Hamlin take another bite. “Is it true what they say about the name?”

“The name?” Hamlin asked between chewing.

“Lizzy, the name of the fruit. Did William Fairbanks really name it after his first wife, Elizabeth?” The intrigue grew in Rayne’s voice. “The one they say died before he discovered the first Threshold, and before he founded the city and married Jane Carpenter? I just always wondered if that was true and thought, since they were your direct ancestors, you might know.”

Hamlin looked amused by the boy’s interest. “I’m afraid we don’t have any records preserved that mention her.”

Rayne looked at his tennis shoes with disappointment. “Oh. Okay.”

Then Hamlin brought his head near to Rayne’s and whispered, “But according to my grandmother’s old stories from long ago, I’d say there’s a good chance the rumors are true.”

“I knew it,” Rayne said with a grin.

Hamlin tossed his lizzy core in the trash bin. “I think I’ll buy another for the road. How much?”

“Oh, no charge, sir. It was an honor meeting you.”

“No, I insist. How much?”

“A dollar a piece,” Rayne answered.

Hamlin tossed a bill lightly on the edge of the fruit stand with a nod and began to walk away.

Rayne collected the money expecting to see one dollar, but found a one-hundred-dollar bill instead. With surprised eyes, he grasped the large amount of money in his hand and immediately left his booth to run through the market to find Hamlin.

“Ambassador,” he called out. “Sir, wait.”

Hamlin turned with a confused expression. “Is everything all right, son?”

“You accidentally gave me a hundred dollars,” Rayne said, holding out the money.

Hamlin took the money from his hand and examined it lightly. “Yes, it appears that I did. And…you ran all this way to come return it to me?”

“Of course, sir. Lizzies only cost a dollar. That would be stealing to keep it,” Rayne insisted.

Hamlin lifted an eyebrow. “Right you are, young man. Very wise.” He held the bill back in front of Rayne. “I’d like you to keep this, as a gift. I’ve enjoyed our talk and I think you deserve a reward for your hard work today at the market.”

“Wow, thank you.” Rayne looked at the money in his hand and back at Hamlin. “Wait; I don’t think I can accept this. It just doesn’t feel right to accept the money when I haven’t earned it. And what will my parents say when I arrive home with a full truck of fruit and a hundred dollars too?”

Hamlin rubbed his chin and grinned. “Yes, I see what you mean. Tell me, what’s your name, son?”

“Rayne.”

“Tell me, Rayne, about how many lizzies do you think you have on display today?”

Rayne didn’t understand the point of his question. “Um, I don’t know. Let’s see…there’s twelve lizzies per box and three boxes per crate; we brought thirty crates today and we’ve sold about two, so that would make…just under nine hundred. Why do you ask, sir?”

Hamlin looked pleased with his answer. “You know, that really was one of the best lizzies I’ve ever tasted. I’m thinking some of my colleagues in the office might like to try them as well.”

“Did you want to buy a few more for the road? I can run back to the stand and grab them for you, if you’d like.”

“I was thinking I might like to buy a few more than that,” Hamlin said. “What would you say if I asked to buy your entire supply? Would that be okay?”

Rayne’s jaw dropped. “You mean,
all
of them?”

“Yes, as long as that’s all right with you of course.”

“Um…sure. Wow, really? That would be great. I’ll need to go find my brothers so they can help me carry them. Are you sure you really want that much fruit though? That’s a lot of lizzies.”

“There are a lot of hungry people up in my office,” Hamlin assured him. “Don’t worry about finding your brothers though. I’ll send my assistants over shortly to pick up my purchase.”

Rayne grinned with uncertainty. “Okay. I’ll…go guard the booth so no one tries to buy any of your fruit.”

Hamlin placed his hand on Rayne’s shoulder. “Just one more thing before you go back to work. Have you ever considered submitting an application to The Academy, young Rayne?”

“The Academy? You mean,
The
Academy? The
Ambassadors
Academy?”

“The very same,” Hamlin replied.

“No, never. Isn’t that a place for, I don’t know,
great
people? And people who are really smart? Like you, sir.”

“Yes, it certainly is. I see potential in you, son. I think you should give it your consideration.”

Rayne scratched his head. “Potential in me? I’m not even that good of a student at school. My marks are only average. I don’t think I’m the kind of guy The Academy is looking for.”

“Ah, but book smarts can be improved with study and hard work, while strength of character is a much harder discipline to master.”

Rayne paused trying to figure the man’s logic. “But don’t you need to have a sponsor or a mentor to apply? I don’t know anyone who would want to sponsor someone like me.”

“On the contrary,” Hamlin said. “I know someone who’s looking for a student just like you to mentor. If you’re interested, I could set up a meet.”

Rayne didn’t know what to say. “Well, maybe…I don’t know. I guess I could think about it. I should probably talk to my parents first.”

Hamlin smiled. “That sounds like a wonderful idea. Why don’t you discuss it with them over the upcoming week and I can drop by your booth again next Friday to see how it went.” He held out his hand. “Do we have an agreement?”

Rayne took Hamlin’s palm and gave it a firm shake. “Yes, sir.”

An hour later Flint and Lark scuffled towards Rayne at their booth.

Both brothers froze in unison when they noticed the table full of empty crates.

“Where are all the lizzies?” Lark said, dumbfounded.  

Flint punched his shoulder. “I told you not to leave the kid alone at the booth.”

Rayne smirked and fanned nine one-hundred-dollar bills in front of his face and said, “I sold them…”

***

Rayne sat up in his chair and looked at the clock. Sadie should be on her way to lunch in a few minutes. He picked up the tracking monitor and held it in his lap. Her red dot finally floated across the screen. He pictured her at her usual table sitting next to Heather, giggling and talking cheerfully about high school things.

He imagined himself walking up to her table and joining their conversation as if he belonged, as if it was right for him to indulge his emotions instead of fighting them, as if he could just leave this current life behind him and start a new one—with her.

He would keep fighting it though. He would do it for Sadie. She didn’t deserve to be dragged into his uncertain world. Things wouldn’t have been that bad for her if he’d just done his job correctly. It was his mistake. It wouldn’t be right for him to ignore that.

He had to take the burden upon himself so she wouldn’t have to. She deserved to feel secure, despite the circumstances forced upon her. It was important to stay strong. He couldn’t let his self-doubts control his actions. He had to get focused.

Rayne pictured her face in his mind.
She is your assignment. The emotions are an illusion. You have to clear your head so you can protect her. She needs you to be confident
.

Then he pushed the insecurity and emotions deep inside himself hoping they would disappear.

I glanced back as I walked towards the school. Rayne’s car didn’t move. I felt self-conscious, wondering if his eyes were on my back, but before I could take a second glance, a crowd of students swarmed to greet me.

Hey Sadie! Glad you’re back! How are you? Good to see you!

Most of the day passed in a similar fashion. Kids I didn’t even know were coming over to welcome me back to school or congratulate me on such a quick recovery. It was actually a bit comical to hear some of the rumors flying around about my accident.

One kid said he heard that Justin saved my life because he ran all the way to the emergency room while carrying me with a broken arm. I was sure Justin loved that one; at least they got the broken arm part right. Even Arianna said she overheard people talking about how my skull had been crushed to bits and I would be a vegetable for the rest of my life. But she was one of the friends who came to visit me in the hospital, so she knew the rumor wasn’t true.

Come to find out, Arianna also asked Justin to the dance on Saturday. I was a little surprised. I never pictured the two of them together, but she said she thought he was sweet. Maybe he took my advice and tried being himself around her. Either way, as long as they were happy, I was happy.

Heather was still acting like herself. That was a relief. I was worried she’d be upset after I went home early from shopping, but she seemed genuinely happy I wasn’t sick anymore. And even happier I was still planning to come to the dance this weekend.

I also was concerned she wouldn’t like all the attention I was receiving on my first day back to school. If she did have a problem with it, I couldn’t see it. Just in case, I tried to swing the conversation in her direction as much as possible. By the end of the day everyone I talked to knew how excited I was that she and
Nick Christensen
were officially dating. She seemed pleased by my enthusiasm so I figured we were fine.

Overall, it was a good day. I felt great. The water Rayne gave me combined with the liquid in the necklace must’ve been working. There were no signs of weakness or fainting. I almost felt like myself again and it was nice to remember what it was like to be a normal teenage girl for a few hours.

I still thought about Rayne and missed him, but the day was so cheerful and busy I didn’t have a chance to feel bad about it. Even my teachers were lenient on me. Despite the large stack of homework back home brought over by other students, my teachers only ended up requiring a few small assignments to make up for the entire week I was absent.

The day coasted by like a tropical breeze and the next thing I knew I was heading towards the parking lot in search of my ride. Rayne’s car sat in the exact same spot it had been in this morning. It almost felt like he’d never left. No, he left; I was sure he left.

“How was your day?” he crooned. Sometimes even the sound of his voice was like a soak in a soothing bath.

I sunk into the chair. “Really good. Busy, but good.” I couldn’t remember the last time I’d talked to so many people in a single day.

Unlike the quiet ride this morning, there was music playing softly in the background as we pulled onto the street. I listened intently, curious what type of music Rayne liked. The tune sounded familiar, but I couldn’t figure it out before the song ended.

I turned and smiled at Rayne, trying to think of something to talk about, but for once I was at a loss for words. I quickly turned my head back to the window. There were plenty of things I could’ve told him regarding the cheerful day with my friends, but it didn’t seem like a topic that would interest Rayne. That was
my
world, not his.

A new song began to play and I felt an instant lift when I recognized it. It was an older song my mom used to listen to when I was young and it immediately brought back pleasant memories. The upbeat tune was like a stroll in the sand on a summer morning.

Before I could think it through, I turned up the volume and started to sing. I couldn’t help it. When I heard a song I liked, there was a natural instinct that took over. 

 “I take it you like this song?” he asked.

“I love it,” I said happily between lyrics.

“Really? Isn’t it a little before your time?”

“I guess,” I said. “But it reminds me of my mom. When I was a little girl she used to play it all the time. She called it her
happy song
. I know all the words.”

I turned to look at him, my head swaying to the beat while I continued to sing. He wore the same amused grin I’d seen so many times before. I never could figure out if he was laughing
with
me or
at
me. Just as it crossed my mind that I might be making a fool of myself, Rayne’s lips started to sing in unison with mine.

My eyes lit up as he joined me in the chorus. His willingness caused my enthusiasm to double. The next thing I knew, we were both belting out the words as loud as our voices would carry. It came almost to the point of downright silliness as we took turns adding little hand gestures and dance moves to our performance.

It was the most fun I’d ever had with Rayne. There was no talk about secrets or issues, only the two of us gliding down the street in playful harmony.

We laughed as the song faded to a close. “Not bad for an old man,” I said.

He grinned. “I think you bring out the kid in me.”

“Hopefully that’s not a bad thing.” My cheeks started to feel hot. If I was trying to give him the impression I was mature, I wasn’t doing a good job of it.

“No, I like it. Being serious all the time is starting to wear me out.”

“I’m surprised you don’t have grey hairs coming in already,” I joked. He pretended to look hurt and poked my side in retaliation.

When we arrived at the auto shop, Rayne insisted on taking care of everything. This wasn’t the first time a boy went out of his way to do something nice for me, but for some reason it felt more meaningful this time.

He handed me the keys to my Honda. “It’s all ready to go.”

“This was so nice of you,” I said. “Really, thank you so much. What can I do to make it up to you?” Despite my desire to hold back, my lashes fluttered hopefully, gazing into his crystal eyes.

“No big deal. You helped me out of my
serious
slump with your awesome dance moves, so let’s call it even. I’ll see you back at your place.”

He winked and hopped in his car, shutting the door before I could protest.

I couldn’t take my eyes off the rearview mirror driving home, watching Rayne while he followed behind me. Perhaps I was kidding myself, but I allowed the feelings of security and peace of mind take over, pushing my worries to the background.

He parked his car and met me in front of my house.

“Are you sure you’re ready for this?” I asked.

“It’s just your mom,” he insisted, grabbing my hand and dragging me up to the door.

I turned the knob and edged forward. “Mom?” I called. “I’m home.”

I wasn’t exactly sure what I was afraid of but my feet lingered in the doorway. There was a gentle nudge on my back as Rayne coaxed me into the room.

My mom leapt into the room from the kitchen. “Sadie-bear, you’re home.” She grabbed my face and kissed me on the cheek—which I was sure had turned bright red.

She faced Rayne and held out both her arms in a wide, welcoming gesture. “And this must be…”

“Rayne,” he finished with a charming smile.

Suddenly my mom’s arms were wrapped around his neck. “Rayne, of course, I’m so glad you could drop by.”

“Mom, don’t forget to let him breath.”

She ignored my comment.

“Thank you for inviting me, Mrs. James,” Rayne said.

“Oh please, call me Leena.” I rolled my eyes. I wasn’t sure why; my mother was just being friendly.

“Come and sit down,” Mom said, grabbing Rayne’s hand and pulling him towards the couch. She didn’t let go as he sat, but patted his hand between hers. “Stay right here. I’ll be right back with some snacks.”

While she was gone I sent Rayne an apologetic look but he waved it away with a grin. Mom emerged from the kitchen with a large platter of cookies. She loved to go overboard.

 “I wasn’t sure what you liked, Rayne, so I made a variety.” She pointed at each cookie as she named them. “These are your standard chocolate chip, then there’s peanut butter, oatmeal raisin, and my favorite ones here are called snicker doodles.”

Rayne pulled a snicker doodle from the tray. “They look delicious; thank you.”
Of course he picked her favorite
, I thought.

“I’d like a cookie,” I said, but Mom didn’t seem to notice.

She stood in front of Rayne for a moment examining his face as he took a bite. “I’m sorry,” she said. “It’s just…you look so familiar. Have we met before?”

“No, I don’t think so,” Rayne said casually.

“Uh, Mom, can I have a cookie?” I said in an attempt to distract her.

“Hold on, honey,” she said, without moving her attention from Rayne. “This is going to bug me if I can’t place how I know you. Your face is so familiar.” She put her hand to her chin in contemplation.

“Well, I
am
your neighbor,” he said without an ounce of worry in his voice. “I’m sure we’ve run into each other before.”

Her face still looked confused like she wasn’t convinced. “That’s probably all it is,” she agreed, but she continued to stare at his face.

“Mom,” I said.

“What’s that sweetie?” She spoke but I wasn’t sure she heard my words. Her face didn’t turn towards me.

“
Mom
,” I said with more emphasis. Her head shook to release the trance as I finally gained her attention. “Can I have a cookie?”

She looked down at the tray and back at me. “What? Oh, sorry. What kind would you like?”

“Chocolate chip.”

She placed a cookie on a napkin and handed it to me as she mouthed the words,
he’s cute
, and took a seat next to Rayne. I widened my eyes at her with wordless pleading, hoping she would get the hint to tone it down a notch.

Rayne swept a few crumbs from his lap. “I know you two have an afternoon planned, so I won’t keep you.”

My mom shot her hand to Rayne’s arm. “Do you have to leave already?”

“Yes, I have a few errands to get to, but it was nice meeting you.”

“Well, then at least let me get you a couple of cookies to take home with you,” Mom said. She flew into the kitchen and back again in seconds. In her arm was a plastic bag so large it probably held a dozen of each kind of cookie.

“Visit again soon,” Mom said, giving Rayne a hug.

I waited at the door for him to join me. “I guess I’ll talk to you later?” I said to him hopefully.

“Sadie, don’t be rude,” Mom said. “Why don’t you walk your guest out?” She waved us both out the door, a smile spread wide across her dimpled cheeks. No doubt it was her ploy to give us a few moments alone together, but for once I didn’t mind.

“You handled that well,” I said, purposely bumping against Rayne’s arm as we walked towards his house.

“There wasn’t anything to handle. I know how your mom is; she’s very friendly.”

“I know she’s super likeable,” I said. “But that doesn’t mean she’s innocent. She’s probably peeking through the window spying on us right now.”

“So let her spy. What could it hurt?”

We reached the front of Rayne’s yard and stopped near the gate. He set down the large package of cookies on one of the stone pillars.

“She’ll think we’re dating,” I said. “You know that’s what she’s hoping for.”

“If it makes her happy, I don’t see the harm. At least it will seem less suspicious when she sees me around you all the time.” His tone sounded mischievous. “If she
is
watching, maybe we should give her a little show…”

I folded my arms. “Like what?”

Out of nowhere his lips moved in on mine.

I panicked and shoved his face away. “What are you doing?”

The one thing I’d wished for so badly was suddenly a nuisance, like he was mocking me; as if it were all some big joke to him. I looked at him with piercing eyes.

“I really don’t know,” he said idiotically.

“Are you serious?” I turned my back in disbelief and started towards my house.

He jumped for my arm. “Sadie, wait.”

I turned and glared at him.

“I’m sorry,” he said. “That was rude. I don’t know what came over me.”

My eyes were stern. “That wasn’t funny.” I tried to speak in a hushed voice but it grew increasingly frustrated. “You of all people should know what kind of feelings I’m trying to suppress; and if you paid any attention, at all, when you read my diary, you should also know that I’ve never kissed anyone before. Did you really think I’d want the first to be some joke to mess with my mom?”

“You’re completely right,” he said, overly agreeable. “Please, I’m sorry,” he begged. “I’m a jerk. What can I do to make it up to you? I’ll…I’ll…” He thought desperately for a solution. “I know, you can hit me.”

I laughed without humor. “What? I’m not going to hit you.”

“Come on; it will make you feel better. Punch me in the stomach,” he said clenching his arms to his sides. “Come on…hit me; it’s a free shot.”

I watched his lips open and close with irritation. All the frustration hidden deep within me leapt to the palm of my hand and lashed across Rayne’s face with a smack.

He stopped talking, face stunned.

My hand tingled. “I think I do feel a little better,” I said surprised.

He rubbed the side of his face. “I guess your mom got a show after all.”

My tension released. The last thing I wanted was to stay mad at him and I figured my point had been made—and then some. The release felt so nice I thought I might start to laugh.

“Did I really just slap you?” I said, suppressing a chuckle.

“Oh you slapped me all right. It was a good one too.”

 “Sorry,” I said, feeling sheepish. “Although you did tell me to hit you.”

“No, I deserved it,” he said with a chuckle. “I mean it though; I’m sorry for being such a jerk.”