Thickening Water

Author�s note: Look out! Love story!.

Thickening Water

It was amazing. Simply amazing. Relaxation was so thick in the air that he happily breathed it in, satisfied with the day. The soft wind ruffled his short brown hair and he grinned, closing his eyes against the beach to enjoy the feeling.

Although, he has never been on a vacation before in his life, he would have to say that this would be the best. A small, quiet island out in the middle of nowhere, with few people and a beautiful beach with clear, blue water and golden sand. The cottage he was staying in was small, yet cozy and fresh, the walls open with windows everywhere. Claustrophobia wasn�t a problem here.

And the few people that were here were friendly and happy, who welcomed him warmly. Already, he had made friends with the locals in a few days time.

�Jarod,� someone called, and he turned to face the young woman, Caia Hope, a native on the island, approaching him on the beach. She smiled, the white dress she wore flowing out towards the water with the wind and her dark blonde hair whisking around her oval face. �Enjoying your stay?�

�Absolutely,� Jarod grinned, looking back at the crashing waves and calling seagulls. �This place is beautiful and so peaceful.�

�Yes,� Caia agreed, sighing and looking out towards the water as well. After a moment of silence, she smiled and turned to him. �Hey, would you like to join me for something to drink?�

Jarod looked at her carefully, taking in her beauty with a small smile gracing his lips in wonder. She was the first person that had come by his cottage to greet him to this new world, and instantly they both had clicked. He liked having her company, what with her outgoing personality and free spirit. �Sure.�

�Good,� she nodded. �I will see you later than, Brown Eyes.�

�Alright,� Jarod called after her, and she turned to wave over her shoulder. Shaking his head, he turned back to the water, blinked and looked up at the sky, frowning at the dark clouds that soon shadowed the blue.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Thunder rumbled outside and Parker looked away from the window as the rain began to pour. Shrugging off her jacket, she draped it over the back of the couch and made her way to the liquor cabinet.

But, as she reached out for the handle, something caught her eye and she looked over at the coffee table. There, sat an envelope with the words �Perfect Paradise� written on the top.

The cabinet forgotten, Parker turned for the table with a furrowed brow, wondering again how he or one of his messengers managed to get into her house once again. Snatching the paper from the wooden surface, she ripped at the seal and slid the contents out.

Parker lifted the picture up, studying the scene of the beautiful beach that stretched wide over the photo, the water so clear and blue that it was mesmerizing. The other piece of paper inside was a note, and she carefully unfolded it and read:

Listen up Miss Parker, here is my speech.

Right now I�m relaxing, on a cozy beach.

Where the waves are crashing, and the sun is hot.

Nothing to chase me on this beautiful spot.

For now, the game is put out of the way.

But, worry not, I will return someday.

In the meantime, Miss P. what you should do.

Is pack your bags and go vacationing too.

-J

�Always thinking of ways to torment me,� Parker mumbled, lowering the note and looking at the picture again. She sighed heavily, her blue eyes still taking in the scene. �If only I could.�

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

�How long have you lived here?� Jarod asked, tucking his legs underneath him to sit Indian style on the cool grass. She sipped at her tea and looked away from the cliff at where they sat a couple yards away.

�I was born here. Then, my father took me back to the Thailand when I was ten. But, about five years ago, did I return to live here. I love it here. Plus, I�m close to my mom,� Caia sighed, and smiled warmly at him. �It�s my home.�

�What a beautiful home it is,� Jarod smiled and then looked around at the grassy area. �Is this your favorite spot?�

�Mmm-hmm,� she murmured, taking another drink and setting the mug down to look up at the sky above them. �It�s so open and nice.� She gestured towards the large drop off to the waters below. �Beautiful view too. You can see the wide ocean from here. Highest point on this island, matter of fact, and it�s all mine.�

Jarod smiled. �That�s wonderful. I�d give anything to be able to settle down in a place like this.�

She looked at him carefully, as if to say something, but an angry rumble above made them both look up. �Looks like rain.�

�And on the third day I�m here,� Jarod sighed and then smiled at her. �Not even paradise is perfect, right?�

�On occasion. You just picked the wrong time to come out. Rainy season.�

�Well, I don�t mind the rain,� he chuckled.

And, as if on cue, the rain began to pour heavily and fell down into great drops, both gasping in surprise. Quickly, Jarod leaped to his feet, grabbing for the picnic basket they had brought, all the while, listening as Caia laughed.

�We need to head back!� Jarod shouted over the rain, and Caia climbed to her feet, still laughing.

�Nonsense! You said you don�t mind the rain, right?!� she shouted back, her hands lifted up into the air to catch the drops in her palms. �C�mon, Brown Eyes, let�s have some fun!�

�Well...� he began, but he had already lost as he watched her twirl in the rain, her blonde hair clinging to her cheeks and neck with water. She laughed, tilting her head back and closing her eyes as the droplets pounded down on her face.

Grabbing his hands, they both were soon twisted into each other�s arms as they danced, laughing and spinning in the wet grass. And, as they neared the edge, they both stopped, and looked out at the rippling ocean, awe struck by the wonderful beauty of rain and sea becoming one.

Turning, Caia looked up at Jarod over her shoulder and smiled, he slowly peeling his eyes away from the scene to her face.

�Shall I see you again?� she shouted and after a moment, Jarod nodded. �Good.�

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

�How are you this morning, Miss Parker?� Sydney asked kindly, and received a look that could slice steel.

�Your boy sent me a postcard,� she snarled, slapping the envelope onto the shrink�s desk, before casting a quick look around. �Where�s the geek?�

�Mr. Broots is off running an errand for Mr. Lyle,� Sydney replied distractedly, peeling the abused seal open and sliding the two pieces of paper out.

�Lyle?� Parker barked and then shook her head. �He�s still crawling around here. Well, if you see Broots, tell him to search that photograph for me, alright?�

At Sydney�s nod, she spun on her heel and left the shrink�s office, leaving the older man to read the short poem his subject had left. Shaking his head, Sydney smiled and clasped his hands in front of him, raising his eyes to stare off in wonder.

�About time you took a vacation,� he murmured to the empty office.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The morning was refreshing, the windows dotted with raindrops, as Jarod slowly rose out of a deep slumber. Untangling himself from the sheets, he slid from the mattress and sighed, happy that the night went reasonably well that he was plagued with only one nightmare.

Crossing the room, Jarod stepped out through the sliding glass doors and onto the porch that faced the beach, leaning against the railing to watch the warm glow of the rising sun. He smiled at the scene, glad he finally took the vacation he wanted, although the nagging feeling of people needing him still at the back of his mind. He hated feeling selfish.

�You�re a morning bird, I see,� someone called from below, and Jarod looked downward at the beach. There stood an old woman, her facial features still looking rather beautiful yet aged, with long whisking white hair. She swiped a strand away and looked up at the young man. �Isn�t the sunset gorgeous?�

�Very,� Jarod agreed. �How are you doing, Mrs. Hope?�

�Fine,� she replied, and smiled knowingly as she began to climb the stairs of his porch. �But, obviously not as fine as my daughter, Caia. She has her eyes on you, my boy.� Jarod blushed and lowered his gaze, and Mrs. Hope laughed. �And, you, I�m guessing, have eyes for her.�

�She is a very intriguing person,� Jarod confessed.

�She�s my daughter, isn�t she?� Hope smiled and then batted her eyes, getting a laugh out of the younger man. �Well, anyway,� she sighed with a wave of her hand. �I hope you are enjoying your stay.�

�Of course I am.�

�Good,� she snapped, and swiped another free strand of hair out of her face. �Well, sweetie, I will see you around. Maybe, later in the week we can have a picnic on the beach for the three of us. No one has dinner inside these days.�

�I noticed.�

�Well, Jarod,� she smiled, and patted his shoulder, turning to leave. �I will talk to you later.�

�Bye, Mrs. Hope,� Jarod called after her.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The full morning sun was its brightest the time Jarod reached the alcove that the locals had told him about. It was a small waterhole that was heated naturally by the volcanoes, with a small waterfall that flowed over rocks and down into the small pool.

Laying his towel down on the grass, Jarod rubbed his hands together and leaned down to slide into the water. Jarod hissed in surprise at the heat of the water and smiled with content.

�Now, this is the life,� he murmured.

She stopped abruptly at the end of the trail, her eyes wide and almost dropped her towel right there and then. She stepped to the side in order not to draw attention to herself, watching the droplets slowly slide down his tanned shoulder blades as he stood underneath the small waterfall. Swallowing down the lump in her throat, she stared, mesmerized.

Gathering herself, Caia began the short trek the rest of the way, still going unnoticed when she reached the edge. �This is truly a small island, isn�t it?�

Jarod spun around in surprise, before his wide eyes lowered and he smiled. �Fortunately.�

�Awe,� Caia cooed, lowering to sit on the edge with her legs in the water. �This is another one of my favorite spots.�

�I�m beginning to love this island.�

Caia smiled and then reached down for the bottom hem of her white T-shirt, sliding it over her head to reveal a bright blue bikini. Jarod blinked and then sunk deeper into the water, causing Caia to laugh as she slid into the pool.

�There�s something child-like about you, Jarod,� Caia observed, crooking her head to the side as she studied him. �I like it. I find it cute.� Jarod blushed, and lowered his gaze as she moved towards him, her face filled with mischief. �I�ve known you for what- four days, now? Yet, it feels like I�ve known you all my life.�

�Me too,� Jarod whispered, and swallowed silently as she neared closer until their bodies were inches away.

�Jarod...� she murmured, staring at his lips as she leaned forward.

Jarod tensed and moved away, his eyes cast down guiltily when her face displayed hurt. �I�m sorry... It�s just...�

�I understand,� Caia nodded sadly, and then turned to face him. �It�s alright.�

�No, it�s not you,� Jarod insisted, reaching out to gently grip her arms. Licking his lips, he lowered his eyes from her face, searching for a reasonable way to explain to her how uncertain he was... maybe even how scared. �My whole life, I�ve been... independent.�

�Alone?� Caia asked, and then smiled and shook her head. �Why? No one like you should be alone.�

�You have no idea,� Jarod whispered silently to himself, dropping his hands from her arms. �I�m sorry, Caia.� Turning, he reached for the grassy edge to lift himself out, but a hand on his back stopped him.

�Jarod,� she began. �I�ve never met someone like you. I want to get to know you more.�

Jarod lowered his head silently, before slowly turning to face her. �I want to get to know you more, too.�

�Then, what�s the problem?�

Jarod stared at her for a moment, and then confessed quietly, �I don�t know.�

�It�s okay to be a little scared,� she assured with a small smile, and she stepped forward, trapping him against the soft edge. �I know I am...� Before either could say another word, she leaned forward and captured his lips, reaching up and holding the back of his head when she felt him tense.

Finally, Jarod gave in, both enveloped in a world of passion, wrapped tight in each others arms. Caia stepped back, taking him with her, and she slipped, causing them to fall underneath the warm pool.

Bubbles swarmed around their twisted limbs, her flowing hair sweeping the sides of his face as they floated in the watery world. Finally, their starving lungs won over their wild desire, breaking the surface and gasping in air.

Caia looked at him shakily and then laughed nervously. �Wow.�

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

�Anything?� Parker asked, entering the office. Broots shot a look up at her and reluctantly shook his head.

�There are hundreds of beaches, and they all seem to look the same. Besides, we don�t even know if he is on an island or not.�

�Well, don�t waste time explaining what you *don�t* have and hop to it, Broots,� Parker snarled, lifting up a folder and flipping through it. �You have hundreds of beaches to look at and match the picture.�

�Don�t be so hard on him, Parker,� Sydney scolded, entering the office. Parker shot him a look and dropped the folder on the desk with a slap, crossing her arms over her chest in a scowl.

�He can handle it, Syd,� she shot back, and then grinned at the tech. �Can�t you?�

�S-sure,� Broots mumbled.

�Good,� Parker snapped, dropping her arms and crossing the room with long strides. �Now, if you excuse me.�

�Where you going?� Sydney asked, and Parker stopped at the door to look at him.

�To talk to my father.�

�About taking a vacation?�

She blinked, stared at him for a moment and then smiled. �Maybe.�

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

�You have the smallest feet I have ever seen,� Jarod laughed, and Caia wiggled her toes playfully.

�Why thank you,� she smiled, and slid closer to him on the cool grass as she tucked her dark blonde hair behind her ear. �You have sexy feet.�

Jarod chuckled and glanced down at his crossed legs. �Thanks.�

�You know what?� Caia sighed. �I think I like you, kid.�

Jarod laughed, and pulled her against him, snuggling her neck as she laughed as well. �You think so?� he teased and she tilted her head back to look at him.

�I know so,� she smiled.

�Good,� he said and leaned his head on top of hers. �Because, I like you too.�

�I like you a lot,� she mumbled against his chest, staring off towards the ocean as the seagulls circled the sky. Jarod remained silent, also watching the breaking taking view off the drop off, and Caia leaned back to look up at him. �How long are you staying?�

Jarod blinked and lowered his gaze to her. �I don�t know. I can�t stay much longer.�

�Why not?� Caia asked, furrowing her brow. �Money?�

�No,� Jarod sighed. �It�s... it�s hard to explain.�

Caia stared up at him sadly, before nodding with slight hesitation. �I understand.�

�I don�t think you do,� Jarod replied steadily. �I�d give anything to stay, I really would-�

�Then, do it!� Caia replied, getting to a sitting position to face him completely. �Stay for a while. Stay with me.�

Jarod smiled. �You barely know me.�

�I know that you are sweet and charming,� Caia replied and then gestured towards his legs. �And you have sexy feet.� Jarod tilted his head and gave her a playful look, but she continued. �I know enough... to be hooked.�

�You don�t know my past... You don�t know my history, my downs...�

�I want to know, Jarod,� Caia pleaded. �I want to know everything about you. Stay with me for a while, so I can!�

�Caia-�

�Please? If we get sick of each other, then it�s not meant to be.�

�And if we don�t?� Jarod asked, and she fell silent. Quickly, he climbed to his feet and tugged at his button-up shirt, avoiding her eyes. �What then, Caia? I can�t stay here forever. I�m a traveler...�

�You might want to stay,� she whispered, slowly climbing to her feet as well. �My mother always told me that chances are made to be taken, not passed by. You are a chance, Jarod, a big one. I�ll be damned to let *you* pass by!�

Jarod stared at her sadly, and then shook his head. �I�m here for the rest of the week.� He gave her a straight look. �I�m sorry.�

Caia glared at him in disbelief, before she exhaled slowly and crossed her arms. Lowering her eyes, she stared off in thought, and, after a moment, looked up at him. �Then, let�s make the best of it.�

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Parker plucked the item of clothing from its hanger and gave it a good look, before folding it and tucking it in her suitcase. She still couldn�t believe her father agreed, but made no move to argue with him.

She jerked in surprise when her phone began to ring, and she quickly crossed the room and lifted it up from its cradle. �What?�

�I�m glad you are finally taking a vacation,� Jarod smiled from the other end, the connection fuzzy.

�Can barely hear you, Rat Boy,� Parker said, stuffing a shirt into the bag on her bed. �The beach that far away?�

�Well, phones aren�t really good way out here,� Jarod explained and Parker was silent with thought.

�So, you are on an island, then?�

�Maybe- maybe not.�

�Right,� Parker huffed, walking over to her dresser. �How�d you know I was going on vacation?�

�How do I know anything, Parker?�

�True. Well, after chasing an arrogant, naive bastard around the whole freaking U.S., you can�t blame me for wanting a vacation.�

�Hey, hey, I suggested it, remember?� Jarod laughed, taking the phone across the room to look out the window, the dark rain pouring against the glass. He sighed tiredly and then asked, �Where you going?�

�Like I�m going to tell you.�

�Fine, I will find our sooner or later anyway. You know I will.�

�Damn you,� Parker growled and then listened carefully over the fuzzy connection. �Sounds like your parades getting rained on.�

�Rainy season,� Jarod explained, and then suppressed a yawn.

�Tired?�

�Mmm-hmm. All this fun is getting to me.�

Parker smiled, despite herself. �Well, I�m off work right now, so you can tell me where you are.�

�Ooh... clever.�

�Well, I have packing to do. Good night Jarod,� Parker grinned.

�Good night.�

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

�Welcome to Tahiti, ma�am,� the dark skinned man grinned and Parker looked up at him from her bags and snorted. But, the overly cheerful guy behind the hotel counter ignored it and went on. �My name is Jerette. Can I help-�

Parker snapped her head to attention. �Did you say Jarod?�

�No, no, ma�am,� the accented man shook his head. �Jerette. J-e-r-e-t-t-e. Can I help you?�

�Yes,� Parker sighed, digging into her purse. �I have a reservation for Parker.�

�Yes, right here,� the man said, pointing to the book. Looking up at her, he grinned widely, and Parker glared at him. �This Jarod fellow someone special, no?�

�Let�s just say, I have strong feelings for him.�

Snatching the key that he held up, Parker spun for the elevator, not bothering to give the dark skinned man a thank you.

Soon, she was settled in the large room, the air conditioning her favorite part of the fashionable and ample apartment. Standing on the balcony, she gazed out towards the beach and smiled, thanking him, wherever he was, for giving her the idea of a vacation. Fresh air was what she needed, desperately.

�Thanks Jarod.�

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

�Caia?� Jarod called, pushing the door open and peering into the dark interior of her cottage, the moonlight streaming through the large bay windows on the far side of the living room. �Caia? You home? The door was open!�

Jarod stopped abruptly, his heart leaping in his chest as he saw a dark drop of red on the wooden floor, and he bent down to reach out for it, expecting it to be blood. But, when his fingers grazed it, it was soft and velvety, and he released a breath he didn�t know he was holding.

Running the rose pedal between his pointer finger and thumb, he laughed at himself for being so ridiculous and then raised his eyes to the rest. Jarod�s brow furrowed, eyeing the pedals that lead down the short hallway. Straightening, he crept through the dark living room to the hall, seeing the light beam seeping through the bottom of the bathroom door.

�Caia?� he called, knocking on the door and finding it open. Slowly pushing himself inside, he peered around and started when he saw her in the large bathtub, the whole surface of the water covered with red pedals, and her too.

�Hello there, Brown Eyes,� she purred seductively and then reached up to bite her pinky, causing Jarod to laugh.

�What are you doing?� Jarod chuckled.

Caia lifted her lean leg out of the water, a couple pedals stuck to her tanned skin, and she wiggled her toes. �Just relaxing.�

Jarod smiled a dimpled grin, crossing his arms over his chest and leaned against the doorframe. �You invited me over to what- watch you take a bath?�

�No,� Caia drew out, giving him a stern look and then smirked. �You don�t have to watch.�

Jarod lifted both eyebrows up in a perplexed look, and pushed off the doorframe to cross the room. Sitting down on the edge of the bathtub, Jarod folded his arms on his lap and looked at her straight in the face. �Caia,� he protested. �I have to leave in a couple days...�

Before he could say another word, Caia lurched up and pulled Jarod into the large tub, the pretender sputtering and coughing the warm water in surprise. Jarod gasped, his mouth wide open in surprise as he peeled a pedal off his cheek, while Caia laughed uncontrollably.

�You are so going to pay for that,� Jarod threatened playfully, and Caia shook her head, still laughing.

�You said make the best of the days we have left together,� Caia chuckled, biting her lips to contain another fit of laughter when Jarod ran his fingers through his wet hair to find more pedals.

Just then, Jarod realized her shortage of clothing, and the disturbance in the water caused the pedals to stir around. Swallowing, Jarod rose his eyes and their eyes locked, the room suddenly silent.

Sliding closer to her, Jarod leaned his hands on the side of the tub by her shoulders to keep himself leveled up over her. Lowering his head, he looked her straight in the eye, his brown ones suddenly affection and serious all at once.

�Make the best,� he murmured and then caught her lips with his own.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Arms and legs were entwined in a dance in the glow of the moonlight, the white sheets blue from its light. A slender hand reached out to clutch tightly at the bed sheets, flowing blonde hair sprawled over the soft pillow.

Their bodies moved as one, too far gone to go back, molded together so perfectly, that it was hard to tell where one ended and the other began. And as their love erupted, he lay quietly beside her, she tucked tight in his warm arms.

�Jarod,� she whispered into the silent darkness.

�Hmm?�

�I think I love you.�

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Lyle stormed through the doors, his face registering disgust as he slapped the folder down on the tech�s desk and Broots jumped in surprise. �What the hell is that? I said a *solid* lead, Mr. Broots. Not a wild goose chase down in the freaking South!�

�T-that�s all I c-could get, Mr. L-Lyle.�

�Right,� he snarled. �And I give that sorry attempt *two* thumbs up, you moron.�

�He�s doing the best he can,� Sydney cut in, his aged face drawn with anger. �We all have.�

Lyle narrowed his eyes. �Do better. I want a lead by tonight.� He looked down at Broots. �Got it?�

The tech nodded and then watched fearfully as the demented twin turned and left the office. Looking up at Sydney, Broots swallowed hard and asked, �Are you sure we should do this? I mean, would if they find out that the leads are fake?�

Sydney looked away from watching the door and smiled reassuringly at the tech. �No sense ruining both their vacations, Mr. Broots.�

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The beach was beautiful, except the looming clouds that seemed to darken the sky quickly. Jarod shook his head and lowered his eyes to Caia, watching as she trotted through the golden sand to where he stood.

�C�mon, let�s go swimming,� she suggested with a smile.

�It�s going to rain.�

�You don�t mind the rain,� Caia replied, tugging on his arm. �Besides, we are going to get wet anyway.�

Stripped down to their swimming suits, the two dove into the cool ocean water, swimming out far enough until their feet were unable to touch the soft sand on the bottom. Caia swam close to him, wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him in for a passionate kiss.

Together, they slowly twirled in the water, wrapped in each other�s arms as their lips locked. And when they finally pulled back, they both were out of breath, and their chests heaved in the effort to satisfy their thirsty lungs.

The darkened skies suddenly opened up, spitting rain down to the island below as sudden as someone would turn a faucet. Caia smiled and tilted her head back, feeling the drops splatter upwards in all directions from the top of the ocean surface.

Jarod watched as Caia dove underneath and he soon followed suit, both circling around each other in the watery, weightless world as the surface above them rippled with raindrops. Jarod was mesmerized as he watched her oval face, her blond hair whisking slowly behind her head. She bared her teeth in a smile, and reached both hands out to cup his face, leaning in and stealing a kiss under water.

They broke the surface and instantly fell into each other�s arms, blinking away the hard raindrops as they stared into the other�s gaze. Jarod had never felt so free in his whole life, his entire being seeming to be reborn and refreshed. He wanted to live like this forever, on this island, in her arms.

�Caia!� he shouted over the rain, and he smiled nervously. �I want to stay.�

Caia�s smile faltered, and she stared at him in disbelief for a moment, before she screamed happily and wrapped her arms so tightly around his neck he nearly gagged. Leaning back, she captured his lips and they kissed so passionately, both their lips were left sore.

When the skies cooled, they found themselves sprawled on the sandy beach, wrapped in each other�s arms. They stared up at the dark sky, both caught up in the strong emotions that seemed so thick in the air.

After a silent moment passed, Caia turned on her side and propped herself up on one elbow to face him with a thoughtful expression. �Where do you see yourself in the future?�

Jarod looked at her and shrugged. �I�m not sure.� He smiled at her. �What about you?�

She shrugged and snuggled against him, laying her head on his chest. �I am not sure, either. But, I can picture myself an old lady, married for years to a man I love, sitting on the porch with two rocking chairs that creak loudly when they rock. We�ll be holding hands, caught thinking back to the love that has filled our long lives.� She smiled and leaned her head up to look at him. �And when, one of us are left to bare the world alone, we will look up at the sky above, grin and say �Lives are lost, but love is forever found.��

�That�s beautiful,� Jarod smiled and kissed the top of her head.

�My father�s dying words.�

Jarod peered down at her with sadness. �I�m sorry.�

Caia sighed heavily and shook her head, tucking her arms under his waist. �He was a wonderful man, with a wonderful soul. He died in Thailand, and then my mom moved us back here. We loved him.�

�I bet you did,� Jarod murmured, running his hand up and down her back.

She smiled lovingly and looked up at him. �Thank you.�

�For what?�

�For everything. I love you, Brown Eyes.� She glanced around the beach and sighed. �Nor house or island is home to me. For in your eyes, I am *truly* home.�

Jarod smiled and ran his knuckles down her cheek. �So poetic. She is as beautiful as she is smart. Well, Caia, you are my home, too.�

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Parker stopped short and slid the sunglasses from their perch on her nose, her blue gaze following the length of the crowded beach. Heaving a sigh, she tucked the sunglasses in her towel and began her trek through the sand. �Time for Parker to blend into the locals,� she mumbled to herself.

As she made her way to a small clearing, she almost tripped on something and looked down with surprise, seeing Jerette buried completely in the sand, except for his head. �What the hell?�

�Working in Tahiti has its awards,� the man grinned and Parker rolled her eyes.

�They are just popping up everywhere, aren�t they?� she murmured more to herself, stepping over him.

�Hey, wait up!� he huffed, crawling out of the sand. �Parker, right?�

�Careful,� Parker threatened, spinning around to face him. �Last stalker of mine got buried deeper than you were.�

Jerette looked slightly surprised, before grinning like an idiot again and running a hand through his sandy brown hair. �Not much a people-person. But, that�s all right. I like it. So... you want to get a drink? Or, will Jarod get mad?�

Parker crossed her arms over her chest, tapping one of her flip-flops on the sand. Slowly, a smile crossed over her lips and she got a mischievous look on her face. �Jarod will get *so* mad. He�s huge. I mean enormous. He will kick your ass.�

That whipped the smile right off his face, and he cleared his throat, nodding. �Alright, ma�am, I got you. See you around.�

Parker smiled, watching him scramble away for safety, and she suddenly wondered why the lie of Jarod being her boyfriend made her stomach twist.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

�I�m glad you decided to stay,� Mrs. Hope replied, sipping at her tea. Jarod smiled back at her, and looked over the railing of the porch to the crashing waves where Caia was leant down splashing her hands in the water. She smiled up at the two and trotted towards them.

�It�s a beautiful day!� she called. �Grab your suit, mom. Come swimming with us.�

�Yeah,� Jarod agreed and looked over at Hope with a smile. �It�s the one day that we probably won�t have rain.�

Hope heaved a sigh and looked down at her daughter, before shrugging. �Why not?�

�Great!� Caia called, pulling her T-shirt over her head and running for the water. �C�mon Jarod!�

Jarod laughed, watching her dive into the waves, before turning to Hope as she said, �I�m just going to go change. I will be right out.�

�Alright,� Jarod nodded and turned for the steps, but a hand on his arm stopped him.

�Thank you, Jarod,� Hope whispered. �You are the first person that has made her *truly* happy.�

�And she is makes me happy too,� he replied in return and Hope smiled widely.

�Good,� she said, before turning for the sliding glass doors. �I will be right back.�

Jarod nodded, turned and bounded down the porch steps. Trudging through the sand, Jarod pulled the shirt over his head and dropped it on top of Caia�s discarded one, rising his eyes to the water.

Looking around, he searched for her, unable to see her in the wide ocean, and he furrowed his brow in confusion. Wading into the water until he was up to his hips, he became worried when she has not surfacing and looked around again.

�Caia!� he called, looked and then waded in further, cupping his mouth to shout louder, �Caia!�

He heard movement behind him, and spun around, just in time to see the small wave on the surface of the water. Smirking to himself, he shook his head, and made his way towards it. �Not funny, Caia.�

Reaching the area, he stopped and looked around, placing his hands on his hips. Shaking his head again, he held his breath and dropped underneath the water, looking through the blue in search of her.

With no luck, he broke the surface and shook the water out of his short hair, and spun completely in a circle. �Caia! This is not funny! Cut it out!�

Another movement in the water sent Jarod spinning towards the sound, facing the great wide ocean that slowly sunk into the horizon and a disappearing shark fin.

�Oh my god,� Jarod gasped, taking a couple steps back in fear. �Caia!� he screamed, now frantic. �Caia!� Jarod lowered his gaze, peering into the deep blue water around him, and watched as it thickened with red. He gasped, raising his eyes to where it lead, and, without thinking twice, dove underneath the water for the object of the blood.

The water reached nine feet deep the time he found her, emerged under and completely pale. He grabbed her arm and pulled her to the surface, his whole body trembling in panic and fear. As he pressed her body against his and swam backwards towards the shore, he could feel something breaking inside of him.

�Please don�t die,� he whimpered, feeling as if the shore was a million miles away. �Please don�t die.�

Something caught his leg and pain zapped up through his side, he screaming more in surprise than pain. Looking down, he watched the water become thicker with blood and his panic rose.

He finally reached the point where he could feel the bottom, and he used it to swim faster, pushing off with his legs, and felt a horrible pain in his right leg every time he did so.

�Oh my god!� he heard Hope scream when the water was at his hips and he glanced briefly over his shoulder. She ran down the steps of the porch and sprinted towards them, splashing into the water to reach his side. �Oh my god! Oh my god!�

Jarod turned back to Caia, and felt his knees go weak. Blood streamed down her side, teeth marks piercing the whole left side of her abdomen. They laid her down, her legs still in the crashing waves, the rolling water carrying her blood up onto the sand.

Uncontrollable tears blinded him, and he frantically wiped them away, feeling for a pulse. �No, damn it, no!� Jarod screamed, tilting her head back and blowing two breathes in her mouth. He began CPR as Hope cried, muttering �Oh my god! Oh my god!� over and over again.

Jarod�s attempts were useless, and somewhere in the back of his mind he knew that there was nothing he could do. Yet, he kept at it. He kept at it. Breathing two breathes, fifteen compressions. Two breathes, fifteen compressions. Over and over again, tears of anguish running down his cheeks. He had to try. He had to try.

Behind him he felt arms encircle him, trying to pull him away. �It�s useless Jarod!� Hope cried, but Jarod pushed her away, continuing with his work. �Oh, Jarod... She�s gone.�

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The room was small. Too small. He sat and stared out the large window of the hospital room, the thin, long white curtains blowing out around him. His eyes stared blankly out to the shores yonder, his face drawn down with sorrow.

*I love you, Brown Eyes.*

He closed his eyes, his lower lip trembling as a single tear slid down his face. He never told her he loved her. How pathetic he was. How worthless he was.

�Jarod...�

His eyes snapped open, but he didn�t turn from the window to know that Hope stood in the doorway. She stared at his back sadly, clutching her purse tightly in front of her.

�The doctor said your leg was torn pretty good, but it will heal. Luckily the shark wasn�t... that large.� There was a lengthy pause and both dwelled heavily in the painful silence. �He said you are alright to... attend her funeral.�

Jarod rose his eyes sadly, his face still slack of emotion as another tear slid down his cheek. He made no move to answer her and listened as she turned and left the room without another word.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

�How is it going, Parker?�

�Good Syd,� Parker sighed, flopping down on the bed and staring out the sliding glass doors across the room. �So, how�s everything?�

�Slow,� Broots said into the speakerphone. �How come we couldn�t take a vacation too?�

�You are brave when you are on the phone, Broots,� Parker said into the receiver and smiled at the silence. �Besides, *someone* needs to search for Rat Boy. Speaking of which, any leads?�

Broots and Sydney exchanged looks, and together they answered, �No.�

Parker furrowed her brow. �Nothing?�

�Nothing.�

�Well, I guess he doesn�t want to get caught, because he�s on vacation.� Parker rose her eyes to the window and sighed. �Probably basking in the sun somewhere, having the time of his life.�

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The whole island was gathered on the hill by her home, the ocean crashing below them as the priest read from his book. All tearful eyes rose to the limping figure that slowly climbed the grassy area, his long black coat blowing out behind him as he clutched a single red rose. His face was filled with sorrow, his eyes meeting Hopes� from where she stood by the priest. She stared at him with great sadness, and then lowered her gaze to Caia�s ashes that she held.

�Shall Caia Lynn Hope rest in peace,� were the priest�s final words. Jarod�s heart squeezed, the muscle in his jaw twitching as he watched her ashes dance on the cool wind, before falling down to rest on top of the ocean�s water. Flowers were thrown after her, white roses covering the blue surface around the crashing rocks at the foot of the cliff.

He remained where he stood, staring down at her disappearing ashes and the white pedals, as the people around him slowly moved away. He felt hollow, completely numb inside.

~* �We need to head back!� Jarod shouted over the rain, and Caia climbed to her feet, still laughing.

�Nonsense! You said you don�t mind the rain, right?!� she shouted back, her hands lifted up into the air to catch the drops in her palms. �C�mon, Brown Eyes, let�s have some fun!�

�Well...� he began, but he had already lost as he watched her twirl in the rain, her blonde hair clinging to her cheeks and neck with water. She laughed, tilting her head back and closing her eyes as the droplets pounded down on her face.

Grabbing his hands, they both were soon twisted into each other�s arms as they danced, laughing and spinning in the wet grass. And, as they neared the edge, they both stopped, and looked out at the rippling ocean, awe struck by the wonderful beauty of rain and sea becoming one. *~

�When you love someone,� Hope said behind him, and he jerked out of his thoughts in surprise. �So much- so deeply and pure, you don�t need to make impossible promises or speak you undying devotions.� There was a pause, and Jarod rose his eyes to the fading ocean in the horizon as he felt her touch on his arm. �For when you love someone, they know. And by God, she knows, Jarod.�

�I never got to tell her,� he whispered.

�She knows.�

�But, I *needed* to tell her.� She remained silent behind him, giving him the time to get himself under control. Jarod lowered his eyes to the red rose he still held, running a velvet pedal between his pointer finger and thumb. �Her life was lost to the sea, but her love is not lost on me,� he whispered, barely audible. Raising his eyes, he stared off towards the horizon. �I hope she is at peace.�

�She is,� Hope assured, looking around the ocean and sighing. �She loved the sea.� There was another moment of silent that passed, before Hope ran her hand up and down Jarod�s arm comfortingly. �If you like, you can stay with me for a while.�

Jarod blinked, and then shook his head. �I just... I...�

�I understand,� Hope whispered, giving his arm a squeeze, before turning and slowly descending the hill.

Jarod turned his head to the side, watching her disappear down the trail, before turning and lifting out his hand to release the rose from his fingers. Slowly it fell, spinning once, before it made a small splash in the rippling water. He stared down at it, a single red rose lying in the large bed of white ones, floating adrift.

~* �Nor house or island is home to me. For in your eyes, I am *truly* home.� *~

Spinning around, he sprinted down the hill, new tears flooding his eyes as he pushed on with his sore leg. But, the pain didn�t stop him even when he reached the beach, shedding his coat as he splashed into the water, his black boots sinking into the soft, sandy bottom.

He kept moving, until he couldn�t feel the floor beneath him, his whole body quaking with anguish. He froze suddenly and looked up at the sky, the sun hot and beautiful. Forcing a grin, he cried, �Lives are lost, but love is forever found.� And sunk underneath.

~* He could see her, the memory so fresh in his mind as he watched her on the back of his eyelids. Her blonde hair whisked around her face in the watery world, so slowly, so elegantly. She bared her teeth in a smile, and reached both hands out to cup his face, leaning in and stealing a kiss. *~

The water gushed into his lungs.

~* He held her as they swam together in circles under water, their arms and legs twirling around each other. Their bodies molded as one. *~

He became dizzy as the world around him began to fade, his eyes slowly drooping... The water seemed so cold.

~* Bubbles formed around them, she smiling again, and then he couldn�t see her anymore, she fading away into the dark blue world of the sea. But, he still felt her, and he held onto her tightly, still twirling in the water. *~

His body numb, his world fading...

~* Lives are lost, but love is forever found. *~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

He gasped and opened his eyes, the incoming waves splashing against his body. On shaky arms, he lifted himself up from the sand and looked over his shoulder at the ocean, his lower lip trembling. How did he survive?

Blinking slowly, he turned his head back around and froze. Raising his eyes, he followed the set of footprints that lead away from where he lay in the sand, the feet so small and elegant.

Sobbing, he lied back down on the sand and began to cry.

�Until our love is found again... Caia, I love you.�

The end...

Sad, I know. You can hit me... with feedback!