Clover glanced around at the party going on behind her. It was Bec's birthday and the party was in full swing. Right now, however, they were playing a romantic slow song and things inside were getting a little too mushy for single Clover.
Besides, her fairly recent scars were aching from all the dancing and she knew they'd start bleeding again if she didn't give them a rest.
Clover gazed back out to sea and sighed. She tucked a stray lock of her long vibrant red hair out of her face and heard a very disgruntled groan coming from the doors of the academy behind her. A moment later Bec stormed out and sat down against the rail beside Clover.
"What's the matter, birthday girl?"
"Nothing Clovy." Clover tried not to smirk as she counted to five; the usual delay period between denial and let-loose rant mode. "Why won't Edge get his act together?"
"Still hasn't asked you, has he?"
"The Valentine's Dance is in less than a week, what is his problem?"
"Don't even start. You know Edge, he's a guy and let's face it he shares a fair amount with the cavemen. Besides didn't I see you getting rather close to him just now?"
"I've been dropping hints like a cow drops dung, but he's still not getting it. What you saw was me flirting as though my life depended on it and him being his usual stony-faced self and ignoring me." Bec pouted.
"Well he told me he's crazy about you. Maybe he hasn't got the guts to do anything about it."
"Please, this is Edge we're talking about. He's the only one in the house who has the guts to eat the mouldy stuff in the back of the fridge when we clean it out." Bec stood up and leant over the banister too.
"That is a fair point, but there are many kinds of bravery just as there are many types of love."
"Explain please."
"Just as there's the friendship kind of love as opposed to love-love, there's the kind of bravery it takes to skydive or-"
"Surf with a shark?" Bec put in.
Clover grinned. "Exactly. As opposed to the courage it takes to defy your parents or ask the girl you like out for a cup of coffee or to a movie. Edge may have the former version in spades but the other type may need a little nurturing. I could talk to him if you like."
"It might help. How come you're so wise?"
"I grew up in California; this stuff's their national hobby. Besides I'm of Irish birth so wisdom is inbred. And that's not the only thing that's inbred."
Bec laughed. "Thanks Clovy. I needed this."
"I know. I'll have a talk with Edge tomorrow and I'll get him to ask you to the dance."
"You're a gem."
"I know."
Again Bec laughed. "There's no need to get all arrogant about it."
"It's true, isn't it? Well then."
They stood in silence for a moment. "Who you going to the dance with?"
Clover looked down. "No one. But I figure I don't need to go with anyone, if I'm even going to it. I don't buy into all that valentines crap."
"Yeah you do. You got a little misty-eyed over that valentine that arrived for you today."
"I did no such thing." Clover protested.
"Who was it from anyway? You never said."
"My brothers always send me one. They feel sorry for me 'cos I've been single since birth and they're all married now. Not that I need anyone to feel sorry for me."
"Come on you must want some sympathy sometimes?"
"I was raised by six older brothers; and although I do love all of them they weren't exactly big on the whole sympathy thing. Its no wonder I'm such a tomboy."
Bec looked at her closely and felt her eye wandering to where she knew the shark's teeth marks were on Clover's body. Clover saw the look. "So you don't get scared?"
"Scared? I'm scared for my life every time I go surfing, just in case a shark gets through the netting and comes after me again. Every time a wave breaks against my body I think I can feel the shark's teeth again. I just don't show it."
"But your surfing suffered from it, right?"
"Why do you think they sent me here? It's like Anna; after that kite-surfing accident she lost her confidence and Solar Blue pushed her into surfing. I was afraid of the water."
"What are you guys doing out here? Come on, this is a party and we need our guest of honour." Fly said coming out and pulling them both towards the now more upbeat party.
"Hey, Clovy, if it makes you feel any better, Ben's got a mammoth crush on you; you could take him to the dance." Bec said, stifling a laugh.
"Thanks for the offer but I think I'd rather take myself."
