"Welcome ladies and gentlemen to the Clearwater Aquarium and Rescue Center!" Hazel's voice boomed around the arena, starting out the show. "I would like to introduce you to two of my best friends, Winter and Hope." I released the dolphins to swim around the pool, entertaining the crowd.
I scanned the crowd, not being able to spot the man who claimed to be my father. I didn't see him. "I would also like to introduce to you another one of my best friend and their trainer, Sawyer." The crowd clapped as the dolphins returned to me for a treat.
The show went smoothly; Winter and Hope were thankfully being corporative, which was a relief after the strange morning. Hazel entertained the crowd with interesting facts about the dolphins and how the Clearwater Rescue Center had saved their lives. She's so cute when she talks about the dolphins, I thought to myself.
I again scanned the crowd. This time is spotted the familiar face of the man from this morning. He wasn't watching the show; he was staring straight at me glaringly.
Thankfully, the show was almost over. I quickly finished the show and ran out the arena and into the employee's locker room. I could hear Hazel trying to cover for me rapid retreat.
A few minutes later, Hazel came running into the locker room. "Sawyer, are you okay?" she said comfortingly.
"He was there, staring at me the whole time, Hazel!" I said, trying to keep calm and from tears.
"Oh my gosh. You should have told me."
"And you would have done what? I'm sure he already knows who I am." I exclaimed. "You should go. You have things to do with Clay. I just want to wait until the crowd has cleared out and then I will go take care of Winter and Hope."
"Okay. Clay will understand if you want me to stay with you."
"It's ok. I'll be out in a few minutes." She stayed a few minutes, hugging me the whole time. Slowly she got up and left. I knew she was concerned, but I just wanted to be alone. After several minutes, I again took a deep breath and walked back to the dolphin pool, making sure that I was indeed alone.
"Hey Winter. Hey Hope. Sorry I left before I could reward both of you for such a grand show." I said as I throw both of them several fish.
I went about my day, working with Winter and Hope. Around four o'clock Hazel joined me and we went for a long swim with the dolphins. After we had talked about our days for a while, Hazel went back to the locker room to change into dry clothes. I was picking up the toys around the tank, when I heard footsteps approaching.
I turned around to be face-to-face with my father. He swayed as he walked and I could smell the alcohol on his breath. He was drunk.
"You little liar!" he screamed at me. "You're just like your mother!" He slapped me across the face.
I didn't know what to do or what to say. I tried to turn around, to run away, but he grabbed me arm and held me tightly to my spot.
"You should be happy to see your old man again. I mean, I'm practically the one who raised you. That is before your slut of a mother kicked me out."
"Get away from me!" I yelled, trying to struggle away from his firm grip. This was not the man who I remembered. "Help! Someone, please help me! Hazel! Clay!" I yelled in vain.
Mark stood there for several moments in silence, listening intently for footsteps. "No one's coming, son," he cackled. "I know who you were from the moment I saw you. I can't believe how much you have grown. How old are you now?"
"Seventeen," I said defiantly.
"Seventeen. I remember when I was seventeen. Good times, good times. Now, come on. You're coming home with your pops." He pulled me close, embracing me. I'm going to pass out from the stench of alcohol, I thought. I felt his hold loosen slightly as we moved. I made my escape.
I ran from him, but I didn't get very far. He was faster than me, even when drunk.
"Come back here!" he screamed. I felt I pull on my neck as he wrenched me around to face him. Immediately, his fist made contact with my face.
I felt myself falling backwards, realizing that I was now standing on the edge of the dolphin tank. I felt myself hit the water, as my leg made contact with the wall edge. I felt a blinding pain radiate from my leg. And then everything went black.