The next day, Damon decides to have a word with his boss. He wants to know if the city is planning any kind of safety measures, such as closing the beach in lieu of a second fish attack. Tobias explains to him that the city council is meeting as they speak to try to formulate some kind of plan. Although he's a little wary of going back into the water, Damon knows himself, he could never not save someone because of what danger may be lurking beneath the waves. He doesn't want Elena to worry about him but he likes and needs his job. She's all he wants, he knows this with absolute certainty.
Once he's back at the beach, he climbs up on the familiar platform. Looking around, he's still mesmerized by the stark beauty of this place. The ocean shore lies jagged, its rocky outcrops resembling a torn piece of paper where they meet the rushing waves when they crash against them at high tide. There is every shade of blue imaginable, his eyes close briefly at the warm breeze, giving him a whiff of the salty air. The ocean's music takes command of his senses with the crashing waves and the cries of the seagulls. He smiles when he sees some children throwing popcorn at them. Other kids are building sand castles, very few people are going into the water though but considering the last week, he's not at all surprised.
It's a rather quiet day and he's relieved when his boss shows up with another young man to take Julian's place. His co-worker quit without any notice after the Spring Lake attack. Damon needs to train Brady for a few days but then they won't be short of lifeguards anymore. At least he'll have some good news to tell Elena. When he hears a scream, he stands up, scanning the horizon. He sees a woman flailing in the surf. Without taking a breath, he jumps off of his perch and runs pell-mell towards the water.
Her arms and legs are kicking desperately as he swims out towards her. Damon's body cuts a lean figure as he moves through the waves, dark indigo water swirling around her. Finally he reaches the woman but she fights, flailing her arms and legs so hard that she pulls him beneath the surface too. Slowly black begins to seep at the edge of his vision but he's not going to die, he promised her so he kicks as hard as he can, reaching the surface in moments. He gulps in a huge breath of air and then dives down again, this time bringing the woman along with him. Deftly, he wraps one arm around her neck to keep her head above the water and swims back towards shore.
When he's waist deep, he stands up and carries her to the sand where he lays her. Dropping to his knees, he rolls her onto her side and slams the heel of his hand against her back. After several blows, she spurts out a mouthful of water and breathes in as hard as she can, her breasts are heaving with exertion.
Damon relaxes, finally able to suck in a breath himself. Moments later a man hurries over and helps her to her feet, enveloping her in a fierce hug. When they part, the man shakes Damon's hand, thanking him profusely for saving his wife's life. Damon says it's his job and then before the man can shower any more praise on him, goes back to the platform to watch the water again.
Once he's done for the day, Damon rushes to his place to change his clothes. He finally talked Elena into going on a date with him. When he reaches her place, he takes a deep breath and knocks on her rooming house door. The proprietress lets him, telling him to take a seat in the parlor while she goes for Elena. He's nervous, his hands clammy as he paces back and forth while waiting for her. He planned to take her to enjoy a hot dog along the boardwalk and a walk on the beach. He just hopes his idea will be okay with her.
"Hi," he breathes when he sees her lovely face.
"Hi, I'm sorry I kept you waiting. I dozed off, I didn't sleep very well last night."
"Would you rather do this another night?" he asks, concern filling his being.
"No, Damon, I'm okay, I want to go."
His face is beaming when he extends his arm for her to lead the way. Together they walk outside and towards the beach. They find one of the little food shacks, order their hotdogs and potatoes. When the vendor hands them to him, Damon gives them to her so he can pay the man, throwing in an extra dime for a tip. They sit down on the picnic table that faces the water. Elena takes a bite of her hotdog, he can tell by the expression on her face that it's good so he digs in himself.
When they finish, they sit together quietly, watching the water. The warm ocean breeze whispers at her like a lover, dropping salt kisses on her cheek and tousling her long chestnut hair. "You look beautiful today, you always look beautiful Elena."
She looks at him, a hint of blush coloring her cheeks at his compliment. Her eyes are something special altogether, their mischievous glint reflects the corners of her mouth which are fighting a smile. Damon stares enraptured by them. They are every shade of brown he can imagine, a raw umber and caramel mix dotted with bits of dark chocolate. Their ethereal glow gives him not only shivers, they make him want to wrap her in a warm embrace all at the same time. He longs for the day he can do just that.
"Really Damon?" she mumbles, a little put out sounding but he knows she's pleased inside.
"Do you want to go for a walk down by the water?"
"I'd like that."
After disposing of their trash, he takes her hand and they stroll down towards the waters edge. With the incoming tide, the waves are crashing onto the beach sending spray high into the air. Damon winks at her and takes off his shoes. She does the same, they leave them on a rock before walking a little farther down the shore. The beach is gentle beneath her bare feet. Tips of shells peek from holes made by little sea creatures, seeking shelter in the soft sand.
A white ribbon of cliffs and rocks surround them and the water. An occasional errant breeze sends tingling sensations through him, especially when his hand links with hers. "I have something to tell you, Elena."
"What's that?" she asks, sitting down on a rock not far from where they left their shoes.
"I talked to my boss today. The city is looking into some safety measures and also they hired another lifeguard, Brady is his name so I won't have to work every day. And um... I did save a girl today."
"That's wonderful Damon."
"I like my job, Elena."
"I know... you mentioned safety measures, what can they do? How can they protect people when they're in the water?" She asks, not taking her eyes off of his. He doesn't understand why but he finds himself getting lost when she looks at him like that.
"I don't know for sure, Elena. But Mr. Fell said something about nets, maybe fisherman patrolling with their boats. But hardly anyone was in the water today, I'm sure that's a direct result of the attacks."
"I suppose, what was it like? You know in Spring Lake?"
"I never want to see anything like that again as long as I live. When I pulled him into the boat, I didn't know why he felt so light... it was because the shark bit off his legs. He died right in front of me, Elena. It's was horrible."
"I'm sorry you had to experience that, Damon."
"Me too," he agrees, turning away to look at the silky sea in front of him. When she brushes her hand over his, he closes his eyes as the feeling burns a fiery trail through his body. He shifts on the rock so he's facing her. "I want whatever is brewing between us Elena. I know you feel it too."
She stares at him for another few seconds before looking out at the water again. The sun is beginning to make it's decent in the western sky. Silhouettes of seagulls fly across the now magenta, orange and yellow colored tongues that lick across the broad expanse for as far as she can see.
"What's it like to save a life?" she asks, effectively changing the topic.
"It's exhilarating, I can't really describe it but it feels good."
"I think it's great that you're doing something so noble with your life. Aren't you scared though? Two people are dead, Damon."
"I know, Elena and yes, I can't deny that I was a little afraid to go back into the water but I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I would have let that girl die. I didn't think about anything else but her," he explains, turning his attention to the sea that's spread out in front of him. As soon as they put their shoes back on, they walk back to her boarding house. Elena's thoughts are deep with worry. She doesn't want to lose him to that monster fish, shark, whatever is it. When they reach the place, Damon pulls her aside, away from prying eyes that may be peeping out through the window.
As he leans forward, her pulse races, a stray strand of hair falls onto her face but with one slide of his thumb, he brushes it out of the way. Elena swallows and looking into his eye, deep pools of blue that reveal his kind heart. His lips touch her cheek. Time stops. Her racing heart comes to a sudden stand still. Her breath catches in her chest when their fingers entwine. As his mouth leaves her face, she can still feel the tingle. Fire pulses through her body, painting her cheeks a deep red hue. He silently steps back but their eye lock in a conversation of their very own. The porch light suddenly illuminates, ending the moment. Damon smiles and walks her to the door.
"Goodnight, Elena." He takes her hand and presses a lingering kiss to it before turning around and walking away.
"Goodnight," she whispers breathlessly, certain he can no longer hear her. Once she's inside, Mrs. Flowers approaches her with a letter in her hand.
"This came for you today. I forgot to give it to you earlier."
"Thank you," she says and with a quick nod hurries to her room, her heart bursting with excitement when she sees who it's from.
As soon as Elena gets to her room, she plops onto the bed and carefully opens it. She pulls her brother's letter out, her heart sinking like a leaden weight as she reads it. In the space of a few minutes, her excitement turns to unease. She slips it back into the envelope and stuffs it in her drawer. Her brother's coming but he's not coming alone.
Since there's really nothing she can do about it now, she grabs a few things so she can take a bath. Afterwards she's going to read her Edgar Rice Burroughs book, 'The Beasts of Tarzan'. It's fun for her to get lost in that world for a little while.
Although she's excited to see him, she knows he'll want to go down to the beach. Matawan is fifteen miles to the shore so instead of dipping into the ocean, they often swim in the creek. She, Jeremy and their friends lived at the in the water during the hot months of summer.
She loves the beach herself it's just that if Damon sees her, she'll have to introduce her guests and this is one conundrum she has to solve on her own.
After spending the evening reading her book, Elena covers her mouth, yawning wildly. She switches off the light and then buries her face in the pillow, hoping she'll get some sleep in the sultry, uncomfortable temperature of her room.
The inky darkness engulfs the frail light, diminishing all happiness and bliss that had risen with the sun. Now only silence lingers, except for a small sigh of anxiety that leaps from her mouth. With everything that's happened in the last week, Elena can only sleep when she's exhausted. When she feels the fatigue in every muscle of her body, she sucks in a breath and her thoughts are dragged to the forefront in slow motion. She throws off the sheet and picks up her book to fan herself. Images of Mr. Vansant still haunt her subconscious, vivid portraits of blood and ragged flesh play on repeat like a reel of film at the movie show.
Sitting up, she gets up to open the window, she feels immediate relief when the salty smelling breeze cools off the beads of sweat on her forehead. She yawns again and after swallowing a full glass of water, she lays down on the bed. This time completely different thoughts keep her awake, ones that have nothing to do with the creature that lurks beneath the waves. This time it's nervousness about her guests and familial obligations that combine to rob her of another night's sleep.
The next morning, Elena is sitting on the door step with a cup of coffee and the warm breeze of another toasty July morning. Even though she finally slept last night, it seems to have made no difference to her level of exhaustion. By the time morning arrived, her bed sheet was in a knot. She wonders if maybe he will walk over the crest of the small hill and tell her not to worry about anything. She puts those thoughts aside, finishes her coffee and then goes back inside to take her cup to the kitchen. After helping Mrs. Flowers with the dishes, she stuffs her book into her satchel and walks to the hotel to help the morning staff get caught up. The hotel is brimming with guests. When she finishes, she's free for the rest of the day so rather than go back to the boarding house, she walks the short distance to the beach.
Once she stakes out a patch of sand, she lays her things down. When she spies something close to the water's edge, she walks down to pick it up. The driftwood is soft in her hands and bleached by the salt and the sun. She runs her fingertips over the ridges and smiles at its unique shape, it's already been made beautiful by the briny ocean currents. She takes it back to her spot and stuffs it in her bag. Deciding to try to find a few more treasures, she takes her shoes off and walks back over to where the sea is lapping against the sand.
Small wet pebbles sparkle in the sunlight. The water is fairly calm today, small waves occasionally lash against the rocks, the white spray splatters her face and she can taste the salt. In the bright light of the afternoon, she looks out towards the endless expanse of shimmering blue water. A glimmer of light catches her eye, she takes a couple of steps and picks up the seashell. It's bigger than a starfish and shaped like a horn, one that has been crafted by an artist with its inside a rainbow of beautiful hues, blues, lavenders, pinks, grays. It's spiny with an elongated and elegant whorl. She puts it to her ear, hoping to hear the sound of the sea.
She lays her stones out on her blanket and looks over each one, she tosses some aside but the other she starts to gather up to put back in her bag. Yawning, she lays back on her blanket and just as she's about to close her eyes, a shadow creeps over her. Raising her hand, she shields her eyes, a little surprised to see Damon staring down at her. She realizes that she's only wearing her swim outfit and although she's decent, she feels a little self conscious under his stare.
"Elena hi," he says quickly, realizing his look was lingering.
"Aren't you supposed to be working?" she asks as she sits upright, her eyes dropping to where her fingers are digging mindlessly in the sand.
"I am working, I'm on my lunch break."
"Oh, well, um, I have a sandwich. Do you want it?"
"You don't?"
"No, I'm not really hungry."
"Do you mind if I join you?"
She shakes her head and then slides over a bit to make room for him on her blanket. She digs in her bag and hands him the sandwich she brought along for herself.
"It's good," he mumbles, chewing up the tasty roast beef with mustard. He loves homemade bread, that's one thing he misses about living at home with his mother, her breads and cinnamon rolls are the best he's ever eaten. He wonders if maybe she's having an off day, as she seems to be avoiding eye contact with him. But perhaps, he's just imagining it?
"Is something wrong, Elena?"
"No, why do you ask?"
"No reason, you just seem kind of quiet."
"I didn't sleep very good. I thought if I spent the day outside, maybe I'd get really tired so I can sleep tonight."
"That's it?"
She nods, sucking in a breath of air.
"Tomorrow is my day off... do you want to do something with me? We could have a picnic or go to the park?"
"I would like to but I can't. My brother is coming for a visit. When I get off of work, I'll have to show him around."
"That's fun," he mentions, stuffing the last bite of sandwich in his mouth.
"It is. I haven't seen him for six weeks."
She doesn't offer to introduce them but after a little thought, he brushes it aside, they are still new. Since it's almost time to go back to the platform, he stands up, offering his hand when she starts to get up too.
"Are you going to go?"
"No, I'm going to go put my feet in the water a little bit, but I'm not going into deeper than my knees," she shudders when she thinks of the shark again.
"I'll walk you down and then I have to get back to work." He extends her arm, gesturing for her to lead the way. He watches her step into the water, he walks with her for a couple of minutes and after seeing Brady wave to him, he tells Elena goodbye and runs down the sand to resume his duties.
Elena watches, nodding when he waves at her. While watching him depart, she can't help but feel guilty for deceiving him. He's good to her and she likes him fine but... Sucking her lower lip between her teeth, she wonders how she's going to dig herself out of the hole she unexpectedly finds herself in.
She turns around and walks out a little further, enjoying the way the sand sinks in between her toes. It not only feels good but more importantly, it helps to force out the unpleasant thoughts that have been swirling in her mind since reading her brother's letter. When did things become so complicated?
Salt water pools around her knees, calm and serene. Each one of her feet rests upon the smooth rocks, ones too pretty to be left untouched. She bends down, scooping one up in her cupped hands. The rock presses against her skin like an oceanic kiss, glistening in the light of the sun. She stares at it a few more seconds before throwing out to sea as far as she can. She watches its arcing splash and then reaches down to grab another and another until a scream breaks her reverie.
Elena practically leaps out of the water, a burst of adrenaline sends her heart into a tailspin of chaotic beats. Looking around, her breath catches in her throat when she realizes it was just some children playing. Deciding she's been at the beach long enough, she gathers her things and then after a look back at Damon who's back is to her, she sighs wistfully and walks away.
The shipwreck is shrouded in the mist. Water licks at the rotting skeleton bringing moisture to its deepening crevices. At one time it had been a fine cutter in its day, a sail of finest linen and a sleek prow to slice through the ocean waves. She runs her hand along the wood, jerking back when a sliver pierces her fingertip. The fog and the mist make visibility difficult, she feels her way around the behemoth, stopping in her tracks when she thinks she hears the distant sound of hooves. Knowing that's impossible, she continues her way around till she reaches the bow. The weather and the sea are burying it deeper, in time it will become part of the waves again that beat it so relentlessly, another few years, it won't even be a memory.
"Elena?"
She looks around when she hears her name echoing through the dense clouds. She pushes a strand of hair behind her ear, hoping to hone in on it. When she hears it again, she's certain it's him. Damon. Panic rises and she runs but with the fog thick and blinding, she finds herself being pulled under the surf, her flailing arms the last to go under.
An incessant rapping sound finally pulls her to consciousness. Her eyes snap open and she lurches upright in bed. Her heart is pounding from the intensity of her nightmare.
"Elena."
She throws back the sheet, slips on her robe and then pulls the door open. Her palm slams against her chest when she sees her brother. "You startled me," she gasps, a smile playing on her mouth before she moves to give him a hug.
"I've been pounding on the door for ten minutes."
"I was sleeping. Her eyes dart around his form, seeing no one else, she looks at him. "Um, where's Matt?"
"He's in the parlor chatting with Mrs. Flowers."
"Okay, I'll get dressed then. I have to go to work though."
"Matt and I will walk you there, we'll go to the beach and when you're done, we'll do something together."
"You have it all planned?"
"Of course. I'll go wait with Matt while you get dressed." Jeremy smiles at her then walks off. She pushes the door closed with her back then slides to the floor. She buries her face in her hands, all she can think about is how to tell them how she really feels.
"It's really pretty here, Elena. I can see why you took the job at the Engleside. I'm glad that you finished work early." Jeremy's chatty today, a little more so than he normally is. He mentions all his plans for them when she goes home to Matawan with them tomorrow. She have a few days off before she has to catch the train back to Beach Haven on Saturday the fifteenth. Although she tries to avoid it, she doesn't miss seeing Matt's stealthy looks and the reason he came here with Jeremy.
She'd rather forget but she remembers a time, not all that long ago when everyone and everything pointed to the two of them as a couple. It was simple, there was nothing to think about so she just got used to the idea as did Jeremy and their parents. But now, having met him, her heart and her head are warring with each about what to do.
The whole of Matawan would be happy about their union and she didn't want to disappoint her parents so she went along with it. It's different now, her heart isn't in this. It's not fair to Matt either, he deserves someone who loves him, not just a place holder like her. She is very fond of him, she's known Matt her whole life, she simply doesn't feel for him the way a wife should feel about a husband.
Now she pathetically tries to put some distance between Matt and herself, shimmying away from him on the blanket so their skin isn't touching. Jeremy's scheming doesn't go unnoticed either, she can see by the look on his face that he's figuring out how to disappear, leaving her alone with him for awhile. She's deep in thought herself when suddenly a wet dog runs towards them, he shakes out his fur and drenches her, making all three of them erupt in laughter.
Elena knows that somehow she'll have to find the courage to have a word with him but right now, it's a beautiful day, she's all wet but the sun will dry her soon enough. She makes up her mind when the dog approaches them again, this time with a stick in his mouth. She stands up, takes the stick and throws it as hard as she can, The dog leaps and bounds away, determined to find the piece of wood. For now, she's simply going to enjoy her brother's visit and forget about the things she's supposed to do.
Damon's tired after a long afternoon in the sun. He did make one rescue but that was it, the rest of the day he sat on his perch, staring at the ocean spread before him. He'll never get tired of looking at it. Where he settles down, he knows it's going to be a coastal town whether it's here in New Jersey or some place else. As he stares out at the sea in front of him, he remembers swimming in the turquoise colored waters, floating in a void free of gravity. The ocean is something he loves, something he respects. He understands both its beauty and its dangers, finding fascination by the waves crash softly against the rocky beach, their curling fingers brushing each stone with a soft caress as the wind ushers them gently towards the shore.
He jumps down from the platform when Brady arrives. He stretches his limbs, admiring the way the sun is shining on the soft rippling of the water, no words can truly capture the magnificence of the Atlantic. He bends over to pick up his towel and his bag, he gives a thought to what Elena's doing and if she's enjoying spending the day with her brother. Shielding his eyes with his hand, he looks up at Brady, says goodbye and starts to walk home. On the way, he sees her with not one but two young men and wonders who the other one is. He's not close enough but still it looks like the blonde guy is leaning a little too close to her. An odd feeling that he quickly recognizes as jealousy pricks at his insides but he quickly dismisses it.
Still he can't completely shake the foreign feeling so as soon as he gets home, he showers and changes into a pair of clean clothes and heads to Elena's place, hoping he'll catch her alone. He waits outside and then steps into the shadows when he sees the same two men walk her to the door. They exchange a few words before they turn around and walk away. When he sees her form in the window, he hurries over and taps slightly. Mrs. Flowers won't hear it but he's certain she will. She turns and looks over her shoulder, her eyes meet his briefly before she moves away from the window. Moments later she walks onto the porch.
"Damon, what are you doing here?"
"I... I wanted to see you."
"Oh?" she smiles shyly before looking away.
"And I saw you with two guys, not one. Um... who's the other guy?"
"Matt? He's Jeremy's best friend. I've known him my whole life," she explains but doesn't make eye contact with him.
"That's all?" He senses there's something she's not telling him and when he brushes his fingers against hers, she looks up. Sighing, she reluctantly admits he's here because of her. She goes onto explain about her family and how they've had their union planned since about fifth grade.
"Elena, you can't be with him if you don't love him. Not that I care about him but it's not fair to either of you." It's not fair to himself either.
"They'll only be here tomorrow yet, then I'm going home to Matawan with them. I'm coming back on the 15th."
Damon wants to protest but how can he? "Elena, it doesn't feel right."
"Matawan is my home, I grew up there. I'm going to visit my parents and some of my friends. I'll be back."
Despite her rationale he still doesn't have a good feeling about it, the shark is still out there and even though Matawan is a ways from the ocean, he can't explain why his stomach is twisted into a tight knot. When their eyes meet, he stares for a second before the brilliant stars draw his eyes heaven bound. They twinkle and flicker creating a beautiful canvas of the velvety midnight sky. He drops his eyes for a moment.
"Damon, I have obligations and there are things I need to take care of on my own."
"Don't you see, Elena, they've got you trapped. And you're going to die if you don't unlink the chains. Maybe not right away because you're strong but... sooner or later that fire I see burning in you, that fire's gonna burn out."
"Damon, it's not up to you to save me."
"You're right... only you can do that but if you're already waving the white flag..."
Elena dismisses him, thinking it's jealousy. "Don't be so melodramatic, Damon. I'm in no danger in Matawan. It's my life and you should trust me to make the right choices."
Damon admits to himself it might be jealousy but he just can't shake the bad feeling. He wants her to stay in Beach Haven. Having reached an impasse and not wanting to fight with her, he gets up, says goodnight and walks away without bothering to look back.
Elena watches his retreating form till he disappears at the corner. She kicks the dirt in frustration then shakes her head and goes inside, slamming the door closed behind her.
Thanks so much to all of you for the wonderful reviews and interest in this story. Sharks are amazing creatures and this story just has piqued my interest since I first heard of it, probably during Discovery's Shark Week. You may have recognized Jack's line to Rose :) You're all the bet.
Thank you Eva for all of your help and devotion to this and all of our stories.
Chapter title: 'The Other Man' by Sloan.
Thank you all again, you're the best of the DE universe. Have a safe and wonderful day. We'll see you next with WTTJ 16. I think you'll like it...
