Chapter 7 – A Dam
"She said, 'Let's change our luck.'"
The bakery hours seemed excruciatingly long, but Jolie let me off early since it was slow. After helping her clean up a little bit, I walked home.
I hoped that mother didn't feel like socializing. When I unlocked the door, I could hear the shower water running meaning mother had woken up late. Was she okay? She was always out of the shower before I got home. Weird.
I quickly disposed of my uniform and change into something different. I put on some rompers that I bought when I had my last growth spurt. Girls had worn them a lot when I went to high school. While I didn't like pants, I didn't mind the shorts. The breeze would feel nice against my bare legs. I pulled over an old t-shirt and tucked it into my shorts. I didn't know what to do with my long blonde hair, but I just pinned the front sections back.
Then I went to work downstairs making a nice lunch for mother. I didn't want her to know something was different, and I knew that food was the best way to fix that. Maybe she wouldn't eat a lot of food, but I knew if I made the right thing, she would. She loved food, but only if it was her favorite. Food also made her feel better when she was sick.
"Good afternoon, mother," I greeted as she left the bathroom in nothing more than a towel around her body and another one cocooning her mass of black hair. She just raised her hand, and I could tell instantly she wasn't okay. Under my breath, I murmured, "Crap."
Mothers' favorite, chicken and mashed potatoes, with my homemade gravy, seemed to perk her up when she finally emerged from her room. She still looked pretty ragged, though.
"Do you have a headache mother?" I asked taking her arm and helping her sit on the barstool. She looked down of the plate of food I had set for her.
"This looks-," Mother looked as though she was going to criticize the plate of her favorite food. "Well," She huffed, "it'll do."
I took that as a compliment as she started eating; before I knew it she had eaten the whole plate. I nearly felt myself fill with glee as I glanced at the clock. It was nearly two which meant mother would be leaving for the day soon. I wished I knew what she did, but whatever it was it involved her being gone for nearly twelve hours. I know she didn't have a car, though. She walked everywhere.
"You made my portion to big," Mother snarled when she had finished her plate. Through years of living with her I knew that it meant she loved it, but she regretted eating all of it. She was too concerned with her weight.
"I'm sorry mother," I apologized before eating a bite of chicken.
"You're trying to fatten me up," She accused. "Well, I'll never be chubby like you, so I guess we don't have to worry about that. I have the better figure." She pushed back her chair and stood, moving towards a mirror and to check herself. I watched her fluff her hair out and fix her red dress.
"Sorry, mother." I apologized again. I waited to hear the door as I put the leftovers away in the fridge, but I looked up to see her staring at me.
"There's something different about you." She took two menacing steps towards me. I ducked my head immediately, bracing myself. "What are you up to?"
"Up to?" I risked a glance up at her. "Nothing."
She stroked her chin, "Alright." I could see her suspiciousness grow though as she walked towards the door again. I wrapped my hands together waiting to hear the door. Instead, she groaned dramatically, "My head."
Then, she left. I wondered why she didn't stay if her head hurt. Could work be that important to her? She never let that get in the way of her before, or maybe it didn't hurt as much as usual. Maybe she just wanted to make me feel guilty.
When she left, I finished cleaning and tidied up the apartment a little before grabbing my purse and slipping on some tennis shoes. If I was going to ride on the motorcycle, I wanted to be prepared. I didn't like riding with my sandals. As much as I didn't like having shoes on, I didn't like the fear of losing them either. I spent some time staring at myself in the mirror. I had never done that before. Yet, the only thing I could see were the flaws mother always pointed out. I was ready to fling myself onto my bed and just tell Flynn I was sick.
I found myself leaving the apartment and locking it, ready with everything I needed. Flynn was standing outside leaning against his bike. I wondered how long he had been out in the autumn sun. Not that it mattered. He was wearing his usual pair of dark brown khaki pants, he must have had a dozen pairs. His leather jacket was snug, but opened slightly showing a black T-shirt. Sunglasses perched over the bridge of his nose hiding his brown eyes while a black helmet covered his hair.
"Afternoon," I greeted in a higher pitched voice, it must have been nervousness.
Flynn pushed off the bike and looked down at me. His eyes appeared over the sunglasses that had slid down to the tip of his nose, "You're wearing shorts."
"You don't like them?" I asked knowing that the rompers were too different. I always wore dresses and I should have stuck to that. He probably noticed how my thighs were large, and the rompers made my hips look even bigger than they were.
"No, no, it's just different." He reached back to grab an extra helmet. He handed it to me. His voice promised, "Good different."
Smiling, I took the helmet from him. I had to pull my hair over my shoulder and wrap it around my arm a bit to secure it before climbing behind Flynn on the motorcycle. I was scared of the wind tugging at my hair and pulling me off the bike.
"Where are we going?" I asked, but Flynn had started the engine which covered my voice.
Flynn apparently heard me because he glanced back at me, "You'll see." He took off down the street. It looked like we were heading for Corona, but right before the Skyway he took another road. I had never been down this route, but took in the sights. We were riding parallel to the sea. Flynn was following the roads as they climbed on the cliffs. I looked out seeing the beautiful city of Corona during the day. The skyscrapers on the top of the hilled island which seemed to reach the clouds when you stood under them, didn't look so tall from the top of the cliff.
I felt the breeze tickle my face. I loved watching the sun hit the waters below. A few cars passed us, but I couldn't imagine where we were going. Flynn's confidence never wavered, but I noticed that we were going upstream, following one of the rivers that would end up spilling into the sea. I watched that water seeing a few fishermen on the river, but they paid little attention to the new cavalcade of cars.
We were at our destination though, because Flynn was pulling into a dirt parking lot. His motorcycle stirred up a lot of dust which upset a family walking back towards their car. I mouthed a sorry to them, but the mother wasn't amused. He parked his bike between two cars and helped me off.
"Here, give me your helmet." Flynn moved to me to help me with the helmet. He turned away when he removed it from my hair, giving me time to fix it again. I let it sway by my ankles, but hitched it up so it would stay away from the dirt. I then watched Flynn meticulously chain his bike to a pole and weave the helmets with it.
"So no one takes them?" I asked crossing my arms, but Flynn didn't respond. He finished and pocketed the keys to his bike. He began walking and I was left to follow. "Where are we going?"
"I'm guessing that you've never gotten out much." Flynn assumed, but I didn't answer. He took some money out of his back pocket as we approached a small stand. Families, couples, and random groups of people were stepping through gates. I wondered what we were doing.
Flynn stepped up to the stand when a group of girls had left; one of the girls noticed Flynn. She smiled at him and giggled before whispering to the rest of the group. They were wearing shorts too, but pulled it off better than I did.
I ducked my head out of embarrassment and heard Flynn speak up to the man at the stand. "Two adult passes, please."
I glanced up to see the man nodding and exchanging money for tickets. Soon, we were following the crowds into the gates.
"Where are we?" I tried again, but Flynn handed me my ticket. I didn't have time to glance at it, however, because it was being taken by a man at the gates. I was pushed through, my bag was checked, but Flynn was already standing ways away. I felt violated as the man forced open my purse, rummaged through, and then it was pushed back into my arms. I couldn't say anything because Flynn pulled me away from them as soon as possible.
"What was that all about?"
Flynn looked from them, he was ducking his head slightly, "It's safety precautions that's all."
"Why?"
"Some people have… bombed and hurt Corona before." Flynn explained. "It's just a precaution."
"Well, why are you ducking?" I asked as he guided me around.
"I never know what guards are where." He whispered as we walked along. I looked up to see a large sign with the name "Grimm Dam." While I had never been, I heard about it in school. Whenever an opportunity came up to go on a field trip, mother got sick, or complained that we didn't have enough money send me.
"Grimm Dam?" I asked after reading the sign aloud. We passed under it. "Why here?"
"I figure you've never seen a few places around Corona, I might as well take you to my favorites outside Corona."
It was a little insight into Flynn Rider, "Does that mean you have favorite places inside Corona?"
He didn't answer right away, but he did let out a little bit of acknowledgement, "Doesn't everybody?"
We were walking through cliffs and I wondered when we'd actually get to the dam. I noticed that the place was beginning to level out and I saw it. A large lighthouse looking building that reached higher than the cliffs. I saw the light in it, but it wasn't on.
"What's that?" I asked pointing towards the building.
"It's the old guard tower. Hundreds of years ago, there was a guard post on the dam. It also helped any boats through the winding river." Flynn explained as we entered through the doors. My eyes were immediately drawn to the roof, not to anywhere else, not the trinkets, the toys, or the tours that were offered. The roof was done in a beautiful mosaic. Tiles purples surrounded a large hole that was outlined in orange and yellow tiles. There was a large spiral staircase twisting up, but still room in the center. I wondered if at night the yellow lamp of the lighthouse shown through the hole. It must have resembled Corona's flag.
Through my wonderings people climbed the spiral staircases to the top. I tried to head for the stairs.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, Blondie. Not so fast." Flynn grabbed my arm and steered me away from the staircase in favor of a large tour group. "You're going to have to sit through this first." The group moved around the old lighthouse, and the guide droned on about the history. I was fascinated with everything and was practically shaking with excitement. Flynn stood beside me the whole time, I could tell he was trying to listen intently, but ever so often I caught him staring at me with a smile.
Soon, we were able to climb the staircase to the lighthouse. I tried my hardest to not run up the steps. I did try running up a few time, but the spiral staircase exhausted me and made me dizzy. I finally got stuck behind an elderly lady forcing me to take it easy, like she was. We struck up a conversation.
"I've come here every year since my husband proposed." The elder lady spoke as we went up the stairs. "Earl proposed to me at the top of the lighthouse, we came back every year." She repeated.
"Where is he?" I asked her, but she shook her head and pointed to the sky. Earl had passed on. I wondered how long she had been coming here without him for. I couldn't believe how determined she was to climb these stairs, I was exhausted.
"I see, though, I'm not the only one who came here with someone special." The elderly lady, Sarah, I found out her name was, looked back towards Flynn.
"Oh, no. We're just friends."
Sarah tapped her finger to her nose, "I gotcha." It was then that we reached the top of the lighthouse. The 360 degree view was beautiful. I felt my breath hitched when I caught a glimpse of it all. Sarah had left my side and taken a seat on one of the benches.
I should have followed her because my knees felt weak.
"Hey," A concerned voice came from behind me. I felt Flynn's hands grab my shoulders. I guess I had been swaying because Flynn was now clutching me. "Maybe you should sit." He suggested, but I struggled out of his arms and headed for the glass windows towards Corona. I leaned against the railing.
"It's beautiful."
Flynn was beside me in an instant looking out, "It's my favorite place."
"Really?" I glanced over at him. His face was hard, staring out over at Corona. He didn't even look at me or respond before moving to look over the dam. I followed him and looked down to see little people wandering across it. "Can we go down there?"
Flynn finally looked at me with a soft smile, "Yeah, sure."
We took the stairs down again, but I was forced to sit on the bench. I was too dizzy and exhausted. Flynn left for a minute to give me some water. Then we took to the dam. We walked across slowly because I wanted to take in the sights.
However, a question had been pushing on my mind for awhile now, "Why here?"
We were silent. Flynn, who walked slightly in front of me, tilted his head up to the sky. "Why not?"
I rushed forward touching his arm, "It means something to you. Why?"
"I don't do back story," I knew he was going to try and deflect. "So, any ideas for a baker."
"Why can't you just tell me?" I chuckled before stopping at the middle of the dam. The only sounds were the clicks of far of cameras with their respective people talking, and the water rushing below us. Flynn had taken two paces before stopping and turning.
"Why are you so keen on knowing?"
I shifted the weight from one leg to another and looked away, "Because, I want to know more about you."
I could hear him laugh through his nose and look away, his arms now crossed, "I came here when I was a kid. I bought my own ticket and sat up there forever."
"Why?"
He walked towards the edge of the dam looking down below. I followed and stared. It was too misty down there to see what the water was really hitting. It was such a steep drop I wondered what was at the bottom.
"Because I-," Flynn looked towards me, but when I looked at him I noticed his white face, like he had seen a ghost. His eyes looked past me. I turned around and saw three men talking to each other and staring at Flynn.
"Who are they?" I asked, but Flynn took me roughly by the wrist.
"They don't like me." He wasn't explaining much, but I didn't have time to answer. We were running straight towards a cliff as tall as the lighthouse across from it. I didn't like the looks of being trapped aiding a wanted thief, but I knew I could convince the guards to let us go. However, as we ran towards the cliff, I noticed a small entrance to a cave. A guard was by it taking tickets.
"Flynn," I warned, but he was way ahead of me. The guard started towards us, but Flynn was quick, he tripped the guard and managed to fly me over the fallen body. I felt my hair flying behind me as we entered the cave. We ran deep into it, it was lit by dim lights above us. Did he know where he was going? It wasn't a steep dissent, but my body was urging me to tumble down and my legs hurt putting so much resistance. I wanted to move slower, but heard the shouts of the men behind us.
"This might be a bad time, but can you swim?" Flynn asked as I saw brighter lights ahead. We had gone a ways down, maybe we were close to the water.
"Yeah," I affirmed, but in truth I had never swam in my life. Pools didn't exist in the Ghetto and I had never been to the lakes or seas in Corona with my classes. I had only looked out from the Skyway at the water. I hadn't been in anything except for a tub.
"Good," Flynn said as the sounds of crashing water sounded clearer. I saw that there was a fork in the cavern, a darker path and the lighter one. I knew that the lighter one led to the water, and that must have been our choice. Flynn tugged me in that direction and we were stopped at the ledge. It was a gaping hole in the side of the mountain leading to a steep drop into the river below. It was a great length to the water, but not as great as the dam. I felt myself tremble.
"On the count of three." Flynn urged as the guards sounded like they were getting closer. "One." They must have been at the fork. "Two."
"HEY STOP!" A voice from behind, but I couldn't turn because I was being thrown into the thrashing waters with Flynn at my side. We had jumped on three.
My body hit the water and my sides hurt. I felt myself sinking, but I didn't want to open my eyes. Everything felt heavy. My nose, my head, and my body ached fiercely. I felt myself being carried up, was it up? Or was it sideways? I realized that I need to breath and forced my eyes to open. I was underwater; I could see rocks through the murk. I pushed myself towards the surface, but I was running out of oxygen. I felt something grab my arm as I struggled for the surface.
Then, air.
I gasped struggling to take breaths in, but I was quickly pushed under the water again before I could get my fill. My hair was dragging me down, but I couldn't fix it. I saw Flynn beside me, his hand wrapped around my arm swimming like a pro while I flailed. The current was swiping us down the river quickly. Dragging, and begging us to follow it, to head for the bottom. Flynn pushed towards the shore. I attempted to follow, but my hair wouldn't cooperate. I was being tugged too much and my arms were too weak. The lack of oxygen in my lungs was also hurting my thought process.
"Flynn," I tried when I gasped for breath. He pulled me along with all his might. We were dragged downstream until finally Flynn managed to pull us into a shallow part where I struggled on all four for air. Flynn didn't talk, and I was still dying inside.
"I'm so sorry, Flynn." I managed to squeak out in near tears. However, Flynn grabbed my small frame and pulled me deep into the small wooded area around the river and next to the mountain wall. He leaned me against it and stared into my green eyes.
"No, Rapunzel, I'm sorry." He said pushing my wet hair from my face. I gave him a weak smile, but he enveloped me in his arms squeezing me tightly. It felt nice, as nice as a hug was when your wet, cold, and your arms are squished in his chest. However, he shifted slightly allowing me to snake my hands around his waist and hug him back. I was shivering at this point.
"God, I'm sorry." He had pulled away and began wringing out my long blonde hair. However, my clothes were what really mattered.
"C-c-can we m-m-m-move into the ssssun." I tried to say, but Flynn just sat beside me and gathered me in his arms.
"I want to stay out of sight until I know that they're done looking for me." Flynn whispered holding me. Even though he was wet, he was still warm. We sat in silence, him just holding me for the longest time.
"I'm sorry," I tried again, but it didn't come out as anything but a breath. I was exhausted, I found it difficult to stay awake and before I knew it, I had fallen asleep.
I woke up in a panic, I felt out of place. The area around me wasn't familiar, and I cried out, "Mother!" Hoping she was near. She wasn't though, and soon my memories flooded my head forcing a headache, but I remembered where I was. I was in the forest with Flynn, I had run from guards at the dam after finally getting Flynn to open up to me. I brought my hands up to my head wanting to cry.
Then I remembered, I hadn't seen Flynn when I woke up.
"Flynn," I whispered loudly, I didn't want guards to know where we were. I was lying under a small overhang in mountain wall. I felt something heavy on me. Flynn's leather jacket was secured around me like a blanket. My clothes were only a little damp, but I wasn't cold anymore. Where was Flynn?
A rustling in the pushes caused me to reach for something, anything. I wanted that frying pan back in my grip, but I knew I was lost. I had nothing but the clothes on my back. Fear gripped my stomach and I slunk back against the wall. I waited for eminent death or capture or something.
"Rapunzel?" A tired voice called out that I recognized. It was Flynn's; I relaxed immediately, but felt anger boil up inside of me.
"Where were you?" I shouted at him as he emerged from the bushes. I noticed his clothes had dried considerably and he was holding onto two helmets.
"I went back for my bike." He looked exhausted and I realized we were probably far from the road and he walked the whole way up to the dirt parking lot and risked a lot going back.
"Oh," I quieted considerably and drew my legs into my chest. I mumbled out, "You left me."
"No," He breathed, obviously hearing me. He dropped the helmets and walked forward sitting beside me and hugging me close. "I didn't- I- I did, you're right, but I didn't mean to. You passed out, and I had to go back before they locked the gates to the lot." Flynn explained. "I knew you'd be safe."
I pulled the jacket tight around me after he released me from the hug, "I know."
But then, how did he know I was safe, exactly?
I then realized that Flynn knew what he was doing. He had probably done this before. He loved that spot at the dam, I knew he did, but he risked prison every time he went back. He probably knew those caves. He dragged me out to the dam, knowing we would probably go for a swim.
"You knew," The realization had dawned on me, and I looked at him.
"Rapunzel," He tried as I stood dropping his jacket and walking away from him. I turned when I heard him stand.
"You knew that we would do that."
"You told me you could swim."
"I lied." I swallowed harshly realizing that I was not only exhausted, but entering the early stages of dehydration.
"So, I hid the truth from you." Flynn reached me in a few steps taking my hands in his, "I didn't think anything would happen, but I knew what to do in case something did happen. I've known those caves my whole life." I wondered how he did. "You were my main priority, I promise. No matter what, protect Rapunzel." When he spoke, it had been like he said it a million times to himself. I bit my lip and looked away fighting off tears.
Flynn sighed, "I didn't want to hurt you, but I want you to see amazing things like the dam!"
We were quiet, just standing hands entwined, only a foot away. I felt a tear run down my cheek, over my lips. I stuck my tongue out tasting the salty tear knowing more were coming from just that acknowledgement.
"I can't swim."
I heard a strained laugh come from his mouth and he pulled me in once more for a hug. This time it was warm, dry, and hand something else in it. My fists wrapped around the cloth of his shirt as I sobbed gently into his chest. I was too small to reach anything above that. His arms held me around my arms and right under my shoulder blades.
"But you did very well." He encouraged one of his large hands rubbing my back in rhythmic motions that calmed me instantly, but I didn't budge from my spot. I felt so safe and comfortable in his arms. My sobs stopped, but tears continued. I could feel the spot beneath my cheek wet with the tears; other tears fell onto my arms. I was glad that I hid in his chest because I felt the unattractive snot come from my nose and quickly pulled away to wipe it on my t-shirts small sleeve. It was gross, but needed to be done.
"I'm sorry," I apologized, but he rubbed my bare arms.
"Why don't I take you home?" He offered, and I nodded. He helped me put his jacket on before we took off for the main road. It was a walk to the road, but Flynn held my hand the whole time as I rubbed my eyes with the palm of my hand. He pulled his bike out of some bushes. The road was completely barren, not even lit up. The only light was the moon high above us. Flynn had me get on the bike first and quickly braided my hair for me, tucking it over my shoulder before climbing in front of me. We both rode down, the wind was vicious at night and I kept my cheek pressed to his back.
Then, beauty struck me.
We were approaching the cliff that showed the sea, I saw lights in the distance. The city. Corona. Gasping, we approached rapidly, getting closer to the city. I saw the lights reflected in the waters below. I could just stare at the city for hours, but Flynn was racing down the road until he hit more main roads with other cars. We reached the Skyway and he took the turn for the Ghetto.
"Don't you have work?" I asked staring down the dimly lit road towards the Snuggly, we went in the opposite direction towards my apartment. Exhaustion began to overtake me, despite how close we were to my house.
"No, I asked for the day off to spend with you." The thought of it made me give off a drowsy smile. Flynn pulled over to the side of the street and got off the bike unbuckling the strap of his helmet. I sat on the bike not wanting to move, but Flynn helped me off then helped me again with my helmet. He locked them to the front wheel of his bike with his chain and walked me towards the door.
It felt like ages when we began climbing the stairs, my limbs grew tired, and it was evident to Flynn that I was too weak. He let me lean on him before deciding it would be better to just carry me up the stairs. He took the keys from my hand and opened the door. He carried me over to the couch, set me down, and left to lock the door. I could hear his boots across the carpeted floors, and heard his breathing as he crouched next to me, but I had my eyes closed, pretending to sleep.
"Don't play possum," Flynn poked at my arm, but when I didn't relent, he sighed. He gathered me in his arms again and carried me up the stairs to my loft room and put me down gently on the bed.
I opened on eye and sleepily said, "Thank you."
Flynn had a small smirk on his face, and I thought he might just leave through the window, but instead he moved to the foot of my bed and began to slip my shoes off. I watched him, though my eyes wanted to close again. He slipped off the first, then peeled off my small ankle socks. I saw him put them down gently on the floor before moving to the other foot and continuing the pattern.
"Alright you, get under those blankets." He ordered when he had stood from helping me.
"What about you?" I murmured sleep threatening my being, but I fought it. I crawled over to the head of the bed and peeled off the jacket, handing it to him.
"I was thinking I'll either stay here or jump out the window."
"Stay," I said automatically, reaching out for him although my arm protested it. I could see the hesitation in his eye. But he set his leather jacket aside and removed his shoes. He then slowly sat on the bed next to me and moved to lie down. I lied on my side staring at him. He really was handsome, but I would never tell him that. His ego didn't need to be inflated. Taking my hand gently, Flynn stared back at me.
"Sleep." He ordered, and I didn't disobey. I had run out of power to stay awake. I was dead to the world. I succumbed to sleep.
