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PART 3 - A LESSON BY THE LAKE
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Later that Evening
Andrea walked along the road, with her hands in her pockets and her head down. Andy had repeatedly refused the offer for a ride home. She told Krillian she just wanted some space so he had finally driven off.
Sighing, she continued walking, staring down at the pavement blankly. She felt hurt and lost. Everything Piccolo said really meant something to her and Andrea was surprised at how much pain his insults brought. "I'm taking it all too personal." She shook her head.
Andrea suddenly wanted to get off the road, away from everything and just be alone. Spotting a clearing in the wall of trees that edged along the road, she swerved off the pavement and walked into the thin forest. She stepped into a small field away from the road and sat down. Taking her hair, Andrea let it out of the buns and unwound it from its braids. She shook her head and ran her fingers through the dark pink locks a few times.
A small lake lay in front of her and the sinking sun cast its orange light on the reflective water. She sighed deeply and brought her knees up to her chin. Andrea buried her face in her arms and tears began to fall from her eyes. She brushed them away quickly and stiffened her quivering lower lip. She sat there for a few minutes, gently rocking back and forth; just staring at the cool waves as wind brushed the surface of the lake. She looked around and straightened out her legs. Andrea picked up a handful of sand and let it slip through her fingers, watching it fall and dissipate among the other grains.
She stared up at the sky and spotted several birds swoop low on the water's edge. They bent their beaks and sliced through the deep color, filching out with a silvery fish from the surf. Their dinner caught, the birds wafted up with the warm air thermals and flew away from sight. As she watched them leave Andrea smiled.
Go on, a voice in her head said, try again. You can do it. Andy shook her head and closed her eyes.
Prove him wrong; prove that you can fly. Come on, the voice urged.
"I will not listen to my subconscious." Andrea said aloud. "I won't give Piccolo another chance to see me fail."
But he's not here, she told herself. No one is.
Glancing around to be certain of her solitude Andrea nodded. With a boost of confidence she got up and brushed the sand from her arms. She took long strides to the thin beach that surrounded the isolated oasis. Andrea heard a car pass and looked behind her. The highway was next to invisible as she walked farther away.
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Piccolo floated behind a small cluster of bushes, meditating. His eyes flew open as he sensed a human presence. He looked out and saw a female form walk slowly around his lake, brushing the cattails and running her hands along the tall river stalks that grew along it's edge.
"What is she doing here?" he muttered to himself when he recognized who it was. Piccolo planned to ignore her and continue his reflections but he could no longer concentrate, thinking of the intruder on his private glen. I'll just have to get rid of her, what a nuisance. Andrea is such a thorn, someone should teach the woman to know her place, he thought, annoyed.
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Andrea found a grassy knoll that she thought would work fine. She got to the edge and braced her feet apart, keeping an erect stance. She closed her eyes and conjured up images of the sky. Concentrate Andy, picture flying. She could see herself dipping below and through currents of warm air, feeling the drafts billowing her upwards and taking her far away.
Andrea could sense her body go lighter and she focused on getting up in the air. Her feet left the ground and she held on to the picture of the birds streaming low over the lake.
Imagine you can already do this, don't think about it, make flying an unconscious effort Andy, she told herself. She noticed a feeling of movement around her and realized she was gradually lifting herself upward. Andrea rose higher and could feel the wind come off the lake. It blew in her face and whipped her hair around her neck. In the distance, she heard several sea gulls call to one another. Using this as a sign of encouragement she opened her eyes.
Andrea found herself floating high over the lake. She looked down and saw the shining surface shift and change with each wave. She watched off in the distance and could see the tip of the sun slip below the horizon. Dusk was setting in, following it's glowing departure and Andrea gazed at the beauty of the fading sky. She took a deep breath and was surprised at how different the air tasted at her new height.
She was filled with awe and tried with all her might not to purposely think of the fact that she was propelling herself through the breezes. Andrea felt everything with increased senses and she was aware of all the small things in nature going about their business below her. She tentatively moved through the sky, going very slowly and all the while being wary.
A large gust came up and her smooth flying faltered, the sky irregularity catching her off guard. Andrea spread her arms out and steeled herself back to stability. She stayed still for a few more seconds and gave a sigh of relief. I'm doing it, she thought happily; I'm really doing it! Wait till I show everyone! Krillian will be so proud. We'll have so much fun flying together; Andrea smiled at the idea. She stayed aloft for a few more uninterrupted moments before her reverie was broken by a loud whooshing sound behind her. As she listened, it quickly grew closer and louder. With some effort, Andrea craned her neck to see its source.
The owner of the sound headed in her direction. A dark green form came zooming towards her and she realized it was Piccolo. Startled by his entrance Andrea wavered. What's he doing out here? He better not make me get out of the sky, it's a free country and I can do what I want. She wished he'd just leave her alone. Piccolo doesn't always have to play the bully, she thought grumbling.
Another squall came up from the lake and sent her off balance. Andrea tried to level herself, but the factor of Piccolo's presence made her nervous. She narrowed her eyes and realized that she was losing the ki that buoyed her flight. Her matter suddenly pinched her mind back to reality. The small amount of control she was exerting over her body dimmed, and with her surprise she teetered in the air.
Oh, no, steady yourself Andy, no! Stay up, come on, don't fall! But the seed of fear had been planted. Any semblance of gaining back her control to stay upright was lost, and Andrea again fell from the sky.
"Nooooooooooooo!" she screamed, terror filling her system. Andrea plummeted headfirst through the air, gaining speed as she accelerated downward. The wind splintered across her face, and the force almost blinded her. But the friction generated from her fall slowed Andrea down only enough so that when she made contact with the earth, she would still be conscious to feel the pain before she died. Gravity was the player pushing down.
Oh God, Andrea's mind raced and she thought of nothing but her imminent collision. I'm going to hit the lake. I'm up too high; I won't be able to survive a drop at this altitude. Out of the corner of her eye she watched Piccolo dive down towards her.
He was too late. She collided with the water and all the breath was forced from her lungs. Andrea flailed her arms and the impact forced her down. She was pushed under the water. The cold hit her and the shock nearly caused her to pass out.
I can't breathe! Oh Christ I have no air! Help me, someone, I can't breathe, she screamed silently. Her hair choked at her and drove into her mouth. It coiled around her neck and Andrea struggled desperately to gain leeway for breath. She turned around frantically, searching for a way out. Panic overcame her senses, and running on instinct she clawed her way to the surface. Andrea managed to pull her face above the water but her hair caught on something near the bottom and she was yanked back below.
--------
Piccolo circled the surface yelling her name. He searched the depths for her form but couldn't make out anything in the murky water and growing darkness. Finally he saw her appear. Andrea's fingertips reached up, out of the water. They stayed above for only an instant and then were pulled under. He flew over and dived into the lake.
After several minutes he came back up, his lungs bursting for air. Piccolo's arms were empty.
I have to find her, where did she go? His mind raced and he turned in a ring, wondering if she floated anywhere on the surface. Seeing nothing, he took another deep breath and submerged again. The seconds ticked by and the lake grew still. The settling night looked down and shone on the large pond's glassy face, giving the secluded forest a moonlit glow. A few bubbles floated to the top of the lake and suddenly, two figures shot out from the water. The man held a limp form in his arms and he carried Andrea to the other side.
Gently he set the woman down on a nearby bank. Piccolo put his ear to her chest and, hearing no heartbeat he tilted her head back. Cupping her chin and pinching her nose he breathed into her mouth. He removed his hands and placing them over her chest, pumped three times over her heart. He listened again and forced another breath down her throat.
"Come on damnit! Wake up Andrea!" Piccolo repeated CPR, harder this time and once again covered her mouth with his own. He heard a soft sound and she began to cough. He sat her up and supported her in his arms. She heaved and tried to take in air. He gave her a thump on the back and Andrea began to breathe again. Piccolo picked her up in his arms and rose to his feet. She panted and slowly remembered the rhythm of inhaling and exhaling that she had used her entire life. Her heart coursed with renewed strength and she could feel the nerves returning to her fingers and toes.
Andrea cradled her head against his chest, drawn in with his warmth. She looked up at Piccolo and smiled gratefully. She tried to say something but her voice was too raw and no sound came out. Andrea reached up and touched his cheek with a cold hand, mouthing the words thank you. She shivered violently and buried her face against him. The Namek looked down at her and felt something stir inside him. I've got to get her out of the cold, he thought and lifting off, he sped away.
--------
Piccolo brought Andrea to a small recluse, isolated in the mountains. He kicked open the door and quickly set her down on his bed. He started a fire in the hearth and brought over extra bed furs. Piccolo saw her wet clothes and hesitated for only a second. She's got to stay warm or she might die of the cold. He removed her garments and hung them up on a rack in the corner.
Piccolo covered Andrea with all the blankets he could find in his house. He tucked them around her to try and keep her warm. He placed his hand on her forehead and could feel a growing fever. I hope it'll break before morning, Piccolo shook his head and lay down on the floor beside the bed. I have to stay beside her in case she wakes up, he thought. The Namek put his arms under his neck and used them for a pillow. He shut his eyes and sleep quickly closed around him.
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PART 3 - A LESSON BY THE LAKE
---------------------
Later that Evening
Andrea walked along the road, with her hands in her pockets and her head down. Andy had repeatedly refused the offer for a ride home. She told Krillian she just wanted some space so he had finally driven off.
Sighing, she continued walking, staring down at the pavement blankly. She felt hurt and lost. Everything Piccolo said really meant something to her and Andrea was surprised at how much pain his insults brought. "I'm taking it all too personal." She shook her head.
Andrea suddenly wanted to get off the road, away from everything and just be alone. Spotting a clearing in the wall of trees that edged along the road, she swerved off the pavement and walked into the thin forest. She stepped into a small field away from the road and sat down. Taking her hair, Andrea let it out of the buns and unwound it from its braids. She shook her head and ran her fingers through the dark pink locks a few times.
A small lake lay in front of her and the sinking sun cast its orange light on the reflective water. She sighed deeply and brought her knees up to her chin. Andrea buried her face in her arms and tears began to fall from her eyes. She brushed them away quickly and stiffened her quivering lower lip. She sat there for a few minutes, gently rocking back and forth; just staring at the cool waves as wind brushed the surface of the lake. She looked around and straightened out her legs. Andrea picked up a handful of sand and let it slip through her fingers, watching it fall and dissipate among the other grains.
She stared up at the sky and spotted several birds swoop low on the water's edge. They bent their beaks and sliced through the deep color, filching out with a silvery fish from the surf. Their dinner caught, the birds wafted up with the warm air thermals and flew away from sight. As she watched them leave Andrea smiled.
Go on, a voice in her head said, try again. You can do it. Andy shook her head and closed her eyes.
Prove him wrong; prove that you can fly. Come on, the voice urged.
"I will not listen to my subconscious." Andrea said aloud. "I won't give Piccolo another chance to see me fail."
But he's not here, she told herself. No one is.
Glancing around to be certain of her solitude Andrea nodded. With a boost of confidence she got up and brushed the sand from her arms. She took long strides to the thin beach that surrounded the isolated oasis. Andrea heard a car pass and looked behind her. The highway was next to invisible as she walked farther away.
---------
Piccolo floated behind a small cluster of bushes, meditating. His eyes flew open as he sensed a human presence. He looked out and saw a female form walk slowly around his lake, brushing the cattails and running her hands along the tall river stalks that grew along it's edge.
"What is she doing here?" he muttered to himself when he recognized who it was. Piccolo planned to ignore her and continue his reflections but he could no longer concentrate, thinking of the intruder on his private glen. I'll just have to get rid of her, what a nuisance. Andrea is such a thorn, someone should teach the woman to know her place, he thought, annoyed.
---------
Andrea found a grassy knoll that she thought would work fine. She got to the edge and braced her feet apart, keeping an erect stance. She closed her eyes and conjured up images of the sky. Concentrate Andy, picture flying. She could see herself dipping below and through currents of warm air, feeling the drafts billowing her upwards and taking her far away.
Andrea could sense her body go lighter and she focused on getting up in the air. Her feet left the ground and she held on to the picture of the birds streaming low over the lake.
Imagine you can already do this, don't think about it, make flying an unconscious effort Andy, she told herself. She noticed a feeling of movement around her and realized she was gradually lifting herself upward. Andrea rose higher and could feel the wind come off the lake. It blew in her face and whipped her hair around her neck. In the distance, she heard several sea gulls call to one another. Using this as a sign of encouragement she opened her eyes.
Andrea found herself floating high over the lake. She looked down and saw the shining surface shift and change with each wave. She watched off in the distance and could see the tip of the sun slip below the horizon. Dusk was setting in, following it's glowing departure and Andrea gazed at the beauty of the fading sky. She took a deep breath and was surprised at how different the air tasted at her new height.
She was filled with awe and tried with all her might not to purposely think of the fact that she was propelling herself through the breezes. Andrea felt everything with increased senses and she was aware of all the small things in nature going about their business below her. She tentatively moved through the sky, going very slowly and all the while being wary.
A large gust came up and her smooth flying faltered, the sky irregularity catching her off guard. Andrea spread her arms out and steeled herself back to stability. She stayed still for a few more seconds and gave a sigh of relief. I'm doing it, she thought happily; I'm really doing it! Wait till I show everyone! Krillian will be so proud. We'll have so much fun flying together; Andrea smiled at the idea. She stayed aloft for a few more uninterrupted moments before her reverie was broken by a loud whooshing sound behind her. As she listened, it quickly grew closer and louder. With some effort, Andrea craned her neck to see its source.
The owner of the sound headed in her direction. A dark green form came zooming towards her and she realized it was Piccolo. Startled by his entrance Andrea wavered. What's he doing out here? He better not make me get out of the sky, it's a free country and I can do what I want. She wished he'd just leave her alone. Piccolo doesn't always have to play the bully, she thought grumbling.
Another squall came up from the lake and sent her off balance. Andrea tried to level herself, but the factor of Piccolo's presence made her nervous. She narrowed her eyes and realized that she was losing the ki that buoyed her flight. Her matter suddenly pinched her mind back to reality. The small amount of control she was exerting over her body dimmed, and with her surprise she teetered in the air.
Oh, no, steady yourself Andy, no! Stay up, come on, don't fall! But the seed of fear had been planted. Any semblance of gaining back her control to stay upright was lost, and Andrea again fell from the sky.
"Nooooooooooooo!" she screamed, terror filling her system. Andrea plummeted headfirst through the air, gaining speed as she accelerated downward. The wind splintered across her face, and the force almost blinded her. But the friction generated from her fall slowed Andrea down only enough so that when she made contact with the earth, she would still be conscious to feel the pain before she died. Gravity was the player pushing down.
Oh God, Andrea's mind raced and she thought of nothing but her imminent collision. I'm going to hit the lake. I'm up too high; I won't be able to survive a drop at this altitude. Out of the corner of her eye she watched Piccolo dive down towards her.
He was too late. She collided with the water and all the breath was forced from her lungs. Andrea flailed her arms and the impact forced her down. She was pushed under the water. The cold hit her and the shock nearly caused her to pass out.
I can't breathe! Oh Christ I have no air! Help me, someone, I can't breathe, she screamed silently. Her hair choked at her and drove into her mouth. It coiled around her neck and Andrea struggled desperately to gain leeway for breath. She turned around frantically, searching for a way out. Panic overcame her senses, and running on instinct she clawed her way to the surface. Andrea managed to pull her face above the water but her hair caught on something near the bottom and she was yanked back below.
--------
Piccolo circled the surface yelling her name. He searched the depths for her form but couldn't make out anything in the murky water and growing darkness. Finally he saw her appear. Andrea's fingertips reached up, out of the water. They stayed above for only an instant and then were pulled under. He flew over and dived into the lake.
After several minutes he came back up, his lungs bursting for air. Piccolo's arms were empty.
I have to find her, where did she go? His mind raced and he turned in a ring, wondering if she floated anywhere on the surface. Seeing nothing, he took another deep breath and submerged again. The seconds ticked by and the lake grew still. The settling night looked down and shone on the large pond's glassy face, giving the secluded forest a moonlit glow. A few bubbles floated to the top of the lake and suddenly, two figures shot out from the water. The man held a limp form in his arms and he carried Andrea to the other side.
Gently he set the woman down on a nearby bank. Piccolo put his ear to her chest and, hearing no heartbeat he tilted her head back. Cupping her chin and pinching her nose he breathed into her mouth. He removed his hands and placing them over her chest, pumped three times over her heart. He listened again and forced another breath down her throat.
"Come on damnit! Wake up Andrea!" Piccolo repeated CPR, harder this time and once again covered her mouth with his own. He heard a soft sound and she began to cough. He sat her up and supported her in his arms. She heaved and tried to take in air. He gave her a thump on the back and Andrea began to breathe again. Piccolo picked her up in his arms and rose to his feet. She panted and slowly remembered the rhythm of inhaling and exhaling that she had used her entire life. Her heart coursed with renewed strength and she could feel the nerves returning to her fingers and toes.
Andrea cradled her head against his chest, drawn in with his warmth. She looked up at Piccolo and smiled gratefully. She tried to say something but her voice was too raw and no sound came out. Andrea reached up and touched his cheek with a cold hand, mouthing the words thank you. She shivered violently and buried her face against him. The Namek looked down at her and felt something stir inside him. I've got to get her out of the cold, he thought and lifting off, he sped away.
--------
Piccolo brought Andrea to a small recluse, isolated in the mountains. He kicked open the door and quickly set her down on his bed. He started a fire in the hearth and brought over extra bed furs. Piccolo saw her wet clothes and hesitated for only a second. She's got to stay warm or she might die of the cold. He removed her garments and hung them up on a rack in the corner.
Piccolo covered Andrea with all the blankets he could find in his house. He tucked them around her to try and keep her warm. He placed his hand on her forehead and could feel a growing fever. I hope it'll break before morning, Piccolo shook his head and lay down on the floor beside the bed. I have to stay beside her in case she wakes up, he thought. The Namek put his arms under his neck and used them for a pillow. He shut his eyes and sleep quickly closed around him.
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