Around the time Audri had retreated to the confinements of her room to pack her things, Bradin had taken to the waves to finish the day. He was naturally improving with his battle against Mother Nature; he had Erika to thank for that. He admitted, he couldn't stay mad at Jay forever, besides like Erika said, there would eventually be someone for him, and when that time came, he would forget about her and move on. Until then, there was no harm in just thinking about what could have been, right? Wrong. He lost his balance, and hit the water hard, his surfboard flying out from under him. His body plunged further into the sea, making him snag his arm on a coral reef. He tried to scream but nothing except bubbles exited his open mouth. He reached the surface, grabbed frantically for his surfboard, and swam to shore as best he could with his good arm. Once the water was at his waist he hurried to the beach, the current pushing him right along, making it harder for him to stand. Throwing his board angrily to the sand, he collapsed, holding his arm.
"Bradin!"
He looked over and saw Jay jogging toward him.
"What the hell happened?" he asked, helping Bradin to his feet.
"I hit the reef."
"Were you surfing alone?"
Bradin didn't respond, instead he gritted his teeth at the pain, bracing himself for yet another lecture.
"Well you obviously didn't learn anything from swimming alone the last time."
"That was at night, Jay!"
"It doesn't matter whether its night or daytime, never go surfing alone!"
"I'm sorry, okay! It won't happen again."
"Alright, let's get you up to the house and get that bandaged up."
Jay picked up his surfboard and backpack, while Bradin dealt with the searing pain in his arm.
"I talked to Erika today," Bradin said, deciding that redemption was now or never.
"Oh really?"
"Yeah, this morning. I think she, uh, finally got through to me."
"About time someone did," Jay said, smiling.
Bradin returned it.
"Yeah, well, we had a nice long talk, and I told her I'd leave her to you if she found me a date for the Fourth of July party at the pier."
"Sounds like a deal. You sure you want her to pick your date out?"
"Why not? I don't know anyone around here."
"So does this mean we're cool?"
"Yeah, I guess it does."
They went inside the house, Bradin flopping on the couch. Jay fetched the First Aid kit and dug out the supplies he needed. Within minutes, he had Bradin patched up and ready to go. His wetsuit however, was not so fortunate. It had been torn vertically from the shoulder to an inch below his elbow. It could be repaired, but not for several weeks.
As Bradin hit the shower, Johnny, Susannah, Nikki, Derrick and Ava all came in at once. Jay greeted them, exchanged a few words with Ava about Bradin's accident, then withdrew into the beach house he called his room. Ava and Susannah got to work on some of their designs, excitedly discussing the coming meeting with Elie in two days, while Johnny, Nikki and Derrick got to work on dinner.
When dinner was ready, everyone sat down, joined hands and said blessing. The Westerly children couldn't help but think of their parents every time they came together at the table. Each one would have their own memories to ready to recall in their mind as dinner began once more. They were still adjusting to Aunt Ava's life-style, making more of an effort to do so.
"Did you two have fun today with Johnny and Susannah?" Ava asked, passing Jay the mashed potatoes.
"Did we ever!" Derrick exclaimed, "Johnny and I beat the girls," he said, barely a whisper.
"We'll so get you back," Nikki said.
Johnny and Susannah smiled.
"Aunt Ava?" Bradin said.
"Yeah sweetie?"
"If it's alright with you, I'd like to be excused from dessert tonight, I'm gonna go to bed a little early."
"Oh?"
"Well, Jay told me about the dolphins that swim by here right after sunrise, so I was gonna check it out."
"Do you want me to wake you up?"
"Um, no, I'll set my alarm."
Ava nodded, exchanging a quick smiling glance with Jay.
After dinner, Ava came into Bradin and Derrick's room to say good night, and found Bradin just getting into bed.
"I just came in to say good night, and that I'm proud of you."
"For what?"
"For fixing things between you and Jay."
"Yeah, well, that's Erika's fault."
Ava laughed.
"I know she loves Jay. I just hope he doesn't break her heart again."
"Yeah, I know. I guess we'll see."
"She's suppose to find me a date for the pier party on the Fourth."
Ava smiled. "You know what Bradin? You are without a doubt your father's son."