This chapter is mainly used to put a happier Kandy in everyone's minds before the big event. The look given during the flashback for Kirsten is the look Kelly Rowan had at the 2005 Emmy Awards. She looked stunning. A big thank you to those who reviewed. Please, keep it up. Please and Thank you. Enjoy.
Disclaimer: The song is "Don't Give up on me" by Solomon Burke. I don't own any part of it.
Chapter 8: The Saltwater War
They spent over two hours eating breakfast. And only breakfast. They talked about everything, music, movies, Kirsten's snoring and short attention span when it came to movies and Kirsten's lack of appreciation for the ocean and physical sports. This concluded Seth, was the reason that he didn't play sports but was addicted to sailing. It was his parents' fault. By the end of the meal, the boys had planned for a "Boys day out" since the girls had planned their own little "Ladies day". Kirsten smiled. This was what she came home to. She loved every minute of it.
The boys cleared the table; after all, the ladies had slaved away and managed to come out of the experience unscathed. Kirsten, Marissa and Summer smiled as they walked outside and sat on the grass. Kirsten leaned on her palms behind her, legs outstretched as she soaked in the heat. She tilted her head toward the sky. Sandy and the boys walked out after placing the dishes in the dishwasher. They had all afternoon still. The evening, too if they wanted to spend time together. This was a rare occurrence; the family, together for a day.
Sandy glanced over at his wife, sitting on the grass, her eyes closed, taking in the sun's rays. She was beautiful. Her hair gleamed in the sun as a breeze gently moved it. Her blonde curls framed her porcelain face. She opened her eyes lazily as Summer asked her a question. Her blue eyes sparkled in the sunlight, her hair dancing as she turned toward the girl. She smiled and nodded. Sandy stood, trapped in the mesmerizing beauty of his wife, his Kirsten. Sandy heard nothing as he watched her. He watched her. Only her. She was all he saw for that moment in time. How he had ever lived without her he never knew. But he had her now and that was all that mattered. How he hurt her, he never knew. He never understood what had possessed him to pain her, hurt her, and betray her. He had never meant to do it. He was trying to do the right thing. But by whom? Certainly not by Kirsten. Every time he turned away or choose Rebecca over her, her heart broke. It was his fault. He knew it was. He watched her as she leant forward, reaching for her painted toes. Her shirt rose, exposing the small of her back. He watched as her body moved slowly. She got up. The world stopped around him. There was only her. He watched her as she walked toward him, her eyes twinkling in the sun, her long body moving swiftly but softly, her hand reaching out to him. Her mouth moved. He didn't hear her. It moved again. She grabbed his hand and laughed. That he heard. He hadn't heard her laugh in months. He missed it. "Sandy? Are you alright?" she asked, her eyes pleading with his for an answer. She thought he was kidding. Pretending. But now she was worried. He hadn't spoken in over 15 minutes. That was impossible. Well, impossible for Sandy. He swallowed hard and nodded.
"What's going on?" he asked, squeezing her hand gently. She smiled and shook her head.
"You never pay attention, do you?" she said, leading him to their bedroom. He noticed their path and he smiled widely. She noticed this and laughed.
"You wish. You know we can't right now. Not until, I'm sure about something," she paused. I need to know what happened, Sandy. I need to know what's going to happen. I need to know that you still want me like you used to. That Rebecca was nothing to you. That you never meant to hurt me or leave me. That you never chose her over me. Sandy knew what she was thinking about. He knew it by the look in her eyes. Questioning, depressed and confused. She needed answers but now wasn't the time. Her family wanted to spend some quality time together. Summer had suggested tanning. Ryan had suggested they go swimming in the ocean. He missed the beach. He didn't, however, miss the fights on the beach. He wanted a good memory of it for once. He wanted a peaceful happy time there. Summer and Marissa left the Cohen's with a promise to meet them at a certain spot on the beach, dressed and packed in an hour.
Kirsten emerged from their bathroom, clad in a white D&G string bikini. She blushed deeply as Sandy gave her a quick look over, his reaction, priceless. He had had only his board shorts on, the black ones with the white stripe down the legs. His beachside office had done him a world of good. His body had toned a little more since she had last seen it. His stomach had flattened and demonstrated a shadow of his abs. His shoulders had broadened, his chest, thicker and more defined. She hadn't noticed this until he stood before her, his shorts hanging loosely upon his hips. He turned his back to her as he crossed the room to retrieve a white t-shirt. She stood, hypnotized by the rippling effect of his back as he put it on. He turned to look at her and smiled, his eyes burning her skin as she felt herself blush again. Only Sandy had been able to do that to her. She only felt self-conscious about herself when she was around him. She always strove to be perfect for him. She walked back to her closet, searching for something to wear overtop. She wrapped a black sarong loosely on her hips. She debated about wearing a shirt overtop her bikini top. What would Seth and Ryan say? They were going to have to accept the fact that she was a girl sooner or later. Right? She, after all, didn't want tan lines on her evenly toned skin. She wore dresses frequently and didn't need the Newpsies to talk about her even more than they already did. She decided on a half button-up pale blue long sleeved shirt. She undid the buttons and slipped it on. The shirt hung loosely but somehow still accentuated her body. One sleeve slid downward, past her shoulder, halfway to her elbow, the other side managed to stay on. The swell of her breasts teased Sandy as she breathed, peeking timidly from below the shirt. Sandy watched her as she reached behind her and released her hair from the clip. It fell down upon her, framing her face as she shook it loose. My Angel.
"What?" she asked, their bag packed as she slipped on her flip-flops. He walked over and kissed her temple, leading her toward the door.
Seth and Ryan were waiting impatiently at the door. Seth was shirtless, his towel draped over his shoulder. Ryan was far more clothed, his traditional wife beater and an open button down short-sleeved shirt. Kirsten and Sandy exchanged looks. They knew Ryan was more built than Seth but he was shyer than him, too. Seth knew he wasn't a water polo player but the sailing had done him good. He was thin but he also showed promise in his potential muscles.
Sandy placed a surfboard in the back. Not quite as large as the ones he used but it wasn't for him. It was for Kirsten. Just in case. He smiled as the thought of her on a surfboard ran through his mind.
They drove toward the beach, Kirsten in control of the music, much to everyone else's chagrin. She played Solomon Burke the entire time, relishing in their song and the day they realized that it would be it for them. Flashback
She was only twenty-two. So how was it possible that she was nervous about going to a social Newpsie event? She had been attending them for as long as she could remember so what was so special about today? The ring of the doorbell reminded her. Sandy Cohen. She heard mumbling below her. The maid telling him where to go. She heard the footsteps up the stairs and toward her room. She quickly tidied her room and slipped on her dress, unable to zip it in the back. It was a red, strapless dress, plain but with two long slits, one on each side that swayed when she walked, exposing a slight bit of her toned thigh. She had curled her hair slightly, forcing it into long blonde waves. She heard a knock on her door. She gave herself a quick look over and started toward the door. She met his eyes, looking sheepishly at her. He smiled as she motioned for him to come in. His hair was a little scruffy but made him look adorable. He was wearing a black suit, his collar open, and his tie undone around his neck. She grabbed his tie and kissed him gently. "Sandy? Could you zip me please?" she asked innocently, smiling into his mouth. She knew what this was doing to him.
He nodded as she turned around and lifted her hair. A few stray strands flew across her back. He blew them away, causing her to shiver as he began to run his fingers against her skin. Her eyes fluttered closed, enjoying his touch. They hadn't made love yet, but he still made her feel like she wanted to give him everything. His hands found the zipper. He began to zip her up as his eyes followed the path his hands took. He noticed every freckle on her back, wishing he were they, being so close to her. He finished by running his hand across her shoulder blades to her hand, holding her hair. He took her hand and forced her to let go, her hair cascading around her. He kissed her shoulder as she turned around and took his tie again. She leant into him, kissing him deeply. She didn't know why but she wanted to be with him, more than ever. There was something about him that she couldn't resist.
It had been 6 months that they had been dating. 6 months. She had been with Jimmy a lot longer than that but she never felt this way about him. She never wanted to call him in the middle of the day just to hear his voice or cuddle on the couch watching movies. Kirsten and Jimmy were over. And she was glad. It never would have worked out. They were the quintessential Newpsie couple. And she hated it. She hated how he was everything her parents loved and how he was exactly what they wanted. She didn't want to live in that bubble. Not anymore. She had moved to Berkley a year or two ago, wanting to start over. Jimmy stayed in Newport. He slept with some random named Julie Something or other and had gotten her pregnant. They broke up and Kirsten turned back to her partying ways where she met a funny Jewish boy named Sandy, who was everything she wasn't. He had taught her the lighter side of life, the funny side, the romantic side. They were complete opposites with nothing in common. He was athletic. She loved art. He loved to talk and argue. She loved the silence. But somehow amidst all, it worked. They worked. It was 6 months already. Flown by and she had enjoyed every moment of it. He had never rushed her to sleep with him. He never mentioned it. He was considerate of her feelings. And now he was here. She was taking him to his first Newpsie convention against his will. But he would do it. For her.
"Uh, Kirsten?" he asked, shyly.
"Yeah?"
"I've, uh, never learned how to, er, tie one of these," he said, pointing to the tie she was holding. She laughed lightly and nodded. Her eyes told him not to move. He stood still as her fingers brushed against his neck, doing up the top button on his shirt. She lifted his collar, her thumbs stroking his neck. She did his tie and put down the collar. She brushed off his shoulder and took a step back looking at him. Something was wrong. She couldn't put her finger on it. This wasn't Sandy Cohen. This was a new brand of Cohen and she hated it. She undid the top button of his shirt. And took a step back. She smiled. This is my Cohen. She kissed him gently, pushing him down onto her bed. His hands roamed her back as his tongue began the exploration of her mouth. She moaned lightly but then backed off of him. He looked at her confused.
"I'm sorry, Sandy. I can't. Not yet." She knew what was happening. She was falling. Fast. Hard. And she didn't know what to do. This wasn't the way it was with Jimmy. She waited years to be with him. Now, she wanted to be with this man she had only been with for 6 months. He smiled and gave her a look that said it was okay and that he didn't need that unless she was ready. He would wait for her. She knew where she stood. It was only a question of where he was.
Kirsten and Sandy walked down the stairs hand in hand. Her parents waiting at the doorway. Sandy smiled at them only to get a cold reception from her father. He thought his princess was too good for that kid from the Bronx. She deserved better. Kirsten gave her father a glare as they walked out of the house. She didn't want to come back to Newport. She had only returned for their 25th wedding anniversary. She didn't want to stay in that house. She was twenty-two.
Sandy felt like the most awkward person at the club. They all had their sailing and their yogalates. He had his surfing and his bagels. Still, Kirsten stayed with him, clutching lovingly at his arm. She showed him off to her friends, who gave him less than polite stares. Random boy from the Bronx that Newport's princess took pity on and brought. She grew tired of their judgments. No one knew him like she did. No one tried. She rolled her eyes every time one of her friends decided to pull her aside to ask her what she was doing. She was fed up of them judging the man she was in love with. She paused on her thoughts and rewound what she was thinking. The man I'm in love with. There was a fine line between loving and being in love. She had loved Jimmy. She was in love with Sandy.
She felt a hand on the small of her back, leading her to the dance floor. He didn't want to chat with the stupid little Newpsies. He wanted to be alone with her, even if just for a moment. He wrapped his arm around her waist, taking one of her hands in his and placing it on his chest as she placed her arm around his neck. She leant her head on his shoulder. A slow beat played in the background as it faded. There was only Kirsten and Sandy.
If I fall short. If I don't make the grade.
If your expectations aren't met in me, today.
There's always tomorrow. Or tomorrow night.
Hang in there, baby. Sooner or later, I know I'll get it right.
She heard his voice, lightly singing with the song. She looked up into his eyes. "Solomon Burke. Classic," he whispered gently. She closed her eyes as he resumed singing.
Please don't give up on me
Oh please, don't give up on me
I know it's late, late in the game
But my feelings, my true feelings haven't changed
Here in my heart
She listened to the beat of his heart against hers. His voice hypnotizing her, almost begging her not to leave him. He was singing to her. Talking to her through the song. He had seen how he was looked at. How he didn't fit into her world. He wanted to so he could be with her. He was falling. Hard. Fast.
I know, I know I was wrong
I'd like to make amends
For the love that I never ever, ever, ever showed
Just don't give up on me
Every word is true
He was pleading with her. He couldn't take it if she left him. The pressure could break them or make them. It was all a matter of what she wanted. She had to want what he wanted. Right?
I'll give you my everything
All of my love
All of my love
All of my love, love, love. love to you
Just don't give up on me
Oh please
Please, please
Don't give up on me
She felt as if her heart was going to explode. She had never felt this way before. She ached with passion. She burned with love. She never knew it felt like this.
I, I, I don't want you to
I know it's late
But wait
Please
Please
Please
Please
Don't give up on me
Promise
Will you promise me?
Will you promise me?
She whispered softly in his ear, "I promise." He stopped singing.
Please don't give up on me
We can make if we try
I'm going to hold on
Hold on with me
And don't give up on me
He looked deeply into her eyes. She nodded. "I don't care if they don't like you. It doesn't matter to me. They don't know anything about you. How you like to think of schmearing a bagel an art or how you like to chew on the end of your pencil when you're in deep thought. You matter to me and that's all that counts. I won't give up on us, Sandy. I promise you that." She debated telling him about her feelings. He seemed to understand her fight as he was going through the same thing. "Sandy. I won't let the Newpsies ruin this. I won't allow it. I… I love you. I'm in love with you, Sanford Cohen."
Please, oh baby, oh baby, please
Don't give up on me
Whatever you do
We're going to make it
We'll make it though
Don't you give up on me
He looked at her eyes. She was scared. He could see it. He could feel her hands were shaking. He smiled, his stare forcing her to go weak in the knees. "I'm in love with you. You, the beautiful, perfect Kirsten Nichol. I love you. I would sit through a million Newpsie dinners to be with you." She laughed lightly and kissed him. She didn't care that everyone was staring. She only saw him.
Please
Please
Please
Promise me
Don't give up on me
He murmured, "I promise," against her lips as the kiss deepened. They pulled away, gasping for air. Tonight they would consummate their relationship. She wanted to give her all to him. Mind. Soul. Body. They continued dancing, swaying gently to the rhythm of the next song.
"Sandy?" she asked, her eyes closing dreamily at the moment.
"Hmm?"
"I think we just found our song."
End of Flashback
Somehow they had gotten to the beach without Kirsten noticing. She was lying on a towel between Summer and Marissa, in the comfortable shade of the large umbrella above them. She stirred.
"Good afternoon, Sleepyhead," laughed Marissa amused. Kirsten looked at her confused, "You fell asleep in the car. Sandy carried you here."
Kirsten nodded, slightly embarrassed. She had fallen asleep on the 5-10 minute drive to the beach.
"I don't care if they don't like you. It doesn't matter to me. They don't know anything about you. How you like to think of schmearing a bagel an art or how you like to chew on the end of your pencil when you're in deep thought. You matter to me and that's all that counts. I won't give up on us, Sandy. I promise you that. Sandy. I won't let the Newpsies ruin this. I won't allow it. I… I love you. I'm in love with you, Sanford Cohen," said Summer suddenly, smiling. Kirsten blushed. How did she know? Marissa leaned over Kirsten's body and slapped Summer playfully on the arm.
"Summer. Leave Kirsten alone," said Marissa, laughing. Kirsten looked at the both of them, confused.
"Kirsten. I have good news and bad news. The good news is you don't snore as loudly as Sandy says you do. It's a light snore…" began Summer, noticing the look on Kirsten's face, "…the bad news is you talk in your sleep. A lot." Kirsten blushed madly, stuttering as she tried to find a way to change the subject. She must've said a lot for Summer to memorize her "I love you" speech to Sandy.
"You really love him, don't you? Even after all these years," Marissa concluded. She wished that someday she and Ryan would be at least half as in love as the Cohens. They were the epitome of love. Kirsten nodded, looking over at Sandy surfing. His hair clung to his forehead. She smiled. Sandy looked over at his wife, who had finally woken up. He paddled back to shore, picking up his board and walked over to Seth and Ryan who were drying off near the edge of water. He leaned down and whispered to them. Kirsten eyed them suspiciously, motioning for Summer and Marissa to look at them. Seth, Ryan and Sandy smiled walked toward their women. Seth and Ryan ran over to Summer and Marissa, scooping them up in their arms. Seth half dragged Summer into the water. He wasn't as strong as Ryan who lifted Marissa with ease. Kirsten began to move back, away from Sandy who was still smiling at her devilishly. She shook her head. No. He ran next to her, his mouth attacking hers. She tasted the salt on his lips and moaned as his tongue pushed past her lips. She broke the kiss, startled by the large splash heard a few feet from her; Seth and Ryan had thrown Summer and Marissa into the water. She knew her fate was sealed. She shook her head and tried to push away from Sandy but he was too strong for her. He easily scooped her up into his arms. She squealed laughing.
"SANDY! DON'T YOU DARE! THERE'S FISH IN THERE SANDY! EW! SANDY! STOP! BABY, PLEASE!" she begged, slapping his chest and his arms. He laughed moving her over his shoulder. He threw her in. Kirsten felt the warm water surround her. She opened her mouth, choking on the saltiness of the water. She never knew it was that salty. She got up, weakly as a wave pushed her against Sandy. Her hair was in her face. Sandy laughed as he pushed her hair back. She squealed as she felt something brush against her leg. Summer was underwater, tickling the woman's ankles. Kirsten jumped up, her legs around Sandy's waist, her arms squeezing his neck tightly. He moved her to his back, giving her a piggyback. She held him tightly, her arms squeezing his strong frame.
"Trust me," he said. It wasn't as if she couldn't swim. She didn't want to swim. She was afraid of what was in the water. Fish. Sharks. She was afraid of what people did in the water. She was a little sensitive and a little girly. She nodded as she laced her fingers with his. He dove in, carrying her. Once she had pushed aside the thoughts of what was in the ocean, she proceeded to enter a splash war with her husband, splashing Marissa, who retaliated and splashed her back, somehow getting Seth. Pretty soon they were all fighting to be the last person standing. Seth somehow won. Everyone had left him in the water while he stood splashing random gusts of air. Everyone laughed as he ran out, grabbed two buckets, filled them and threw them on the girls. Everyone that is but Kirsten, Summer and Marissa, who looked at him less than amused. They exchanged looks and ran to Seth. Kirsten grabbed her son's left side as Marissa grabbed his left. Summer ran between his legs, pulling them from beneath him. The trio ran to the water and threw him in. That would show him.
Kirsten walked back to Sandy who was sitting on the sand. She sat between his legs and held his hands as she leaned against him. They watched as their sons and their girlfriends played in the water. He kissed her temple. They sat content, comfortable in their blissful silence. "Sandy. I think I like the ocean."