Her footprints led to the ocean’s edge. She stood where the waves wouldn’t touch, naked toes just out of reach from the sea foam. Wasn’t sure of much anymore, but she sensed that any premature contact, when the moment arrived, would drag her away. Then down into the depths.

The wind whipped at her tiny micro braids, trace strands of grey, tips playing piano keys along her forehead. Large eyes looking out to watercolors that proved the sun was setting somewhere behind her. Her sundress blew in rhythmic swells. Revealed her knees, tickled at her thighs. She glanced down at her arms. Chill bumps sprouted along dark brown skin, particles of sand caught in the hairs. Glistening.

She waited. Frightened. Confident. Certain that the time had rolled around once more.

Sable tilted her head. Listened to the ocean’s echo, a retelling of the night. The night Camilla had taken her out into the eternal. Skinny dip, bare bodies glowing under a full moon. Their saltwater tongues had touched, hands and fingers running the compass, east, west, north south, deep south, to the point where they were locked together so firmly, backs arched, that they resembled a split in the road. Sable’s eyes had gone hemispheric, engulfed her face, and the constellations were renamed, shapes she’d never seen standing out, burning, mysteries revealed, even as Camilla’s hand slid from between her thighs, around Sable’s body, holding her close, riding the waves, ocean current demanding that they rock slowly, rise and fall.

Sable blinked.

Not surprised to find the entire coastline open. Free of people. Not a single surfer, sunbather, hermit with a metal detector. No couples or potential lovers.

Now, ten years later, Sable knew it was time. Woke up that morning alone, with a faraway clarity. Lipstick on the calendar: Anniversary. She had showered. Allowed herself a glass of orange juice before calling the bank, calling in sick. Got into her compact Ford Focus and took 1-40 East, NC-41 N to Topsail Island.

Thought of Camilla’s surprised smile in the night light, the moment she realized they had kissed for the first time, understanding that it was about to accelerate, move so swiftly towards so much more. Two breathless moments, and that second kiss had sealed it…

Sable opened her mouth.

Saw the name drift from her lips, out over the horizon, not at all frightened now as the voice came back to her, tiny lick along her earlobe –

Sable.

She drew in a breath.

Teardrop going for a spontaneous trip.

Once more.

Once more this time, as the tide did its best to retreat. Searched the ocean. Small waves, minor transgressions, and she felt a sob come, go, as the voice came again.

Sable.

And Sable nodded: “Yes.”

She reached down. Took a bundle of flowered fabric, hiked her dress into a skirt, because now was finally the when and where of it all.

Sable took her footsteps one at a time. Never doubting. Remembering Camilla’s eyes, so blue, even at night, two crystal prisons. Dirty blond hair like majestic seaweed, pressed against a wet round face that radiated… what?

This moment, maybe.

Sable went out across the water and, escorted by the sunset, stepped over the first wave. Then the next. The ocean cruised beneath her feet, fluid conveyer belt as she moved.

Sable walked on the surface, following the voice. So delirious from the wind. Several feet below hers, the seashells gathered to observe. From somewhere above, the planets would soon make themselves known.

And Sable walked on water that day.

Kept walking towards the horizon, Camilla’s voice whispering Sable’s name, taking her hand, beyond where they once were forced to stop, one sad, memorable night in mid-July.

###

Smashwords.com

so long and thanks for all the pish.