Water: An Account of the Fantastic Adventures of the Presleys of Fox Hollow Farm

One

Long Island Sound

H e’s kinda cute, I guess, Castilia said to her friend, Isabelle Hawthorne, as the boat pushed away from the dock. Why?

Lewis Kincaid told Marty Greenstein that he overheard Julian at a Boy Scout meeting telling Will Jefferies that he thought you were really pretty, Isabelle said excitedly.

That doesn’t sound like definitive information of anything to me, Izzy, Castilia said skeptically. and besides, I’m too busy for a boyfriend anyway. The state meet is coming up and I’ve got to focus on that.

There he is! He’s looking over here! Izzy said, apparently not hearing a word Castilia had just said. Castilia rolled her eyes and looked over the rail at the cold dark water of Long Island Sound passing by the boat.

It was a bright but brisk spring morning and Castilia’s seventh grade class was on a field trip to see the local herd of seals that were headed back north for the summer. It was an annual event that Castilia always looked forward to. It was typically the first time of the year she was able to get back on a boat after the long New England winter. The seals were always fascinating to watch. They gathered each spring on the small rock islands just off the Westport, Connecticut coast on their way up to Maine and Nova Scotia for the summer. Castilia loved to watch them bark and play, swimming so gracefully around, hunting for fish, or just playing a game of chase. Castilia admired how they moved so easily and quickly in the water. While she was a great swimmer, she couldn’t compete with that.

Castilia was tall and slender with broad shoulders and a swimmers body. She had gotten much stronger over the past year and her swimming had improved immensely. She was a very pretty girl and garnered a lot of attention from the 7th and 8th grade boys, which she mostly ignored as she was generally focused on her schoolwork or swimming. That didn’t leave much time for boys. She had long blonde hair that she wore in a ponytail pulled away from her oval face. She had full red lips, fair alabaster skin, and bright blue eyes. All of the Presley children shared these traits. Castilia found it a bit annoying that people thought she was one of a set of quadruplets when in reality she was the second oldest of the four siblings. The one distinct trait she seemed to have was her bad vision.

Her rectangular sky-blue spectacles matched and accentuated her blue eyes. The glasses were a new addition this year. It had become increasingly difficult for her to read the whiteboard at school and it began to affect her learning early in the year. This was a problem as Natalie Wilkinson began to move into Castilia’s typical position of class brainiac, so something had to be done. After her mother took her to the ophthalmologist things got much easier and she regained her title, much to Natalie’s chagrin.

Uh, hi, Castilia heard someone say. She was staring out over the water, breathing in the salt air. She loved the smell of the Sound in the spring. Well, mostly at high tide – at low tide the murky, muddy smell of the flats was a bit gross.

Umm. Hi. said the voice again. Castilia turned around to see who was interrupting her revelry. Julian Woods stood behind her. Julian was a tall, athletic seventh grader who was a star lacrosse and soccer player. He was popular, but still very modest and humble. He was a good, honest, hard-working brown-haired kid who would be a great match for Castilia if she were not so completely self-absorbed.

Oh, hi, Julian, Castilia said, looking back out at the water. There was an awkward silence that Castilia neither thought awkward nor seemed to even acknowledge.

So... this is pretty cool, huh? Julian began again after looking back at his friends, who gave him the thumbs up for encouragement.

What? Castilia said looking back at Julian like she was seeing him for the first time.

I mean, the ship and all. It’s cool to be on the ship, he said looking down at his feet.

Yeah, I love the water. It’s great, she said, looking back at the water again and climbing up on the rail to get a better view.

So you like the water and I like the water. I guess we’ve got that in common, right? He was trying his best to continue the conversation. Castilia was still looking out over the water and did not acknowledge his last comment. She had climbed up and was sitting precariously on the top rail; the ocean breeze was blowing through her long blond hair. It was like an image from a TV commercial.

Julian stared at Castilia for a moment, standing nervously beside her as she sat content on the rail, seeming to ignore him. He was unsure about what to do next. He looked back at his friends again who gave him the thumbs up and waved him on encouragingly.

So, he began again, I was kinda hoping you’d come to my lacrosse game tomorrow... it’s kind of a big deal. We’re in the league finals. He stepped closer to the rail and looked at her, hoping for a reaction. Castilia’s face was nearly level with his as she elevated herself up on the rail. She was looking longingly over the water with the most alluring gentle face he had ever seen. He was entranced. While she didn’t seem to notice him at all; she was all he could see. He moved closer and closer to her face until he could feel her warm breath on his skin. Her apparent joy and contentedness was infectious and he leaned in closer and closer. Taken up in the moment, he kissed Castilia full on the lips.

Eww! Castilia screamed. In her surprise, she pushed herself hard away from Julian. In doing so she lost her balance and flipped backward over the rail and off the boat. On the way down to the water, she knocked her head hard against the hull of the ship and lost consciousness. The water splashed softly as she disappeared beneath the foamy wake of the boat. Without a word, Julian jumped headlong into the icy spring water after Castilia.

* * *

That’s a pretty light, a barking voice said though a thick, murky haze of confusion. How do you make it glow like a deep jelly?

Can I wear it? the voice continued. Hey, are you alright? Something nudged Castilia’s hand.

What? Castilia said finally. It seemed like she was in a cloud. Her head hurt something awful. She felt strange but comfortable.

Are you alright? the voice barked. Can I wear your light?

What? Castilia said again.

The light around your neck, can I wear it? The voice asked again, then continued. Oh, your friend doesn’t look too good over there.

Castilia’s head throbbed mercilessly. She realized her eyes were closed. Who? she asked.

The splasher who followed you, the voice continued, but made no sense.

Castilia finally opened her eyes to find the source of this conversation. Her sight was hazy at first, like she had just woken up after sleeping extremely hard. She removed her glasses, rubbed her eyes, then replaced her glasses. Something was different. She felt like she was moving in slow motion. She blinked, cleared her sight as much as she could, and surprisingly was looking into a pair of the most lovely brown eyes she had ever seen. They were full of concern and curiosity. They were also reflecting a blue glow. Castilia looked down to see the medallion around her neck glowing an iridescent blue. It was captivating. The medallion was found by her brother last year in her Dad’s laundry. It was supposed to be in a museum exhibit but somehow made its way to her. She had been waiting for it to do something for ages.

It’s very pretty, can I wear it? Brown Eyes said louder this time, demanding Castilia’s attention.

What?... Ow, not so loud... I don’t think so... I don’t know you. Where am I? Castilia said confused.

Are you okay? Brown Eyes said again.

I think so… my head hurts, Castilia answered, moving her hand to her head. Ow! She located a large knot on the top of her head and winced in pain. She opened her eyes again to blurry vision and looked again toward Brown Eyes.

Who are you? she asked.

I’m me, who else would I be? Brown Eyes seemed to be spinning around her. Your friend isn’t looking so good, he repeated.

Still confused, Castilia began to move around and noticed she was actually floating. Then she noticed she was floating in water. This was curious as she didn’t have her bathing suit on and didn’t remember going to swim practice. She began to panic as she looked around trying to get her bearings. Catching herself quickly she closed her eyes and focused on her breathing to calm herself.

Breathe, breathe, breathe. she repeated with each breath. ‘Breathing calmly now,’ she thought, and opened her eyes. ‘That’s unusual for some reason,’ she thought and looked around again. Brown Eyes came back into her view. They smiled at her, she smiled back. They were definitely familiar. She removed her glasses again to rub her eyes but stopped when she seemed to to see perfectly without them.

So you’re not going to let me wear it, are you? Brown Eyes said.

Castilia looked up to see the brown eyes in front of her belonged to a gray pinniped floating in the blue gray water in front of her. Her brain did a backflip. You’re a seal! she said, amazed.

A what? I don’t think so, Brown Eyes said dismissively as he nodded in the direction behind her. Your friend is turning blue, he repeated.

You’re a seal, an Atlantic Harbor seal to be exact. This is amazing! Castilia said, pausing. Wait a second, what did you say about a friend? What friend?

The splasher that sunk after you… over there, he pointed with his fin. He was swimming down after you but then just stopped… like they all do.

Castilia looked behind her and saw Julian Wood floating in the water looking about as blue as the water that surrounded him. She finally realized she was underwater, talking to a seal and feeling completely comfortable. She was also, inexplicably, breathing underwater. It was exhilarating. She spun in the water and took a deep breath.

You might want to do something about that, he doesn’t look good at all. Brown Eyes continued, nudging her in Julian’s direction with his nose. She quickly focused again. Looking around she noticed she was about thirty feet deep and sinking. She could see a myriad of seals swimming to and fro, chasing fish and each other. She could also see the muddy bottom about twenty feet below. A couple of crabs were scurrying under a large rock after a seal got too close for comfort. She could see everything. Looking up, she noticed the hull of the boat circling on the surface. Julian was sinking deeper and looking bluer by the moment. She put her glasses in her pocket.

Castilia swam gracefully over to Julian, grasped his jacket tightly and sped upward. Even with clothes on she found it remarkably easy to maneuver in the cold water. When they breached the surface, Castilia put her arms around Julian’s midsection and squeezed tightly, performing the Heimlich Maneuver. He coughed violently and took in air. His color returned slightly as he spewed water and flailed his arms weakly.

Save… cough… Castilia... he said weakly. She thought that was cute and giggled.

I’m okay, Julian, thanks for looking out for me, she said as he closed his eyes and curled his blue lips into a crooked smile. Hold on, the boat is coming.

The boat passed by and threw Castilia a life preserver which helped her secure Julian above water. The boat quickly came about and grabbed them both and pulled them topside. All the while, Castilia was frantically searching for her newly-found friend, who seemed to have vacated the premises in the excitement.

* * *

There was a huge commotion at the Aquarium. Firetrucks and police cars filled the parking lot with their flashing lights. There where two ambulances backed right up to the pier and EMTs were waiting for the boat to dock. Castilia was wrapped in a large wool blanket and someone had gotten her some hot cocoa. She was fine. She felt great actually. She was starting to get cold because of her wet clothes, but the blanket and cocoa kept her warm enough. She knew this day would come. It was really only a matter of time since her older brother Samson found her medallion last summer. It was a simple copper disk about the size of a quarter. It had a complex design of curving lines that resembled churning water. It always felt warm on her chest. She wore it on a simple leather necklace. They had first seen it in the Aquarium at an exhibit last summer. It inexplicably ended up in her possession. She didn’t really question how she got it – she just knew it was meant to be hers. Samson had one that was just like it but the markings were a bit different. His, however, had already done amazing things.

The EMTs swarmed around her. She tried to tell them she was fine but they still poked and prodded her all the same.

Castilia! She heard the familiar voice bellowing above the chaos. Castilia! The crowd seemed to part in her direct line of vision to reveal her father racing toward her from the parking lot, his face full of worry and his long hair disheveled like he had been riding in a convertible. He pushed past the EMT and gave her a giant bearhug. Are you all right? he whispered in her ear. His voice cracked; he was very emotional.

I’m fine, Dad. Castilia said as he finally loosened his grip enough for her to breathe. I keep telling them there’s nothing wrong with me except I’m wet and I’d really like to go home and take a hot shower. Dad stared into her eyes to see she was telling the truth, then methodically touched every bone from head to foot to discern for himself her well-being.

Okay, he said as last, seemingly satisfied with his inspection. Let’s go. He wrapped the blanket around her, put his arm around her shoulder and held her tight as he led her to the car.

When they got home, Castilia headed straight for the hot bath her mother had already prepared. It was funny, she mused as she slipped into the hot water, she wasn’t cold until they pulled her out of the water.

After the bath and some of Mom’s homemade chicken noodle soup, Castilia was forced into her bed and under two wool blankets and a down comforter as per Mom’s orders, even though it was two hours before her bedtime. Samson, Wylde and Thisbe snuck into the room after Mom and Dad finally left her.

So what really happened? Samson said, clearly not concerned about his sister’s recent trauma.

Castilia looked woefully at each of her brothers and sister with the covers pulled up tight under her chin waiting for a single word of sympathy. Nothing. She coughed lightly. Still none was forthcoming. She sighed, pulled down the covers and sat up in bed. The pitiful face she’d had while Mom and Dad doted on her disappeared and was replaced with a cunning smile.

It happened, she said, and leaned smugly against her pillows.

What happened? Samson asked after looking to Wylde and Thisbe to see if they knew what she was talking about.

IT, Castilia answered. It happened.

The medallion? Thisbe guessed. Castilia nodded with satisfaction.

They all started talking at once. What does it do? Did it hurt? Did anyone see?

Castilia smiled broadly and waited for the avalanche of questions to stop before she began her tale. Well, it all started when I was sitting on the rail and Julian kissed me and I fell into the water – but I guess I hit my head on the way...

Whoa, whoa, hold it right there... Samson stopped her. Julian kissed you? Julian Woods? Samson started laughing. Thisbe looked impressed, and Wylde stuck out his tongue like he was going to be sick. Did he kiss you in front of the whole class? Samson was laughing hard now.

Castilia rolled her eyes, That’s not important... Like I was saying...

Not important? Samson was still laughing. Not important? That has got to be the best part of the story!

Castilia was getting mad now, Listen! she said a little too loudly. He kissed me! I didn’t kiss him, and it was because of that that I fell off the boat, bumped my head, and ended up waking up underwater talking to a seal!

Everyone was quiet. Samson finally said, I stand corrected, perhaps the kiss is not the best part of the story… but I’m still not done with it.

You talked to a seal? Wylde said, amazed. That is so much better than kissing. Castilia resumed her story and told them about talking to the seal, breathing underwater, and saving Julian.

Cool! Samson said with a serious look on his face. I think its time to make a visit to the Chamber and see what you can do. The Chamber of Transition, or just Chamber as they more commonly referred to it, is the mysterious underground cavern they discovered last spring that can only be found when they are all together. The Chamber was instrumental in helping Samson discover his ability to control fire. Their good friend, Mrs. Goodwyn, who seems to know of such things, says the Chamber is a place that helps you find your true potential.

I was hoping you’d say that, Castilia said excited. I can’t wait to see what I can do. Maybe I’ll be able to control water somehow.

Wow, that’s awesome, Thisbe said dreamily. So do you really like him? He is very cute.

What? Who? Castilia said, confused.

Julian. He’s really nice too, Thisbe continued. Maybe you can go to the dance with him. With that, she started waltzing gracefully around the room. Samson started laughing and clapping a beat for Thisbe to dance to.

Let’s just get this straight. I do NOT like Julian. I will not be dancing with him. I have States coming up and I don’t want a boyfriend, Castilia answered.

Castilia’s got a boyfriend, Castilia’s got a boyfriend, Samson sung brightly, chiding his sister. He joined Thisbe in her waltz, and she joined him in his song. Wylde rolled his eyes and left the room.

Get out! Castilia yelled, but Samson ignored her and continued. MOM! At this Samson jumped out of the room and Thisbe twirled around and fell on her bed.

He’s dreamy. You’re lucky, Thisbe said.

Oh, shut up. That’s not even important, Castilia retorted, and turned over to go to sleep.

Chapter Two

The Girlfriend

Castilia woke the next morning refreshed and excited to finally go back to the Chamber. Their busy school schedules wouldn’t allow them to all visit the Chamber until the weekend, but that was just two days away. In the meantime, she would easily pass the time with school work and swim practice, or so she thought.

Yesterday’s events had spread like wildfire throughout the student body. Castilia’s heroic exploits, however, had been nullified by the steamier, much more salubrious version that painted an explosive love triangle with her as the aggressive femme fatale. It seems Mr. Woods had neglected to inform his current love interest that he was no longer interested before laying a kiss on Castilia. What made this worse was the fact that this love interest was none other than Candace Edwards, self-described most popular girl in school. Granted, she was extremely pretty, with long brunette hair and was also captain of the cheer squad. This alone could make anyone the most popular girl in school, but her father was also a successful high-tech executive so she always had all the new gadgets and must-haves before anyone else. While she was extremely generous and nice to her acolytes, she was haughtily arrogant and turned her nose up at those she thought beneath her, or who simply disagreed with her. She had her moments of real nastiness that were usually accompanied by some sort of revenge. Needless to say, Candace Edwards was not someone you wanted to be on the outs with.

The days were warm enough that the Presley children were able to walk to school, which they chose to do more