Page 16 of Swimming With the Sharks
“What do you mean?”One of the younger boysasked.
Not wanting to go into great detail, but knowinghe needed to help these kids before the fight outside causedproblems in here, Foster said, “I have been sick since I was a veryyoung boy, and my parents kept letting doctors do things that hurtand made me throw up all the time.When I got older, I told them Ididn’t want that anymore and they didn’t agree.We had to go tosomeone that finally made them stop.I know it means I will die,but I’m okay with that.My parents just don’t agree.”
“You’re a surface dweller?”One of the boysasked in awe.
Nodding, Foster replied, “I am.How did youknow?”
“Because no one in Atlantis gets sick, but we dowatch things on the internet of the surface dwellers.Movies,videos, and other things.Your world is interesting and I’d like togo there one day, but my mom says it isn’t safe.”Another boysaid.
Foster took a moment to look outside and saw thefighting wasn’t slowing down.He knew they needed to get to safety,but at the moment the fight had come too close to the cave.Turningback to the kids, Foster said, “Why don’t we sit down and you guyscan introduce yourselves?”
The older boy with the rock sat, but didn’t letthe stone out of his grip as the others joined them.A smallblond-haired boy said, “I’m Tetley and this is my little brotherMarclo.”
“By two minutes, Tet.I’m your younger brotherby two whole minutes.When are you going to let that go?”Marcloasked in frustration.
Tetley smiled, “Never.”
“I’m Corvan and this is my friend Gavil.”Adark-haired boy said, pointing to another dark-haired kid withlonger hair.
Tetley pointed to the rock holder, saying,“That’s Rolary.”
“It’s nice to meet you all.”Foster said, givingthem a smile of his own.
“Why would you rather die than get the help yourmom and dad want you to have?”Corvan asked.
Foster looked at the young child, answeringhonestly, “Because when I get the medicine I can’t get out of bed.I’m always throwing up and not wanting to eat anything, not onlybecause my stomach feels bad, but because the food has no taste.Without the medicine, I might be dying, but until then I’m actuallyliving my life, eating what I want and tasting the food in front ofme.I’m laughing and having fun and seeing things I’ve neverdreamed of seeing.I can’t remember ever being happier than I amright now.”
“What do you mean “actually living.”Rolaryasked curiously.
Smiling, Foster replied, “When I was sick I reada lot, watched a bunch of YouTube stuff and a lot of television.Doyou know what that is?”
Nodding, Gavil said, “We study surface dwellersin school.It’s supposed to help us understand things if ever wefind ourselves there for some reason.”
Smiling, Foster replied, “That’s good, becauseknowledge is power.Anyway, I really love paranormal storieswhether they are in books, movies, or whatever.I can never getenough.”
“What’s paranormal?”Tetley asked.
“Paranormal are things beyond scientificunderstanding.You know things that aren’t what others mightconsider normal.”Foster explained.
“So to us, you are a paranormal?”Marcloasked.
Foster laughed, and nodded, “I guess I would be.So the thing is, I always wanted to go and see some of the thingsthese books and television shows talked about...like ghosts andstuff.So when I was given the go ahead to take charge of my ownlife, I began to travel.I thought since I always wanted to gofishing, I would charter a boat that could take me to some hauntedlighthouses, and fish at the same time.In all honesty, I loveshark week and really hoped I’d get to see a few up close.”
“They are beautiful creatures.”Rolarystated.
Smiling, Foster said, “Yes they are and I didget to see some, but then a large storm came and I was hit by bigwaves and pulled off the boat and into the water.”
“Oh, that must have been scary for you.Did youdrown?”Corvan asked.
Gavil slapped at Corvan, saying, “He’s sittinghere talking to us so he couldn’t have drowned, besides, he’s hereso he must be able to breathe underwater.”
Foster wagged his finger at Gavil, “First off,don’t hit people.It’s not nice, and never call someone stupid,that’s just rude and not a very friendly way to act.Also, it isnever stupid to ask a question if you don’t know the answer toit.”
“I hear you and I’m sorry I hit you, Corvan, andthat I called you stupid, but he didn’t drown because he’s sittingright here.”Gavil said with a pout.
“True, I didn’t drown, but not because I couldbreathe underwater.Truth be told, I would have drowned had Jabarinot saved me.”Foster replied.
All the boys eyes widened, but it was Rolarythat said, “Jabari saved you?But...but why?”