Page 22 of Swimming With the Sharks
Shaking his head, Foster replied, “Not all ofthem.As with any species in the world you have the good and youhave the bad.Somehow Poseidon knew that humans were a danger tohis water and those that live in it.He wanted you to be kept safe,Formaci.He couldn’t protect them all, but he could protect you.IfI could find a way to get a tablet or something I would show youvideos of the humans that dissect your kind, and others they aretrying to study, because those videos do exist.I mean I highlydoubt you would want to find one of the scientists and discover thetruth for yourself.”
“No.I do not.I believe you surface dweller andaccept what you say.It’s just so hard to have no one butourselves.It gets...lonely.”Formaci replied sadly.
Foster understood what he was saying, and gave asmall smile, “I bet if you would take the time to talk to Jabari orPolaris you guys could come up with a way to have interactions withothers.You just can’t attack and eat them.”
Formaci sighed, “You are right, surface dweller.If they are willing to talk, then I am willing to compromise.”
“We can do that....”
Jabari’s words faded as Foster felt exhausted,like he had never felt since going into Atlantis.His breathingbecame difficult and he thought he might pass out.
“Foster?Foster, what’s wrong?”Jabari askedanxiously.
Shaking his head, Foster replied, “I...I don’tknow.I’m not feeling well.”
His bones began to ache to the point Fosterwhimpered, then his world went black.
* * * *
Foster slowly started coming to, hearing astranger speaking.“I’m sorry I don’t have better news.The cancerhas spread and there is nothing I can do.”
“How long does he have?”
Oh that was Jabari.Why did he sound so sad?
“I can’t tell you exactly how long, but I cantell you it won’t be long maybe three...four weeks and understandthat’s just a guess.The cancer has spread throughout his bones andit’s only a matter of time it goes into his brain.I’m truly sorry.I wish I had better news.”
That must be a doctor and from the sounds ofthings Foster’s time was just about up.Sadness filled him thinkingthat his time with Jabari was coming to an end.He hadn’t realizedthat he was crying until he heard Jabari, “Shhhh.It’s okay, mylove.I’ve got you.”
Foster slowly opened his eyes, sniffling asJabari gently wiped at his tears, “I hate knowing that I have toleave you, Jabari.I love you so much.”
“I love you too and you will never leave me.Weare one, no matter if you are in front of me like this orsurrounding me with your essence.”Jabari said, his voice thickwith emotion.
“I...I wanted...I wanted to do so...so muchmo...more with you.No...not end my....my tim....time in ahos...hospital.”Foster said haltingly because the tears justwouldn’t stop.
Jabari stood, “I agree.You will not be spendingany more time in this place.My parents have offered us a place intheir home and we are going there.”
Foster’s eyes widened, “Yo...your parents?”
Jabari gave a wobbly smile, “Yes, of course.Where else would two people retire, but Florida.Now let me get youdressed and get your discharge papers.We are leaving thisplace.”
It didn’t take Jabari an hour to have Foster inan Uber and sitting in front of a really sweet one-story home alongthe Florida shoreline.His door opened and Foster made his way outfeeling nervous as hell.“This place is lovely.”
Smiling, Jabari replied, “Thanks.My mom fell inlove with it at first sight and they bought it outright.”
It took a bit of time, since Foster moved soslow right now, but Jabari didn’t try and do anything to hastentheir movement.Before they made it to the front door, it flew openand a tall woman with long black hair came rushing out with herarms wide, “Jabari!Oh my precious boy, I’ve missed you.”
Jabari’s mom hugged him close and then turned toFoster, lightly running the back of her hand down Foster’s cheek,her eyes as gentle as her voice, “You must be Foster.Welcome,son.”
“Thank you.”Foster said, feeling a bitinadequate.
“Hey, Dad.”Jabari said, and Foster lookedup.
“Holy cow!You didn’t tell me you were yourdad’s twin.”Foster gasped.
Jabari’s dad walked closer to them, saying, “Ilike him.”
Foster couldn’t look away as the man got closerto Jabari.They were the same height, weight, muscle build....hell, they both had the short black hair and even the darknavy-blue eyes.The only distinction was the telling elder styleway Jabari’s father held himself.You could tell the man wasexperienced in life.