LJ Idol: "Steadfast"

[moretta]

The Steadfast skips as it goes faster and faster, trying to overcome the waves.
Mari smiles and smiles, and kicks out her feet into the spray.
Her arms are folded over the railing of the boat, her hair is blowing about in the wind, and Kathy doesn't think she has ever looked more beautiful.
Kathy's always loved the sea. It changes day-to-day but stays the same, loyal those who are loyal to it.
When the boat stops and bobs, Kathy always feels like her heart beats in time, like she's sort of part of something bigger and ongoing and wonderful.
She wanted to share that with Mari. Who is also wonderful. And has somehow agreed to go on a boat trip date with Kathy, who she has barely known for three months.
She brings the borrowed boat to a stop, thinks Thanks Dad, Sorry Dad,  as the engine makes a cheerful knocking noise and when the boat is almost stopped, makes her way to the back of the boat.
"I've never been out this far before," says Mari, sweeping an arm out to encompass the whole of the empty ocean in front of them, "it's gorgeous."
Kathy nods, pretzels herself around the railing.
"I know. So peaceful."
"Just us and the ocean."
The silence is long, but nice. Kathy gets to nudge herself even closer to Mari, almost cuddle up, while they both breathe in the salty air and peace.
Kathy lets out a long, drawn out sigh, trying to gather her courage to take Mari's hand. 
Why was it easier to bring her all the way out here than to just reach out?
"Thank you for bringing me here," Mari says, leaning in, fitting her head into the suddenly very tense crook of Kathy's neck.
"You are... welcome."
Mari reaches over, links her fingers with Kathy's, and sighs the sigh of the content.
The Steadfast bobs ever on.

Comments

[murielle]

Oh, I love this take on the prompt! And your descriptions of the boat and being on the water--beautiful! Brava!

[moretta]

Your comments always make me smile, thanks so much! I was a little worried because it was short and I've had a difficult few weeks with keeping up with life, let alone this comp, so I'm really glad you enjoyed it!

[murielle]

I really did, hon. And I voted for you, too.

[moretta]

Thank you! That's really lovely.

[meridian_rose]

Nice :)

[halfshellvenus]

I felt like I was out on that boat with them, feeling the sun and the wind and the spray.

This captures that uneasiness of early love, too, where you're never quite sure if you're feeling far more than the other person, and you're afraid to show too much in case you're wrong. What a relief when you aren't!

[moretta]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! I think some sea air would be good for all of us right now.

[kimschlotwrites]

Such a sweet story!

[moretta]

Thank you!

[the_eternal_overthinker]

Aww <3 This was sweet...I like the built up and anticipation described so well here. Hope it works out for both of them. A beautiful moment <3 Nice!

[moretta]

I hope so too! Thank you for the lovely words. :)

[bleodswean]

Oh - what a sweet bit of writing! So visual!

[moretta]

<3

[rayaso]

This was such a great presentation of an early relationship, and your description of the boat was great!

[moretta]

Thank you! :)

[static_abyss]

Nice and sweet, thank you for that.

[moretta]

Short and sweet, that's what I'm here for. ;)

[bsgsix]

This is sweet, and anything about the water (literally or figuratively) definitely captivates me. I could see and feel so much of this!

[moretta]

There's just something about the water. I always feel too far away from it.
I'm glad you enjoyed this tiny little one!

[bsgsix]

There is definitely something about the water that makes some people feel more... even-keeled, I think. I know that when I am by the water, my bones hurt less, and I feel more capable of dealing with my life. There's a connection, a wholeness, and then the moment I get onto a boat (from a canoe to a 20-foot sail)? I'm free.

I'm fortunate in that my parents grew up on the eastern shore of Maryland, and my mom has a house within 20 feet of the water. It's about 2 hours from my house, so we visit when we can. Summer weekends are spent on the water, wind in my hair, not caring how I look or what "performance" I have to put on for the public. I care about nature, and love, and openness, and feeling whole. And that's what this entry, in many ways, reminded me about: that feeling. So I definitely did enjoy it. :)

[moretta]

I miss sailing. I used to stay with my aunt every summer and spend two weeks making sure my sailing documentation was up to date, and whizzing round the lake in a Laser - also carefree,doing it just for me. I got too old for academic summer vacations, and my license has expired, but I do miss it. Maybe next summer I can convince one of my cousin's to take me sailing.

[wolfden]

What a nice way to capture this moment.

[moretta]

Thank you!

[bellatrixe]

Beautiful imagery and take on the prompt!

[moretta]

Thank you very much!

[dmousey]

Pretty, and peaceful! 🐭🐁✌😊

[moretta]

Thanks! :)

[swirlsofpurple]

Absolutely beautiful, I love the lyrical quality to it and also the way you write their dynamic.

[moretta]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[alycewilson]

Nice descriptions. I can tell you know something about boating.

[moretta]

Just a little bit, though I did sailing, not this fancy stuff with engines! ;)
Thanks for the comment!

[flipflop_diva]

This is such a cute story. I love the feeling of being out to sea, and you really captured that in your descriptions. (Also, I thought this was a really nice take on the prompt!)

[moretta]

Thank you, that's really lovely!

[kehlen.livejournal.com]

Awww, so very romantic :)

[adoptedwriter]

I enjoyed this!