Kristyne had enjoyed her day at Cedar Key. It was just another stop on her vacation. Vacation from what? Well, from life. After the death of her parents she realized that she had spent her entire life pushing herself, working too hard, and never taking time to relax. She never took vacations before. Living at the other end of the state from her parents she rarely saw them, except on holidays. It wasn’t that she didn’t love them, she loved them dearly; it was just that she had always set these impossible goals for herself and refused to stop until she reached them.

Walking down the dock to the slip where her Cabin Cruiser was moored, she was deep in thought as to where to go next and didn’t see the two boys playing around on the walkway between her boat and another boat. Before she knew it someone slammed into her, knocking the leftovers of her dinner into the water and someone else was drenching her with water.

“Aaron! Grab her before she falls in!” The bigger boy yelled. Indeed she had lost her balance right near the edge of the dock. Aaron reached out grabbing her arm and pulled her back into his arms.

“You know, Nick, you soaked this lady instead of me.” Then to Kristyne, “Are you ok? I hope I didn’t hurt you.”

By then the older boy, apparently Nick had made his way to where Kristyne and Aaron were standing. “Damn, sorry about that. You ok?”

Kristyne looked from one boy to the other. They were obviously brothers. The resemblance was uncanny. Except for their size difference they could have been twins. Blinking a few times she stated, “Uh, yeah. What were you two doing anyway? You could’ve hurt someone. It’s not like these docks aren’t slippery enough as it is.” She didn’t mean to sound so angry. Was she angry? No, not really. Just surprised, and she hated being caught so off guard.

Nick was speaking. “Sorry. We were just goofing around. Ya know? Aaron and I don’t get to spend much time together, so when we do, we tend to get kinda crazy.” Why was he defending himself here? He didn’t do anything that wrong.

Aaron added, “Yeah, we usually are on opposite sides of…” An elbow in the ribs from Nick cut him off. “Oh, Nick just is on…” again the elbow. “Dangit Nick! It isn’t like everyone in the world doesn’t…”

“AARON!” It was practically a yell. “I’m just busy a lot. This is really a first vacation that I have been able to take with just my little brother.”

Kristyne knew something was up. Something was nagging at the back of her mind, but she couldn’t place her finger on it. “It’s good that you are taking time to spend with your family. It’s important to do that. Good you realize that at a young age.” She had to stop herself before she said too much. Besides she was starting to shiver. Not that May was necessarily a chilly month, not in Florida. But, being wet, the cool breeze off the water was definitely chilling.

“Oh, hey. You’re getting cold. Really sorry about that.” Aaron apologized again.

“Yeah, sorry about knocking your food into the water. Hey, why don’t you let us take you for some dessert? Ice cream or something.” Nick added.

“Nick, she’s cold. Don’t think she’ll want Ice cream.” Aaron gently pushed his older brother.

Nick reached out and messed up Aaron’s hair. “It was just a suggestion AC. What ever she wants is ok.” Then he looked at Kristyne, “So can I make up drenching you with the water gun by taking you for dessert?”

He was cute. Young, but cute. She never really was the whole blonde hair, blue eyes, type of girl, but he had something about him that was different. Maybe dessert wouldn’t hurt. It’d give her someone to talk to for awhile. “Sure, dessert sounds good. But I gotta change into some DRY CLOTHES first.” She was smiling when she stressed the dry clothes.

Both the brothers gave the exact same sheepish grin. They were really a lot alike. “Ok, we’ll, be waiting out here for you.” Nick said first.

Aaron added, “And we’ll put the water guns away.”

“Thanks, give me just a few minutes.” Kristyne said over her shoulder while carefully stepping onto her boat.

“Dude, Nick, she’s got the same type of boat, only a little smaller. How weird is that?”

“Not too weird Aaron. It’s a good boat. We better get some dry clothes on too.”

“She’s kinda cute, too. Don’t you think?” Aaron pressed. It had been a long time since Nick had dated anyone. He just didn’t really seem interested. I guess everyone could thank you-know-who for that one, Aaron thought to himself.

“Yeah, little, but cute, I guess.” Nick did not want to get into this.

“So, what’s wrong with little?”

“Aaron, just go change.” Nick snapped as he shut the door to his own room to change.

A little while later Kristyne made her way back up to the dock. She noticed the two brothers were now tossing a football. Well that is a lot safer than a water gun fight. Figuring she was safe from any harm, she was just about to say something when Nick started shuffling backward in her direction to catch the ball Aaron had over thrown.

Both Aaron and Kristyne yelled “Nick!” at the same time. But, it was too late. Nick caught the ball just as he backed into Kristyne. They both had lost their balance, but Nick reached out to try and steady her and keep her from falling into the dark water. What he actually ended up doing was pulling the both of them down onto the wet dock.

“Damn!” Nick exclaimed. “We are just too dangerous to you tonight.” He really did feel bad, especially since he landed more on top of her than on the deck. Which meant not only was she wet, again, but she was probably also sore from the force of the impact. “Are you ok?” He looked at her genuinely concerned.

Kristyne was a little sore, definitely wet, again, but altogether ok. Actually, when she thought about it, it was kind of funny. Laughing softly, “Yeah, I’m fine. Wet, but fine. You two are like the calamity twins or something. Total chaos! I hate to see what you are like at home.”

Both Nick and Aaron were laughing now, but Kristyne wasn’t sure exactly what was THAT funny. Nick stood up and offered a hand to help her up as well. “Am I missing something here?” She asked.

Aaron was first to answer, “Kaos is one of Nick’s nick-names.” He explained with a smile. Nick just nodded his head still kinda giggling to himself.

“OH. Well, that explains things. Um, I guess I need to go change, again. Looks like I’ll need to find a laundry tomorrow. With you two around, I’m running out of clean dry clothes.” Kristyne teased as she headed back into her boat.

“Sorry about that” Both Aaron and Nick yelled after her.

“Aaron, I think we should just go sit up on a bench on the main dock and wait for her. I think that’s the safest, driest thing to do.” Nick still couldn’t stop giggling at the situation. Thank goodness she seemed to have a sense of humor. So, that is exactly what the two brothers did.

Once again, Kristyne emerged from her boat, this time taking a good look around to see what the two tornadoes were up to. When she saw them on the main dock sitting down she figured it was safe to leave her boat.

“So, what is my special dessert for tonight?” She asked walking up behind them.

Nick jumped a little at not hearing her approach. Then he added, “What ever you want. It’s on me tonight.”

“As long as it doesn’t include anything with water, then I’m not picky.” She had to pick at him and chuckle when they both turned a little red. “Really, guys, its ok. I was in a maudlin mood anyway. I needed the excitement to pick me up.”

“Maudlin?” They both asked.

“Umm, serious, sad, melancholy.” She offered as an explanation.

“Oh. Why like that?” Aaron asked dodging an elbow from Nick.

“It’s ok. Just missing family that’s all. I needed this time to myself, but I miss them just the same.” Was that a good enough explanation?

“So, if you miss them, why don’t you call or go see them, or something?” Aaron again asked.

Kristyne had to stop and think for a second. Did she really want to get into this with strangers? What was it about them that kept bugging her? “Well, it’s not that easy. See my parent’s died a little over a year ago. I never saw them much because I was always working. You know. I never really took vacation time except at holidays. Now that they are gone, I realized how much of my life I’ve wasted reaching for goals that maybe weren’t that important. So, I finally decided it was time to take some time for myself and get some of my priorities straight.” They were walking down the boardwalk and came to an opening between two buildings. There was a set of stairs leading up between the buildings and the three followed the steps.

“Oh, sorry. I guess I shouldn’t have asked something so personal.” Aaron said softly with his head down.

“It’s ok, really. You know, sometimes talking about painful things makes them less painful. But tonight, I believe I have the two cutest boys on the island treating me to dessert, so it’s a happy night.” Kristyne tried to lighten things up. Looking first at Aaron to smile then at Nick. She didn’t want things to be too serious, not with strangers.

Nick gave her this little grin, kind of lopsided and Kristyne’s feet stopped moving. Immediately the smile was gone from his face and was replaced with a more somber look. He realized she had finally recognized him, them.

Blinking a few times Kristyne just walked on and stated, “I think even though it’s a bar atmosphere up here, they serve food, and desserts, so Aaron should be able to go up with us. It’s worth a try.” She had noticed the change on Nick’s face and didn’t want to spoil his night any more than she wanted her night spoiled. She was happy when the two followed her up the steps to the top of the building where a calypso band was playing.

For the next hour the three sat up top at a table right at the edge of the building over looking the water. They ate their desserts. Kristyne had Key Lime Pie, Aaron had some brownie and ice cream mountain, and Nick had a piece of cake. They laughed and talked about nothing in particular. They talked about their boats and how they found it funny they had the same type. They talked about what each was doing on their “Vacation”, places they had been or planned to go. Talked about the ocean and beaches. Nick and Kristyne found out they were both Aquarius, and their birthdays were only 5 days apart. Well, 7 years and 360 days apart, with Kristyne being the older, of course. In all their talking, not one of them brought up the Backstreet Boy, music, concerts, or any other subject that could lead to talk about Nick and Aaron’s careers. Nick and Aaron were really able to relax and enjoy themselves for a change.

It was close to midnight when they finally headed down from the bar/restaurant, and decided to continue walking down the boardwalk for a while. Everyone was having too much fun just relaxing and talking. It had been a long while since Nick had actually been able to spend time with a girl/woman without said female “wanting” something from him. Kristyne gave off no such signals or impressions, even though Nick knew that she recognized him. ‘Maybe she doesn’t really like us’ he thought to himself. ‘Maybe it’s me she doesn’t really like? Now that’s absurd. She wouldn’t stay here and talk if she didn’t like me, as a person. She agreed to dessert and talking before she recognized me. And why do I even care anyway?’ He realized his mind had wondered too far from the conversation.

“I’m sorry. What were you saying?” He asked a little embarrassed.

“Where’d ya go, Bro?” Aaron teased.

“No where, just enjoying the night air.” Nice cover Nick.

“Kristyne was just saying she was working her way down the West Coast. She planned on stopping in Key West for a while, before heading back up the East Coast.” Aaron supplied.

Nick rejoined the conversation as they neared the end of the boardwalk and the beginning of the small beach area. “That’s a long trip. Do you live up the East Coast, or are you going to have to come back around again?” That would be a long trip.

“Actually, I live up in the panhandle. I’ll probably just rent a truck and tow the boat home. I don’t know. Depends on how I feel once I get around Jacksonville. Who knows, maybe I’ll travel up the eastern coast some more.” Kristyne really wasn’t too sure where she was going, exactly. Except she did want to make it down the keys. Getting to the water’s edge she took off her sandals so she could walk in the shallow water. Without really thinking about it she kicked her foot a little and the splash got Nick’s legs wet.

“Hey! I thought all was forgiven with dessert?” He jokingly whined.

“But you got me wet twice. And might I also add, you crushed me to the dock.” Kristyne laughed at his whining. He was too cute when he did that. She also noticed Aaron out of the corner of her eye backing away. “And WHERE do you think you are going, little man?” She asked as she splashed water in Aaron’s direction.

Next thing she knew both of them were kicking water at her. ‘Ok, that was not the best idea I’ve had this evening’ she laughed to herself, but joined in the water fight just the same. ‘Oh well, I’m already wet, what’s a little more at this point?’ She thought as she kicked really hard with the side of her foot sending a large splash of water right at Nick.

“Ok, that’s it. You’re getting dunked, missy! Aaron grab her legs.” Nick was smiling and laughing. Kristyne tried to run, but Nick was faster and grabbed her around the waist lifting her into the air. Even kicking her feet didn’t help. Aaron was still able to get them. Nick held her under the arms and stepped a little deeper.

“Nick! Aaron! Don’t you dare!” Kristyne yelled over her laughter. She knew it was hopeless, knew she was going in, but not without a fight.

Nick swung her out once, “One” he laughed.

“Nick, I can’t swim!” Kristyne yelled.

Nick stopped long enough to give her that, yeah-right look, and said, “I don’t think so.” He swung her out again. “Two!” This time Aaron said the number along as well.

“The water’s cold!” Kristyne tried again.

“Not THAT cold.” Nick laughed.

As he and Aaron yelled three they let go of her. As she was flying into the deeper water she yelled, actually quite seriously, “I’m scared of SHARKS!” It was after all, nighttime, perfect feeding time for sharks.

“Oh, shit!” And Nick went in after Kristyne. As soon as he got to her she wrapped one leg behind his pushing forward with it while grabbing onto his upper arm and pulling back as hard as she could. She was rewarded with a huge splash as Nick fell backwards into the water. He came up stammering, “You are so gonna pay for that!”

“Me? I think I’ve gotten quite enough tonight.” Kristyne exclaimed trying run away from Nick but not succeeding in the deep water. In just seconds his hands were around her waist again and he was heading even deeper into the water.

“Nick, really. Stop. I really am afraid of the water at night.” Kristyne started.

“Not buying it.” Nick laughed into her ear. By this time he was almost up to his chest which would almost be over Kristyne’s head.

Panic started to set in. “Nick, please.” She was fighting in his arms and had actually managed to turn around and grab hold of his neck. “I really am afraid of the water when it’s dark. Even in the daytime, if the water is too dark to see the bottom I won’t go in. Please, please stop.” She was crying by now, and shaking hard, both from the chill of the water and her fear.

Nick stopped abruptly. “Oh, damn, Kristyne. I’m sorry, really. I thought we were still playing.” He was saying softly as he started back in towards the shore. He took one hand from around her waist and placed it on her cheek trying to get her to look up at him. When she did he saw the tears and felt terrible. “Kris, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. I’m sorry.” He was finally standing on the dry sand and Kristyne was still shaking. “Are you shaking because you are still scared or because you are cold?”

Just then there was a breeze off the water and Kristyne stammered, “B.b.both. C.can we go b.b.back to the b.b.boats now?” She wasn’t mad. Just rough housing that got out of hand. It’s not like Nick knew ahead of time she was scared and did that on purpose. Still she could tell he felt terrible.

“Sure. That sounds like a good idea. C’mon Aaron. How’d you manage to stay so dry, anyway?” Nick asked his brother.

“I stayed away from you.” Aaron laughed and winked at Kristyne. She managed a weak smile; she was shivering too much to make it more.

“Here, jump on my back.” Nick offered.

“Th.that’s ok. I can w.w.walk”

“Really, get on. We’ll get back to the boats faster. No offense meant AT ALL, but my legs are longer.” He knelt down in front of her and she complied. Getting back the boats faster was definitely more appealing than trying to keep her pride and walk and freeze at the same time. Nick could feel her shivering as she held on to his neck. She even placed her cheek down on his shoulder and he could feel her lips shivering against the side of his neck. That gave HIM goose bump. All in all, the three looked like three half-drowned rats heading down the boardwalk. They got a few strange looks, but no one looked too hard and the boys remained unrecognized.

Back at the docks Nick carried Kristyne onto her boat before putting her down. “I won’t keep you. I know you are cold and want to change. I really am sorry for scaring you.” He was leaning onto the side of the boat to look her right in the eyes. Thankfully, what he thought he saw there was not anger.

She smiled a little. “It’s ok, really. I’m ok. I was kinda asking for it anyway, starting the water fight like I did. Don’t worry about it, ok?” She didn’t need him feeling any worse than he already did.

“Ok.” Involuntarily he reached up and pushed a stray strand of hair off her forehead, smiled when he realized what he was doing, and then pulled his hand away. “Go change and get warm. Have a good night.” He started to turn when her voice stopped him.

“It was a fun night. Thanks. You get dry and warm too. Tell Aaron I said goodnight as well.” She smiled as he stepped back up onto the dock and then over to his own boat.

Part Two

Karina 2003