Above The Surface (Ryker)

Soundtrack

I plunged deep below the water’s surface; my eyes being forced open in surprise as the cold water assaulted me from all angles. I kicked my legs against the current, forcing myself upwards. I broke the surface just as I heard Jonny start to whine, “Ryker… isn’t it… is that safe?”

“As long as you don’t drink it.” I laughed as I swam in place; trying to avoid the question. I had never actually gotten sick from swimming in the river but… it probably wasn’t healthy.
I saw Jon’s resolution break as he pushed him self off the railing. He splashed me on his way through the water; coming through the surface a few minutes later - gasping against the cold.

“It’s freezing Ryker! We need to get out… holy shit… why is it so much colder?” I splashed him with my feet as I took off down my usual route, diving under the water to get a better speed going. It’s always so quiet under the water… I wonder fish get headaches when they’re on land… I wonder if fish have ears…

I broke the surface and once again heard Jon calling my name, futilely from where he floated.

“We’re in open water Ryker! We’re gonna get hit by a boat or something…” He shouted as he reached me, swimming for a few minutes beside me; before we reached our destination.

I climbed out of the water, making my way onto a flat stone. “Coming?” I held out my hand to him and he grabbed it; using his other hand to scale the rocks. I moved ahead of him, moving all the way to the top of the mound.

I turned around to see Jon still waiting at the bottom of the ruins. “Jon… Jon!” He laughed at himself slightly before scampering up behind me. I watched him as he waited beside me, unable to relax. With me, was probably the last place he wanted to be but... he seemed lonely. I wonder if he could change me... how would he want me? What kind of girl do you think about Mr. Serious?

“So what are we doing here?” He sounded sceptical, maybe even a little disappointed.

“Well, it’s actually a little after 3 now, and in another hour or so the sun’s gonna be coming up. It’s like… liquid gold when it hit’s the harbour…” He leaned back, his arm brushing mine as we both stretched out, waiting for the dawn.

It was always worth the swim to me, to get here. I loved seeing the sunrise from the harbour; the city forgotten behind me. It seemed real, natural, unpolluted here; like I got to witness it before it’s rays became bogged down by the metal maze of Chicago.
“So… what did you think?” I glance over at him, to see him staring in wonder as the sunlight lightly danced across his face; but it wasn‘t even the look over amazement on his face that caught my attention. It was hid body; it was amazing - tight abs, broad shoulders, strong arms.

“It was… wow.” My thoughts exactly… He looked over at me, giving me a grin and watching me stand up. I grinned back and dove off the rock; this time the water didn’t feel so cold.

“Come on Jon, we have to get you back before your friends think I’ve killed you or something…” He laughed, a real laugh; and jumped off beside me.



“I’ve never watched the sunrise before… I’ve also never swam in my underwear before… or swam in the middle of a bay…” He sounded amazed by everything; like his life had just been altered.

I laughed and swam up to him, until I cold feel his breath on my face. “I’m sure there’s a lot of things you’ve never done Jon…” I tilted my head to the side and moved even closer.

“Ryker… I don’t think…” He said it so quietly that I almost missed it. Fear flashed in his face as I moved up to him; changing my mind at the last second. The last thing I need is for him to pass-out and drown… I chuckled as I flatted my hand against his mouth; pressing my lips down on the other side of my hand. I gave him a quick kiss - via my hand - before swimming over to the small metal fence attached to the wooden embankment of the walkway.

I pulled my head back down over my head and jumped a little to let it fall down, before slipping on my shoes. “Are you coming?” He climbed out of the water and dressed quickly; taking my hand as I offered it to him. “So now it’s your turn…”

“My turn for what?” He asked as we walked side by side slowly.

“I showed you something special, something personal, now it’s your turn.”

He laughed quietly, timidly. “I’m not sure what I’d even show you… there’s nothing special about me…”

I shook my head, unable to believe that he actually felt that way about himself. I remembered back to how sure and powerful he was when he was playing hockey. “That’s not true, I saw you last night… I saw you on the ice. You were very special.”

“Umm, well… I’ll think of something and let you know…” I nodded as we both waved goodbye and went our separate ways. I started to dance slightly, swaying as I made my way down the street.
The city was beginning to wake up around me and I felt jubilant, hopeful, adventurous. I wanted to do something fun, I wanted to live and laugh but… what?
I looked back over my shoulder, realizing that Jon must have turned a corner. I couldn’t see him anymore and that caused me to stop walking; a frown crossing my face. I knew it was futile, to start liking a guy like him... he needed his safe, normal Step-ford wife; not a girl like me. I sighed, wondering what I would have to do... to change his mind about me, and about himself.
He was a special guy, even if he didn’t think so… I wonder why that is? Why is he so self-conscious?

I was starting to get feelings for him, even after one night. Not love, but a bond; enough that I wanted to do something to boost his self-worth.
I walked another 45 minutes, until I was a block away from my place. I crossed in front of a business and looked in the window. The sign said it wasn’t open until noon; but I smiled to myself as I nodded - my mind made up.



“So what do you want to get?” The guy asked, leaning across the desk at me.

I bit my lip as I thought about it. “I want to get the number 19, on the back of my neck.” The tattoo artist nodded and started shuffling through papers.

“How big?” I showed him, again he nodded as he started to draw out my request.


Forty-five minutes later I was handing him $80; and thanking him for a job well done. He had explained something to be about cleaning it and scabs… or something… I shrugged; I’d figure it out.


“Hey pretty girl! Where have you been?” I walked into my living room and saw Lola curled up on the couch with that Kane kid; Adam was sitting on one of the chairs with Jenn in his lap.

“And did you bring Tazer back with ya?” Adam laughed as he grinned at me.

“No, I think he went home… a while ago. I haven’t seen him since… 5 or something…”

Lola turned around to look at me. “Where have you been than? It’s almost 2...”

“I got a tattoo!” I grinned, turning my back to the room and piling my dreads onto my head.

“HOLY SHIT! You got Tazer’s numbers on the back your neck… is it real?” I laughed as I turned back around.

“He needs some support…” I explained. “Now he knows I’m a fan!”

Kaner shook his head, smiling. “Most girls just… buy a jersey…”

“In case you didn’t notice… Ryker’s not most girls…” Jenn and Lola started laughing at that comment; causing me to nod in agreement.

“Anyway, I’m gonna go to sleep… I’ll see you guys around.” I called over my shoulder as I headed into my room and collapsed on my mattress.

I kicked off my shoes and sat up so that I could pull my dress off; then my tang top and shorts… I probably shouldn’t throw wet things on the floor but… they’re almost dry! I grinned as I pulled a quilt on top of my naked body.
I laughed quietly to myself as I thought of Jon’s reaction to my tattoo; then I sighed as I remembered what a turn on it had been to see him in control on the ice. Even after our swim and showing him my favorite place in Chicago, I still hadn‘t brought him back out. What does a girl have to do…?