Just Dipping Your Toes In

Ella stared longingly down at the water just below her dangling feet. The crystal clear water sparkled and glimmered in the afternoon sun. The summer heat caused the water to be even more inviting. Ella was tempted just to dip her toes into the calm pool, but such an act was forbidden. Father was continually warning the children of the dangers of the pools. Many pools could be found in the surrounding woods, although they seemed perfectly harmless. Father warned them that once a person had immersed him or herself in the crystal water, he or she would become trapped in its watery clutches and eventually die. It was even said that if one dared to dip a single toe into the water, mysterious watery beings would appear and tug you completely in. Father claimed that many children whom he had adopted and taken into his home, had already been lost to the pools. Ella had always believed what Father said, but now she began to question his teachings. The glassy surface of the water remained unbroken, and she could see straight to the sandy bottom. Surely it would not hurt just to stick her feet in...

“Ella!” a voice interrupted her thoughts. “Where are you?” Ella quickly pulled her feet back onto the dock and retraced her steps towards home. She didn't want anyone to discover her here. Her best friend, Hanna, met her at the cottage door. “Where have you been?” she asked. Hanna's blue eyes suspiciously examined Ella's rolled up pant legs and bare feet.

“Just in the woods,” Ella quickly responded. “It's awfully hot out, isn't it?” she said trying to redirect the topic of conversation. Hanna only nodded and turned to go inside. Ella pulled down her pant legs and followed. 

The nine other children of the home were already seated at the dining room table. Father sat at the head. They had already begun the meal. Ella and Hanna silently slid into their seats. “You're late, Ella.” Father stared at her. Ella suddenly felt naked under his gaze. She always felt that way when he looked at her sternly. He seemed to know her every thought and desire. Ella avoided his gaze.

“Sorry,” Ella mumbled, hoping he wouldn't ask where she had been. She quickly stuffed a piece of bread into her mouth.

“Have you washed?” Father asked knowingly. Ella shook her head. She got up to wash her hands, feeling all the children's eyes on her.

As the children readied for bed that night, Ella noticed three of the boys seemed excited over something. She listened carefully, hoping to find the reason for their excitement.

“You didn't!” exclaimed one boy.

“Yes, I did,” insisted the tall blond leader of the group named Tyler. “I stuck my feet all the way in!” Ella gasped. Did he mean in one of the pools? She secretly envied him.

“Did you see any water beasts?” asked the short red head.

“Nope, but I did see the most beautiful creature ever! She wanted me to play.”

“Did you?”

“No, though I told her I would come back tomorrow. You guys want to come?” 

Before the other two boys could respond, Ella stepped in. “I'll go.”

The boys' faces expressed something between shock and admiration. “Seriously?” Tyler questioned.

“Seriously.”

He grinned. “Meet us after chores at ten o'clock by the nearest pool tomorrow morning.”

Ten o'clock couldn't come fast enough for Ella. She was nervous yet excited all at once. She couldn't believe she had actually agreed to get into one of the pools. Finally ten o'clock came, and Ella met Tyler and the other boys at the nearest pool.

“Ladies first!” exclaimed Tyler.

“Maybe this isn't a good idea,” said Ella, her nerves almost getting the best of her.

“Oh come on! Just dip your toes in.”

Ella walked over to the edge of the dock and sat down. “Oh alright.” The water once again enticed her to jump in and feel the pleasure of its coolness. She cautiously dipped her toes in. Immediately an exciting sensation shot up her feet to the rest of her body. Ella laughed. It felt so good.

“See it's not so bad,” said Tyler. He and the other boys joined her. Suddenly Ella felt a playful tug on her leg. Father's warnings shot through her mind, but she pushed them aside. Ella felt another tug, and a head popped out of the water. Ella gasped. It was the most beautiful creature she had ever seen. She seemed human, yet made of water and a part of the water. Soon others popped up and began tugging on the boys' legs. They were beckoning for the children to come play. “Come on!” Tyler yelled and dove in. The other boys followed. Ella took a deep breath and did the same. The exciting sensation tickled her whole body as she hit the water. The gentle coolness of the water rushing by convinced her this was paradise. Nothing could be better. She popped up to the surface to catch her breath, but suddenly felt herself being pulled downward. She panicked and tried to escape from the clutches of the water creature that pulled her. When she could hold her breath no longer, she opened her mouth expecting to drown. Water rushed into her lungs. Ella waited for pain and death, but they never came. She slowly exhaled, and laughed. This water was breathable! Ella greedily gulped at the water. It was so sweet and refreshing! Finally Ella opened her eyes. The mysterious water being greeted her and laughed with her. She whisked back her waterfall of hair and darted downwards.

“Hey, come back!” Ella yelled and laughed some more. She swam after her, feeling more like she was flying. The boys were nowhere in sight, but she didn't care. Ella was going to enjoy herself for once.

Hours later, Ella was still enjoying herself. She still was chasing the water creature deeper into the pool. At the surface Ella had clearly seen the sandy bottom of the pool; but now that she was in the water, there was no bottom. The surface, however, did seem to move farther away every second. Ella did not let it bother her. This was too much fun. 

“Ella! Ella!” a voice called.

Ella stopped swimming. It sounded like Father's voice. Guilt swept over her.

“Ella! Ella! Come home!” he called.

Ella shrugged off the guilt and plugged her ears. She had no time for Father and his stupid rules. She was having more fun breaking them. The water being tugged on her feet again, signaling to Ella that she wanted her to play some more. Ella gratefully resumed their game of tag.

It was days later when reality finally struck Ella. Slowly Ella had wearied of the continuous game of tag, and the exciting sensation became common place. All the more frightening was the fact that she found herself trapped. The surface was no longer visible. She couldn't even tell which direction was up. Father had continued to call to her many times, but she was so used to blocking him out she could no longer hear his calls. She was convinced now that even he could not save her. Ella, weary and full of despair, just gave up. She quit swimming and chasing the water creature and closed her eyes, just wanting to die and end it all. The Water creature tugged on her. Ella didn't move. The creature tried harder, even pretending to cry; but Ella was finished. She screamed, “No! No! No! I've had enough of this. I just want to die!” Seeing that Ella meant what she said, the creature let out a low growl. Ella only cried more. “Oh, Father, you were right!” At this the creature growled more fiercely. In an instant the beautiful creature was transformed into a hideous beast. Ella screamed and frantically swam away, but the beast pursued her. He roared and bared his teeth. Spikes shot out from his back and tail, and scales covered every inch of his skin. Long claws reached out for Ella and six tongues forked out at her feet. Six glaring eyes watched her every move. The water around grew darker every second. Just as the beast was gaining on her, Ella cried out to her only hope. “Oh Father, I am so sorry! Forgive me. I want to come home!” At that moment Ella again heard her Father's voice.

“ I love you, Dear One. Take my hand. I will carry you safely home. Trust me.”

“But I can't see your hand!” Ella cried out.

“Believe, Daughter,” he whispered. “Just take my hand.”

Ella groped in the darkness and grasped what she could not see. Immediately she found herself being pulled from the dark depths. Had his hand always been there, outstretched, waiting for her to take hold? The water grew lighter, and she could see it for what it was - a bottomless grave.

When she broke through the water's surface, she felt herself being wrapped in her Father's arms. Oh how he loved her! How long had he been calling to her with hand outstretched? Ella hugged him back. “I'm so sorry, Father.”

“I forgive you, Child.”

Ella looked around. “Where are Tyler and the boys?” she questioned. Sorrow filled her Father's eyes, and Ella knew the answer.

“I must continue to call for them also,” he replied.

“May I call too?”

“Of course, Daughter. They must be saved before it is too late. There is so little time.” He wrapped his daughter in an embrace once more. Ella looked back at the pool. It still sparkled and shimmered innocently as before, beckoning her to just dip her toes in; but Ella gripped her Father's hand tighter, determined to never let go.

Tempus Fugit!

The following story I wrote for a Latin class, and although it really has no Christian point to it or anything, I decided to post it for those of you who enjoy short fiction. The story was, however, partly inspired by Paul and Barnabas' experience in Lystra in Acts 14:8-20. Please check it out. I find the story sad. The people in Lystra were so deceived, that when Paul through Jesus' power healed a cripple, they concluded that Paul and Barnabas were the gods Hermes and Zeus.


The Future: Year 2512


    Spencer, Cassie, and Anthony stared in wonder at the odd-looking vehicle in front of them. It looked like a car(minus wheels) from the 21st century, but the high-tech dashboard revealed it to be much more advanced than even modern vehicles. On the side of the machine was printed the phrase Semper Fidelis.
    “What is this thing?” Cassie finally asked.
    “A time machine,” answered Spencer as he led the other two teens closer to the machine. “My grandpa invented it.”
    “Does it really work?” asked Anthony as he ran his fingers over the frame.
    “Yep, and I've even spied on my grandpa a couple times when he tried it out. I think I could work it myself. Do you want to try it? Grandpa is out of town.”
    “Yes!” Anthony nodded his head enthusiastically.
    “I'm not so sure...” Cassie replied. “What if it's dangerous or your grandpa finds out?”
    “You're just a chicken, Cassie!” Anthony declared.
    “There is nothing to be worried about,” reassured Spencer as he climbed into the time machine. “That's why Grandpa named the machine Semper Fidelis. He believes it will always faithfully bring him back.” Cassie grudgingly followed the boys. Fear gnawed at her as Spencer started up the machine. “What year do you want to go to?” he asked.
    “Ad infinitum! To infinity!” answered Anthony excitedly.
    Spencer laughed. “I don't think it can do that.” Spencer put a date into the computer. Everything went dark except the lights on the dashboard. Then suddenly scenes from the past began to rush past the windows. Fear gripped Cassie even harder. What if the time machine landed them somewhere dangerous, i.e., the middle of a war? She shuddered as the scenes continued to rush by at an increasing speed, but then suddenly they stopped.
    “Where are we?” asked Cassie, her whole body shaking with excitement and fear. She peered out the windows. Tall buildings with elaborate columns and arcs surrounded them. The time machine had landed in the middle of a wide street. Statues and alters decorated the surroundings. People stared at them. Some of them seemed terrified, while others just stared in wonder and curiosity.
    “Don't you recognize this place? This is Ancient Rome!” declared Spencer. He opened the door to the time machine, and they all stepped out. The people crowded around them and nervously reached out to touch them and the time machine, as if they were afraid it was all a dream. They muttered among themselves in a foreign language.
    “What are they saying?” asked Anthony.
    “I'm not sure. I don't know much Latin, and I've only read it, not heard it spoken.” replied Spencer. A man pushed through the crowd excitedly, waving his arms and yelling.
    He pointed at Spencer and called out, “Mercury!” Then he pointed at Anthony and Cassie. “Apollo! Diana!”
    “Oh no! They think we're gods!” exclaimed Spencer. He began to yell at the crowd. “No! No! No! We're just people.” Anthony and Cassie joined in, but it was to no avail. Priests came out of one of the temples and began to make sacrifices upon the altars. The women began to sing and dance. A man led the kids into a house and presented them with a feast. Many people followed them and presented them with gifts of food, animals, clothing, and jewelry.
    “This isn't all that bad,” declared Anthony as he popped a juicy grape into his mouth. He had tried on a tunic and toga, and now he wore a wreath of laurel leaves on his head. He fiddled with the strings of a lyre which was one of the many gifts they had received. In truth, he made a perfect Apollo.
    “I think we should leave now,” Cassie suggested.
    “Oh come on, Cassie! Isn't this fun?” Anthony popped another grape into his mouth.
    “We should at least make sure the time machine is still where we left it,” insisted Spencer. “I don't know what these people have done to it.” Finally Anthony consented to their wishes and followed them back outdoors. People were still singing, dancing, and making sacrifices. Cassie felt sorry for all the poor cows being used for sacrifice. If only they could convince them they weren't gods.
    “Oh no!” Spencer groaned. “It's gone!” The kids frantically searched the forum, but the ever present crowds made it impossible to search well. Finally, they stopped to rest.
    “Hey, look at that!” Anthony pointed at a table of idols that a man was selling. He walked over to the table and picked up a figure with a lyre. “Is this supposed to be me? I am certain my muscles are way bigger than that.” Anthony flexed his muscles.
    “You are too full of yourself,” Cassie observed.
    Anthony stepped back to place the idol back on the table but tripped and fell head first onto it. The table toppled over, and the idols crashed to the ground.  A frightened  horse threw its rider and rushed into several other merchant booths, spilling the merchandise. Cries of fear and anger arose from the people. The man selling the idols yelled angrily at Anthony. “Deus non es!” The crowd joined in his cry and shook their fists at the kids.
    “Run!” yelled Spencer. Anthony and Cassie ran after him. The angry mob followed them. To elude the crowd, they dashed into a small nearby temple.
    “Now where do we go? They will find us soon,” panted Cassie.
    “Salvete!” whispered a voice. “Salvete!” The kids turned around to find a lady hiding behind a statue of Jupiter. She motioned for them to follow. The kids shrugged their shoulders at each other and followed her to another room in the temple. Their time machine sat safely in the center of the room, an altar before it. Apparently the people had decided to worship it also.
    “Thank you,” Cassie told the lady. The woman smiled understandingly. Suddenly, the cries of the mob could be heard in the temple.
    “Hurry, let's go!” Spencer yelled. Anthony and Cassie hopped into the time machine.
    “Vale! Pax tecum!” the woman whispered to Spencer as he followed them in.
    “Vale! Pax tecum! Farewell! Peace be with you!” Spencer called out to her. Then she was gone. The scenes began to fly by the windows as before, and suddenly they were home. The kids toppled out of the vehicle.
    “What do you think you were doing?” boomed a stern voice. Spencer's grandpa peered down at them through the ancient glasses on the end of his nose. The kids looked at each other sheepishly. “Did you enjoy your time in Rome?” He nodded towards Anthony's attire. Anthony cheeks turned scarlet. “I imagine you didn't expect me home yet. Tempus fugit! Time flies fast, doesn't it?” The kids nodded. “Now I am sure you will enjoy cleaning up my work room for me. Although I am positive time won't fly quite as fast for you as it did in Rome.”
    Spencer and Anthony moaned. Cassie gave them an “I was so right” look.
    “The cleaning supplies are in the closet. Now, I have some business I need to take care of. Make sure you are done by the time I get back.” With that said, Spencer's grandpa locked the time machine and walked out the door.