Chapter 9 - Friends

Chapter 9 -  Friends     

                    

  Josh bounds back down the trail from the house; he has traded wet shorts, wet tee shirt, numb toes and sandals for long pants, warm hiking boots, and a windbreaker. He half walks half sprints down the gangplank. Loose dock boards flop up and down announcing his return.

“Do you think they have some sort of friendship?” says Maggie.

“Maybe,” says Sammie, “but I’m inclined to think they are more like little kids and are just interested in playing with each other.”

“Does anyone see my stick?” is the first thing Josh says when he gets back to the slip.  Has Pepper moved or done anything?”

“It’s right there,” says Sammie pointing behind a raised brace, Charley said you would want it when you get back.”  Josh retrieves his hiking staff and sits cross-legged next to Sadie; Sammie sits on the other side and leans into Josh.

“Hi Pepper”, says Josh, picking up his one-way conversation. “Did you miss me? How’s the back? Any new pain? Have you got to know Sadie? She led us to you and your mom.”  Josh raps the dock gently, hitting the stick where Pepper sees it.  “I don’t want to scare you.” He bangs the stick hard two times, then bangs it two more times.  Next, he reaches out, and gently rubs the end of the stick on her back in front of her dorsal fin. Then, he switches to hard scratching the area he knows she enjoys.  Pepper whistles her new whistle. Sadie whimpers.

“Listen to her,” exclaims Sammie, “this is so cool, she loves it.”

“I hope she likes it, because if this bothers her, she should be about ready to flip out. Sorry Pepper, I didn’t mean to make a flipper joke.” Josh taps Pepper a few times, and then hands the stick to Sammie.  When Sammie touches her, Pepper flinches and strokes her fin as if to swim away.

“Whoa there Pepper, I’m your friend too.” Says Sammie, she lifts the stick and hands it back to Josh.  “I guess she was watching, and only trusts you.”

“Well I’ve got enough pictures,” says Maggie, “I’m going to catch up with Charley and head for the house, this is enough excitement for today. See you later Sammie, say Hi to your folks for me.”

“Okay, I will Maggie, and thanks for sending Josh with the smores, I know that was your idea.”

 Sammie turns to Josh, he has resumed rubbing and caressing Pepper, but then he lays the stick on the dock and fishes out of his pocket a package of graham crackers, and a Hershey bar, Sammie takes the bar, opens it and hands Josh a section of chocolate, she gives Sadie a cracker. They contemplate the killer whale in front of them; momma hasn’t been seen since they moved Pepper over to the dock.  Pepper has made no effort to leave the cradle, her breathing is slow, and calm, almost relaxing, as if she is catnapping.  Her blue eye is open, her green eye is closed but neither indicates she’s awake or asleep.  Sadie yawns and half yelps aloud that she is bored.  With her head on her paws, she dozes.