Chapter 2

After breakfast, my mother said, “It’s time to get going.” I took her bag with her iPad, logbook, swim goggles, snorkel, and snacks she had packed. We were met at the docks by a gentleman about my mother’s age and two teenagers. He smiled and greeted my mother like they were old friends.

It is so good to see you again, Ms. Wilson. You remember my daughter Amista and my son Aldrix. They are two of the best divers on the island right now. Come, let me show you the craft I have made ready for you.

I stood there with my mouth open. Amista and Aldrix wore a sarong around their waist like their father. Amista looked to be about seventeen or eighteen years old, standing about five feet five inches in her bare feet: large brown eyes and coal-black hair held in a ponytail that hung halfway down her back. Full smiling lips, She was naked from the waist up, seemingly unconcerned that she was showing me her B-cup tits with dark brown areola and nipples—the perfect picture of a Polynesian beauty.

Her brother Aldrix looked to be about fourteen or fifteen. The same height and eyes as his sister. His black hair was a little shaggy around the ears, but it looked right on him.

I kept my greeting to a minimum as I stared at Amista. Mom hugged everyone and told them how happy she was to be back and looking forward to a productive summer. I know my mother’s work is important. She often describes the ocean as the great human toilet and decries the pollution that is destroying the coral reefs and the sea beds. By studying the condition of the mollusks, she can tell how the pollution is affecting even this area of the ocean that appears to the eye to be pristine and unaffected.

We went down to the dock and boarded a 25-foot catamaran with a pilot’s cabin, flat deck and twin 40 horsepower Evinrude outboards. After Mom familiarized herself with the craft, Aldrix powered up the craft as Amista’s father cast off the lines for her.

Aldrix guided the Cat west for about an hour. Mom checked her satellite map and GPS and told him when to shut down the engines. Amista threw out the anchor. If we were in the right spot, there would be a reef here that should yield some good specimens. Mom started making notes as she signaled to Amista and Aldrix. I got my second surprise of the day. They took off their sarong, and they were completely naked. They didn’t even wear underwear. They put on swim goggles, took a mesh bag, put a knife between their teeth, and jumped over the side.

Mom was writing in her journal, not looking a bit surprised, “You will get used to it, Phil.” They are uninhibited when it comes to their body.”

“I don’t think I will ever get used to her. She is gorgeous.”

“Still sorry you came.” Mom teased.