Water Signs: A Story of Love and Renewal

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"Hi Pop!" Maddy called out brightly as she entered the house from

the garage. He was watching his beloved Phillies on television, with as

much enthusiasm and excitement as if they were actually fighting for a

shot at the World Series. Unfortunately, in spite of all of the hopeful

springtime predictions, they'd let him down again this season. Such was

the fate of a dedicated Philadelphia sports fan.

"Hiya, Maddy, baby how are ya?" Her dad got up to give her a hug

and a kiss as she approached him, duffle bag still slung over her shoulder.

"I'm great Dad, how are you? How was work today?"

"Not bad, not bad at all! You know, saved a few lives; nothing

special!" They both laughed. "How's Ken doing?" Joseph asked.

"He's fine; really taking his injury in stride. He's determined to be

back at work in a day or so. I made him promise to wait and see what the

doctor says; no reason to push it." Maddy put her bag on the floor and sat

next to her Dad on the couch, just as a Tastykake commercial came on.

"What's the score?" She asked.

"Bah! They had a 5-0 lead at one point and they blew it. The Mets are

up 8-5." He sounded completely disgusted.

"Oh I'm sorry, Pop," she consoled him, patting him on the shoulder.

"Ah, what are you gonna do? It's only the 7th inning, so they still have

some time to come back." Then switching gears, Joseph remarked, "You

know, Maddy that Ken is really a special guy. I enjoyed flying with him

last night. He's such a decent, respectful young man. I was really

impressed with him." Relief washed over her.

"You really think so, Dad?" she pursued.

"Absolutely! And I can tell how much he likes you, but of course,

why wouldn't he feel that way about my beautiful daughter?" Joseph

squeezed her shoulder and gave her a peck on the temple, prompting her

to crack up.

"You have to say that because you're my dad!" she teased him.

"No, I'd have to love you as your father, but I wouldn't have to tell

you you're beautiful if that weren't true. But in your case, it definitely is!"

"Well thanks for being president of my fan club," Maddy responded,

kissing his cheek. As she stood up again, she asked, "Where's Louie?"

"Oh, he's out in the pool, getting in his last kicks before we close it

for the winter. They're coming tomorrow to cover it."

Maddy's heart sank; she hated this time of year, knowing a long, cold

season lay just ahead. And as much as she loved the ocean, the pool was

her favorite place to swim-no seaweed or jellyfish, and you could

actually see your feet in the clear, blue water.

"Isn't it a little chilly?" She'd noticed when she'd gotten out of the car

that the air felt a lot cooler than it had in New Jersey.

"Yeah, I turned the heater on for him earlier," Joseph explained.

"Actually, it's about time he came out anyway. It's getting late and he has

to work tomorrow."

"I'll go tell him," Maddy offered, walking into the adjoining family

room, and then slipping through the sliding glass door and onto the

enclosed porch. She smiled as she caught sight of Louis through the

window, steadily backstroking towards the deep end of the illuminated,

Roman-style pool. He was truly amazing. She remembered when they

were kids of about 12 and 19, respectively. They would challenge each

other to see who could swim the fastest under water up and back, without

coming up for air.

And though she was an excellent swimmer, Maddy could never quite

beat her older, "special" brother, who seemed to have invincible lungs.

Ever the champion, he was always good-natured about his victory,

assuring her she'd do better the next time.

Maddy opened the screen door and called out to him, once he'd

stopped. He was now holding onto the diving board, just kind of

surveying the scene. His face lit up when he saw his sister.

"Hi Mads!" He waved as he called her name.

"Dad wants you to come in now. It's getting cold and you have to

work tomorrow."

"Ok, I be in in a minute," he promised. As she turned to go back

inside, she heard his voice again. "How's Ken?"

"He's doing much better, thanks," Maddy assured him.

"He's a nice guy, Mads. I really like him," Louie offered.

"Good to hear!" She always trusted in Louis' ability to read people.

"He likes you a lot, too, Louie. He told me he wants a rematch at the

arcade." Louis laughed out loud. Then he asked, "Maybe this weekend?"

"That's a possibility. We'll see," Maddy promised. Although she

intended to head back to the Jersey Shore, she wasn't certain how it would

all pan out with her family. If Louis didn't have to work this weekend, it

might actually help her. She had no problem bringing him along and was

positive Ken wouldn't mind, either. It might actually be fun.

Maddy heard the phone ringing as she entered the kitchen. She

answered it to hear a familiar and welcome voice.

"Hey!" Ken greeted her playfully. "You were supposed to call me

when you got in young lady!"

"Sorry Kenny, I just walked in the door and got distracted by my

father and brother. I was just about to pick up the phone."

"How was the ride home?"

"Pretty good; not too much traffic."

"I miss you already, baby. Actually, I missed you as soon as you

walked out the door."

"Aw, well I miss you, too. Wish I didn't have to come back. How's

your leg?"

"It's fine," he replied dismissively, though if truth be told, he was

definitely in some pain. "Hey! The sauce was great sweetheart, thank

you!"

"Really? Don't just say that to make me feel good!"

The sound of her laughter prompted longings within him.

"No, I'm telling ya the truth; it was delicious. You can ask Kathy, I ate

almost a pound of pasta myself. She loved it, too."

"She's really nice, Ken. I like her a lot."

"Yeah? What did you two talk about while I was crashed out on the

couch?" Maddy hesitated for a second, before deciding this was not the

moment to broach the subject of Roseanne. Besides, Mom and Lori

would be walking through the front door any minute.

"Nothing much-growing up in South Philly, food, recipes, Catholic

schooling-the usual stuff." He cracked up. "Oh, and I think she did

mention a thing or two about your greatness." Her tone was teasing.

"Oh, come on!"

"No, really, she truly loves you like a son, Ken. It's a wonderful thing

to see."

"Yeah, she is a nice lady," he agreed. "And she takes good care of my

place." Then, with another thought, he asked, "So do think you can you

come back down this weekend, sweetheart?"

"Absolutely!" She spoke with confidence, though she wondered if her

plans would prompt another disagreement with her mom. It was so rare

that they argued over anything; Maddy hated it. But this was one instance

where she was prepared to do respectful battle, if need be. After two

hurtful years with Jake, she deserved some happiness.

"I may have to bring Louis with me, though, if no one else can make

it," she explained. "I know it's silly, but-"

"I'd love to see Louis!" Ken exclaimed. Not only did he feel genuine

affection for Maddy's brother; he was willing to abide by any rules

necessary to see her beautiful face.

"Well, great! I know he feels the same way about you," she told him.

Just then she heard a key turn in the lock, followed by the chattering

voices of her mother and sister. As they made their way into the kitchen,

she smiled and waved at them. Cupping her hand over the mouthpiece,

she whispered, "It's Ken," in response to her mother's quizzical look.

"Hey, uh, Kenny, can I call you back in a little bit from my own line?

Mom and Lori just walked in."

"Look forward to it, sweetheart," he replied softly. "Give them my

best."

"I will," she murmured.

"Maddy?"

"Yes?"

"I love you."

"Ok, I'll talk to you soon, baby," she cooed, feeling suddenly nervous.