Liberty Island: A Short Story

The lovers were enjoying spending time with one another. Feeding each other through a cheese and cracker picnic. Squeezing grapes through tours of New York wineries. Spending a day making out on the grounds of Liberty Island. Hand in hand they visited museums to recall history. A bookstore afternoon was dedicated to thumbing through erotica quickly. Afterwards at a Parlor Luna ended their date demonstrating to him how she would lick his ice cream cone. He kept his vision affixed on her act as he sighed, “Oh! Luna!” He took her to the bathroom where he did not last.
At night home cooked meals were spent amongst family recapping their day. Until they would excuse themselves as Luna was tired, and Mauricio was dusting off his writing skills,
increasing his reading skills, and sharpening his Math skills.
As for the others in the building there was no mystery to solve, they had to try hard to put their blinders on. In the passing days the lovers became sloppier at hiding their obvious frisks. Sol pretended to miss a lobby kiss. Dr. Edwards and Stella saw through the café window the knobs Mauricio was playing with in the car. They knew the lovers were together and stood anxiously awaiting their formal announcement, but none had come. Pending was the dreaded wedding date of August 3rd, invitations had not been thought of or done. Stella was aware the winds of change were upon the family yet again, but this time she was not in control. And, Sol was too busy obsessing with the imminent return of Mauricio’s mom. Still they would manage an atmosphere for the lovers to enjoy. Creating the occasions for them to be close.
Early morning on the Fourth of July everyone gathered outside Dr. Edwards’ ‘Cheek Cutter.’ A 45 foot Hatteras fishing boat that was hugging a piling at his slip in the North River Pier. The ‘Cheek Cutter’ was purchased with the only judgement ordered in his favor during his divorce. Since then it has been his permanent residence and what he used to travel between Manhattan and Moriches Bay, the place he once owned a home.
Happily they bobbed out of the Hudson River leaving behind all of its industrial views. Dr. Edwards with an ill practiced pirate voice, proclaimed, “I am Captain Edwards! Next port of call, Flat Fisherman’s Warf, Argh! Off to the annual celebration at the Silly Lilly Fishing Station, a forty-five nautical mile journey with an in-between promised adventure.”
Conditions were perfect for their seafaring adventure.
Waters calm and crystal blue. Their hectic lifestyles had been traded for bouncing waves in the Atlantic Ocean.
Upon reaching the Bird Island inlet Dr. Edwards anchored and immediately incorporated Mauricio’s help. Instructing him to stuff fresh fish in small mesh nets to use as bait. Then placing them inside larger nets which they lowered alongside the boat. Patiently they waited while Mauricio inquired, “What are we catching with these?”
Dr. Edwards excitedly explained, “Some of the best Blue Claws that exist on earth. We are in charge of bringing the seafood to the party.” While looking over at Stella like an infatuated school boy he explained, “We are going to a potluck-cookout. Camping gear is stored in the cabin of the boat. Stella wants to get a fire going on the sand and have crab for dinner while we watch the fireworks. She packed lemons, butter, and a salad to accompany. Others will bring burgers, sausages, and beers.” He clapped and rubbed his hands while emphatically blurting, “My mouth is watering already!” He continued rambling excitably, “I will try to stay outside the inlet until we have caught enough for dinner. Typically there are too many fishermen trying to catch these closer inland or off the pier. I have never shared my secret with them, but the most bountiful catch are right out here. The law says at least five inches long, never forget the babies and females have to be returned to sea. You will recognize
the females, they have crosses on their bottoms around the spot they hold their eggs.”
Mauricio struggled to keep up with all his information as this was his first fishing expedition and he had officially been placed on the spot. Logically he questioned simpler things that were unknown to him, such as, “Where do we store our catch?”
Dr.
Edwards pointed next to him on the floor where the livewell was located, but as he was going to offer an explanation he noticed tugging at one of the nets and ordered Mauricio to, “Take a look! There is something in there now. This may be a good sign the sea is fertile”. Just then he also noticed tugging at the second net. He ordered Mauricio to handle the first net as he demonstrated his process with the second, “Now slowly, very slowly, and I mean sloooowly bring up the net.” Apprehensively Mauricio followed his order and brought up a full net of moving creatures. Eagerly Dr. Edwards continued instructing him, “Stick your hands in the catch and toss back the fish or seaweed. Grab the crabs by the back claws and quickly lift them. Check their bottoms like this, and toss them back in the ocean if you need to.” Swiftly he demonstrated what he meant and like a good student Mauricio did as he was told. Changing his demeanor to appear fearless before Luna who was standing next to him. The first pair of crabs he relocated to the live well earned the applause of all on the
boat.