Into the Deep Read Online Free Page A

makes it worse sometimes with her secrets and obsessive worry.
    The local news is on in the background and catches my attention.
    “Evacuations continue in certain areas of La Jolla, the oceanside suburb of San Diego. In the past six weeks, the ocean has risen five feet, a number that has the best scientists completely stunned and residents scrambling to save their possessions. Yesterday, the San Diego Convention Center was closed indefinitely as the Pacific Ocean crept into its main floor.”
    I watch in rapture as the screen displays pictures of beachfront homes sitting in water and the sodden levels of the huge, graceful building normally full of conventioneers. They flash to a gray-haired man from the Oceanic Institute.
    “At the rate we’re witnessing the sea rise many of our major cities are in imminent danger. A rise in sea level in a metropolis such as San Diego or worse, New York, will be catastrophic. With no break in sight to these storm systems and the rapidly melting ice caps, the rain coastal regions are receiving won’t end soon.”
    The image flicks to the news desk. “While many are adopting a doom and gloom attitude, some meteorologists are saying it’s not as bad as we’re being led to believe.”
    Another man comes on screen, younger, with wire-rimmed glasses. “Weather phenomena similar to what we’re experiencing are not as rare as many claim. There has been a significant rise in sea temperature, there’s no denying it. That rise in temperature is melting the ice and creating these highly turbulent, moisture filled storms. It’s a natural cycle and there’s no reason not to trust it won’t stabilize soon.”
    The news anchor frowns. “Not very reassuring, especially considering it seems the world’s oceans are acting in revolt against us. Panic is beginning to erupt in coastal cities as looting and riots become more common. As of now, most area beaches are closed and city officials are deciding whether or not they will evacuate Coronado Island. New reports say Hotel Coronado has six inches in its basements. Stay tuned and we’ll keep you informed of developments.” She folds her hands and tilts toward a different camera. “Next, we’ll take you live to Spain, the site of yesterday’s devastating tsunami and later, a report from San Francisco where emergency evacuations are also currently underway. But first, we’ll switch over to Courtney Phelps who is on site of the bizarre incident today at the San Diego Aquarium.”
    Snapping off the TV set, I lean forward and blow out a resigned breath. The situation outside is worse than I ever imagined. Lately, the weather resembled Seattle rather than sunny Southern California, but I had no clue other parts of the west coast are flooding. My problems are suddenly much smaller in comparison.
    At least until Mom walks through, silent as a ghost, with a vacant expression. Her normally healthy complexion is pale and gray.
    Later, on the phone with Charlotte, I voice my frustrations. “Her attitude irritates me, but it scares me, too.”
    “Scares you how?”
    “I always figured it was me she was protecting. I see the toll it takes on her, keeping whatever it is to herself, and I’m afraid for her health. What if something is wrong with her?”
    “We don’t realize how tough parents have it. Not only do they raise us, they have to protect us and figure out when we’re old enough to handle life’s surprises. Give your mom a break. She’s never let you down and she won’t this time either.”
    “You’re supposed to be on my side,” I grumble.
    “I am, and so is your mom. You’ll understand soon enough. Trust me.” She pauses then says, “I can’t wait until Saturday.”
    “Yeah, me too,” I sigh, grateful for the distraction. “Whenever you manage to drag me to the beach, I get a little closer and a little braver. If it weren’t for you I’d never have experienced how cool it felt to stand there with those waves pounding the