The Acquired Taste(Annie Frame) The Acquired Taste

Dick-Dirk lived in a close-knit coastal town. Everyone had the same mind-set and followed each other like sheep. So-much-so, to go against the grain was unthinkable. Dirk learnt from an early age to keep all thoughts buried and his mouth shut. Beneath the charade bubbled an imagination with wings, desperate for freedom and flight. Yet still it remained silent, cruelly imprisoned. Quiet isolation lurked miserably in his gut as Dick-Dirk lived life according to here-say of others. Unfortunately, the crutch he lent heavily on lay at the bottom of the bottle. If there was one sure way of fitting in with small minds it was that way. So whenever he socialized he drank to bridge the gap that, over time had grown into a chasm. Strangely, narrow minds often sense the stranger hovering aimlessly, trying to understand, run with the flow, fit in with the crowd. When they do they never beat about the bush and direct anger at what they can’t understand.

The drinking group appeared like any other. Glug- Glug-Chortle- Chortle...... But like many others resentment simmered, biding time, counting yesterdays one by one. The sea wrapped around the small community and it was common knowledge that a huge great white shark hung about most of the time. Sensibly all took heed and never pushed their luck. Of course there was the odd joke about this one going in for dinner or that one, but it was all banter. Or so it seemed. The night was a long one and Dick-Dirk had diligently fought the urge to look at his watch, so when last order bell chimed he was a very happy man. The group of four walked home chatting about this and that. Nothing out of the ordinary came up, it was not expected. Dick-Dirk sighed deeply at the sight of the beautiful ocean and opened the menacing cavern of hatred. Spotty Dog sneered with face contorted, “You think that you are better than everyone else.” Dick-Dirk stared at the ugly man covered in spots, mostly due to lack of personal hygiene. His rancid breath came round the corner before he did, but best left unsaid. Cranky Craig was next to spit spite with, "Huh, who the hell do you think you are, Tom Cruise?” Dick Dirk looked from one to the other, unable to make sense of the hostility. Finally Big-Bobby-Burk, let out a big robust belch, which was nothing new.

Without warning the warring deepened to a whole new level and the three men proceeded to shove Dick-Dirk towards the short pier. They all knew why, laughing and joking when they reached the end. After a short pause they looked him in the eye, whispered sheepishly, “die” and pushed him into the dark water. Dick-Dirk had guessed what was going to happen and had tried to hang onto anything. And he had, it was Cranky-Craig’s jacket lapel. Although the fall was inevitable, taking the valuable pocket watch was not. With it still in his hand he held on to it, stupidly hoping that if he was not eaten alive he could salvage the friendship by returning goods to owner. Soon the huge shadow hung menacingly in the deathly still water. Dick-Dirk stared ahead hoping he was not on the menu. He’d always loved the ocean and all that went with it. Sharks were part of the picture, so he guessed that he loved them too. His mind wandered in the dark foreboding lair and felt something brush past him. Afraid to look he held his breath, closed his eyes and waited for the chunk to leave his leg. He waited and waited and the thought spoke with volume, “I love you too.” Unable to believe it, his eyes sprung open. Still he felt the massive bulk beneath him, and the process of thought. He remained still feeling that his luck could not last much longer. His mind told him to swim like hell, yet he did not want to. Then it told him that he was in safe hands, and just another brick in the wall. The circling continued as did the strange interaction with the man-eater.

Eventually he felt the water part as the huge beast rose up towards him. “There goes a leg or two.” He groaned inwardly and then heard the thought, 'It’s time the watch was returned.' He was effortlessly lifted up in the water and carried to shore. His feet felt sand as the sound of crude laughter filled salted air. His cold hand slowly released the old watch and the gentle wave promptly carried it carefully to waiting foe. The three men looked on awkwardly at the sight of Dick-Dirk dragging himself onto dry land. Nobody uttered a word, so Dirk spoke “Missed your watch yet?” Cranky-Craig yelped as loss hit home. Without thinking the three lame-brains waded into the ocean determined to claim what they wanted. They splashed about, but not for long. It was time for dinner and it was a 3-course!

By Annie Frame. Copyright March 2014

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