It was a warm, cool day as wispy clouds danced through the atmosphere. In Hawaii, the water was like crystal and flowed restlessly. It seemed the waves were calling to the high school students that were trapped in brick walls. Today was a special day for these students. A means to an end. It was the last day of finals and Kaylee Loudton was glued to her paper. She was a bright girl with dark short hair. Everyday, she longed for school to end so she could finally touch the crystal blue waters again. As she ticks off the last box an annoying buzzing noise could be heard. 

“ Times Up! Pass in your papers!”

“ Are you sure?” says the sweating guy next to Kaylee. “ I just need a little more time!”

The proctor with a sweet, but stern grin addresses him.

“ I’m sorry, but the test is over. It’s time to hand in your test to get your score.”

In sorry eyes he passes his paper and Kaylee leans into him.

“ I bet you did great Lucas.” Kaylee says with a big grin.

“ I hope so. Thank you for trying to raise my spirits”

As all the papers were passed back the proctor explains the scores will be posted later in the evening online. The bell then rings with its nostalgic tone and a sigh of relief could be heard cutting through the tense air. 

A burst of students of all ages flood out of the building into the glowing light of summer.

“Race you to the beach!” Kaylee said. She’s almost in a full sprint as she runs past her group of friends.

“Not if I get their first!” say Lucas and Kaiser with determination. They abandon their group to catch up to Kaylee.

Many hours pass as the waves push and pull together. Everyone was squealing and running joyfully through the crystal clear waters. It was a second home to them. In a couple of more hours the sun became drowsy and left a glittering sunset. It was time to get home. 

As the sun began to drift past its mountainous covering, Kaylee was making her way home across the smooth brick road. She was walking in a very wealthy part of town. As Kaylee walked along, her shadow graced the face of the houses and buildings lining the street. Not even her elongated shadow could touch the tops of these carefully peaked roofs. She turned and went a little ways until she came across a house that was just as tall as all the others, but was distinctly longer. She gazed at its peak and then looked downward to the door like examining the perfect gingerbread house. The door was a dark color of wood and framed to look like a pristine chocolate bar. With confidence in her she turned the faceted door knob and walked inside. A little pool of water can be seen trickling behind her from her wet towel.

Kaylee had made some headway, and was about to walk up the stairs when she was stopped by an unexpected voice.

“ Nice to see you home, Kaylee.” The voice was sweet, yet mysterious.

Kaylee was now making her way to the kitchen where the voice was emanating from. In the doorway, she could see her Aunt chopping up an assortment of vegetables. Her dirty, blonde hair was pulled back in a messy bun. It seemed like she just got home and didn’t bother to get out of her suit attire. 

“ Hey, you’re home early….” Kaylee said precautiously.

Mrs. Orchard was an average, but thin person. Her face was covered in makeup to hide her tired gray bags under her dimly lit amber eyes. She was happy, yet exhausted.

“ Yes, I thought I would leave the office early today so I could spend time making dinner and visiting with you. I’m excited to see what you scored.” A big, but precise grin can be seen on her face.

“How’s the business going?” Kaylee asked to change the subject. She felt nervous about her score and how it would determine her future. Also, deep inside Kaylee knew that Mrs. Orchard didn’t just come home to make dinner and enjoy her niece's company. Instead, this was the start of a series of conversations relating to Kaylee’s future.

In a moment of silence, Mrs. Orchard replied back in a stressed tone.

“ Everything is fine- it’s just a busy time in our realm of business.”

Mr and Mrs. Orchard have been very successful in their marriage and their business. They have worked tirelessly to assure their spot as a very well known law firm.  Despite their accumulation of wealth they chose to live a humble lifestyle. Every few months the law firm goes through a busy period where the Orchards are caught up at work and are never home. There was a time where Kaylee hadn't seen them in weeks until a Saturday barbecue at a neighbor’s house where they somehow manifested into existence.

The waves were starting to get rough while the wind blew palm trees from side to side. For a moment both Kaylee and Mrs. Orchard glanced back at the chaotic, yet peaceful scene.

“Well I won’t keep you long. How about you go get washed up and come help with dinner.” Mrs. Orchard said in a generous and insistent tone.

With permission to leave, Kaylee took her chance to get away from the action and calm her nerves. Later, with a relaxed mind Kaylee went back to the kitchen to help her aunt.

It was almost 6:30 when dinner was ready. Though they didn’t start eating until Mr. Orchard had arrived home about half an hour later.  Dinner was going well. The dark wood kitchen was filled with scents of all kinds. You could smell fruit and sweet cream with savory notes of a pristinely baked chicken. All was good. The air was thin and light as the vanilla pudding sitting on the table. However, this fantasy didn't last long when Mr. Orchard started to talk.

“ Fine evening.” he started cautiously.

“ Yes, indeed.” Mrs. Orchard followed.

“ There is something we must address Kaylee in accordance with your future.” Mr. Orchard glanced at Kaylee and continued on casually eating his dinner.

“You are very dear to us and we were hoping that….”

Mrs. Orchard could hardly hold back her excitement.

“We would like you to join the business with us!” She exclaims as she bear hugs Kaylee.

“We got your test back and you scored very proficiently! This means you can become a lawyer!”

She continues to squeeze Kaylee for a few moments. Once Mrs. Orchard let go, Kaylee’s face became motionless. It’s like her face was stone and the birds outside were moaning for her.

For years, Kaylee had one dream ever since she was a little girl. She wanted to be a Marine Biologist. This dream started ever since her first time going to the Crystal Shores Aquarium & Research Center. All the marine life seemed to fascinate her. She wanted to be with the sea creatures and live with them like the little mermaid on her blue shirt. She loved that blue shirt as a child. It symbolized something. It symbolized the dream she aimed to achieve and live for the rest of her life.

When hearing their offer and excitement her heart sank like an anchor into the deep, restless sea. At first Kaylee was honored for their insistence on becoming a lawyer and joining their law firm. It reminded her of the time when they were gracious enough to let her into their home all those years ago. On other hand, Kaylee’s dream was calling out to her like whale calls in the night.

After dinner Kaylee couldn’t sleep. Her mind was rushed by the waves of expectation to become a lawyer and how it was gulping up her marine biologist dream. On and on it continued until one day she talked to her grandmother. 

Grandma Betsy was a sassy and outgoing woman. Even in her old age no one could stop her child-like spirit.

It was a cool day. One, that Grandma Betsy and Kaylee were enjoying together out on the porch. At least Betsy was.

“What troubles you Ocean Eyes ?” said Grandma Betsy in a happy, but concerned tone. “You look like the tide pulled you into a whirlpool you can’t escape. An Aunt and Uncle whirlpool I presume.” Her tone changed with a hard sigh into mild annoyance.

“Yes, they want me to go to college and become a lawyer at their law firm.” Kaylee said while looking down at the floor.

“As much as I love your Aunt and Uncle and believe that they want the best for you, they have a great tendency to put their own dreams on others. Especially on family.” There was a pause and Grandma Betsy seemed to smile and let out a little laugh.

  “ Even if they try to force their dreams on you there is still the choice to deny them. I did and I would. My parents wanted me to be a surgeon no matter how much I pleaded for them to hear me out on what I wanted. After my second year of college I secretly dropped out to become a fashion designer and then a cosmetologist. My parents eventually forgave me after I was making a good amount of money.”

Kaylee looked at her in a dazed face. Though, she was slowly catching on to her grandmother’s infinite wisdom.

“The point is to do what you love and don’t let anyone get in the way of that.” 

There was silence for a moment and then a change of subject to something happier to carry on the day. As the day grew darker Kaylee’s mind began to illuminate an unforeseen plan.

Though the dim, college light at the end of the tunnel was getting closer. The following weeks and months were a blur of applications, phone calls and late nights.  In the end, Kaylee’s work was fruitful. A royal purple letter as shining as can be conveyed a message of acceptance to a pristine law school in Pennsylvania. 

The morning of change was on its way. The palm trees swayed across the infinite silky sky as Kaylee glanced out a car window. Mr. and Mrs. Orchard offered to drive to her destination with great pride. Roads seemed to only stop them for an instant as they turned away from her destination. She glanced in front to find the aquarium instead of the airport right in front of her.

“We always knew you loved the aquarium.” Mrs. Orchard related to Kaylee and then continued.

“We thought we would take you one last time before your long trip.”

This filled Kaylee with happiness and dread. As they walked through, memories rushed over her about all the fun times she had there. She could just see her little self putting her face against the glass as fish of many colors danced around their underwater city. Deeper in, she looked at the sea turtle exhibit. The exhibit brought her back to the times she volunteered and fed many of the marine life. The more she walked through the teal and purple walls of the aquarium and research center the more memories that seemed to become unveiled. As Mr. Orchard, Mrs. Orchard and Kaylee were leaving and there was one thing Kaylee wanted to do. Kaylee put herself against the glass of the underwater city and reflected.

“I’ve grown up so much and done so many things. Now what am I going to become?”

The waves have shifted to a high and tumultuous tide.

 Finally, Kaylee had arrived at the airport. It seemed like a split second just getting there. An even shorter time could not prepare her to board a flight to Pennsylvania where the most prestigious law school was located. With a half smile she said goodbye to her Aunt and Uncle Orchard and boarded the plane. Though this road may not be on track with her current desires, this was only a backwards step in the right direction.

  Sunset after sunrise the days passed. The waves were still high, restless and unchanging. Through hard work, sweat and tears a law degree was attained. Something else in secret was also achieved. With determination the winds blew in her favor to graduate early. After finishing law school, Kaylee stayed in the mainland United States to work on a degree in Marine Biology while her Aunt and Uncle believed she was still studying in law school. With her mission complete it was time for Kaylee to return home.

As Kaylee sat on the plane to Hawaii she was tired, but fulfilled with living what she and her family wanted for her. Kaylee, with time to spare, began to look back on her grandmother’s advice. It couldn’t have been more of what she needed. Even if she took a different approach than dropping out of college and facing the disappointment and disapproval of her guardians.

The moment Kaylee arrived out of the plane she was overtaken by people she missed. With glee, Mr. and Ms. Orchard poured over Kaylee’s certificate while Grandma Betsy gave her a hug and a wink. Nothing got passed Betsy.

Not too long later she was set to work at Orchard Law Firm. She quickly became a favorite unbeknownst to obvious bias. Kaylee soared swiftly like a seagull through the windy air preparing arguments and rebuttals for clients. When it came to the courtroom she was a menacing shark that could precisely tear apart another lawyer's argument. Eventually, she took on more clients abroad. Kaylee was like the sea who brought in tides of change for those she met.

All seemed to go well and Kaylee was enjoying her achievements. However, deep inside she was unsatisfied and being pulled back to her childish dream.

One day, as it seemed to go for every normal day, Kaylee was faced with something unexpected. For one thing her Aunt and Uncle personally brought her folder for a new case. The second thing is their words before they left her alone in her professional, yet slightly sea themed office.

“Please don’t get your emotions involved in this case-you’ll be better for it.” Mr. Orchard said with a steady and concise tone. 

Mrs. Orchard instead of speaking looked concerningly at Kaylee. The lines in her face showed great strain. This wasn't a good sign. 

With interest, Kaylee opened her file with the name: Crystal Shores Aquarium & Research Center Case. With haste she continued on. There was a little description at the top in bolded letters that outlined the case. 

It read as follows:

Sponsor Machantosh Industries is suing $100,000,000 and possession of Crystal Shores for unrightful use of sponsorship money. Crystal Shores is also being charged with tax evasion and other illegal activities specified in the disclosing statements issued in this case.

This was more than personal. It was completely outrageous to her that someone would want to take down her precious aquarium.  Kaylee looked back at the description and read the sponsor’s name. Machantosh Industries. A mystery that everyone knows. Machantoshs intentions are like a sly snake hiding behind a rock of “humble” deeds. This company has been around so long that everyone knows not to trust them. However, in a desperate way to find money and expand their research Crystal Shores took their chances. So they partnered and became sponsored by Machantosh a short time after Kaylee left for law school. 

Now they were in trouble. Crystal Shores had entrusted the one they believed best to help save them from peril. Kaylee became increasingly frustrated with the more she read into the case. There were many times she wanted to chalk up the case and the aquarium's misfortune to Machantosh industries. Though, like her Uncle and Aunt expressed, she needed to keep this unbiased and professional.

With that in mind she filled herself with determination and got to work. Much of the evidence pointing to Crystal Shores misdoings was expansive as the world's largest oceans. Everywhere she turned for a lead it always led back to Crystal Shores in the wrong. It was a successful, but disappointing boomerang that she wished would not come back to her. Yet, she persisted. 

Day in and day out she would search for some form of evidence that could save Crystal Shores from their peril. After finding no leads of evidence she decided that she might have to look somewhere else. While Kaylee was on her hunt she came across two people that could help. Lucas and Kaiser. Former employees and good friends of hers from high school. Both Lucas and Kaiser got jobs at the company no soon after Kaylee went off to law school. They were recently let go from their jobs for no reason at all and decided to help their old friend Kaylee. 

The information they had was short. Sometimes, Lucas and Kaiser would hear of people illegally stealing money from the company, but nothing more. With only rumors the lead seemed lost until they both brought out interesting evidence. Lucas, had documents that he took with him after he was fired. The documents contained plans to demolish the aquarium and the selling of a group of 1,000 fish to an unknown buyer. Kaiser, before being let go had old security recordings on paper outlining a conversation between Machantosh and a similar unknown buyer.

Kaylee, with permission from her two friends, left them to their own lives and decided to investigate the conversation between Machantosh and the unknown buyer. The conversation was mostly a mess of sports, exaggerating the fabulousness of their expensive cars and the party they plan to have next weekend. As Kaylee read further into the casual conversation there was a switch from light heartedness to a more stern tone. The conversation went along the lines concerning Crystal Shores and making a deal for a swap of goods at a remote location on the following Thursday night.

Knowing the risk she would be taking, she made her way to the meetup location on Thursday night. With a camera and phone in hand she approached the location. The tropical forest began to surround Kaylee as she walked further and found a clearing with an abandoned dock. Walking closer, Kaylee could hear voices discussing in mouse like quietness. In order not to be discovered she dove low into the tropical plants and made her way to an aluminum rusted shack. 

Behind the shack she could hear the voices more clearly and started to record and take pictures. With evidence in hand she quickly fled the scene. This was quite a find. As she reviewed the conversation, she caught more detail of the plan between Machantosh and the unknown buyer. Machantosh wanted to frame Crystal Shores to get a lot of money and people off his trail. Once he got possession of the aquarium he would sell the fish and other marine life to the buyer in order to get the best price possible on the black market. Kaylee finally had what she needed to turn this case around.

With argument in hand Kaylee fought hard for Crystal Shores. Machantosh’s lawyer was good and brought twists that seemed to knot perfectly in place. Though, Kaylee pushed herself as hard as she could with the evidence she had. Her fierce determination and intimidation seemed to almost scare the opposing lawyer cold. Now that the arguing is over, the jury was taking their time at a snail's pace to reach a verdict. 

As the jury takes the burden of their decision to the front a conclusion is announced.

“Innocent!” The juror says with a clear and decisive voice.

The judge then pitches in their final words.

“Crystal Shores Aquarium & Research Center is declared innocent and charges now fall onto Machantosh Industries. An investigation will be held according to the desires of the police about the matter of illegally selling various marine life on the black market and framing Crystal Shores.”

A secret sigh of relief could be heard from Crystal Shores administrators and attendees. Kaylee herself felt that relief and began to slow down her racing mind. The waves are changing. The tide is receding.

In celebration of another victory in the court, the Orchards, Grandma Betsy and Kaylee decided to have a celebratory dinner. It was unnecessary, but felt like a breath of fresh air to Kaylee. It was a good night of laughs and happiness. Though, Kaylee’s heart still longed for the truth to be told. In a mess of courage she said,

“Aunt, Uncle and Grandma, thank you for this wonderful dinner- but there's something I have been meaning to discuss with you.”

With a listening ear they bowed closer to her conversation.

“For years I have been trying to show you how happy I was at the aquarium and how I aspired to work as a researcher there. Yet, I have followed the path that you have set out and I also gained a degree in my own interest. This doesn’t mean I hate being a lawyer, but I think I can try to live my dream while also living to the standards you want me to live up to.”

There was a moment of silence from both Mr. and Mrs. Orchard as she finished. They were both stone faced. Grandma Betsy had a shimmer of happiness in her eyes. She was proud.

Mrs. Orchard finally decided to say something in a surprised voice that turned into a proud tone.

“I’m a little surprised that you would follow our guidance, but also go behind our backs. Though, your words speak volumes of your determination and trying to please us. We would be a little disappointed about leaving our company, yet so proud of the person you become and choose to be.”

“You’re a true woman of business and character. I respect your thoughts. This reminds me of when I was young.” Mr. Orchard relates to everyone as he glances around the table to then make eye contact with Kaylee. The moment was tender like rain on a cool summer’s day.

“ You were such a pushover when you were younger. You were a thin twig that would sway to the ideas of others.” Grandma Betsy said in a discrete tone.

“ I was not!” Mr. Orchard replied in a hurt tone.

Time has passed with adjustments here and there. However, the Orchard family was prospering continually at an all time high. Kaylee, finally got to work in the occupation of her dreams. A dream she dearly wanted for many years. When she looks back at her family's company, it takes her back to her experiences and skills she learned that had given rise to her dream all along. Even if she thought she was straying away from it. 

Over the rest of her life, Kaylee became a successful Marine Biologist in Hawaii as well as a full owner of her Aunt’s and Uncle’s business.

 The waves and tides in her chapter have finally come to rest. Forever, the waves and tides remain ever changing with peace and prosperity.