2. Maya

Chapter two

Maya

A s the plane begins its descent into Miami International Airport, I press my forehead against the cool glass window, watching the Florida coastline unfold beneath me. The white sand beaches and shimmering waters evoke memories long buried.

I remember the endless days of my childhood in Key Largo, the sun-drenched afternoons spent exploring the ocean with Levi by my side. We met as kids, both part of the local junior lifeguard program. His mop of sun-bleached hair always fell into his eyes, and he'd grin as he grabbed my hand, eager to show me the wonders of our underwater world.

Together, we'd dive beneath the waves, discovering treasures hidden in the coral reefs—a conch shell, a sand dollar, even a baby octopus once. Levi taught me the secret language of dolphin whistles and sea turtle hatching seasons. We dreamed of a future where we'd never have to leave the Keys.

But as high school graduation approached, reality set in. I was accepted to a top marine biology program, while Levi stayed behind to run his family's charter boat business. We clung to each other the night before I left, tears mingling with the sea spray, as we vowed to make it work despite the distance.

Over the years, I buried myself in my studies and research projects overseas, pushing thoughts of Levi and the Keys to the back of my mind. But now, returning to Key Largo for this project with OceanLife, those memories resurface with a vengeance.

I'm excited for the opportunity to study the green sea turtles in the place I once called home, but the prospect of seeing Levi again after all this time feels overwhelming.

But as the plane touches down and I step onto familiar soil, I can't deny the tug of nostalgia. The Keys are a part of me, woven into the very fabric of my being. Key Largo is such a small town and it's inevitable I'll run into Levi. The thought sends a flutter through my chest, stirring up memories and emotions I thought I'd buried long ago.

Maybe this is a chance to finally make peace with the past.

***

The heat of the Florida sun hits me like a wave as I step out of the airport terminal. I scan the pickup area for the OceanLife driver, spotting a sign with the organization's logo held by a smiling man in a polo shirt.

"Maya, right?" he asks as I approach, offering a handshake. "I'm Jim. Ready for the ride to Key Largo?"

I return the handshake with a nod. "Yes, thank you, Jim. I'm looking forward to it."

As we settle into the car and Jim navigates the bustling Miami traffic, I take in the sights, the skyscrapers gradually giving way to palm trees and open highways.

"So, Maya, I hear you're here to work on the green sea turtle project," Jim says, glancing over at me. "Exciting stuff. We've been planning it for months."

I nod, a flicker of anticipation mingling with nerves. "Yes, it's a fantastic opportunity. I've always been passionate about marine conservation."

Jim nods in agreement. "Me too. That's actually how I ended up working at OceanLife. Started as a volunteer, then worked my way up."

"That's impressive," I reply, genuinely intrigued. "What's your role at the center?"

"I'm part of the research team," Jim explains. "Helping with data collection, organizing field trips, that sort of thing. It's rewarding work, getting to make a difference."

As Jim continues to talk about his experiences at OceanLife, my thoughts drift back to Levi, as they often do when I'm near the ocean. I remember the way he used to light up when he talked about marine life, his enthusiasm infectious.

"Is something on your mind?" Jim's voice interrupts my reverie, and I realize I've been quiet for too long.

I offer him a small smile. "Just reminiscing about old times. Key Largo has a way of bringing back memories."

Jim nods understandingly. "It's a special place, that's for sure. So, do you know anyone else working on the project?"

I shake my head. "Not yet. But I'm looking forward to meeting everyone and getting started."

"Speaking of which," Jim says as we turn onto the Overseas Highway, "we should be in Key Largo in about an hour or so, depending on traffic. Is there anything specific you'd like to do or see once we get there?"

"Thanks Jim, but I'm just anxious to get to the center."

As the miles stretch out ahead of us, I feel a mix of excitement and trepidation about what awaits in Key Largo. But for now, I'm content to enjoy the journey and the anticipation of what's to come.

***

The familiar sight of turquoise waters and swaying palm trees stirs a mix of emotions within me. The late afternoon sun casts a golden glow over the landscape, and I can't help but smile at the familiar scenery.

"Almost there," Jim says, his tone cheerful. "You must be excited to be back in the Keys."

"I am," I reply, gazing out at the shimmering water. "It's been years since I've been back, but it still feels like home."

Jim nods. "There's something special about this place. It has a way of staying with you."

As we drive through the heart of Key Largo, memories flood back—days spent snorkeling, evenings watching the sunsets with Levi, and I'll never forget our first kiss on the beach. It was pure magic, and I knew that day what it felt like to be in love. Our time together exploring the vibrant marine life is what drew me to marine biology in the first place.

"So, what are you most looking forward to about this project?" Jim asks, breaking the comfortable silence.

"Honestly, everything," I say with a laugh. "But especially the chance to work with the green sea turtles in their natural habitat. It's a dream come true."

Jim smiles. "You're going to love it here. The OceanLife team is fantastic, and everyone's passionate about the work."

We pull into the parking lot of the OceanLife center, a modest building with a welcoming facade. Jim grabs my bags, and we head inside, where a woman with a warm smile greets us.

"Maya, welcome to OceanLife," she says, extending her hand. "I'm Sarah Scott, the director here. We're thrilled to have you on board."

"Thank you, Sarah," I reply, shaking her hand. "I'm excited to be here."

Sarah introduces me to several staff members bustling about the center. Each one greets me with genuine enthusiasm, making me feel instantly welcomed. Finally, she leads me to a young woman with bright eyes and a friendly demeanor.

"Maya, this is Lori, your assistant for the project," Sarah says. "Lori, meet Maya."

"Hi, Maya," Lori says with a smile. "I've been looking forward to working with you."

"Likewise, Lori," I reply. "I'm sure we'll make a great team."

Sarah gives me a quick tour of the facilities, showing me the lab, the storage areas, and finally, the small office I'll be using during my stay. "Feel free to make yourself at home here," she says. "If you need anything, just let us know."

"Thank you, Sarah," I say, appreciating her warmth and hospitality.

By now, the sun is starting to dip toward the horizon, casting long shadows across the center. Jim reappears to escort me to the condo where I'll be staying for the next two months. The condo is cozy and well-appointed, with a stunning view of the water.

"Make sure you have everything you need," Jim says, setting my bags down. "If there's anything else, don't hesitate to call."

"I will, thanks, Jim," I reply, giving the condo a quick once-over. It has everything I could possibly need, from a fully equipped kitchen to a comfortable bedroom.

"Remember, we'll meet at the dock at 8:00 AM sharp tomorrow," Jim says. "The boat you're looking for is the Island Dreamer, slip number 17. It's within walking distance from here."

"See you tomorrow," Jim says with a smile before heading out.

As I unpack and settle into the condo, my thoughts drift back to Levi. The thought of possibly seeing him again stirs a mix of anticipation and apprehension. How much has he changed? Does he ever think about me?

I shake my head, trying to focus on the task at hand. But the memories are persistent, and I find myself replaying our last night together before I left for college—the promises we made, and the pain of our parting.

With a deep breath, I remind myself of the importance of this project. The green sea turtles need my full attention, and I can't afford to be distracted by the past. Yet, as I prepare for tomorrow, a nagging curiosity remains.

What will it be like to see Levi again, after all these years? And how will our paths intersect now, in the place where it all began?

I close my eyes, letting the sound of the waves soothe my restless mind. Tomorrow promises new beginnings, but the echoes of the past are never far behind.