I continued on-screen. “Number twenty-six was me. I didn’t understand why he’d left her behind with all the other things. He thought he had to. And I understand that now. I thought we’d lost each other. But sometimes lost things can be found.”
And then, unexpectedly, the film cut to my dad. He was standing by the ocean, his hands in his pockets, like he hadn’t realized Theo was sneaking up on him.
I looked questioningly at Theo. “You added something?”
He shrugged, a mischievous smile pulling at his lips. “It was missing something.”
“Nico,” On-Camera Theo called. “You’ve been looking for the lost city your entire life. In a recent article, you were quoted as saying, ‘Atlantis means different things to different people. Island or not, it’s a symbol of the things we care about most.’ So tell me this, Nico. What is your Atlantis?”
He turned and smiled, his arms outstretched so you could see the tattoo on his inner arm. “It’s Olive. She’s my Atlantis.”
I couldn’t see the screen anymore; my eyes were too blurry. My dad’s hand was in mine. I hadn’t even noticed him reach over.
And then there was the film’s final line, the one I’d chosen. It was me looking out like I could see the audience, like I could see my dad.
We found it, Dad. We finally found Atlantis.
Chapter Twenty-Six
#26. ME
WHEN THE SCREEN WENT DARK, my dad gathered me into a tight, crushing hug, the armrest stabbing into me, and we stayed that way for a while, both of us making the other’s shoulder soggy. “Wow,” he said.
“Was that true?” I asked. “What you said up there?”
“It was always true.” He pulled back, dabbing at his eyes. “Well, we’ve found Atlantis. Now what will we do?”
I laughed too, wiping at all the tears and makeup melting off my face. “Now I think you should greet your fans. This is your moment.” I pointed at the back of the theater. Caterers were already setting up the elaborate buffet, overseen by an extremely bossy Bapou, looking extra dapper in a three-piece suit, and Geoffrey, who had a certain ballerina clinging to his arm. The theater’s speakers crackled, and colorful lights lit up the garden as big band music began playing. Perfect timing.
“Wow,” he said again.
His eyes shone, and as I watched him take it all in, emotions poured through me, all mixed and sloshing. I was glad for this moment, but I also felt completely overwhelmed. The crowd’s energy was palpable. They were ready to pounce, offer their congratulations and love. And I was grateful for it, but I was already overflowing. One more drop and I would topple over. I needed air. Or water. Something.
There was also one more thing on my agenda for tonight. An important thing. Before I could lose my courage, I grabbed Theo’s sleeve. “Can we go somewhere? You and me?”
His eyes moved to mine, and I winced at their surprise. “Where?”
I gestured toward the theater’s exit. “Outside?” He hesitated, glancing back at the crowd.
People were already making their way toward us. Ten more seconds and they’d hook their claws into us and we’d never be able to get away. I caught sight of his camera bag and had a brilliant idea. “I want to do one last interview.”
“Okay,” he said, his voice rising in interest.
I knew he wouldn’t turn down the possibility of an interview. Relief flooded me and I exhaled, knotting my fingers into the skirt of my dress. “Come on.”
We darted out the side entrance, bursting out of all the light and chaos and into the cool stillness of Kamari at night.
I thought I’d know exactly what to say the second I left all the chaos behind, but I didn’t. I had no idea. Instead it got all quiet and awkward, and Theo looked at me expectantly. “Where do you want to do the interview?”
“How about down by the water?” I said. And then I took off down the dark street, not looking back, because if he didn’t come with me, I didn’t know what I’d do.
Luckily, he followed.
It was a long, quiet walk, and I was way too nervous to try to make conversation. Kamari didn’t have much by way of street lighting, and by the time we reached the beach, the dark sky blended seamlessly with the deep purple ocean, the stars pinning the sky into place. The seaside restaurants were going strong, but everything past the boardwalk was dark and quiet. My hands were shaking.
“Keep going?” Theo asked, eyeing my outfit.
“Yes.” I pulled off my sandals, then wound the edge of my dress around my hand and stepped out onto the cool sand. I needed the ocean for this.
As we made our way to the water, I looked up at the stars. Each one was tiny, but urgent in its own job. Tonight mattered. I knew it did. It was very possible that I was going to regret what I was about to do, but I also knew I would definitely regret not doing it. I couldn’t bear to carry the words home with me. I had to take the chance.
When I finally reached the edge of the tide, I tossed my sandals aside, then turned to face him. Theo had taken off his shoes too, and his pant legs were rolled up. As usual, the moonlight was doing him all kinds of favors. If I looked at him for too long, I was going to lose my nerve. Instead, I stared down at the water bubbling around my bare feet, reminding myself to breathe.
“Are you sure you want to film here?” Theo unzipped his camera bag. “It’s pretty dark.”
My hands were shaking, but I nodded. “I think it will be perfect. Ready whenever you are.”
“Okay.” He knelt down and pulled out his camera, turning it on before setting it atop his shoulder.
Am I really about to do this? Can I really ask for one measly night?
But I only had tonight. After this, I’d go back to the hotel with my mom, and the day after that I’d leave, and whatever chance I had with Theo would be gone. Which meant now. I had to act now.
“Three… two… one,” Theo said, and then the time for decisions was over.
A cold wave hit my calves, and I took a deep breath of the salty air. I hadn’t planned to do this on camera, and now I felt all kinds of pressure to improv. I needed to start talking. I’d start with… olives. Why not?
I cleared my throat, my heart hammering, as I stared into the camera lens. “There’s a story of how olive trees came to Greece. It’s part of a legend. When the city of Athens was first formed, there was a contest between the gods. Whoever gave the people the best gift would have the honor of being the city’s protector. Poseidon went first. He hit a rock with his trident, and water rushed out. If they chose him, they’d have the power of the sea.”
I’d sunk ankle-deep into the sand, water lapping at my legs, but I was too nervous to move. Theo shifted from one foot to the other. I could feel the question in his posture. Why are we here doing this?
Because I had to. Stick with me, Theo.
“Athena, the goddess of wisdom, went next. She hit a rock with her spear, and an olive tree appeared. It was a symbol of peace and wealth. The citizens chose her gift, and named Athens after her. Legend says that all of the olive trees in Greece are descendants of that first tree.”
“Interesting fact,” Theo said from behind his camera.