Clifton Takes a Dive

Glad you could join us for the next aquatic episode of Elliot’s Adventures. If you’re new here, you can catch up by returning to the beginning, and reading really fast…

Vernon’s eyes flickered in recognition just before his arms broke through the water and he disappeared beneath the surface.

“Vernon!” Elliot called again.

Only bubbles answered.

“Ohmigosh! Ohmigosh!” Clifton buzzed in swelling panic. “We can’t let the Queen’s Liaison drown!”

“Can you swim?” Elliot asked.

“I don’t know — I’ve never tried.”

“Well, I know I can’t.”

Clifton wrung his hands for one second longer, then punched his fist into his hand with a conviction that made Elliot jump.

“I’ve gotta save him. Auntie Lil would never forgive me if I didn’t at least try.” His face hardened with determination. “If I don’t make it back, tell her I tried, okay?”

Startled, Elliot wanted to be positive. “You’ll make it, Clif. I’m sure you will.”

But as the brave bit of rotundity took off across the pool and belly-flopped onto the water, shivering the surface into nervous ripples, Elliot really wasn’t sure at all.

To be continued. . .

Previously, on Elliot’s Adventures ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Next time . . .

Author: Sue Ranscht

Having survived valve repair surgery and an experimental cardiac bypass at age 5, three years before it was an accepted medical procedure, Susan grew into the size of her overworked and enlarged heart. Maybe she thought she had enough to give it away -- twice. Both times, she had to retrieve the shattered pieces and puzzle them back together. She thanks her Dad for the only advice of his she ever followed to the letter: "Never get married. Learn to take care of yourself." So of course she is a writer. Susan has co-written a YA SciFi novel, and has three more novels in various stages of evolution. She's had several short stories published in other people's anthologies, some of which were contest-related. Let her tell you a story... View all posts by Sue Ranscht