"Christopher Pike - The Immortal" - читать интересную книгу автора (Pike Christopher)

"Not at all." I swung my leg off the bike, feeling cool.

Helen nodded to the pump. "One full tank will last us three days. I told you, this is the way to get around.
Just don't crack your skull on the pavement and we'll have a blast."

We gassed up and were soon on our way to Paradise Beach. Helen had decided on that one. The road
continued to rise for half a mile. Soon we were treated to a glorious view of the western side of the
island. Then the city was behind us and we were in the back country--if it could be called that. The
silhouettes of windmills on the hills were a reminder of days gone by. There was so much gray rock, its
domain broken only by the many white chapels, raised on outcrop-pings so forbidding I wouldn't have
wanted to approach them on a windy day. I counted eight churches in the space of a mile. I had read a
bit about them in

18
THE IMMORTAL,

Helen's travel book. Apparently prosperous sailors long ago were fond of erecting them before going on
a dangerous sea voyage. The hope was to gain divine protection.

The road was bumpy and hilly, but I could have been a Hell's Angel in a past life. My mastery of the
shifting gears came with a few minutes of experimentation. I do believe it was a look of shock on Helen's
face when I came roaring by her at thirty-five miles an hour. The warm air and the brilliant sunlight were a
delight on my face and bare arms. The blue coast of the other side of the island came into view. My
laughter must have rung in Helen's ear as I passed her. Suddenly I realized I was on vacation and having
the time of my life.

A few miles later a splintered wooden sign pointed the way to Paradise, to the right, off the main road.
By this time Helen had drawn abreast, warning me not to get too cocky. Together we turned onto the
gravel road that led down to the beach. I wore sunglasses, as did Helen, but the rays of the sun sparkled
on the water like igniting jewels, and occasionally I had to shield my eyes. It was an odd thought to have,
but it was hard to believe it was the same sun in the sky that had shone on me all my life in L.A. I
remembered that in Greek mythology Apollo was associated with the sun.

We parked and locked our bikes and sauntered down to the beach. Near the sea the mass of gray rock
turned to golden sand before being covered by crystal blue waters. There were no waves--who needed
19
CHRISTOPHER PIKE

THE IMMORTAL

them? The sea was various shades of cerulean, changing color with the depth. The sand was lighter in
color than the California brand, but grainier. There were beautiful people everywhere, and only half of
them had bathing suits on. I liked to look--who doesn't? And I had never before had so many young
men to stare at. I can honestly say, without a shred of shame, that I didn't miss Ralphy Boy one bit right
then.

"We should have grown up here," Helen said.

"We should move here," I replied. "Who needs college."