A Summer in Time

Chapter VI: "If Ever I Would Leave You"

A SUMMER IN TIME by Norman H. Goroshnik
CHAPTER VI: "IF EVER I WOULD LEAVE YOU"  

The sun rose up quickly right out of Nantucket Sound.  It was Wednesday in Hyannisport.  It was an amazing sight watching the sun lift and climb up into the sky; finding its place and time, bringing light and warmth to aid all living things.

Paul and David arrived early at the cottage to pick up there passengers.  David knocked on the screen door and Teri came to answer it.  She was wearing her favorite Bermuda shorts and a black pull-over shirt.  She looked fresh as a daisy and her charm was truly something to behold. 

"Well, is everyone ready to leave?" David called out.  From the sound of voices within the cottage, the other girls were all up, taking that extra minute to get themselves together.  As for you, Blair, it would have been easier to turn over and go back to sleep. On the other hand, had you stayed, you would have been by yourself.  So, what the heck!  You got yourself ready to join the others.  Laura chose not to go.

The shower had helped get rid of the sleepy feeling. As you toweled yourself dry, you looked at your reflection in the mirror--tall and thin with good leg muscles developed by ice skating. 

Teri served Paul and David coffee, making sure they were awake for the drive to Provincetown.  Sheila wore white shorts, a little to tight for her, a blue striped blouse and carried a black sweater.  Abby followed along wearing a sweatshirt.

Paul was fidgety. He held his breath, hoping you didn't have a change of heart and decided not to go.  His eyes were focused on you coming down the stairs, in Bermuda shorts and a pink-sleeved shirt.

The air was unusually good. The humidity had not taken hold yet to make it uncomfortable.  The sea air filtered through the trees, green grass covering the lawns still moist with dew.  The sun played with the colors of the different types of cottages that lined the street.

Strangely enough, it was difficult to feel secure about his relationship with you. He tried to be positive. However, he had never met anyone like you. Paul was a likeable guy, so he was popular with the girls he dated.  But meeting you took him to a completely new level.  

Sheila climbed in the front passenger seat next to David. Teri sat next to her by the door. Abby sat next to Paul, who was in the middle, with you next to the window on the left.  As luck would have it, the Plymouth was kind of narrow all around. 

"How are you?" Paul's greeting was formal.  "I am fine," you replied, sounding as though you had been up all night.

"Are we stopping for something to eat?" asked Teri.  "Don't worry," said Paul, "David likes his food. You can bet on that!"  Paul was kidding and David, who was busy driving, responding only by nodding his head.

Paul liked the way you looked. He adjusted in his seat, putting you even closer to him. There wasn't a lot of traffic.  David got on to the highway, heading out for Provincetown.  Some ten miles out of Hyannis, he pulled up to a diner and parked. 

Everyone emptied out of the car and slowly made their way to the entrance.  The air-conditioned diner was comfortable.  The bus boys immediately set up two tables. 

"Blair, what are you going to have?" asked Paul as both of you studied the menu.  "I will have a toasted muffin and coffee," came your response.  Paul ordered the morning special of bacon and eggs.  He was hungry by then.

"Teri, why the overnight bag?"  asked Paul.  "I have a friend staying in Provincetown.  I can visit with her, she has a bungalow. I will be coming back for the weekend, if I can get a ride back." 

Everyone filed out of the diner after enjoying their breakfast.   Once everyone was in, David steered the car out to the road heading north.  

Sheila, Abby and Teri were in great spirits as the car drove past beautiful landscaping, houses, water channels, fishing boats and pleasure crafts in marinas. Driving through a virtual painting of everything Cape Cod was famous for. 

"Provincetown is just up ahead!" Teri called out.  It did not take long.  David took his foot off the gas pedal to slow the car down as he entered Commercial Street.  He turned on to a side residential street and parked. Everyone climbed out, finding their footing, gathering their handbags--walking felt good after riding in a crowded car.  Paul donned his sunglasses and led the way. 

Greenwich Village in New York was a favorite of Paul's and again, he found himself right where he wanted to be amongst the art treasures and fresh paintings of Cape Cod landscapes.  Paul led the group past shop windows filled with inviting things to own as many interesting people walked by.

Paul pointed out to you how the building on the west side of the street was built on wooden pilings, fighting to hold back the tides that rose right underneath them, almost touching the platforms the stores rested on.  You noticed how the water stains left their marks on the pilings.   The Atlantic Ocean on the town's doorstep.

Sheila and David walked up a side street that led out to a long pier that jutted out into Cape Cod Bay.  Teri called her friend to let her know she arrived. 

The afternoon went by swiftly and hunger set in.  Abby found a quaint place to grab something to eat. Steaming hot fried fish, French fried potatoes and pitchers of ice-cold beer.  After a great and hardy lunch, Paul strolled along with you taking in all the sights.  It seemed right being together.  It was like time lost, then found again.

Abby went off by herself in search of jewelry.  Sheila and David were inseparable.  They found you and announced, "We are planning to go to a beach at Race Point they call it.  We can go there to swim!"  And so it was agreed--a short drive to the beach for a swim. 

You and Sheila headed to a bathhouse to change.  Paul and David did the same.

A mild wind weaved through the tall grass in the sand dunes. Paul held your hand stepping down over colored stones, helping you down to the water's edge.  The sun was beginning to sink.  What was left of the light enhanced the sand dunes, sending shadows everywhere. The ocean stretched as far as the eye could see.

It took a while to get use to the cold water the waves brought in from the Atlantic.  You dove in after breaking away from Paul.  He waited to see your head surface.  It was Paul's turn and he hit the waves coming at him.  He joined you, following your strokes.  It was nice just being together, able to swim almost entirely by yourselves as if you were at the tip of the globe.  Paul did not go in for fooling around in the water.  He was funny, and serious.

"Paul, isn't this the greatest place?"  you asked.  "I think this is marvelous! Everything to New Yorkers is marvelous!" Paul replied.

The sun sank even lower in the west.  The shadows were gone by then and darkness set in.  The world seemed much larger at Race Point.  It was all sea and sky.

"Paul, we better leave now, but I hate to have to go," you said.  You joined Shelia to change back into your clothes.  Paul waited with David, it took less time for them to change.  The fact that the beach was there made it all too good.  

And so it was back to Commercial Street.  Once again, Sheila and David went off by themselves and Abby left instructions on how and where to catch up to each other in the event of separation. 

Taking advantage of the moment, Paul turned on to the street leading to a long pier.  Fishing boats were tied up on either side, loaded with all sorts of fishing gear and nets spread out to dry.  It was the end of fishing for the day.  Tomorrow, the fishermen would prepare to go out again.

A Coast Guard patrol boat was tied up to the pier and the young sailors cheered you as you walked by.  Abby was waiting as you and Paul returned from your walk along the pier.  "Hi, guys! We are going to Jacques' Restaurant to have dinner before we head home."  She had some great managerial skills.  

Walking past the Provincetown Playhouse, you were able to capture the feeling of young actors and actresses performing with great hopes to make it to Broadway one day.

After a real nice dinner in a restaurant filled with atmosphere, you walked back to David's Plymouth.  Silence was welcomed in the darkness of the car. A long day was enjoyed by all.  Resting against Paul's shoulder you were comfortable with his arm around you, sleepy after a glass of wine.  He tried not to move too much. He was able to study your face, while you were sleeping.  Looking for softness, and hoping to find it.

The headlights of oncoming cars flashed through the Plymouth's interior for miles.  Paul acted totally responsible holding you with all the strength and care he had. He had realized by then that you had some fears that ran deep.  His desire was to fill your heart with his love. Whatever disappointments he ever had, you were the "cure all" for him.  For Paul, that August night, had to be his finest hour!  He loved you more than you would ever know. You made him feel like a man!  The return trip was all Paul needed to quiet the insecure feelings he had about himself.   He did everything he could not disturb you. 

David reached Hyannis and drove toward Hyannisport. It was late when the cottage came into view.  Although tired, everybody felt good and was happy to arrive home safely.

"Paul, why did you let me sleep all this time?" you asked, lifting your face to see his reaction.  Paul did not reply.  He just shrugged his shoulders as if the question was irrelevant. 

"I had a wonderful time, Paul!"  You placed your lips on his.   "I must go in!"  "I will see you tomorrow, Blair," Paul said, watching you head for the screen door.

Coming Soon--Chapter VII!
Thursday was the day before the Labor Day Weekend.  Everyone was busy in preparation of enjoying the last fling of summer!  In life each day is a challenge. And so it was for Blair and Paul.  Read the next chapter to find out more!!! 

A Summer in Time: Table of Contents