A Summer in Time

Friends of summer

The afternoon at Craigville beach grew short. Earlier Abby led all the guys in the area to play a game of beach volleyball.

Paul and David were on the same team. A ball was hit to Paul, where as he had to run backwards, tumbling him into the surf, coming up with the ball, revered by the other players on his team. With shouts of joy.

Laura was interesting. It was obvious she came from wealth. Strangely enough, from time to time, she looked like she was happy about everything, the next minute she appeared troubledFrom the other side of the lifeguard stand Laura appeared. One of the cottage clan. Immediately spotting David, her eyes fell right on him. With out wasting time, she put her hand out for him to recognize her presence.

“I am Laura!” I am staying with these girls at the cottage.”

“I am David”! He said.

Would you like to sit and talk to me? “”I am harmless!”

Paul smiled. He was overjoyed, somewhat taken back.

“What is so funny?  Did I miss something?” you questioned.

“Nothing! It’s nothing!” answered Paul

Laura was interesting. It was obvious she came from wealth. Strangely enough, from time to time, she looked like she was happy about everything, the next minute she appeared troubled.

A thin and fragile lady. with light skin, afraid of getting sunburned , Covering her self  as much as possible. Above all she carried herself with much dignity. a senior at Dartmouth. Laura brought a sophisticated atmosphere to the cottage.

The painted sky took on different shades of color. Visual displays in and out of the clouds.

All the while Paul staying just being beside you, contented.  Not   having   known some one   like you.  Memorizing your every movement. The shade of blue eyes that held his complete attention to your   face It appeared your body language, hardly gave any indication   describing any thing about you, presenting a mystery   for   Paul to find a clue.

Surely you were impressed with Paul. He was not like others. His hands looked strong. He sort of reached out to people, as if his life was an open book.

“ If there is to be a meal tonight girls, we better get to a store right away.” Laura spoke.

“Blair! Are you coming with me? “ She asked you  “Yes”. Running your hands through your dark brown hair.

Teri chimed in, “Would you guys do us a favor? Can you drive us into town?  With her hand on Paul ‘s arm, displaying her approval of him.  The friendship had been developed with the boys from Brooklyn!

She then approached David flirting, applying her charm. Giving him what appeared a hug.

With every one busy preparing to leave, a short walk off the beach to David’s car, Nantucket   Sound was there at there back.

David ‘s   car   was   crowded   Laura spoke. “ Where are you guys staying?”

“ We have a room at the Whalers Inn!”  Paul answered Laura.”    

Still focused entirely on Paul’s face. Perhaps looking for flaws, even hidden weaknesses, feeling a need to know more.

 “I have an Idea! “ Laura came up with. “Let’s stop at a cottage where I know the owner. I will check to see if there is a room available for you both. Better and cheaper that the Inn!”

 “What do you say Dave?” Paul leaned over toward David driving.

Soon returning from the cottage with a smile, “We got us a room Paul!” Finding the cottage close enough to your cottage, David and Laura led the way in. to make arrangements. Abby quietly talking things over with Teri.

“How did you get the name, Blair?”” asked Paul!

“I think my father wanted a son!” You answered.

Soon returning from the cottage with a smile, “We got us a room Paul!” Said David.

Getting back behind the wheel, he turned the Plymouth out of the driveway, heading up the street.

Hyannis was just up ahead. Having a small town appearance, it seemed to have been well planned.  The high of New England, retaining its identity, through out the avenues.

David pulled his car into a parking space at a super Market he first came upon.

All but Abby and Teri left to go shopping. Going through the isles, Paul drawing pictures in his mind, perhaps liking what he saw about you. Wanting to reach out to you. Noting how you carried yourself. Even your way, slowly walking.

Unaware Paul had his eyes fixed on you. A look of enjoyment came over you.   

 Joining in with the girls, having a partner at your side, the way it should be. .

With a short wait at the check out, then returning to David’s car.

Actually it was still too hot to make any conversation. Leaving the beach exhausted, the windows were open. The hot air did not help matters any.

Within minutes a return to your cottage took place. David pulled into the driveway. He did not get out of the car. Paul helped with the groceries. He surmised David was anxious to check out of the Motel, and move over to the room Laura helped find for them.

Paul, acting shy, as he placed downs the groceries inside the kitchen in the cottage.

“Would you thank David for driving us to the store, Paul!”

“ I hope we can see you all later!” Paul said. Running back out to the car.

Surprised at all this. Standing in the doorway, watching Paul and David pull away.

After a very quiet dinner, helping with the dishes, drying the pots, putting the dishes away, boredom had set in for all. Returning   tired from a day at the beach.

Walking out onto the porch, leaning against the post, by the front steps. It had to be a very peaceful setting. Unusually pleased. Soft music seeped out from inside. Alone and then again not alone!  .

Suddenly automobile headlights illuminated the driveway. A car pulled up, breaking the silenceStaring out into the night, some one knowing you better would have noticed a remarkable uplifting of your appearance. As if you were expecting, heaven only knows. 

Suddenly automobile headlights illuminated the driveway. A car pulled up, breaking the silence. The sound of the car’s door opening. From the shadows a call went out!

“Anyone home”” A pause! Then “: Look what we have!” It was Paul and David!

Teri ran to let them in. She passed you by, grabbed the brown paper bags from Paul.

“Look what these guys brought!” She called out. Assured that Abby and Laura heard.

“We stopped at a liquor store,” David explained. “Let’s have a party right now!”

“This is our way of thanking you for helping us find a room.”

No sooner said than done! Everyone scrambled to get things out. The ice bucket filled with ice, Bags of chips split open. The radio turned up a bit. A party was in progress. A transformation, from boredom to a fun place to be.

“ Just the thing for a night like this!” Teri spoke out. 

Abby began mixing drinks for all. She appointed herself as the hostess.

“Drinks on the house!” Calling out happily.

 “Blair! This is for you!” Handing a drink to you, sitting on the couch.

" Thank you. “ Releasing a big smile, directing your attention to his face.

The Gin and Tonic, helped relax, and did away with those unwanted feelings you experienced earlier in the day.

 In the midst of the party, coming down the stairs, your sister Sheila had heard all

The noise, wanting to know what is going on!

 She made her way over to Paul because he was the tallest stranger in the room.

“Paul! This is my sister Sheila!” you said.

 "Hello Paul how do you like it here” Asking in a voice filled with acceptance.

“Nice to meet you, extending his hand. “This is just a great place! Gladly answering.

Noticing how Paul’s eyes were focused on Sheila as if he was doing a study on her.

She was noticeable, attractive, nicely built. Her appearance displayed confidence,.

Paul’s expression indicated approval right away.  Feeling rich that he was in such great company. 

Sheila strolled over to David.“ I did not get your name.”

“David!” He said. Standing directly in front of him. “I am with Paul.” 

It was then that Paul sensed that David kept his distance from you. For what ever reason, or not having any reason at all. But he was not entirely sold on you. Wondering when he would be able to find out how he felt about you

Paul had to wonder why Sheila did not come to the beach today.

“Is your sister feeling alright?  He asked.

“She was working on a resume. She is going to Boston to look for work.” You said.

“Well! David! you have a car, do you”” She asked.

“Yes! He answered, eyeing her up and down.

"How would you like to drive us to the beach right now, as soon as we change. Boldly spoken.

“Well David, you have a car, do you”” She asked.

“Yes! He answered, eyeing her up and down.

“How would you like to drive us to the beach right now, as soon as we change.  You can be my escort!” A take-charge person. “It is to hot and uncomfortable here, and it will be fun.” Sheila ordered.

“Blair!” would you like to go?” Paul came over to ask. “ I will go, but I won’t go into the water.”  You said.

Paul looked over to David, as if to say, “Let’s do  it!”  Why not? He ran out to the car to retrieve their bathing suits, which they changed into.  Everyone else raced upstairs also to   change.

The humidity was pretty   bad by then, the sound of draws opening and shutting filled the living room. The bumping sound on the carpeted staircase as everyone rushed to

Get down and out the door, filling David’s car, once again, The engine waiting to get in gear, The headlights showing the way to Craigville beach. The car left quickly out of the driveway on to the roadway enclosed in darkness.

Coming soon: Chapter Four
This chapter offers the sounds of young people contributing, having fun, experiencing each other's friendship, having a happy time together on Cape Cod.

A Summer in Time: Table of Contents