A Summer in Time

Chapter V: "Bells or Banjos"

A SUMMER IN TIME by Norman H. Goroshnik
CHAPTER V: "BELLS OR BANJOS"

The sun filtered in through the blinds in Paul's room. No wall or corner was ignored enhancing the beauty of guest room, which certainly was filled with history past.

David turned around in his bed facing Paul. He was about ready to get up.  Everything was still fresh in Paul's mind that Tuesday morning, in August. 

"Is every thing all right with you?" asked David.   "Paul!  Did you have a good time?"

"Dave, it was great!  I love this place."  Paul smiled, meaning it all.

Both David and Paul showered, getting into shorts and T-shirts.  They tried to be quiet as they went down the stairs, sun hitting them in the eyes as they went out the front door.  The wooden porch was a masterpiece in carpentry. 

Heading into Hyannis on a busy weekday, David found a family restaurant to have breakfast.  Everything smelled fresh and  inviting, especially the freshly brewed coffee.

Paul refrained from mentioning you to David who for the most part, was not a conversationalist.  He was short on criticizing anyone also. 

So Paul was safe. The plan was to go directly to the beach. Everything they needed was already in David's Plymouth. There were no plans for you to meet with Paul on the beach.  The surprise was, you were already there thanks to the girls getting you to go.                                    

Along came Paul and David making their way over to the lifeguard stand.

"Good morning, Blair," Paul greeted you with what sounded like a formal introduction.

"Good morning, Paul,"  you responded, smiling at him, perhaps the best smile you were able to afford at that moment.   Your  expression indicated you were trying to draw some opinion of   Paul.  Hoping to see him as he really is.  To see if you did like him at all.      

By this time, Paul and David were accepted as members of the circle of friends. "Sheila left early to go to Boston to interview for a job," you mentioned to Paul. 

It was turning out to be a lazy kind of day.  There was hardly any small talk or any exercise being displayed.  Everyone seemed to be enjoying stretching out on the sand despite all the beach had to offer their young bodies.  Instead, the Worked at retaining a suntan that would carry them through the coming fall and winter months.

The girls walked down to the surf from time to time to splash water on themselves in an effort to keep cool.  Friends stopped by to say hello to Teri, Abby and Laura who they knew. 

It was becoming apparent that Paul's presence made you somewhat  self  conscience.  You noticed he was careful to speak, careful not to draw any attention to himself.  This newly found relationship was in its infancy. 

It is perfectly natural to meet some one like Paul. There were no "bells or banjos", nothing strange.  Nothing unusual happened up to then.  In general, it appeared as if both you and Paul found each other.  Why would this relationship not grow?  There had to be some kind of chemistry in the making!

"Blair, do you feel like taking a walk?" Paul asked, purposely studying your expression.  Anything that could confirm what he liked about you.

"Do you feel like talking?" he asked after a while.  "What do you want to talk about?" giving Paul a sort of  childish reply.  "Tell me what you do.  What you like.   What you are interested in," said Paul, trying hard to draw details out of you.  He gambled on getting you to open up to him. 

"I wanted to be a professional ice skater. My father was against me becoming a figure skater. He did not approve of the lifestyle a skater has to lead."  "Did he expect you to get married, have some kids and settle down?"  "Something like that," you quietly answered Paul.

It was easy for you to talk to Paul. He sort of made you immediately feel like you could be yourself.

"Did you have to stand up to your father? " Paul asked, staring down at the sand.  "Not really, I wanted to leave home and go off and follow my dream to be an ice skater."  "I took it very badly. My father was always controlling."  "Were you a good skater?" Paul asked.

"I guess I was," you answered with a shy expression on your face.  "I trained every day.  I   practiced as early as seven o'clock every morning then would go to school.  In the winter there was a good frozen pond near my house. I loved it there."  "That's how it goes!  I had to give it up. I registered in college and took up retail merchandising in hopes of getting a job as a buyer with Filene's Department Stores."

"Tell me about you, Paul."  Turning to look directly at him, surprised to see Paul, comical in a way, and yet very serious.  Probably would have made a great clown!!

 "I like people, I'm a people person!  I enjoy being helpful!  For so many years people helped me.  I was in no position to return the favors. But more and more now, I get great satisfaction doing for people."

"I have to ask you something," said Paul.  "I know this is personal, but I get the feeling that something is bothering you."

"Now you are out of line, you're being ridiculous, you exclaimed, a little mad by now.  "There is nothing bothering me," you said, climbing all over Paul.

"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to annoy you.  I just can't understand why you do not laugh.  You look unhappy all the time!"  He tried not to raise his voice. But he did.

"Why did you ask me such a question? We hardy know each other!  Just a few minutes ago you made me feel like I was able to talk to you," you answered, defending your privacy.

"You can't keep things inside all the time. It eats away at your insides. I know, I am the same way.  I have to find a stranger to talk to.  They do not know what I am talking about half the time, but at least I don't keep it pent up inside!"

"Blair, I am so sorry I upset you!" he apologized quickly.  Feeling like a heel he stopped walking, stunned.  He realized he came on too strong.  Paul was anxious to find a solution for you but it did not work.

Silence took over.  It was time for both of you to go to your corner and wait for the bell!  But it was not as awful as it appeared.  People always attack the people they love!  Paul could not do or say anything more.  Nor could he smooth the situation over.  He didn't want to think what else could happen.

"Paul, this is hard for me to say.  I am sorry I yelled at you.  Would you please forgive me? I did not mean to yell at you. Are you mad at me?"  Paul reacted by turning and reaching out to you to give you a hug. Like hugging a child that was upset.  Letting him hold you then, seriously moved at that moment.  Exhibiting hurt feelings, drawing closer to you.  He was much too sensitive about it all. 

There had to be a reason you were so supportive of each other. Quickly resolving an irritating incident that could easily happen to anyone.  Amazing how sometimes something small can turn into something large!    

 "Come with me, lets go over to the shack and get a cup of coffee or something,"  Paul insisted attempting to take charge of the situation.   The snack shop was converted from an old fishing supply store.  An old picture window looked out over the beach.  Bathers came in and out all day, taking a break from the beach.  The people behind the counters kept up with everyone's orders.  Paul ordered coffee and picked out two sweet rolls when it was his turn.

"You did not ask me what I wanted!"  You had to bring that up to him.  "I picked out the best they had on hand," he replied.  He led you over to the jukebox. A record was playing. It was called "Ebb Tide".  The recording captured the sounds of the sea, waves washing up onto the beach, sea gulls.  A theme played strictly for Craigville Beach.  The shack was very damp and a bit stuffy.  It did not matter though.

An oboe played its main theme. The orchestra took up the harmony. The string section enhanced the body of the piece. Repeating the theme. Building the music up to its peak. Leaving the oboe to once again repeat the theme.  Ending with the replay of the sound of the waves, fading away.

The music helped calm the storm before it really began.  Paul hated to talk just then.  He must of thought about his peace offering.  "How was the coffee?" he asked.  "It was fine, thank you," you replied.

Paul led the way out, taking your hand to help you down the weathered wooden timbers substituting for steps and headed back toward the lifeguard stand.  Not a word was exchanged.  Just being with you, was comforting enough for him.   You still did not trust him enough yet.  That was going to take some doing on your part.  As for Paul, he would have forgiven you for anything then. 

Everyone was preparing to leave with the usual hustle and burst of energy.  All Paul had was his old Army bag, the one he kept after getting out of the Army at the end of WWII.  He traveled with that bag to ports in Europe. 

"Where were you in the service?" you asked, noticing the bag in Paul's hand.  "I was stationed on Victory ships,  (converted freighters) Army troop transports.  We took home the German Prisoners of War that were kept in the states and brought back the service men from Europe to be discharged.  I made four trips to Europe."

Walking onto the beach again, Paul said he was an Army clerk aboard ship.  People passed Paul, but he didn't seem to notice or care.

Teri came running over.  "Abby wants all of us to go to Provincetown tomorrow!  David will you drive us?"  "Why not," came David's reply, "Just show me the way!"

Paul asked, "Blair, will you come with us?"   "I don't want to stay here  if all of you are going," you answered.  "Great!" said Paul, very much relieved.

In short order, David  drove away from the beach, back to the cottage and pulled into the driveway.  Sheila was back from Boston, sitting on the porch waiting for everyone.

"Blair, I just want to say good night," Paul said, after separating you from the others.  "I will see you in the morning".

"Good night, Paul.  I am tired, I have to go in now," you replied.  He acted a little distant, completely mystified as to how things were going to work out.  Regardless, he had to be eagerly looking forward to going with you to Provincetown.

Coming Soon--CHAPTER VI!                                                                                                                                        
A trip to Provincetown on Wednesday!  Fun and then some!  Will Paul be able to make this new relationship work for Blair and himself?  Read the next chapter to find out more!!!

A Summer in Time: Table of Contents