A Summer in Time

Chapter X: "To Have and Have Not"

"I need a few people to help me get my sailboat over to the marina to store it for the winter," he explained. "It won't take long." Painting courtesy of Anne Sullivan

A SUMMER IN TIME by Norman H. Goroshnik
CHAPTER X: THE FALL SEASON: "TO HAVE AND HAVE NOT"

Interwoven among the homes, there had to be some houses that were built over 150 years ago.  These houses were kept up by craftsmen and preserved by their inhabitants.  These houses represented a lot of history and tradition. By some miracle, they survived the coastal weathers that often find there way to Cape Cod.

You sat up in bed, noticing it was eleven thirty. Here it was Saturday morning, you almost slept until noon.

With some effort, dreary-eyed and half asleep, you managed to make it to the refrigerator.   Cold air escaped as you opened the door and reached for the pitcher of orange juice.   It gave you a chill.  You felt around inside the kitchen cabinet for a clean glass then carried the juice  back up to your room.

Once you were dressed, it was back to the kitchen for coffee.

The cottage was still quiet, it appeared the others had every intention of sleeping late.  You should in the antique laden kitchen in a pair of navy blue toreador pants and a white pullover, the enjoyable smell of fresh coffee throughout the room. You leaned against the counter, coffee cup in hand, munching on a day-old doughnut, reminiscing about last night.  It had to be a wonderful time.

As for Paul, he sat up in his bed, running his hand through his hair, he realized he had his work was cut out for him.  He wanted a long distance relationship with you. He was not afraid of it.  Paul was trying to paint a picture in his mind of the possibility that some how, some way, he could have you for his own.  It all seemed so right!

He knew by then he was serious about you.  Paul was smart enough to know he was asking for more than he could of hoped for.  It had to be a matter of luck but he wanted you badly enough.  He was sure about his feelings.

By now David was dressed, and ready to leave. "I suppose we should go over to your girlfriend's cottage!", David said, being somewhat sarcastic.

Paul ignored his remark.  "I am ready, let's go."

"Take us to the beach!" she ordered

Sheila watched David pull into the driveway and came running.

"Take us to the beach!" she ordered.

Paul chuckled to himself. "Give us a few minutes," answered David.

From the passenger's seat, Paul glanced up toward the screen door.  He noticed you coming out.  He waved, watching your every step.  He had to wonder how and if you would consent to keeping in touch with him.

"Good morning, Blair.  How are you?" asked Paul.  "I am fine, and you?"   "The same," Paul answered, welcoming you into the car.

Everyone wanted to enjoy the beach today, the last fling on Craigville Beach.

A young man made his way out of the crowd approaching you and Paul as you sat together on your beach towel. The sun had tanned his young body.  He was a lot shorter than Paul, with blond hair.

"I need a few people to help me get my sailboat over to the marina to store it for the winter," he explained.  "It won't take long."

"I have my car over there now. I can take four people back.  My boat is sitting in the surf."

Paul jumped up in a flash. "Blair, come with me, what do you say?"

"Well, okay," you replied.  "I am coming also!" Abby called out.

Brian led the way to the surf, where the sailboat waited half in the water.  Abby  and Paul helped Brian maneuver the sailboat out into the waves.

One by one, the new crew jumped in to pushing the boat into the sound.  Once underway, the beach looked a long way off.  Brian said he had trouble with the centerboard.  It might be hard to steer, but so far it was working well.  Brian steadied the sailboat with skill and great confidence.  He knew what he was doing.

Paul was wondering then, about the blow-up over a friend of yours coming to see you this weekend.  But this was the wrong time to bring it up.  Instead, Paul put his arm around your shoulder, making sure you were comfortable and felt safe.  The weather was perfect for sailing.

You listened to the water separating underneath the boat.  Slicing through the waves.  The sun began to sink in the west.  It all was too beautiful. 

It was wonderful indeed to be out on Brian's boat with Paul as your escort.

Brian turned left heading into a cove up ahead.  The boat slowed down as it came out of the currents.  It seemed to find its own way into the marina, seeking a familiar pier nestled in between other sail and motorboats of all sizes.

Paul released his hold on you. Brian, with Paul's help, lowered the clean white sail. He also secured a line on to a large hook.  As soon as the boat was made steady, everyone was busy unloading the boat.  Paul got into the swing of things.

After Brian stored away his gear in his locker, he led the way to his car.  He headed out of the marina.  "The caretaker will put my boat in storage for me,"  Brian said.

"Blair, did you have a good time?" asked Paul.  "Yes I did, it was wonderful.  I am so glad we went along," you replied.

Brian drove right up to the cottage in Hyannisport.  By then everyone had returned from the beach.  A cheer went up for the homecoming sailors!

Once again the lawn was bustling with activity. The sun was setting.  It always seems you are in touch with the earth and the sky by the ocean.

Paul left with David.  It was time to go and get cleaned up for a dinner planned for the evening.  While at the beach, Carol the girl from the boy's cottage, met everyone.  She was invited to come and join them for dinner.  She sat on the second step of the staircase looking on.

It was after dinner that things changed considerable. Tension seemed to have come inside from perhaps the other side of the screen door.  Who knows!

Paul watched you leave to go to your room.   He felt somewhat shutout, not knowing if he should stay or leave.   He began to feel he would rather be some place else.

He caught Carol's eye and walked over to her.  "Carol, let's go for a walk, would you like to get out of here for a while?"  "That's a good idea, " came her answer.  Paul led the way out. He waited until Carol caught up to him.  The screen door banged behind him, hedid not realize how fast he was moving.

"Slow down, Paul!"

"I am sorry," he answered Carol.

She grabbed his arm, trying to catch up with him.  There were little or no lights coming from the homes.  The sea air was everywhere and the aroma from the hedges and the flowers made this walk every so romantic.  But Paul was sad.

"I am falling in love with this place, Carol.  This place has everything."  Carol listened to Paul talk.  He was like  a storyteller.   

Paul put his arm around Carol. His head was bent down, considering how tall he was compared to Carol.  She was so pretty.  Paul felt a desire to kiss her, and that is what he did.

Carol did not object to the kiss.  She wasn't surprised and she didn't reject him. After all, Paul wasn't a bad looking guy and he was pleasant to be with.  She didn't reject his advance.

Paul was just responding to a pretty young lady.  He had some built up mixed emotions by this time.  Paul had you and then again, he did not have you.  You were there for him in one way, but not in others.  He was more himself with Carol.  He did not feel he was competing for someone's attention.  It weighed heavily on his mind.

Carol recognized Paul's uneasiness.  She knew he would not try to take advantage of her while they were alone.  She allowed Paul to kiss her again, more out of appreciation and companionship.  Carol enjoyed the attention.  Rebelling if she thought any less of Paul.

"Paul we should go back."   They retraced their steps through the shadows.  As always, the porch light waited for Paul and Carol to return.  The walk back was more of contentment, of each having made a friend. Cold winds were coming up from the North.  It was warmer closer to the sound.

"Carol, I don't want to go in there," Paul said.  "We can sit in my car," she suggested.

You were alone in your room.  Even the newspaper did not hold your interest.  You kept noticing the time.  You hadn't heard from your friend from Providence.  You sat in temporary seclusion waiting for someone who should have arrived by now.  You decided to return to the living room, picking up a pullover sweater, adjusting it over your shoulders to fit.  Going back downstairs, you  headed outside.  A gust of cold air chilled you as you tried to focus, peering   down the dark driveway for any oncoming cars.  

The change of weather wasn't conducive to remaining outdoors.   It did not take long before you turned around and went back in.  You approached Sheila, who was sitting in a Queen's Ann chair.  "Sheila, have you seen Paul?" you asked.

"Paul left with Carol," she answered, "I supposed they went for a walk."

The expression on your face revealed concern as you went over to glance out of the window. You held onto the separated curtain for support, wondering where Paul went.

Paul spotted you coming outside, standing with the screen door at your back.  He stiffened straight up and his blood pressure went sky high there in Carol's car!  Only after you went in, did he catch his breath.  This had to be the most embarrassing and exasperating moment for him. Paul closed his eyes and tried to regain his composure.

"Paul, would you rather be with Blair?  She is a very nice girl, but aren't you glad to be with me? I just met you and I know little about you, but I think you are a really nice guy.  I suppose you see a lot  of what you want in her.  You were probably never close to a girl like Blair.   She has to mean something very special to you.  Most guys would not care the way you do."

Carol continued, "She does not deserve all that you feel for her.  Either she is immature or foolish to let you get away.  She has to know by now that you care for her.  She must give you a sign."  Carol concluded, feeling sure Paul was listening to her as a friend.

"I am sorry, Carol. You really are special.  But it's late and I better let you go.  Thanks for being here for me.  You are adorable.  Why some guy, with a lot to offer does not make you his bride, I don't understand,"  said Paul.

As soon as Paul stepped out of Carol's car, she backed out of the driveway not even turning to offering him a ride to their cottage.

Coming soon: CHAPTER   XI
How do you convince someone that you care? Why can't that special person recognize the signals?  What kind of signals are required to form a serious relationship?  If you win her hand or lose it, it is like playing poker or chess.  It is all in the game!  More action coming, continue reading. Enjoy!

A Summer in Time: Table of Contents