Summer Holiday

College has finally let out for the summer, and Lara is back at home with her grandma.

Lara! There's a young man at the door for you, grandma said. Oh, please… It's just Sam, she replied. (She rolled her eye)

Her grandma comes around the corner, her hand to her chest, imitating strong Southern accent.

I was beginning to worry you would die an old maid..., But now… A gentleman caller at last! Grandma said. Grandma! , Lara exclaimed.

She goes to the living room where Sam waits, holding a bouquet of flowers.

Hey, Lara, Sam greeted. Hi! You brought flowers?, she replied. I guess not. It's just….That kind of makes this seem like a date, she added. (Sam fiddles with the bouquet).

Is that a bad thing?, he asked. Huh? What did you say?, she asked back. Nothing! Don't worry about it, he replied.

Sam fiddles with the bouquet and her grandma enters the room and pats her arm, laughing.

Don't get your panties in a twist.The flowers are for me, grandma said. Actually, those were for--, Sam was saying. How long have we known each other? At least fifteen years?, Lara asked.

Grandma plucks them out of Sam's hand and smells them.

You should know by now... Grandma does what she wants. There is no stopping her, Lara replied.

The two of them go to the park and walk along the path, discussing the trip they're leaving on that week.

Can you imagine? A whole beach house and it's all ours! Lara shout excitedly. Well, technically It's Addison's beach house, Sam replied. And she's not going to let any of us forget it, he added. I don't care as long as get to spend a month at the beach! She said again. What is the first thing you're going to do when we get there? He asked. Hmm..., Sprawled out on the hot sand in my bikini... Just soaking up those rays... Maybe I'll find a hot guy to rub lotion on my back, she replied.

Sam opens his mouth to say something, then stops, fiddling awkwardly with his hands. Lara wandered into the gazebo and lean on the railing.

You know... I've never seen the Ocean before, she said. What?! Never? He asked. It's kind of far away… And my grandma doesn't really like the

Ocean, she replied. Have you told her about the trip yet? He asked.

(she bit her lip and shake her head) Wait, are you serious? He asked, We leave Friday! He added. I know! I just don't think she's going to take the news very well, she replied. Because she doesn't want you being away for the summer? He asked. It's not that… It's just kind of hard to talk about she replied. Lara... You know you can tell me anything, right? He assured.

I should… Confide in Sam(Lara think). You know my parents died when I was young, and my grandmother raised me, right? She asked. Yeah... He answered. Well... My parents died at sea, in a boating accident, she explained. Oh, Lara...he said. My grandma has avoided the Ocean ever since, she added. When she hears I plan on spending my summer by the Ocean... I'm worried she's going to feel like it's a betrayal, she continued.

He puts an arm around her shoulder. His touch is warm, comforting, and familiar. I should… Hug Sam (she thinks). She lean into his embrace, pressing her face against his chest.

It'll be okay, a tragic accident like that is so rare. Nothing's going to happen to us on this trip he assured. I know, but it's going to be hard convincing my grandmother of that, she replied. Sam rubs her back in gentle circles. I could come with you... and be there when you talk to her, he said. No, this is something I should do alone, she replied.

She squeezed him close, then step away from the hug. Anyway… I'm still really excited to go on this trip. Have you started packing yet? She asked. You know me... I've been ready to go for a week now, he answered. I haven't even started, Maybe I could get you to pack for me… She replied. Hey, don't try to get out of doing your own work, he refused.

The two of them spend time together, walking around and talking until it's time to go home. Sam walks her to their door.

You're going to tell your grandma about the trip tonight, right? He asked. Yep, she answered. Good, Text me if you need anything, he said.

Instead of leaving, he hovers in the doorway, as if waiting for something.

Sam? Do I have something on my face? She asked curiously. No! Your face is fine. Better than

fine, he answered. Oh, yeah? She added. Yeah. Um… He replied. He opens his mouth as if he's about to say something, but stops himself. You know, this whole friendship thing goes both ways... You can tell me anything, too, Lara said.

Sam runs a hand through his hair, laughing at himself. Am I that obvious? He asked. You're a terrible liar, It's one of the things I love about you, she answered. Sam smiles at her a moment, his expression warm. ... Sorry… I'm just really excited about this trip, he said. Me too! She added. Alright, well… Take care! He bid her.

He nearly trips backwards down the stairs as he leaves. What was that all about? (she thought).

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