by Ann Herrick
I could hardly believe this was the same Jason I had always known and sometimes loved. Sharing was not his strong point. Not that he was selfish, really. It was just that ordinarily he was too excited about eating to remember to let someone else go first.
When the kids had finished eating, I cleared the table and washed the glasses. From the cupboard I got out some plastic bowls and old pans I figured Mom wouldn't mind me using. "Jason, get your pail and shovel and we'll go build sand castles now."
Jason ran upstairs and returned with a pail, two shovels and a sifter. I grabbed a blanket, then led the kids to a quiet spot on the beach. There seemed to be more people around than there had been yesterday. But still no one my age. I spread the blanket out by the water.
The three of us scooped and piled sand, forming a Gothic-looking sand castle. Hailey sculpted a turret, which reminded me of the house I'd seen in the ritzy section of the beach. As the sand castle expanded and wound its way across the beach, I pointed out the various shapes we were making with our buckets and bowls of sand. I discussed cubes and spheres and cones.
I noticed that Hailey was slow and deliberate, packing the sand tightly into each container, taking her time as she calculated exactly where she should place each mound of sand. Her side of the castle looked as though it could stand for years. Jason, other the other hand, shoveled furiously, dumped carelessly and got as much sand on himself as he did on his side of the castle. I couldn't help sighing. If only there were a way I could get Jason to act more like Hailey. It would be nice to have a civilized sibling for a change.
When the water began eating away at the edge of the castle, I explained about high and low tides. I thought making the playtime sort of educational would mean I was doing a better job. Besides, it made the time pass quickly.
Before we knew it, it was noon. I took Jason and Hailey back to the cottage for lunch. I fixed hot dogs and carrot and celery sticks and made sure that they both had a glass of milk. When Jason clamored for dessert, I suggested we go to Little's later in the afternoon for ice-cream bars. I wanted to be sure to be there just when Alex got off work. Fortunately, my idea met with roaring approval from Jason and a smile and nod that probably represented enthusiasm from Hailey.
After lunch we changed into our bathing suits and went for a short walk on the beach before going for a swim. I demonstrated the sidestroke and backstroke. Hailey mastered the sidestroke right away and did a fairly good job with the backstroke. Jason made a feeble attempt at both before announcing that the dog paddle was still his favorite way to swim.
For a while I sat on the beach, watching Hailey and Jason playing in the water while I slathered myself with suntan lotion. At quarter to three I called them in to dry off. "It's time to go to Little's for ice cream," I announced.
"Oh, boy!" said Jason.
"Could we stop at my cottage first?" Hailey asked. "I wanted to check our mailbox. I'm expecting my nature magazine."
"Sure," I said. "But let's hurry." I didn't want to miss Alex at the store.
When Hailey checked the Stedmans' mail she didn't find her magazine. There was only one envelope—a bright pink one bordered with white daisies. I couldn't help noticing the return address written in bold, red ink. It was from Nicole Kendall. I guess that one good thing about little-to-no cell phone service in this area was that at least she couldn’t call or text Alex here in Chatfield.
"This is for Alex," Hailey said. "We should put it in his room."
"Good idea," I said. I certainly didn't want to run into Little's waving a letter from Nicole at him. I unlocked the cottage door.
"Can I use the bathroom?" Jason asked. "It's urgent."
"Of course," Hailey said. "It's upstairs." She headed up the stairs and Jason and I followed.
"There's the bathroom." Hailey pointed to a door, and Jason rushed in. "I'll put this letter on Alex's dresser." She opened a door across the hall from the bathroom. "Excuse the mess," she said to me as she grabbed a pair of socks off the floor in Alex's room.
I stifled a laugh. I hardly thought of socks on the floor and a slightly rumpled bedspread as a mess, but obviously Hailey did.
Hailey propped the letter up on the bottle of English Leather on Alex's dresser, then turned to leave.
"Would you like to see my room?" she asked.
"Sure." I wasn't surprised to see that Hailey's bed was smoothly made, the top of her dresser was bare and there were no socks, or even a piece of lint, littering the floor. "It's a great room."
"Thank you." Hailey beamed. "When Jason's done in the bathroom I can put these in the hamper." She made a face as she held up Alex's socks.
"I'm ready!" Jason popped out of the bathroom.
Hailey dashed in and tossed Alex's socks in the hamper.
"Now," I said, "let's hurry."
We practically ran to the store, getting there just two minutes before three. The cluster of ten-year-old girls hovered outside the door, as if waiting to pounce on Alex when he came out. The girls whispered behind their hands as Jason, Hailey and I went inside. Jason and Hailey headed for the ice-cream freezer. I stopped at the counter to talk to Alex.
"Hi." I tried to sound casual. "We thought we'd walk you home. Your adoring fans are just outside."
"Really?" Alex laughed. "I had to throw them out once today. They were fooling around, not buying anything, when Mr. Little walked in. He had a scowl on his face, so I shooed them outside. That seemed to pacify him."
"I see. Hey, it's almost three o'clock. As soon as I pay for the ice cream, can you leave?" I didn't want to appear too eager, but I hoped I could get Alex to myself. Maybe we could go for a swim together.
"Don't worry. Mr. Little's in back. He'll be out to take over right on the dot of three."
Jason skipped over to the counter and put down two ice-cream sandwiches.
I reached into my change purse and fumbled around for the money. I counted out the correct amount and handed it to Alex.
"Thanks." As Alex put the money in the cash register, Mr. Little appeared from the back of the store.
"I'll take over now," Mr. Little said. He looked at me with suspicion until he saw that Jason and Hailey had ice-cream sandwiches. "See you tomorrow, Alex."
"So long." Alex cupped his hand on my elbow and guided me out of the store ahead of Jason and Hailey.
The girls all looked up as Alex emerged. They looked disappointed when they saw that he was with me. I leaned close to Alex, and he slipped his arm around my waist. We walked down the street that way.
I giggled. "I think your devoted followers are just a little bit jealous."
"They should be." Alex kissed my cheek.
That kiss sent a joyous prickling sensation through me. I peeked over my shoulder. The girls were still watching us. I put my arm around Alex. "I don't think they're going to be easily discouraged."
"We'll just have to do whatever's necessary to dampen their enthusiasm." Alex grinned and gave me a squeeze.
A warm, happy feeling floated through my entire body. Jason and Hailey were now walking ahead of Alex and me, oblivious to everything but their ice-cream sandwiches. Hailey delicately nibbled at hers, unwrapping it little by little as she ate. Jason had already disposed of his wrapper at the store and had to continually lick the edges of the ice-cream sandwich to keep it from dripping all over him.
We arrived at the Stedmans’ cottage just as Mr. and Mrs. Stedman were getting out of their car. Mrs. Stedman paid me and asked how things went. I emphasized the educational nature of Hailey and Jason's playtime and their nutritious lunch. (I hoped it sounded nutritious, anyway.) Mrs. Stedman thanked me, and she and Mr. Stedman went inside looking as if they were going to collapse as a result of their golf game.
I pocketed my money, then turned to Alex. "Hey, would you like to go swimming with me?" I tried to sound as if this was an afterthought.
"Well—"
"Oh, Alex," Hailey piped up. "I forgot. There's a letter for you. I put it on your dres
ser."
"A letter? Thanks, Hailey. Umm, Katie, I'm kind of tired. Been on my feet all day. I think I'll pass on the swimming for now."
"Sure." I tried to keep the disappointment out of my voice. "Maybe another time."
"Yeah," Alex said. "Maybe later. When I'm not so tired. See you."
"Bye." Maybe later. He was just trying to let me down easy before he rushed off to devour Nicole's letter. I was silent as Jason and I walked back to our cottage. It was clear that Alex was anxious to read his mail. Obviously he preferred Nicole's letter to my company.
Chapter Five
I hosed the sand off Jason, then had him change his clothes. As soon as Mom and Dad got home I went to my room to brood about Alex. I guess I was exhausted, because I promptly fell asleep. Next thing I knew, Jason was in my room shrieking that dinner was ready.
At dinner I almost nodded off again as Jason prattled on about root beer, the swimming, the sand castle. But I came to full attention when he mentioned Alex's name.
"... when Alex brings Hailey over to play with me." Jason spoke as if he was issuing a bulletin.
"Alex is ... uh, Alex and Hailey are coming over?" I asked as nonchalantly as possible, considering that my mood had just swung from dreary to buoyant.
"Yes! Hailey told me she was sure it would be okay!"
"Settle down, Jason." Dad admonished him with a smile.
Just as I started to worry that it wasn't definite that Alex was coming, there was a knock at the door. Jason ran to answer it and immediately whisked Hailey over to the card table and began setting up a game, leaving Alex alone in the doorway. He was wearing red bathing trunks and carrying a beach towel.
"I thought we could go swimming now, if you still want to." He flashed his super-white smile at me.
"Oh, I ... sure ... come on in ... I'll just ... please, sit down. I'll be right back." My heart sang as I dashed upstairs, changed into my bathing suit, grabbed a towel and hurried back downstairs.
"We're going for a swim," I called to my parents.
"Be home before dark," Mom replied.
I ushered Alex out the door. "My mother's a total worrier. You'd think I was still three years old."
"No one would ever mistake you for a three-year-old." Alex's gaze swept over the short line of cleavage extending from the top of my bathing suit. He put his arm around me, resting his hand on the lower part of my hip, perilously near the seat of my bathing suit.
"I—I thought to bring a towel this time," I said brightly.
"I brought a nice big one." Alex smiled at me, kind of suggestively I thought. Or maybe I was hoping. "Big enough for two."
"Oh. Well. Hmm." A blush crept into my cheeks. "Hey, if we're going to go swimming, this is as good a spot as any." I dropped my towel on the sand and ran into the water up to my waist. Alex waded in after me. "Ooh, it's cold tonight." I shivered. "I've got goosebumps."
"You look good in goosebumps." Alex rubbed my arms. "I'll help you get warm. You just need to get used to the water. My hands are wet. This will help you get used to it." He ran his hands up my arms, across my shoulders and down my back.
It was hard to remain coherent when Alex's touch sent my senses spinning. But I managed to step back out of his reach and splash him. "This is a faster way to get used to the water!"
"Hey!" For a moment he looked angry. Then he laughed and splashed me, moving toward me.
I made one final splash, then dove underwater and swam until I could no longer hold my breath. Just as I surfaced a hand grabbed my ankle and pulled me under again. I swallowed a mouthful of saltwater and came up choking and coughing.
"Are you all right?" Alex gently patted my back, his brow wrinkled.
I nodded as I coughed.
"I'm sorry." Alex waited until my coughing subsided. "That was a stupid thing for me to do. I guess I wasn't thinking."
"That's, ah..." I cleared my throat. "That's okay. I'm all right now. I think I'll just sit down while I recuperate." Still gasping for air, I dragged myself onto the beach and picked up my towel.
"You dry off with that one," Alex said, "then sit on mine."
"What will you do?" I toweled myself dry.
"I can drip dry." Alex flicked a drop of water at me.
"If you say so." I sat on Alex's towel, trying to catch my breath.
"You know," said Alex. "I really shouldn't have pulled a stupid stunt like that. I've taken a lifesaving course—I'm supposed to know better."
"I'm fine now."
"If you're not," Alex said, kneeling in the sand beside me, "I'm qualified to give you mouth-to-mouth resuscitation."
"I think I'll pass on that." I coughed again.
"If you say so." Alex grinned. "But you don't know what you're missing.
I offered him a small smile. "I'd like to go back to the cottage," I said. "I don't feel like swimming anymore." I felt awkward, unsure what to say or do. I really didn't feel up to swimming, but I didn't want Alex to think I was mad at him. It was my own confusion that bothered me—my uncertain feelings about what Alex wanted from me and my mixed-up response to his touch. "I hope you don't mind," I added weakly.
"Whatever you say," Alex said. "Let's go back."
When we got back to the cottage I was feeling better and I invited Alex in for a soda. Mom and Dad looked up from a card game to greet us.
"Hi!" Jason bounced in his chair. "You weren't gone very long."
"The water was too cold," Alex said. "Have you started that game of Sorry yet?"
"We've just started," said Hailey. "Would you and Katie like to play?"
"I thought you'd never ask." Alex spread his towel over a chair and sat down.
I went to the kitchen and poured out sodas for all of us, then joined the others. I tried to study Alex's face out of the corner of my eye. I wished I could read his true feelings in his face. Did he really like me, or was he just going along with my girlfriend suggestion for his own convenience? He seemed attracted to me, but that could be just physical. After our evening on the beach I wondered about my feelings for him. Was what I'd felt tonight love or chemistry? Or both? How could I tell?
"Your turn!" Jason's high-pitched voice brought me out of my reverie.
"Okay." I rolled the dice, banishing my mixed feelings to a corner of my mind so I could concentrate on the game.
Eventually Hailey won the game.
"I expect a rematch," Alex said.
"Whenever you're up to it," Hailey said.
"I need time to recover," said Alex. "Besides, it's time to get home. We both have to be ready to go before 9:00 a.m."
"Okay." Hailey neatly put away the pieces of the game and carried the empty soda glasses over to the kitchen sink.
After Alex and Hailey said their good nights to the others, I walked them to the door.
Later in my room I pulled off my still-damp bathing suit. For a moment I stood in front of the dresser mirror, examining my figure. Unless he was just kidding me, Alex seemed to like my figure. True my legs were thin and my hips and buttocks practically nonexistent. But I did have a small waist, and my breasts had grown since last summer. In fact, I was startled to realize that they no longer resembled grapes. They were now more like small peaches.
Still, my figure wasn't as curvy as Nicole Kendall's. I couldn't help comparing myself to her. I wanted to measure up to Nicole. I wondered how she responded when Alex hugged and kissed her.
There had to be a simpler way to compete with Nicole. As I rummaged through the top dresser drawer for my nightgown I ran across the bottle of food coloring from Bob's I'd placed there that afternoon.
I slipped into my nightgown and took the food coloring with me to the bathroom. I leaned over the sink and poured water over my hair and worked the red food coloring through it. It was too bad I hadn't found any hair dye, but if I used enough food coloring it should at least add some dramatic red highlights to my hair. When I was finished, I wrapped the food-coloring bottle in toilet paper before throwing it i
n the wastebasket—to hide the evidence.
I didn't see any difference in my hair while it was wet, so I dried it with my blow dryer. There was definitely a reddish tone to my hair. It wasn't the flaming red I'd hoped for. But it was a vast improvement.
When I saw Mom in the kitchen the first thing the next morning she didn't say anything, but I thought I saw the corners of her mouth twitch. Maybe I was just being super sensitive. Dad and Jason didn't seem to notice the difference, but then they probably wouldn't notice if I dyed my hair green. I hurried Jason through breakfast and headed for Alex's as soon as possible. I wanted to see his reaction to my hair.
When I got to the Stedmans' I noticed that Mrs. Stedman got a quizzical look on her face when she first said hello, but she was either too distracted or too reserved to say anything about my changed appearance.
"We're going to be at the tennis club in Madison." Mrs. Stedman scribbled a telephone number on a scrap of paper. "You can reach us at this number from the pay phone at Little’s if you need us for anything."
"Thelma, let's get going. We'll be late." Mr. Stedman waved a tennis racket at his wife.
"I'm coming, Bill." Mrs. Stedman kissed Hailey. "See you this afternoon."
Just after they left, Alex came running downstairs. "Is everybody ready to go?"
I nodded.
As soon as we were all outside, Alex grasped my arm. "Hold it," he said. "There's something different about you this morning?"
"Oh?"
"Yes. I'm not sure what it is." He looked me over.
"I can't imagine what it is." I smiled to myself. It was amazing what coloring my hair could accomplish!
At Little's I kissed Alex goodbye for the benefit of the ten-year-old girls clustered by the front door and, not so incidentally, for my own pleasure. I kind of had the feeling that Alex enjoyed it, too, but I couldn't be sure. Then I hustled Jason and Hailey to Bob's Beach Store for root beer, and this time I joined them. The cute blond boy was working behind the counter again.
"Oh, hi. You're back." He smiled. "By the way, my name is Jake."
"Hi. I'm Katie." No question, the hair coloring was working. "This is Jason and Hailey," I added, gesturing toward them.
