The Beach

Written by: Collette Cottingham; Boot Hill

Bop, bop, bop…my gum is the only thing bursting with delight on this gloomy morning. The last day of school is always the longest day. It is so annoying, because it is the perfect day. A beautiful 80 degrees, the sun is out, birds are singing and yet here I sit in my car. I should skip.

I can’t, my mother is the attendance officer.

I am not going to miss anything.

I already turned my books in and cleaned my locker.

I have straight As.

What are they going to do to me? We don’t have summer detention. The teachers want out as badly as I do.

My mother would punish me, but I could sweet talk my dad.

And there is the bell!

I can’t seem to open my car door. I can’t do it today. I will work something out with my mom, maybe she won’t notice.

I put the window down as I pull out. The air of freedom blows through the car. I know exactly where I am going. I love this place. This is my place. The sand spreads out for miles. The river is vast and stretches through the canyon.

I sit in the warm sand. In a few weeks this beach will be filled with tourists. You won’t be able to find a place to sit. The concessions stand will be opened selling cold lemonade and homemade fries. The river will be filled with boats and swimmers.

The tourists get this beach from June through August, but I get her from September through May. She is my home. I know her better than they ever will. She and I understand each other. I spend my evenings walking along the shoreline. She helps me with the troubles life can bring. She calms me. I get relaxed just upon seeing her.

After my walks I enjoy sitting at the picnic tables and completing my homework. Her help is why I have straight As. I think more clearly here. This morning the sun is dancing across the water. The sand is already warm, a sign that a hot summer lies ahead.  I plant my bum in the sand. I caress the sand with my hand. We both know the busy season is upon us.

I will gain freedom from school, but my quiet time at the beach will be restricted. I skipped a day to spend with her. We enjoy the warm sun and the peace of the quiet.

In a few weeks, the crowds will be here enjoying her splendor. I will be on the guard stand making sure they are all safe and treating her with respect.