Amusement Park

                                    

                                          

     On a bright and sunny summer morning, three little girls emerged from the Cabot cottage on Long Beach Island. For two of them, this would be their first stay at Barnegat Light at the rented a beachfront bungalow. Twelve-year-old Lauren was pleased that her two companions, Chloe Field and Emerson Delacroix, had been able to join. She was eager to share her home away from home and introduce them to her longtime LBI friends: Eric Holbrook, Kieran McIntyre, and Brad Andrews. 
     Chattering excitedly, the trio stood on the front veranda to survey the scene in front of them. The white sand beach spread before them like a freshly laundered sheet. Here and there, summer visitors began to spread towels, plant umbrellas and unfold beach chairs. At the water's edge, a small boy and girl tentatively poked their toes into the saltwater to test the temperature. The little girl shrieked and ran away from the surf as a wave crashed a little further out. Believing it must be the child's first visit to the shore, Lauren smiled to herself. 
     Clad in neon-colored bikini bathing suits, the three girls clattered down the veranda steps and through the dunes to the beach. Lauren made sure to spread their beach towels and plant their multicolored umbrella within sight of the nearest lifeguard. Her father, Evan Cabot, had made it clear to her to stay close to the guard if she were on the beach without them. Wisely, she understood the dangers of swimming unaccompanied and was sure to be safe under the protective eyes of the beach attendant. 
     Placing her raft beneath her arm, Lauren led the way toward the water's edge. Carrying a float, Emerson Delacroix ran alongside her friend. Together, the two girls began to paddle into the surf. Reaching a spot where she could catch a big wave, Lauren positioned herself correctly to catch it. Em copied her friend's movement. Only when they were facing the beach did they notice Chloe Field hadn't joined them. The third girl of the trio was busy chatting with the lifeguard. Rolling their eyes at each other, the two swimmers shared a wink and a grin. They were each becoming aware of the opposite sex, but Chloe was absolutely boy crazy.
     Forgetting her friend's obsession with boys, Lauren spread herself flat across her raft. The swell of a wave lifted her then carried her in a rush toward the shore. Skidding to a stop as the raft reached the sand, she sat up.  Immediately, she found herself face to face with her longtime friend, Eric Holbrook. A smile spreading widely across her face, she leaped up to greet him.
     "You're late," Eric exclaimed as a way of salutation. With his fists firmly planted against his hips, he continued: "I expected you last week. What happened?" 
     "I brought my friends, Chloe and Emerson, with me this year. Em couldn't come last week because her aunt from California was visiting. We had to wait a week so she could come too," Lauren explained. Standing up, she brushed her long honey blond hair away from her eyes. 
     "You coulda let a fellow know," Eric responded with a stern tone edging his voice. 
     "Why should I?" the little girl demanded as fire filled her light golden eyes. 
     "Who's your friend?" Emerson broke in as she strolled up with her raft beneath her arm. The wave had swept her further up the beach, so she had to rush over to rejoin her companion. 
     "This is Eric. He's not my friend; apparently, he's my keeper," Lauren flared—more toward Eric than to Emerson. 
     "Hey! I just wanted to know where you were!" the young boy commented in return. "I was worried when you weren't here last week." After a pause, he added, "I missed you, Lauren." 
     "I missed you too," Lauren replied, her voice turning from the offensive to that of a sweet little girl. She wasn't furious at Eric about being possessive. It was simply how they spoke to each other. Together the trio walked toward the red lifeguard stand. Lauren introduced Chloe Field as her other companion.