A Day in the Sun

The idea of seeking friendship is terrifying, but seven days is fading into 30.

After a month alone, in this strange place, I accept my solitude.

I do not expect to stay.

I did not expect to be here this long.

I muse over the time already gone, as I follow the sidewalk through town.

"Hey! Come play volleyball with us!"

My super-human powers of independence shatter around me. I don't even pretend to refuse.

I walk over to the sand pit, take off my shoes, and ask what team I'm on.

I immediately forget most of the names that are rambled out to me.

My name is morphed to match a popular TV comedian, instantly.

And I don't mind.

What I do mind, is how badly my first serve smashes into the net like a bad car accident.

Damn.

Here I am with a bunch of guys I've just met... and all of my skills are gone!

"Hey, chin up." says... um... what's his name? The guy in blue shorts. He gives out a round of high-fives.

And before I know it, I'm part of the banter.

Everyone is laughing.

Ball and sand flying in all directions.

"Let's go to the lake!"

I thank the guys for a great game.

"You're coming with us!"

Why not?

I'm a girl who has just spent two or three hours with 5 guys I've just met.

And now we are cramming into a pick-up and heading out to...

"The Lake."

We pull up to the pump, with each team on a mission:

gas

lunch

beer

Pile back into the truck and hit the road.

By the time we reach the water, the wind has picked up and the air is starting to feel cold.

Only a few people are still in the water.

But three of the guys jump in.

I stay on the bank... hoping to feel warmer before I jump in too.

The bank is full of people. Friends of my crew-for-the-day. And even as I go unnoticed in the crowd, I feel included. Smiling into the sun, back to the wind (blowing from the wrong direction... a sure sign of a storm on its way in).

I'm not the only one to notice. We are soon re-loading into the pick-up.

Minus one, who found a ride with someone else.

And in no time at all, making fun of the the sleeper. The youngest of the bunch. Out like a light.

Back in the parking lot, Mr. Orange shorts pulls me aside.

"Kiss me." he says

I put my hand up, knuckles against my lips, palm open to his.

I kiss him on the cheek and turn to walk away.

"If you dump your boyfriend, let me know! When you're ready, I'll be here!"

I thank him

and wish I could let him know how sincere I am.

These (former) strangers have made my day.

As I am leaving, the sleeping rider wakes up, and tells me to stay in touch.

"We can hang out and play volleyball again!"

I smile and wave at him.

The only guy who has my number

is more than a little upset with me

for walking away instead of kissing him...

Author's Note

I love advice/critique at any level of honesty. My short stories always have room for improvement, so let me know! Thanks!