As The Mill Grinds

NIAGARA CHAPTER 8

Summer brings the best of attention to Niagara Falls after the fresh blooms of Spring. The rumbling of rushing water can be heard over miles away as people waited in long lines to enter the national park. "Are we there yet?" Seemed the be the only question alternated between the three children. Except for when Danni asked his mother for snacks. The company of eight were packed neatly in Cara's relatives SUV as they waited their turn to view one of the world's greatest wonder.

"Whoa!" Josh gripped the back of the seat in front him as he sat forward to get a better view of what's ahead.

"This is absolutely amazing!" Cara chimed in, lifting Danni at the window.

Nadine's eyes widened too in awe at the scenery. Her heart and mind felt lighter as she soaked in the atmosphere. Trees as old as Niagara stood tall with over hanging branches that shaded the parking lot. Flower gardens of various species decorated the grounds of the park. 

Uncle Bernard got the barbeque going and the kids took off running in the open space with a ball. People all ages where scattered across the park making their own picnic spot. The smell of grilled meat and vegetables filled the air. Some gathered at the look out hoping to get a glimpse of the ferry that carried others to the bottom of the falls.

Nadine rested Kate down in the carrier and helped Cara's aunt unpack the food and set the picnic table, while Cara took Danni to the bathroom. "Isn't this nice?" Aunt Jill asked Nadine as she handed her husband the thongs for the grill. Nadine kept her eyes in the distance watching the children as they played.

"Yes it sure is." Nadine smiled and took a deep breath as she bounced baby Kate on her knee.

"Is it your first time to the Fall?" Aunt Jill asked Nadine.

"First time to Canada and the Falls. " she said looking around. Cara returned after a while with Danni as he licked a lolly. "Here, these are for the others." She carried more lollies with her. "Who's that?" She asked noticing the kids game of football.

"I don't know. I was watching them for a while now, they seem ok."

"What's wrong?" Aunt Jill asked joining their mini look out.

"Oh it's nothing. Josh and Casey were joined by other children and some teenagers it looks like."

"Oh that's nice." Aunt Jill said turning away.

"Time to eat!" Uncle Bill announced.

"Josh! Casey! Time to eat!" Nadine called. The two ran towards the picnic table. "Who were those children just now?"

"Oh the other girl is Charlotte and the boy is O'Brien." Casey said.

"Oh... but what about those other two?" Nadine pointed to the older children.

"Oh um... his name is Zack and the really tall guy over there stuffing his face is Charlie. I thinks he's Chinese,"

"You don't know that for sure." Josh crossed her. "Not all Asians are Chinese."

"Josh is right. Let's not assume, Ok." Nadine set Casey's plate in front of her.

"Ok" Casey lowered her head.

"Hey look! The other guys is coming over." Josh lit up.

"Hey there buddy, I think you forgot this just now." The young man came with Josh's ball in arms. He nodded his head slightly as he greeted them. He breathed heavy from running over to their table and tossed the ball over to Josh. Josh caught it in one. "Nice catch! Round 2 maybe later?" He spoke in a fluent Canadian accent.

"Sure!" Josh beamed. He was more than glad to have someone to play with. His twin sister wasn't much company for him. They were like polar opposites. He liked contact sports and she liked dancing and music, plus they seldom agreed on anything.