One Wish For Summer

Chapter 1

"Ring! Ring! Ring!" The school bell clanged throughout the vacant halls for what would thankfully be the last time until our 10 weeks of summer are over. Everyone was rushing to get out, elated at the thought of leaving this hellhole behind. Except, of course, for the unlucky souls sentenced to summer school who would only leave it behind until Monday. Not in the mood to deal with the numerous students and loud noise I hung back and spaced out in the gazebo. When most of the chaos finally cleared out, I headed home to start my plan of doing nothing all summer. But one foot out the main entrance I felt a tap on my shoulder.

"Hi Juan." Before I even turned, I already knew it was Kaia.

"You got a minute?" She asked. I nodded and we started walking. Fumbling around in her bag she pulled out a computer mouse I had lent her.

"Thanks for letting me use it, that was nice of you."

"Did you get a new one?"

"No, but you-know-who isn't very fond of stuff I get from other guys, especially you."

I stopped walking. Especially me? What? Sure, Brad and I weren't on speaking terms, but have I ever been known to overstep my place? What's the big deal if I lent her a mouse? Shaking off my confusion,I placed the mouse back in her hand and looked her dead in the eyes.

"I didn't give it to you just for you to give it back"

"Bu....but Brad said-"
"I don't care what he said. It's yours until you get a new one so if he wants it gone, he better buy you one himself."

She was silent for a second then gave me a hug and a hearty thanks. Checking my watch, it was really time for me to leave. I made my second attempt to get out the front door.

Seeing Kaia got me thinking about all my failed romances as well as my regrets and wishes that never came to be. Maybe my dad would have some insights for me back at home.

Unsurprisingly, when I finally arrived home, he was out at work. Barely ever here to be a dad, he's either working or at the local tavern pounding beer. With no one to look to for some advice I searched for my bicycle to go out for an evening ride around the neighborhood. my decision, I turned to go home but there she was. Avie, right there in her garden tending to some flowers. My heart started racing. She looked as beautiful as the day I met her. Riding up to her I felt a wave of nervousness wash over me. As my bicycle skidded against the asphalt she looked up at me.
Before she could say anything I already had her in my arms. Protesting for me to let her down didn't do her any good and she couldn't help but to giggle.

Putting her down I took a seat and told her what happened. She told me she had missed the last day of shenanigans because she wasn't feeling well. We continued talking for hours. When I finally got up to leave, she stopped me. The look in her eyes disheartened me
"There's one important thing you need to know before you leave." she said quietly.

I waited.

"There's a good chance of me leaving after summer."

I was shocked, unable to move in hopes that what I had just heard wasn't true. She filled me in on the details as best she could, how it would be better for her family and something else, before she began crying.

I wasn't sure what she wanted me to say. Of course, I don't want her to leave but that's not my call. If it's going to help her whole family, then it's the right move. But that didn't make it feel less scared or anxious.

I turned to Avie.

"Avie, if this is our last summer for who knows how long, I promise to make it the most memorable."

I gave her a hug and patted her on the head and then took off.

What she said to me had resonated. For a moment, I pulled over to the sidewalk and thought to myself

But how would I do it? What makes for a memorable summer, let alone the most memorable? And where do I go from there?

Whatever the answers, I knew one thing. I need to make sure Avie stays happy. Riding back home I began to make plans for hopefully not our last summer....