The Cabin by the Oceanside

I Ain't Never Loved No One

Chapter 11
"Cause when you met my family
Everybody knew that you had me wrapped
I ain't never loved no one like that."
I Ain't Never Loved No One, Donovan Woods

In 1966, the divorce rate sat at 2.5, a number that would continue to rise until reaching its peak in the early 80's. For Kathleen, it wasn't atypical to be friends with or know people whose parents were divorced. It was commonplace in school for the kids to talk about their home lives and the difficulties therefore.

Coming from a nuclear family, Kathleen considered herself blessed. Even though her parents had occasional fights, and her dad wasn't the most romantic guy on the block, they were still together, and that had to count for something. They had raised her in a Christian household, and even at such a young age, Kathleen admired them for their dedication.

Her unit consisted of her parents, Frank and Annie, and her two sisters Elizabeth and Kimberly; Kim being the baby of the family at just thirteen. Ohhh, how the four-year-old Kathleen had doted on her when she was born. She was still the apple of Kathleen's eye to this day.

As had become habit the last five weeks, Harrison attended church with Kathleen and had Sunday supper with her family. Annie had been reluctant to accept this young, seemingly wild, boy into her daughter's life. However, the more he was around her, the more she could tell how smitten he was with her daughter. Kathleen's sisters were keen on Harrison, he charmed them as much as he did their sister.

"So, Harrison," Annie began that day, "Frank tells me you're going back to school in a couple weeks?"

Harrison gawked at the question; he hated being reminded of the impending deadline. "Yeah, we usually try to pack up a couple days before then. My Uncle Danny stays at the cabin during the winter though...can't stand being away from the water." He took a sip of the lemonade that had been served at lunch. His hands were all sweaty from her mothers line of questioning and he kept trying to wipe his palms on his jeans.

Kathleen noticed this nervous habit of Harrison's and tried to change the subject, "We'll be done with school at the same time this June," she said.

They had only been together for three short months, but it seemed like longer. This was not just a summer romance, and they knew it. They weren't sure what would happen after school for them, but one thing was for sure—they planned on still being together.

Annie wasn't so sure about all the "we" and "us" business she heard coming from her daughter's mouth. She was only seventeen, after all. Kathleen was so smart, and her mom didn't want anything to get in the way of her studies.

"We're going to the Eastern Promenade tonight," Harrison said without remembering it was the hot, make out spot in the county.

Frank nearly choked on his drink and had to be slapped on the back by Annie.

"For the fireworks, Dad!" Kathleen laughed.

***

The clock was ticking by and summer was beginning to come to an end. The Time and Temperature Building on Congress Street showed the temperature was 75; the warm,
Summer days dwindling. In just two short weeks, fishing season would be over and Harrison would be returning home to Augusta to start his senior year of high school.

Later that Sunday night, Harrison took Kathleen's hand and led her through the Fort Allen Park that overlooked the Eastern Promenade, their favorite spot where they'd viewed the stars so many moons before. He hadn't brought his telescope this time, instead, a picnic basket and blanket. Old Port was having a fireworks display that night to celebrate the end of summer, and he'd been told this was the best place to view them. When he was satisfied with the area they were in, he laid down the blanket and motioned for Kathleen to have a seat.

Kathleen looked radiant tonight wearing a pale pink baby doll dress and a sparkle in her eyes. She loved the way her hand felt in his. She sat down without letting go, tracing his palm like a roadmap leading her to a destination she never wanted to leave. She was definitely, passionately in love with Harrison Stephens. With her free hand, she brushed his hair behind his ear and she leaned over to kiss him. His lips met with hers as the fireworks began to boom in the background. Her heart pounded with each explosion, both from the fireworks and from the kiss.

Harrison smiled between kisses and Kathleen broke away and lightly slapped his arm, "What's so funny?" She teased.

"Nothing, I just—"

"What?"

"I love you, and there's nothing funny about that. I just never imagined this is where we'd be when I walked into your dad's shop at the beginning of summer."

Kathleen considered this, and knew he was right. The pair were silent for a few minutes, watching the fireworks explode before them. She took a bite of her sandwich from picnic basket and shivered in the cool night air. Before she could ask, Harrison was at the car and getting her his jacket.

Two weeks.

Two weeks was all they had left to be together every day like this.