Of Earth and Honey

Yankee Springs

I remember the first time I saw him. Well, I heard him before I saw him. The fourth of July was rapidly approaching and I was on a camping trip with my family. It had been a long drive from southern Kentucky to Michigan listening to my parents' endless conversation about the good ole days and how much fun we were going to have. Momma had camped there with her folks when she was a teenager. She went on and on about her long-time friend Karen she had met that week and how my grandparents never saw her because they spent every waking minute riding bikes and watching boys by the lake.

My Dad gave her a cheeky grin, "What," She exclaimed.

"She's not a child anymore hun."

"Well, I know that! Don't worry Austen," she said compassionately, "you're going to have the best time! Karen's kids will be there; they're all around your age."

You see, my worry stems from the fact that most young adults my age don't go on camping trips with their parents, but life had thrown me some curve balls that led me back to my childhood home. Honestly, I was thankful for the distraction; I wasn't ready to confront the challenges of my current reality.

Gun Lake was beautiful and the grounds were pristine. Setting up camp didn't take long. Daddy was an Eagle Scout growing up so you could say he taught me a thing or two. I chose a secluded spot along the tree line to set up my tent. After I finished I decided to take a ride around to get a better layout of the place.

Momma beamed at the prospect of me reliving her youth. Don't get me wrong, I love my parents, and I know they mean well but, I just really needed to be where they weren't.

I grabbed my bike and headed off in the direction of the lake. The pavement was smooth, curving with the contours of the campsites. There wasn't an empty space to be found; each filled with people laughing, drinking, and playing lawn games. I glanced over at a family playing corn hole when two guys came ripping by on their bikes; one in hot pursuit of the other. It startled me so bad I swerved and braced for impact.

A voice shouted from behind "Jake you idiot! You nearly ran her off the road! Sorry 'bout that," he exclaimed, the wind tousling his curls as he passed.

I regained my balance and kept on. By the time I made it to the lake, I could see the three of them splashing and dunking each other in the choppy water. It was the first time I got a good look at any of them. Two of them were the same height and they appeared about my age.

"Get him, Sam," shouted the familiar voice as the tall, lanky boy lunged towards what I can only assume is 'Idiot Jake'. Little did I know that the sound of his voice would change everything.

Only when Jake gestured in my direction did I realize I had been staring. In that instant, the curly-haired boy looked my way, a subtle smile played upon his lips, just before Sam unleashed a torrent of water upon them.

"Hey, sugar," Momma exclaimed, squirming out of Daddy's embrace as I coasted into camp. "What do think of the place? See anything worthwhile?"

I nodded, "I'm gonna grab a quick shower."

My dad readjusted his grip around her waist, and kissed her cheek, "Take your time," he said grinning. Momma blushed, smacking his chest out of embarrassment. 

They've been married for over 20 years, and they still dote on each other like newlyweds. I've only known disappointment when it comes to relationships, but never heartbreak; and while I've never been in love, at least I'll know it when I see it.

The shower house was a stone's throw from our site. The fragrance of shampoos and soaps permeated the air. Steam clouds hovered above the occupied stalls and the sound of blow dryers echoed throughout. I took a stall at the far end of the long room.