The Summer We Changed

lake sutter

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Every season leading up to summer, Cousins Beach was always on the back of Jewel's mind. Crackling fireworks, bonfires, summer flings, BBQ's, birthdays, the Barlowe, Fisher and Conklin families all gathered together under one roof. It was something she waited impatiently for all year.
Not spring, with the flowers and cool breezes.
Not fall, with the changing colors and cozy sweaters.
Not winter, with the beautiful lights and hot cocoa.
But summer; the one time of the year where Jewel's family felt whole again.

Unfortunately, it wasn't the same for Jewel anymore.
Fireworks turned into funerals, bonfires turned into breakups, and summer turned into silence. It had been months since Jewel had spoken to Jeremiah or Conrad, even Belly growing distant in her time apart. Conrad and her still hadn't fixed their friendship after finding out what he had told Jeremiah. But now that Jeremiah and her were broken up, she wasn't sure if that really mattered or not. She had tried to be there for them at the funeral, but she wasn't sure that day had gone according to plan for anybody. To make matters worse, Jewel and her dad hadn't had the best relationship either. After endless arguments and complaining between them, Jewel abruptly left. She was sure to leave a note telling him where she had gone, but the thought of staying was something she couldn't fathom. She left for Lake Sutter after school had let out, currently staying with her uncle, Neil, and his girlfriend, Lena, at their house.

Cool water rippled along Jewel's body now, the girl taking deep breaths as she allowed the lake to calm her. Lake Sutter always had that affect on people. Her mother and aunt had grew up in Lake Sutter, meeting Susannah and Laurel while they vacationed there one spring break in their 20's.
"Jewel!" A voice called out to her, forcing Jewel to allow the sun's light into her eyes once again. She looked toward the large cabin-style home that laid in front of her, Neil waving her down from the porch. Jewel swam quickly toward their dock, seeing her phone in his hand as he pointed to it. She moved quickly to get the phone from him, Laurel's contact on the screen.
"Thanks." She smiled, moving away from Neil to put the phone to her ear.
"Hey, Laurel." She greeted, once again thankful to receive a call from her. Although Belly and her hadn't kept in touch much, Jewel spoke frequently with Laurel and Steven. She savored these little calls, probably more than she should've, especially now that Laurel was the only maternal figure she had left. That any of them had left really.
"Hey, your dad called me. He said you took off and went to Lake Sutter?" Laurel questioned, concern clearly evident in her tone.
"Oh, uh, yeah, I just needed some time to clear my head...that's all." Jewel lied, tucking a stray hair behind her ear.
"Are you sure? He said you two got in a fight. He seemed worried." Laurel told her, Jewel finding herself a little surprised by her father's sudden care. But the rocky relationship with him wasn't meant for Laurel's concern. Belly and Steven were supposed to be Laurel's focus, and Jewel couldn't allow herself to rob them of the familiar comfort.
"Everything's fine. I'm with my uncle." Jewel reassured the woman, listening to her light sigh. A shuffled noise sounded in the background, Jewel just barely being able to make out Belly and Steven's voices.
"Crap, it's almost noon. We have to go pick up Steven's dry-cleaning before his ceremony." Laurel told her, a smile suddenly forming on Jewel.
"Okay, tell him I said good luck and congratulations, and tell somebody to record it for me, please." She said, Laurel laughing in response.
"Of course. I got to let you go, but enjoy Lake Sutter. I think some time out there might be good for you."
The idea of doing something good for herself was the last thing Jewel's mind was allowing her though.
"Yeah, thanks, Laurel. Drive safe, love you." Jewel spoke, waiting to hear Laurel's reply before hanging up. Jewel dropped her phone from her ear, taking a moment to wipe away the emotions threatening to spill once again.
"Everything alright?" Neil questioned, that same concern apparent in his eyes.
"Yes!" Jewel laughed, moving to grab her towel from the picnic table.
"Lena said you're staying at a friend's tonight?" He questioned, Jewel nodding in confirmation.
"I have a 18 hour shift today so I won't be home until early tomorrow, but Lena will be here if you need anything. I was thinking I would take Lena to that pie shop off Sycamore when I got home, do you want something?" He asked her, Jewel smiling at the thought of a slice of one of their sweet pies.
"Raspberry, please?" She smiled, a light laugh escaping Neil as he nodded.
"Will do, be safe tonight." He spoke, Jewel nodding before he moved back inside. Her eyes scanned over Lake Sutter's scenery, but despite how relaxing it should've been, all Jewel could think about were past summers.