Out of Time

Chapter 2

I laughed as I watched the girls jumping into the lake. They barely had time to pull their clothes off before they were diving under the water. The two of them always seemed more fish than human when there were bodies of water involved. Crying every time they had to get out of the tub. Wanting the sprinkler turned on as soon as the snow melted. Water balloon fights for their birthdays, every single year.

Personally, I was content to dip my toes in the water and read a good book. I had my time swimming as a kid then as a fill in lifeguard when the girls were still in floats. When swimming became a job, I stopped loving it like they do. Now, I watch from the edge of the water, barely absorbing what I'm reading. The instinct to keep a watchful eye never went away. Even when they learned to swim laps around me.

Weston preferred playing in the sand, making castles that he could later stomp on. Building things and destroying things were his favorite. Especially when he wasn't getting in trouble for the destruction. Whenever we went someone that included sand and water, West would pack his basket full of buckets and shovels before he worried about clothes. It made me laugh because I was the same way when I was his age. Before I did swimming lessons the summer I turned seven, I would stick to the sand. Sand was safe. Sand wouldn't kill me. Sand didn't have creepy slimy things lurking at the bottom.

Mom and dad busied themselves unpacking the car, knowing I had the kids under control. Perks of being the oldest? Assumed responsibility. It made me happy though, to help them when I could. The sun was out and warming my body as I sat here. The girls were laughing and splashing. And Weston was busy creating a village he could ruin later.

This cabin had been in our family for as long as I could remember. We made our annual trip out here, car packed full of clothes and food for a week. Secretly, dad packed his lap top so he could work when he thought we were all sleeping. I'd caught him one year, typing away with stress covering his face. We didn't speak about it, but he always gave me a few extra dollars for the arcade when we went to town. His way of apologizing and buying my silence.

Being here was heaven. My happy place. It was the most relaxed we all were during the year. Things that would normally created fights or caused tension seemed to be forgotten here. Something about the sounds of nature, the water so close and the serenity this cabin provided calmed everyone. Between these four walls we were a happy, peaceful family. Meal times were pleasant, no one argued about what was made. Mom and dad were more touchy feely, though it made us cringe to see it secretly it made me happy. Hugs and kisses were foreign things when we were home. Dad was always so busy with work and mom was always so busy with us they didn't save much time for each other. 

The older I got, the more I appreciated the little things about being at the cabin. My cell phone was no longer glued to my hand. I could enjoy watching the twins swim and laugh and play. Instead of being annoyed that Weston called my name every two minutes to show me something didn't irritate me like usual. I was happy to 'look, look, look' whenever he shouted for me.  Birds chirping at six in the morning didn't make my blood boil. I was grateful for the early wake up call. 

Nothing could touch us here. We were in our own bubble of perfection.

----------------------------------------------------

"Kenz, help dad set the table for dinner, please?" 

"Sure mom, no problem." 

"Mom, can I have extra chicken? All that swimming made me super hungry."

"Of course, Isla. Weston, go wash your hands, bud!"

"Yes mommy."

"Dad, can I just have a little salad? I'm not that hungry." 

"Try and have protein, too, Paisley. Even if you feel like you don't need it, your body still does." 

"We packed the soda, right?" 

"Mackenzie, water with a meal wouldn't kill you, would it?" 

"But it's Dr. Pepper, who can pass that up?" 

"Fine, it's in the back of the car." 

"Mommy, can I have soda, too, like Kenzie?" 

"No Westie, water for you." 

"Okay daddy." 

"Isla, don't drink your water so fast, you'll be full before you start to eat." 

"Sorry mom, I feel like I'm in the desert, I'm so thirsty."

"Just slow down a little so you can still eat your meal, please." 

"I know, I'm still starving."

"Hun, do you think beer is a good idea? Or do you want some water, too?" 

"If Mackenzie has her soda, I'm having my beer." 

"May I have milk instead of water?" 

"Yes, Paisley, it's in the fridge. Get some for Weston as well." 

"Thanks dad. Mom, do you want me to grab ice for the water pitcher?"

"That would be great, Paisley, thank you." 

"Okay everyone, lets eat!"