If Summer Never Ends

Chapter 24

Chapter 24:

The Farewell to Summer party was not something I was familiar with, which would explain why I stood in awe as I took in the scene: there were lanterns and a bonfire, adding a warm, glowy hue to everything. There was music and food and laughter. An idealistic beach party.

Everyone from the island was there: kids, teenagers, adults, the elderly. I had found it pretty amazing how all those people, each of them so different and individualistic, could come together for one day and celebrate a common ground: saying goodbye to the end of a blissful summer.

The sun was beginning to set in the horizon, blurring warm and cool colors together in the sky like a painting. As the world was beginning to die down, the young began to rise up.

Music played louder, compelling people to dance on the beach. While some took pleasure in talking and eating, others found a certain light in making sand angels. Kids went on adventures looking at different types of shells and adults went on their own adventures by chugging down shots. For one night, everyone let go of everything and just lived.

Aunt Julia and Uncle Matt were talking with some friends while Evelyn and Rose played tag with some other kids. I was aimlessly wandering around, watching everyone's lives fill up with happiness.

"Gabby!" someone called from the distance. It was sort of difficult to see who had called me, for the world was in that in-between state of light and dark. Regardless, I would've recognized that voice anywhere.

I ran over to Luke, who was holding a six-pack of beer in his hand and was wearing a goofy smile on his face. He and a crowd of teenagers were herding over to Bowman's, an excluded beach further down the way. I presumed it was for his secret birthday bash.

"Even though it's tomorrow, Happy Birthday," I smiled, handing him a horribly wrapped present. "Welcome to the seventeen club." He set down the alcohol and grinned. It made me happy to see him smile.

"I hope you didn't spend too much money on me. I told you not to," he said disapprovingly, even though he hadn't opened the gift yet.

"Well if it helps," I began, "I didn't spend any money at all."

He raised an eyebrow. "I don't know if I should be glad or worried."

"Glad," I replied. "Just be glad."

Luke tore back the paper and revealed the Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club record by The Beatles. It was our favorite thing to listen to when we were kids, so I gave it to him.

"The one we tried to listen to that one time was warped, but my sneaky mother had another copy in her studio. I know you don't have a record player, because who does? But you don't have to listen to it, you could hang it up on your wall or something. I found it the other day and figured you'd like it."

For a while, he didn't say anything. He just stared at it. That made me worry and I automatically began apologizing.

"It's stupid," I stated, realizing that it was the worst idea for a gift in the world. "I'm sorry. I'll buy you something else, I promise-"

"It's perfect," Luke interrupted. "Don't apologize. It's actually one of the greatest presents I've ever gotten."

"Oh." I said dumbfoundedly.

"Thanks," he mumbled, tucking the record under his arm and picking up the drinks. I just nodded in return.

We quietly walked side-by-side to the bonfire set up on Bowman's. Along with the few friends I reconnected with this summer, dozens of other teenagers gathered up around the beach in bikini tops and sandals.