Summertime Promises

Prologue

            I remember my first time at Cherry Creek.

            Before the kisses. Before the fears. Before the impact of the realization.

            Before Chance Freestone unleashed the cage of butterflies in my stomach, that remained flying till’ this day.   

            It was the beginning of Summer 2004, 10 years ago.

            The earliest memories I had were always with my Dad. Like two peas in a pod, we were inseparable. I was always a Daddy’s girl, not in just our bond, but our attributes as well. My father and I shared the same straight brown hair and piercing hazel eyes. Funny how much we look alike considering his bulky size; I have my mother’s figure- small and fragile.

            My father made our summers magical. The simple enjoyments in life, reading under our secret fort, naps on the hammock, and walks in the park, were turned into exhilaration as long as I’m with him.

            On night, Dad wrapped me in my blanket as we watch Full House under our movie fort; Mom always arrives home late, but I never knew why. When I stayed up late enough for her to come home, her hair was always a mess and her breath reeked. That night, I heard a heavy slam on the door, and right away Dad carried me to my room.

            “Aren’t we gonna finish the show Daddy?”

            “Not tonight sweetheart” He quickly tucked me under my blankets and kissed me goodnight. His hazel eyes widened with anxiety.

            Throughout the night, I heard screaming from my mother as my Dad tried to stop her. Shattering sounds filled the hallways as both were arguing. My heart drummed in my chest as I hid under the covers; the blaring voices muffled under the darkness. I couldn’t sleep that night… or at least I thought I didn’t.

            The following morning, Dad woke me up and carried me downstairs. My belongings were packed and as usual, Mom was missing. 

            “Where are we going?”

            “Your mother and I decided to send you to a camp; it’ll be fun Delanee. I promise.”

            “Are you going to be with me? Should we take our movie fort?”

            “No Delanee, you don’t understand, it’s for the best, you shouldn’t stay in this house at the moment-” He paused and gulped down. “You will have fun, and that’s all that matters”

            “Promise Daddy?” I held on to his neck.

            “I promise sweetheart.”

            I was nervous when I arrived at Cherry Creek Jr Camp. Everything was a blur. From the sign in’s to the cabin check in. Correction: the first few days were a giant blur of loneliness. I was homesick for my broken family. Ironic ugh?

            Then came Day 12 of my life at Cherry Creek. I was sitting by the Lake’s dock feeling the crisp waters below my toes when an emerald-eyed boy with dark wavy held out his hand.

            “The name’s Chance. How old are you?”

            “eight… ugh Delanee. Delanee’s my name.”

            “Cool! I’m eight too” His smile stretched across his whole face. “Not eight ‘two’… I meant eight as in I’m eight just like you!”