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Chapter Five

~Ethan~

"Lift that side, Ethan," my oldest cousin, Charlie, says.

I lift the large white canopy tent's metal leg while Charlie, Graham, and Marisa's boyfriend, Kevin, lift the other three legs.

"That's it, just a little further," my dad says from behind me.

We walk further out, holding the tent until it's wide enough for everyone to fit under.

"Great, right there," my dad says.

After the tent is set up next to the cabin, everyone pitches in and places five large wooden picnic tables underneath. After I put one of the picnic tables down on the grass, I quickly pull my hand away as a splinter digs its way into my palm.

I grit my teeth as I watch my grandmas and Mel's grandmas start bringing food out for the buffet. My stomach growls as I see multiple dishes of potato salad, macaroni salad, coleslaw, hot dog buns, burger buns, and more set out on the picnic table closest to the cabin. I need to get away from here before I start eating the side dishes.

I walk toward the large wooden dock off Lake Rescue. I sigh as I plop a squat at the edge and let my bare feet dangle on the surface of the light green water. A cool breeze cuts through the hot air pushing my shaggy dirty blonde hair into my eyes. I grit my teeth as I attempt to pull the large splinter out of my left palm, but it won't budge.

The last time I was here was for Bianca and Mel's high school graduation when I finished my sophomore year. The cabin looks exactly the same as last time, with the same dark wood-paneled walls and flooring, the same green and red flannel matching couches and curtains and rugs, and the same leaky sink faucet in the only inside bathroom. I have yet to look at the outhouse, but I'm sure it's the same, too, littered with so much potpourri, it'll make you queasy.

The cicadas perform their deafening symphony reminding me of a roaring crowd.

The crowd cheered as beads of sweat dripped down my face underneath my helmet. I tightened my grip on my lucky crosse as I watched the opposing attacker charge my way near home. I wasn't going to let them win. This was the state championship. We were so close.

The attacker tried to dodge me by cutting left, but I was quick on my feet and knocked the ball out of his crosse. I scooped it up and started charging toward the opposing team's goal. My teammate Rick was open and near the goal, so I threw the ball at him. He made quick moves around the goalie and scored.

The announcer's voice rang throughout the field, "And score! 10-9, Weaver High! Ladies and gentlemen, your 2012 lacrosse state champions, Weaver High!"

My team, including the players sitting on the sideline, ran to center field, and group hugged. We cheered, and I couldn't stop smiling.

I took my helmet off and turned around to see Mel on the side of the field with a huge smile. I sprinted to her, smiling like a fool, thinking college helped her beauty blossom.

"We won!" I shouted.

"I know," she laughed. "Congratulations!"

She stepped forward and hugged me. My breath caught in my throat, but then my arms wrapped around her of their own accord. I had forgotten how much I had missed her.

She pulled away, and I wished she had stayed in my arms a bit longer.

"That was amazing, Ethan!"

I turned to see Bianca and my parents next to Mel.

I didn't even notice them.

A dragonfly buzzes by, cutting too close to my face. I lie on the warm dock and stare at the clouds steadily passing by. Mel is on her way over, and Bianca says she's bringing her boyfriend. I groan as I cover my face with my baseball cap to avoid more than just the sun.

~~~