The Duet

Chapter 20 - Pali (Part 2)

The rest of the day was eaten with tours, introductory lectures, and a class. After a good night's rest, Chase and the boys got ready for next day.

"After breakfast, the schedule says we have "Rec" next." Brandon said. "What's that?"

"It's Recreation Time!" a muffled Schmoe said. He walked in, still brushing his teeth. "You can go  outside and play, or stay in here and relax."

The boys, hearing this, whizzed through breakfast rushed outside. They explored the sports area.

"Hmmm...What to do, what to do...Ah!" Michael said, scanning around him. "You guys want to play baseball?"

"Sure!" Brandon answered eagerly.

The boys agreed and approached the baseball diamond. They asked Schmoe to open the equipment closet. He got the keys and grabbed two bats and a few tennis balls.

"Good thing you guys are practicing!" Schmoe said. "You'll need it!"

"What for?" Michael questioned.

"Did you guys see the rest of the schedule?"

The boys shook their heads.

"Well, we have a little sports competition between counselors starting two days from now. This time, it's baseball. Whoever wins gets soda for the rest of the week." Schmoe explained. "Ever since she has gotten here, Cassie has been three-time reigning champ in baseball, but I think we have what it takes to take her down!"

The boys cheered and got to practicing, motivated by the prize of the soda. After about an hour of playing, Schmoe blew his whistle to gather his cabin.

"How's everyone doing'?" Schmoe asked to the crowd of boys.

"It's great, but the sun's really cooking us." Brandon said, wiping the sweat off his face.

"Well, since it's already March, our lake is now open for use. On your packing pamphlet, it said to bring swimming trunks, correct?"

Everyone nodded.

"Ok! We will go to go the lake for a quick marine biology lesson, and we can go swimming after!"

The boys cheered. They marched on to the lake, where Schmoe taught them about the different types of fish in it and their different characteristics.  A few boys were freaked out by the images of the types of fish, but Schmoe put their worries at ease.

"Don't worry, they're harmless! All they can manage is a little nibble." Schmoe assured. "Well, that's all for today's lesson. Now let's go back to get our swimming trunks!"

The boys cheered and went back to their cabin. They walked back out to the lake to see that the girls were already in the water.

Michael was the first to jump in out of the boys.

"Cannonball!" He yelled as he hit the water, spraying it everywhere.

Chase followed up with a backflip, but he exploded out of the water, and saw Alicia, wrapped in a towel, sitting on a rock beside the lake. Chase swam towards her slightly and gestured for her to get in to the lake. She blushed and shook her head.

"C'mon swim with us." he urged

"I think I'll just stay here."

"C'mon..."

Chase swam to shore, and hopped onto the rock. He grabbed her hand, but she brought it back in before he could reach her, and gently shoved him back in.

"Whoa!" Chase yelled, as he struggled to keep balance. He finally let up and fell in. When he came back up to the surface, he found Alicia snickering at him. She walked over to the a chair, and  took off her towel to revealing a red swimsuit. She stood up and put her glasses on the chair.