A Summer In Cardinal Rock

Julia

The ocean roared as my brothers splashed in the water, climbed over rocks, and laughed. The water had finally warmed up enough for swimming. I sat in a chair, reading, knowing I had to get back to the diner soon and drop my brothers off at home. My mom was most likely back at home from her meeting at the church. My dad was the preacher at the small town's Baptist church and they were discussing adding on to the fellowship hall. I peeked at my phone to check the time. I had about twenty minutes to drop the boys off and get back to the diner.

"Come on guys, it's time to go." I yelled. We packed things up and got ready to leave. 

"Can we get ice cream?" My youngest brother, Noah, asked from the backseat. In my rearview mirror, I could just see the top of his curly, blond head.

"If you come by the diner after you shower, I'll give you some homemade ice cream Derek made yesterday." I responded with a smile. I had opened the diner at the age of nineteen after the original owner retired. It's been four years since I opened and it's one of the most popular places in Cardinal Rock. My cousin, Derek, is one the cooks and he makes ice cream for the neighborhood kids during the summer. The last day of school was Friday and all the kids were so excited for swimming, Derek's ice cream, and more summer fun . 

"That sounds good! What flavor is it?" The second oldest of the children in my family, Tobias, asked. 

"Peach and there's some mint chocolate chip also. He's thinking about trying some weird flavors like lavender or french toast with bacon." I couldn't help but chuckle at my brothers' disgusted faces. We pulled into the parsonage driveway and unloaded the beach chairs and toys. My mom came outside with a smile on her face. 

"How was the beach? Look at all the sand!" She laughed. "Go get washed up you three." The boys started spraying each other off with the hose. 

"How was the meeting, mama?" I asked as I got back in my car, starting it. 

"It went very well! Since the church is growing, we need more space! So I think the new addition will work out."

"That's great," I hugged her through the window. "Hey, I promised the boys ice cream later after they got cleaned up. Just send them over whenever." 

"I'll do that. I may even come too!" She grinned. I waved as I pulled out of the driveway and headed toward town. 

The diner was smaller with a wooden floor, pale blue walls, and pretty shells in mason jars on the tables. Photographs taken by my friend, Abigail, hung on the walls. Pictures of boats and crowds on beaches and driftwood. It was like home to me. The windows were always open so the smell of the saltwater filled the room. I flipped the sign in the window to open. I heard the back door open and the voices of Derek and Abigail echoed through the building. They walked into the dining area, aprons on and ready to work.

"Hey Jules!" Abigail crossed the room to hug me. Derek high fived me. We swept the floors and cleaned the tables while we waited for customers. I set some baked goods I prepared last night in the little display case by the door, breathing in the sweet smells. I heard the bell on the door ring. I looked up to see Noah's friend Jamie. He walked up to the counter and sat down. He and Noah were the same age, twelve, and both loved ice cream.

"Hey Jamie, want to try the new peach ice cream?" I asked, leaning on the counter. He nodded. Jamie was quiet and came from a rough household. My family did our best to make Jamie and his older sister, Alyssa, feel as loved as possible when they came over. I gave him a little bowl of ice cream and a sandwich. I didn't know when he last ate. 

The bell on the door rang again as my brothers came in. I filled three more little bowls with peach ice cream and gave them to my brothers as a few more customers filed through the door. I glanced over at Jamie. It looked like he had faint bruising under his eye. My heart was heavier now than when opened this morning. I sent up a silent prayer for Jamie and his sister. And I prayed that somehow, they could get out of that household.