Weekends Read online

  “I can’t believe she left such a good job for charity work.” Rick shook his head.

  “You don’t know all the details and it really isn’t your business. Maybe you should drop it.” Jen voiced.

  “Maybe you owe her an apology.” Tim chimed in.

  “Or maybe we should just drop it all together. She is happy with her life. At least she looks happy to me. I’ll be right back.” Tory got up to find me.

  **

  I was sitting at the only seat available at the bar. Tory came to stand next to me.

  “Hey, come back out there with us. We all told Rick to drop it. If you’re happy with what you’re doing, then we are happy for you.”

  “Thanks Tory, I’ll be back out in a few minutes. I’m waiting for the bathroom as well.”

  “Ok.” She then called out to the barmaid. “Can I get a pitcher of Bud please?” Once she had the beer, she headed back.

  I sat and finished my water with lemon, went to the bathroom then headed back out to the deck. I sat quietly listening to others talk about their lives. Maybe I shouldn’t have made the trip after all.

  “So, Kevin, Rick said you’re going to DJ here tomorrow night?”

  “Yes, I’ll be bringing out and dusting off the oldies. Any requests, please give them to me. With such a varied group of alumni, I’ll be playing music from the 70’s on up. You all are coming, aren’t you?” He was looking at me when he asked.

  “I’m sure the place will be packed for you.” I was quiet again.

  Tim yawned and that started us all.

  “I’m going to head back to the camp if anyone wants a ride back.”

  “Yes, tomorrow is going to be a long day of greeting people we haven’t seen in forever. I’m ready, Jen how about you?”

  “Ok Tim, we can call it. Tory, you staying or going? How about you Rick?”

  “I’ll walk back in a little while. I’m not ready yet.”

  “I’ll stay with you Tory. We can walk back later.”

  “Ok Rick, Tory, don’t party too hard. It’s only Friday.” We got up and headed out.

  TWO

  I woke early as always. I got up and tossed on my shorts and tank so I could go for a walk. It was already hot. When I came out of the room Tim was standing at the counter with a coffee.

  “Morning, you’re up early. Want a coffee?”

  “Not yet. I’m going for a walk and I’ll be back in about twenty minutes. Then I’ll have coffee.”

  “Ok, good for you.”

  I headed out and since the camp was at the bottom of a circle street, no matter which way I went, it would be up hill for half the time. So, I did a quick jog up the right side of the circle and then walked back down the left side. I was sweating when I got back so I went to the water’s edge and stuck in a toe. Pulling off my tank, I jumped in and swam out to the dock. I was sitting on the dock resting for a minute when I heard voices.

  “Can we go swimming?”

  “No, not yet. You’re going to have breakfast first.”

  “But she’s out there.”

  “Who?” Cindy looked out the door.

  I waved. “Sorry, I went for a jog and needed to cool off. I’ll get out right now.” I dove back into the water and made my way back to shore. I pulled my tank top back on and walked up to the camp.

  “Tim would you toss me a towel so I don’t track water through?”

  “Sure.”

  Once I was semi dried off, I wrapped the towel around my waist and carried my sneakers and socks inside.

  “Are you going to shower before coffee?”

  “No. I would love one now. But I can get it. I seemed to have caused trouble already this morning.”

  “I heard them. They are just having cereal so they can go soon enough. It’s hard to get them out of the water for anything other than food. I’m good with that. When the lazy ones get up we can have a real breakfast.” Tim was sitting at the table.

  “I’m good with that.” I sat across from him.

  “You will stay, won’t you? You’re not going to leave on us. Tory was afraid you might.”

  “I didn’t come all this way to not go to the alumni thing. I’ll just be a little more guarded with my conversations. Do you want me to start something for the breakfast?”

  “No, I have a pan ready to toss in the oven with everything in it. I’ll do that in twenty minutes or so and if they don’t get up by the time it’s done, more for us.”

  “So, what’s it like being a grampy?”

  “It’s crazy. Jen and I got married right after high school and had Cindy within the first year. She had just started college when she told us she was pregnant so she came home. Then Chris and Jeff came along within the year. Our house is full, but there is a lot of love there.”

  “Good morning. What’s going on out here?” Jen made her way out of the bedroom.

  “Hey Baby, you want a coffee?”

  “Mm please.” She sat down. “You look like you’ve been out swimming?”

  “I went for a jog then walk then swim. It was good. Now I’m having coffee.”

  “I’m putting in the breakfast bake now.” Tim called from the kitchen. He returned with the pot of coffee and a cup for his wife.

  “Thanks Hon.” He got a kiss for his efforts.

  I smiled at them. “It’s nice to see you still love each other.”

  “We are a team.”

  “There is this couple near where I live. Every day I see them out for a walk. They must be late sixties or seventies, but he still holds her hand as they walk along. No earbuds, no cell phone addictions, just each other holding hands, it’s nice to see.”

  “That is nice. How about you? Anyone special in your life?”

  “No not at this point. I’m not looking either before you ask.”

  “Ok. Do you ever hear from Linda?”

  “No, she went into the service and that was that.”

  “She may be here today. Sonja said she heard from her about where she’s living now and she was going to try to get here.”

  “Great, I’m sure she’s doing very well. She knew what she wanted to do and be.”

  “As did you.”

  “I thought so, but found a jaded world.”

  “I’m sorry things didn’t work out better for you.”

  “I think you misunderstood me. I like my life now. I didn’t like it before. I’m actually in a better place for me health wise.”

  “The other job was stressful then?”

  “Yes, it was beyond stressful. I stayed as long as I could and I knew it was affecting my health. So, I made the decision that I was more important than the paycheck. It took a while to get straightened back out but yeah, it’s all good now. I walk or jog every day. I help people now, with their lives or rights. I love what I’m doing.”

  “That’s all that’s important. Do you want more coffee?”

  “Mm yes please. Then I’m going to go out and see if I can get a little bit of color on this ghostly white body.”

  “Make sure you use sun screen. I have some. I’m going down to the water with the kids as well for a while before the get together.”

  “Oh great, I was going to lay out on the dock for a bit. The water was wonderful this morning.”

  “Well you need to eat breakfast and wait a half hour before swimming.”

  “Yes Dad.” I chuckled.

  Tory came quietly out from the bedroom. “What’s going on? What time is it?” She plopped down at the table. There were no cups there so she reached over and took Jen’s.

  “Hello?!”

  “I need it more than you Babe.” Tory smiled pleadingly.

  “You probably do. What time did you get back last night?”

  Tory rubbed her temples. “After the bar closed we went to Jason’s for about an hour or so. Kevin dropped us off on his way home. So, about three-ish?”

  “Wow, I would be dead.”

  The oven beeped and Tim got up to get the dish. Jen got up to help bring in bowls for the food and forks and more coffee cups.

  “Rick, breakfast is ready. Are you going to have some?” Jen called into the room. There was no response.

  “Yeah I think it will be about noon before he joins us. Tim that smells great. You are so wonderful; no wonder Jen still loves you so much.”

  “Yes, but he farts in bed at night.” Jen responded.

  “Just one of the perks my love.” He kissed her head then sat back down.

  We enjoyed breakfast and another cup of coffee. By this time, it was almost nine. We worked together and when it was all cleaned up, headed outside to enjoy the morning.

  Cindy and the kids were down by the water and they were playing Frisbee on the beach.

  “Morning guys, having fun?”

  “Yeah, can we take out the boat?”

  Jen looked up at Tim for the answer. “Yes, we can go for spin. Do you all have your life jackets?”

  The boys scurried to find the life jackets that had been left here and there. Once they all had them on and checked by Cindy, Tim helped them climb into the boat. Tim pushed the boat out and jumped on. He got the motor going and they headed out into the lake. He would spend a couple hours with them, giving them rides on the ring float that pulled behind the boat.

  I had pulled my tank top off again and jumped in the water to swim out to the dock. It was wonderful and the sun was sinking into my skin.

  I flipped over onto my stomach when Jen and Tory finally got up on the dock. “It’s about time. What’s up?”

  “Oh, Rick’s up and we got him some breakfast and sat with him for a few minutes.”

  “He couldn’t get his own food and c
offee?”

  “He was feeling left out.”

  “Then he should have gotten up with the rest of us.” I rolled my head to the other side.

  “You are still mad at him, aren’t you?”

  “No, I’m not mad at him. He has his life and I have mine. I can’t help it if he can’t deal with my life choices. I’m not going to be sorry for my career decisions. I don’t want to talk about it anymore, ok.”

  “Sure, do you want some sun screen?”

  “No, I’m good. I’m going to jump back in and cool off.” I sat up and redid my pony tail.

  “I like the way you do your hair Dana.”

  “Thanks Tory, but it’s just a pony tail.”

  “Yes, but you cut the bottom half so short.”

  “That’s to keep it from being too thick and knotting up worse.” I stood up and dove into the water. I swam out further before turning and heading back to shore.

  Once back, it was about ten-fifteen. I went in and took a shower then dressed for the alumni get-together. I didn’t want to get burned and I do burn easy. Once I was ready, I sat on the porch and read my book. I was glad I brought it after all.

  Jen and Tory climbed the steps. “Wow, you’re all ready to go?”

  “Yes, I didn’t want to get too red or burned so I took my shower and am all ready to head up to the reunion. What time are you all going up?”

  “As soon as we’re ready. Tim is coming in now and he’ll shower in a few minutes. Where’s Rick?”

  “I haven’t seen him since I came up. I was going to ask you if he was gone somewhere.”

  “Did he leave a note?”

  “Not that I saw.”

  “Ok, well I’m going to take my shower now.” Jen headed inside.

  Tory sat in the other wicker chair. She took out her phone and called Rick’s phone.

  “Hey.”

  “Hey yourself. Where are you?”

  “I showered and headed up to the reunion already. I’ll see you guys up here.”

  “Ok, we’ll be there soon.”

  “Found the wanderer?” I asked.

  “Yes, he headed up to the reunion already. I’ll take my shower as soon as Jen is done.”

  “You can use the shower in my room. Rick’s gone already and I’m done. Tim still needs to take his as well.”

  “Good idea. I’ll grab my stuff. Thanks.”

  “No problem.” I opened my book again.

  Tim and the three boys were making their way up from the lake. The boys chatted away about who had the better ride or flew the highest on a wave. Tim had a huge grin on his face. They headed over to the other camp and Tim came up the steps.

  “You look very happy. I think you’re glad your daughter had twin boys.”

  “Does it show that much? I can’t help it. Cindy was a great kid, don’t get me wrong, but I love having the guys to hang around with. Boys are more fun.”

  “That’s a matter of opinion.” I looked up and smiled at him.

  “I’m going in to get ready.”

  I stayed quietly reading until they were ready. Jen and Tim were going to bring their car so they could get Cindy and the boys later. Tory rode with me and she was going to hang out with us all then decide what she wanted to do. She had a sister that lived here in town still so she was going to visit with her and her family for a while. Rick, as usual, was an enigma. He always wanted to be part of it but never controlled by it. The it being whatever the situation was. I just tried to live my life as quietly as I could.

  When the others were ready, we headed into town. There were cars parked all over the place. We finally parked at the bar down the street. We knew we would end up there anyway. Getting out, we headed to the hall that was set up.

  Once inside, it was kind of organized. You would check in and give your name and year of graduation. After that it was a free for all. There were groups of people gathered and laughing and reminiscing all over the place. There were tables set up for anyone to sit and take a break or have a snack. They had three tables set up with light foods for now, fruit and pastries and cheese with crackers. The luncheon would come out later. There was a board set up with what was to take place when so if you wanted to be part of your year’s group photo or interview, you knew where to go when.

  “Wow, it looks like Sonja did a great job with all of this. I’m sure she had help, but still. Should we head to our area yet or just mingle?”

  “We can mingle; our group meet is at one pm so we have plenty of time.”

  “Dana, Dana is that you?”

  I turned to see who it was. Linda was standing there with Rick and Sonja. I walked over to them.

  “Hi Linda, I heard you might be coming today. It’s so nice to see you again. Have you been well?”

  “Yes, I’m fine. How have you been?”

  “Older but you know we all are.” I turned to Sonja. “I haven’t seen you since graduation day. You look wonderful Sonja.”

  “Thanks, I was so surprised when Rick said you were coming this year.”

  “Linda? Oh, there you are, thought I lost you for a minute.”

  A woman that I did not know came over and stood by Linda.

  “Cathy, I want you to meet Dana. Dana, this is Cathy, my partner.”

  I smiled at Cathy. “It’s very nice to meet you Cathy. What do you think of the small town here?”

  “It’s cute. We’re stationed outside of Norfolk. Where do you live, here in Hillsboro?”

  “No, I live near the coast. I haven’t been here since the summer after graduation.” I looked over at Linda then dropped my eyes. “I’m going to mingle some more, I’ll talk to you all later.” I made my way around the hall.

  Kevin and Tory were standing outside, so I went out to join them. “Well that was fun.”

  “Yeah, I saw. Sorry.”

  “No biggie. I got over that a long time ago. I’m glad she’s happy with someone now. I’m going to take a ride. I’ll be back by one pm for the thing.”

  “Ok”

  “You want company?”

  “No thanks.” I made my way around the outside of the building to the street so I could get back to my vehicle. I took off and headed for a ride. Ending up at the camp, I got out and sat on the porch reading.

  **

  “What are you doing here? We’re supposed to be at the hall for the group photo.” Rick was standing there at the end of the porch.

  I looked at my watch. “Oh, I didn’t realize the time. Ok, I’ll be right there.” I got up to head out.

  “Are you mad at me?”

  I looked over at Rick. “No, I’m not mad. Why do you think that?”

  “I’m sorry if I overstepped last night. I was just so shocked by the announcement.”

  “It’s just a job change. People do change jobs over the years.”

  “Yes of course they do. Let’s go.”

  The afternoon was pleasant. There were photos and updated information interviews. When it was done, I just wanted to go back to the peace and quiet. Our whole group was there and most of the whole class. Everyone was so excited. Our group was going to meet up for dinner at a restaurant and then go out after. We all went our separate ways for a few hours to relax before the dinner.

  THREE

  I sat relaxing on the porch again at the camp. Some had gone inside and Jen and Tim had gone over to the boy’s camp. Tory was taking a nap since she had a late night and would be out again tonight. Rick had gone inside and was making a drink.

  “Are you coming inside for a drink and to smoke?”

  “Don’t you want to wait until Tory wakes up?”

  “No, she’ll have some later when she wakes up. Come on.”

  Taking a deep breath, I sighed. “I’ll be right in.”

  I went to the kitchen and made a very weak drink. Once I was seated he filled the bowl.

  “Aren’t you worried you’ll run out?”

  “No, I have plenty. What the hell is wrong with you?”

  “I’m just not used to doing this anymore. I haven’t smoked in years and I rarely drink anymore.”

  “Why not?”

  “I don’t need it. I’m not stressed the way I was when I worked the corporate job. I was drinking almost every night and every weekend to escape the ongoing stress. When I finally quit there, I didn’t need it anymore. I still have the same bottle of vodka open in my fridge and I haven’t touched it. The tiny amount of pot I had from years ago is dried out and weak by now I’m sure.”