Miles Away

The kids took off running towards the water and left me to struggle, trying to find a space on the crowded beach and keep my eye on them. They knew better, they weren’t allowed in the water without me. Michael was about to turn seven and was every bit like me. Matthew had just turned five and was my handful, constantly active and always getting into something.

I pulled my chair close to the water’s edge and set down the cooler, bag and two boogie boards. The kids already were in the water knee-deep and I had yet to put sunblock on either of them. “Come on guys, sunblock then water.” I yelled to them. They groaned and came tearing back. After a sufficient dose of sunblock, I let them go back into the ocean. “Don’t go in past your waist guys, ok?” They nodded angelically. I knew I was in for it today.

I put suntan lotion on and carefully watched the boys play in front of me. It was nice to get away for the week. I planned on relaxing as much as possible and having a really good time with the boys. I had been saving for seven months for this trip and it had not been easy. The boys’ dad took off about a year ago, and I hadn’t heard a word from him since. In all reality, although I struggled at times, I was better off. He was lazy and never helped me anyway. I was happy he was gone in all reality.

I shook my head to try and push out all the bad memories. I promised myself this trip would bring about a new phase in my life. I stood up from the chair and removed the sunglasses I had on and walked towards the water’s edge. The ocean was crowded with people, boats and wave runners. A few of the wave runners were docked right near where the boys were swimming. “Mom, can we try that?” Matt asked enthusiastically.

I looked up and laughed. “Buddy that isn’t mommy’s. Maybe one day this week I will take you and Mikey and we will rent one, ok. I have to see if I can take both of you out at one time.” I said and he looked disappointed.

“You can take it out if you want. I’m sure my friend won’t mind. We have quite a bit of jackets over there and there are some small ones.” I looked up and shielded my eyes from the sun so I could see the person talking to me. I knew who he was. Most people from Philly would recognize Mike Richards. I was actually surprised to run into him here after the trade, but I had to assume he was with his cohort in crime.

“I appreciate it, but I don’t know how to drive one and honestly I don’t feel comfortable driving both boys at once.” He grinned at me and whistled to the blonde laying on the beach chair. As soon as he removed the glasses, I realized it was Jeff. He walked over towards us.

“Bro, as soon as he comes in with the other wave runner, you need to help me take these two out for a ride.” I looked down at the boys and they were getting so excited. Jeff nodded and crouched down and began talking to Matt who could barely contain his excitement.

Mike grabbed my hand. “I’m Mike, that is Jeff.” I just glared at him.

“My name is Ava. I really appreciate you offering to do this. Next time, please don’t do it in front of those two. It’s hard to say no to them now and disappoint them.” I said and he frowned.

“Wait why would you say no?” he asked.

“First, I don’t even know you. You want to take my children out on a ride. I don’t know what you have done all day. Have you drank at all? See my point. Think about it. What if you had a child? Would you trust their life with a stranger just because they had a cool occupation?” I looked at him and a small smile crept across his face.

“Ok, I am sorry. I wasn’t thinking of it that way. What if we stay towards the beach where you can see us. A quick ride and neither of us has been drinking yet. Sound good?” I relented only because the boys were almost jumping up and down with anticipation. Jeff took Michael out first while Mike and I stood and watched. Matt jumped around us. “So where are you from?” he asked quietly.

I smiled. “Born and raised in Philly, I live in South Jersey now though, actually not too far from the practice rink.” He smiled and leaned down to talk to Matt.

“Buddy you like hockey?” he asked and Matt’s eyes lit up.

“Mommy and I watch all of the sports on TV. We watch a game every night, it’s family time. You are on our TV a lot.” Matt practically yelled as he bounced around.

“So mommy likes hockey too huh?” he said, smirking at me.

“Don’t flatter yourself playboy, I like almost all sports. Besides, you are the enemy now.” I said and stuck my tongue out at him. Jeff came back in and he helped Mikey jump off the wave runner and he jumped off the back. Mike climbed on and put Matt in front of him. He drove away slowly and Michael waved.

They were out for like 15 minutes. Jeff stood beside me. “Breathe girl, Mike is a good driver. They will be fine.” He said as his friend handed him a beer. “Do you want one?” he asked and I agreed. What the heck. I was on vacation. Mike finally came in with Matt about ten minutes later. He handed Matt down to Jeff and then Jeff brought him to the beach.

“Mommy, mommy” he yelled as he struggled out of the life jacket. “Guess what, Mike said he is going to be here all night and he is going to go on the rides tonight.” I looked up at him and raised my eyebrows.

“No, Matt, remember I said I have to ask Jeff for permission first cause he is my like my brother and you never ever leave your brother alone.” Mike said quickly. I burst out laughing. I couldn’t help it. Here was Mike Richards trying to teach a lesson to my kids.

“So mommy, can we go on rides later?” Mike asked me quietly. “I’d like to take you three to dinner if you let me. “ He had this little boy quality that was hard to say no to.

“Sounds like a plan.” I said and he picked up my chair and pulled it over towards the large group with Jeff. He introduced me to a bunch of people.

We spent the afternoon talking and getting to know each other and I kept an eye on the boys as they played. He was a very good conversationalist and I could tell he liked to talk. I was sun-burnt and in need of a shower by the time we were leaving the beach. “I have to drive back to Jeff’s. Write down the address of where you are staying and I’ll be back around seven o’clock. Is that ok?” I looked at my watch and it was almost five o’clock.

“I’ll be there.” I said copying down the hotel’s address and handing it to him. I picked up my stuff and the boys and I headed for the hotel room.

Notes

This is my favorite story and is about 75% written so expect frequent updates. Let me know what you think. I love comments, it makes me look forward to posting.