Blog #1 - Bri Timms (short story)

One summer day, my buddies and I headed up to the lake. We spent most of our time at the lake. It was sort of our safe haven. Ma always brought snacks for us to munch on afterwards. This particular day was the day that I met Anne Marino. Anne wasn't like other girls her age. She was... I don't know... special somehow. Anne wasn't shy at all, in fact, she was the exact opposite of me. She was shorter than me, but all the mightier. Anne wasn't particularly popular, but she was so beautiful. Her long golden-brown hair rested below her shoulder blades. She was fair skinned with an amazing smile that could make you weak in the knees. Her southern draw could soothe you on the worst days. Her eyes were a deep green with what looks to have been twinkles. Her personality was playful and vibrant. She'd give a homeless person the shoes off her feet. Anne was always upbeat. She never cared if anyone was disapproving of her good spirits.

That summer at the lake cabin was the best summer of my life. Anne was the one to talk to me first, because all I could do was stare boyishly, smiling at her marvelous presence. I remember I was sitting on the picnic bench just after swimming with Carter and Caleb. Caleb and Carter are my best friends, we've been through a lot together. Just the three of us. We are about fifteen at this time.

Carter is sitting beside me; he says to me, "WHOA, bro!" He exclaimed in Anne's direction. Anne glances over, eyes rolling, then focuses back on applying her sunscreen lotion SPF 75.

"You're so childish man," Caleb says loud enough for Anne to hear.

"Yeah, but you love me though!"

"Jesus, Carter can you not!?" My sister, (Who has a crush on Carter,) Melanie gripes.

"What Mel? Can't a guy just be himself without being criticized?" Carter pouts, frustrated.

"Not when you are a Perv!" Melanie shouts. I chuckle a little at her retort.

"Something funny Manny!?" She hisses, glaring in my direction.

After regaining myself I tell her, "You two fight like an old married couple."

"Yeah they do!" Caleb adds, laughing. Melanie, at this time, is so red in the face. Carter coughs awkwardly.

Anne butts in, "Ahem, Excuse me..." We all turn towards the voice to find a girl with her hands on her hips waiting impatiently. I look at her in shock, I did not expect her to actually speak in my general vicinity. I clear my throat and extend my hand to the girl.

"Hi, I am Emmanuel García," My voice is shaky as she takes my hand softly, "Y..you can c..call me Manny."

"Hi Manny, I'm Anne Marino" Anne let go of my hand. "So, you guys just want to look at the water, or actually get in..?"

Wow she cut straight to the chase... talk about feisty.

"S..Sure eh, C'mon guys let's go." I gesture to the boys to follow me.