PROLOGUE

Alfred Jessie Laurence is turning sixteen and will celebrate his birthday in newly built and redesigned clan-owned resort and hotel
In the main lobby, he saw the pictures of various occasions and in the center of it all is their family picture taken during his great grandfather’s ninetieth birthday. He continued walking and he found large pictures of his dad and his uncle as models of their clothing line during their late teens, but a group picture at the corner, taken during his great grandfather’s eightieth birthday caught his attention.
He saw his dad with his arms around a woman friend in one frame and the same woman under his uncle’s arm in another frame. What intrigued him most is that he never saw his mom with his dad in one single picture together for they were always in separate group pictures.
Out of his curiosity, he asked his mom, “Why haven’t I seen you and dad together in any of the pictures taken during grandpa’s eightieth birthday in the main lobby of the hotel?”
“Those group pictures were the living memory that summer’s love story…”

Chapter 1: Welcome
All the characters in this story have no existence outside the imagination of the author and have no relation whatsoever to anyone bearing the same name or names. Any individual known or unknown does not inspire the author and all incidents are inventions.


Freddie Laurence arrived from a nearby city, tired and hungry. He laid his baggage down and rang the doorbell. He leaned on the wall and began to tap his feet. Impatience is now drowning him so he was about to hit the doorbell button when he heard footsteps from the inside. The metal locks started to sound as they are being unlocked. He stood still and straight and stopped tapping his feet. The door opened slightly due to the guard chain.

“Who is it?” a sleepy voice of a man asked.

“It’s me, Fred,” he answered, trying to recognize the man unlocking at the door. He was surprised to see his cousin, Jerry Franks. He gave him a warm smile.

“Come on in,” Jerry said, clearing the way as he offered a hand to his cousin. “Let me help you with those bags.”

Fred handed a bag to him and carried the remaining ones. “Thanks. Since when were you here?” Fred asked, trying to keep the discussion up.

“Fortnight,” Jerry said in reply, smiling and following his track. “I’ll be moving in, your mom asked me to accompany you while they are having their businesses out of town.”

“I’m glad you are moving in,” he replied, entering his room. “Now, I got company! Mom and Dad barely stay home, they are always on the road.”

Jerry laid the bags inside Fred’s room. “Try to get some rest while I go prepare something for dinner. I know you are tired from that three-hour trip,” he said, leaving Fred in his room and proceeded to the kitchen.

* * *

Fred woke up early the next day, lying in bed waiting for daylight. In his imagination came Samantha Callahan, the most popular girl in school. She stands five-feet and four-and-a-half inches with a body to die for. Her pretty face highlights her hazelnut eyes and curly lashes; when she smiles, her shiny white teeth matches her cherry red lips like those models of tooth paste brands.

Letting his ideas soar high, things most couples do came popping in his head. Romantic candlelight dinner for two at the coziest restaurant, last full shows of the most heartwarming flicks, a light and breezy walk in the park or just staring at the night sky waiting for falling stars are just a few of his fantasies. He was interrupted at the peak of his ‘fantasy’ when his mobile phone beeped and lit up.

Lazily, he reached for his phone in order to check the ‘disturbing’ message. He almost dropped it and his eyes grew wide when he saw the name appearing in his phone screen, her aunt from Caswell. She does not send any message for no particular reason. He squinted at his wristwatch to check the time. “Its only four fifty seven in the morning, this must be something important.”
The message reads:
Hi Fred! I know that it’s too early for a message, sorry to wake you up. I have been asked by your grandma to remind you and Jerry to be here for you grandpa’s eightieth birthday. I already have reminded everyone about it. Just check your e-mail for the details, I just have sent it. He quickly sprung out of bed, turned on his computer and logged on to his e-mail account to check for the said message from her aunt. She was right; she did sent the details just a few minutes back. After browsing through the other messages, he immediately printed out his aunt’s message and ran to his cousin’s room.

“Jerry, open up,” he called, knocking repeatedly on the door. “Wake up! I have good news from Caswell! Rise and shine! C’mon, c’mon!”

“Coming-----,” Jerry answered sleepily. “What? What is that ‘very good news’ you have that cannot wait? This got to be a real good one or else…”

“Grandpa’s birthday is in three days,” Fred said, trying to sound excited in order to get his cousin’s mood. “It is a beach party in Caswell.”

“That’s it,” he said in dismay, then asked permission if he could go back to bed. “It’s pretty good news, right.”
After their conversation, Fred head back to his room as he passed by the phone near his room, an image of his relatives, friends and of Samantha crept into his mind. He closed his eyes as he laid himself to bed, trying to dispel the image. Then—suddenly, he felt an object fell flat on his face.

“Ouch!” Fred cried, pulling the object away from his face. As he tried to recognize the object, he told himself he deserved it for having forbidden fantasies about Sam.

He sat on his desk and picked up the object, which turned out to be his directory. Fred browsed through the names written on it. There he saw the names of Eric Laurence, Christina Gomez, Hero Williamson, Samantha Callahan, Justin Shaiffer and Josie Andrews. He began to list their home phones down as he tried to plan an activity on his mind, something called—GROUP OUTING!

Chapter 2: The Invitation
Eric Laurence’s number was the first number that Fred dialed, his half brother. He got through the line quickly and heard his brother’s voice. “Eric,” he said, transferring the phone to his right ear. “Hey, would you like to got out of town?” Fred asked, feeling excited for the trip itself, but that would have to wait. Laying out his rough plans to his brother was his priority so he did set aside his personal excitement.
“What did you just say? An out of town?” Eric sounding interested. Eric now could feel his brother’s excitement as he was listening to Fred’s rough plan; it sent shivers down his spine.
Finally, after minutes of conversing, Eric gave his word to Fred and promised to help him out with the preparations of the trip. They bid each other goodbye and ended their talk.
Jerry was behind Fred all the while. Suddenly, smiling broadly after hearing how excited Fred sounded at the near-end of his conversation with his brother.
“Ummm… That was Eric right? Nice plans, Fred,” he said teasingly. He motioned his cousin that breakfast was ready. “You plan really quick.”
“Oh, I’m sorry I wasn’t able to help,” he said, feeling ashamed because he failed to help in the preparation. “I’ll make it up to you next time.”
“It’s alright,” Jerry reassured him by giving him a little tap on his back.
Fred had a load of Jerry’s cooking. It smells and tastes good for his senses to contain. However, he still has a lot of things to do, not only the working out his plans for the outing but also the household chores.
Jerry was still his cousin, and not a hired helper so he has to control his eagerness to make his phone calls. Besides, he told himself, I still have more or less than two days before the party in Caswell. Maybe, helping with the chores would be the more appropriate thing to do. “Why won’t you get yourself ready while I do the dishes,” Fred suggested starting to gather the used china and utensils. He needed to thank his cousin so he needed to do the dishes. “I’m sure I can handle this while you get ready cause we are going somewhere.”
Jerry smiled. “I’d better get my shower then,” he agreed. Then he turned his radio on as he entered his room.
As Fred washed the remaining china, he could not help imagining their trip out of town. He had mixed feelings about the trip, for the first time he could spend more time with his friends, especially with Sam.
I hope I’m not getting too involved with my friends, especially with Sam. I hope I could remain independent from Sam and the rest of the guys, he thought as he moved himself to get ready.
Jerry knocked on his door after getting ready, and then he gave the door another tap. Fred was sure that his cousin was ready and waiting for him. He tried to double his time fixing his hair and the things he’s gonna bring along.
“Be there in a minute,” he called after putting his bag on his back. “I’ll just check if I had everything unplugged. I want to make sure everything is turned off before we leave.”
“Ready to go?” Fred asked him when he showed up a moment later. “It seems that everything has been changed and checked. Are we ready to go then or what?”
Jerry nodded. “I was just waiting for you. Let’s move then, but I still have no idea where we are going,” Jerry told him, opening the door. “It seems that we are going to do some serious stuff, I can say it with the pack on your back. Just tell me if you need a hand with that,” he added. Then they started walking and proceeded to Eric’s Place.
“Here is what we are going to do,” Fred said, suddenly bringing out a notepad. “We are going to plan what we are going to do when we go to grandpa’s birthday.”
“Just as I thought!” Jerry exclaimed, taking the notepad away from Fred’s hands. “Let’s see… so your brother and your closest friends are coming.”
He smiled and nodded. “You’ve been reading my mind. What do you think about all these?”
Jerry smiled back. “You mean we are going on a real road trip.”
“Sort of. This maybe the greatest experience of our teenage years, if not of our lives. At eighteen, we have had our own road trip.
“You are trying to excite me so as not to be uncomfortable with your friend’s company.”
“Are you uncomfortable with them around?” Fred asked, looking into Jerry’s eye waiting for affirmation or negation.
Jerry handed him the notepad. “Its an initial feeling you know. It’s my first time to meet them and what do you expect?”
“I’m pretty sure that you will get along with them. There is Eric’s place, that green roofed bungalow. You see, his place it’s just a couple of blocks away from my place so we make it a point that we see each other everyday. And one thing more, he is still my brother even if you view it any perspective. Let’s race to their door,” Fred said, as they started to run to the door.
After racing to the front door, Fred came after Jerry. They asked each other regarding their looks. When they were sure that both of them were as pleasant looking as they were before the race, Fred knocks on the hardwood door.
From the living room window, Josie Andrews saw them and opened the door. “Come in. the group is here and we are only waiting for you.”
“Really?” Fred answered, entering the living room. “By the way guys, I want you to meet my cousin, Jerry.”
Fred called his brother to come near them to be introduced to each other. “Jerry, this is Eric, my brother,” he said, tapping Eric’s shoulder then giving him a light push to motion him to help the ladies at the bar. “And that girl in an off-shoulder, that is Sam Callahan and the two girls beside her are Josie Andrews and Christina Gomez,” he said pointing at the girls preparing snack at the bar. “Those guys there, Hero Williamson and Justin Shaeffer ,” he said, leading his cousin to the couch.
“Hi Jerry. Welcome to the group. Make yourself at home,” Christina Gomez said, Josie and Sam’s best friend.
Jerry smiled at them. “Thank you guys, I think I really think we will be a group.” Then he caught a glimpse of Sam and Eric giggling by the fridge through the mirror at the bar. He intently looked at the “couple-like” gestures of his cousin’s brother and Sam. After a few minutes, he changed his to focus from them to Fred, Hero and Justin. He began to feel that something is going on between his cousin’s brother and Sam.
As he was trying to observe them, he smiled and shook his head. He felt honored to be accepted and be one of them without any questions asked but he seems to sense that something wrong within the group. He let his eyes continue observing until he heard Fred’s voice.
“Let’s get down to business!” he heard Fred call. Jerry tried to focus on his cousin, and moved to give the ladies and Eric a seat. On the other hand, Fred set a floor pillow for his seat then he brought out his notepad.
“It is our grandpa’s eightieth birthday celebration in two days,” he started, scanning through his list of plans. “Eric, Jerry and I were planning that we go on a road trip. We’ll be going to our resort in Caswell.”
But they did not let him finish. “We are going. Your brother here gave us bits and pieces of your plans,” the group replied almost in chorus.
Fred shook his head. “You work really fast, Eric. You are the best that is why you are undoubtedly my brother,” he said in disbelief.
Josie stood up and called the group’s attention. “Sorry Fred. I can’t make it for the next few days. I need to have my ankle checked, its been bothering me lately. Just extend my wishes to your grandpa. And promise me that you will enjoy yourselves for me,” she declared, trying to hold back her tears.
Fred ran to her and gave her a quick hug. “That’s okay. Just promise us too that you will make it next time.” Then Fred gestured them to give her a group hug.


Chapter 3: On Their Way
Fred lay awake for hours that night imagining how the trip would turn out. To him it was a miracle. In just a few hours, they would be on their way to the beach.
As he tossed and turned, he thought of Sam, and he wondered if Sam thought about him at all. Then just before he drifted off to sleep, he thought of Jerry, his cousin who was in the next room.
Was he sleeping or is he thinking of the trip too? Would he be imagining the sound of the waves crashing on the rocks? Would he be bothered by the idea of sharing the trip with my friends, his new acquaintances?
“I should talk to him tomorrow,” he yawned and fell on his pillows. He fell asleep at last.
The next day was going to be a busy one. It was another day for Fred to see his brother, friends, and Samantha. At the break of daylight, Fred was ready to go. He was unusually contented with his four-hour sleep.
“All set for the trip today,” Jerry asked as he entered Fred’s room. “It’s like a couple of hours to go.
Jerry opens the blinds to indicate the chameleon green van idling in the driveway. “I think the car is waiting to be loaded with baggage.”
Fred gave him a light punch on the chest. “ I bet you are right. We better position our baggage to save time later.”
“Yup that was the idea I wanna tell you,” Jerry said, giving him a pat at the nape.
Fred, together with Jerry carried their baggage out in the driveway. “ We better start moving fast, they would be here in no time. Hand me those bags and I’ll position them here so we can have our quick breakfast.”
“I think you are right,” Jerry replied. “Let’s keep it moving then so we still have spare time to check if we might have forgotten anything to bring along.’
After a few minutes of positioning the baggage in the van, they head for the kitchen to grab their quick breakfast. Even before reaching the kitchen, the group has arrived.
“Hey, Freddie Boy, we’re here,” Eric hollered. “Come on out, we’re leaving.”
Jerry took the door, to his surprise, he saw Eric holding Sam’s hand. Before he could even greet them, Justin’s voice caught his attention.
“Where’s my Fred?” Justin asked. “Can we load our bags into the van?”
“He’ll be out in a minute,” Jerry replied. “Just load your bags into the van. We’ll leave as soon as Fred finishes his breakfast.”
The group then proceeded to the van while Jerry ran to the kitchen to get his breakfast. He just assumed that Fred knew his way to the driveway.
“You get your breakfast while I check the plugs and lights,” Fred told his cousin, rushing to his room. “When I come back, you should be ready cause we are gonna leave,” he added.
Jerry just nodded. He reached for a bowl, the cereals, and the milk. He tried to consume it in the quickest possible time.


* * *


“Aren’t we going yet, Fred?” Jerry asked. “You are the only one we are waiting for. They are growing impatient. Everybody is excited so come on out.” He added to encourage his cousin to move faster.
Five minutes before nine, they were all settled inside and were ready to hit the road.
Inside the van, Fred took the wheel and Jerry took the front seat because he was in charge of the music for the whole duration of the trip. Justin and Hero took the seats near the bags, and near the food. Christina sat next to Sam and Eric who were cuddling each other.
“We’ll be arriving in Caswell after about a couple and a half hours. Just seat back and relax,” Fred said, looking at friends through the rear view mirror. “Hero, don’t consume all of those food we brought.”
The group turned to Hero, who has a few pretzels on his hand and mouth. They began to laugh and started teasing him a pig.
Every now and then, Fred looked mirror to see how the group was doing. As if he was to be torn in pieces when he saw Sam lean her lean body against Eric’s medium built body tone. Even with what he has seen, he tried to convince himself that they are just friends and Eric knows that he is into her.
Jerry saw the change in his cousin’s mood. He tried to look for the cause of his mood swing. He saw what Fred has seen, and he almost has kept his eyes on them for the rest of the trip. His hunch that something is wrong between his cousin and his friends are unfolding to his very eyes.
Stories, jokes and music kept the gang busy throughout the trip. Hero and Justin became the clowns and icebreakers most of the trip.
Finally, they knew that they are a few minutes from the resort when they saw a few banners greeting Fred and Jerry’s grandfather.
“Hey guys, we’re here,” Jerry exclaimed, loud enough to wake the ladies who fell asleep. “Get ready to unload your things.
Hero smiled at Jerry. “Hey is that your grandpa? He so cool in that summer get-up!” Hero said, pointing at the old man seated in the middle of a group of seniors at the main cottage.
Fred looked at the rear view mirror. “How’d you know that is our grandpa? Eric told you?” Fred asked, smiling at his friends this time. “Do we look like him in any way?”
“Yup bro, you got your hair color from him and Jerry here is near replica,” Eric said, pushing Sam’s head away from his shoulder that is numbing due to the continuous leaning of her head for almost an hour without moving an inch.
As soon as Fred was able to park the van properly in front of the fifth cottage, the one assigned to them, people began to gather around the van, waiting for them to get off.
Aunt Grace welcomed them with a smile. “ You made it,” she said, reaching her hand to all. “Thanks for coming, its nice of you to come,” she added, handing them leis.
“Hey, grandpa’s been waiting for you,” Jenny, their cousin, called. “He has been waiting for your arrival since six in the morning. He has been seated there at the veranda for hours now. He is very eager to see you both, and your friends,” she explained, leading the way to their grandpa.
“Come on guys, let’s meet grandpa,” Jerry said, motioning them to follow his lead.
Just as expected, Jerry, Fred, and their grandpa had a near tear jerking reunion. Their hearts jumped with joy as they gave themselves a grandpa-and-grandson-hugs-and-kisses.
“Who are these great looking lads and lasses here?” he asked.
“By the way Grandpa, this is Eric, my brother. You know,” he introduced. “Here is Hero, Sam, Christina, and Justin. They are my friends back in Clarkesville,” he said, wrapping his shoulders around his grandpa’s arms.
Fred detected a delighted tone in his grandpa’s voice, and he knew that he liked his circle of friends. He loved the way the joy of his grandfather reflected on his wrinkled face.
Grandpa tapped his grandsons’ shoulders. “Go to your cottage and have a rest. I know it has been a long trip. Then when you are rested, go have fun with your friends. I know you came to join me in my celebration so I wanted you to enjoy.”

Chapter 4: A birthday Present
“Did you see him in his hula shirt? Isn’t Fred cute in that outfit,” Sam told Christina and Hero. She jumped to her feet pulling Tina and hero by their shirts. “I have a bit of crush on him. No, no--- I like him.”
“I’ll admit he looks good alright, but are you sure you like him better than Paul, the prom king, or maybe his brother, Eric,” Tina said. She shook off Sam’s hand and continued walking.
“Eric is just a friend,” she said. “And I’m just admiring Fred in his hula shirt for he never looked as good as he looking right now.” She was about to continue defending herself but Tina and Hero continued walking, so she did too.
Tina began to study the new shade of polish on her nails, holding her hand, this way and that to view it from various angles. “What do you think, Hero,” she inquired, arching the delicately curved form. “Is it a good color?”
“Yes,” Hero affirmed. “It suits your shocking pink top you are wearing. And it will surely match your baby pink two piece.”
“How’d you know that my swimsuit was baby pink?” Tina asked hero, then looking at Sam.
“I have nothing to do with that my dear,” Sam retorted.
“Hey, Justin just told me that he saw you packing your baby pink bikini when he dropped by your house two days ago,” he said, trying to avoid a quarrel between the two ladies.
A few meters away, Justin, Fred and Jerry were playing with the beach ball. Sam could not take his eyes on Fred. Admiring him in afar and silently could be her safest play.
He was not as bloke as Paul nor is he as cute as Eric, but he is still good looking. Slightly taller and a bit muscular than his brother and his tan is near Paul’s. Fred had not only striking curly hair, he also had dark eyes and dark eyebrows.
Eric catching a glimpse of the three, he called, “Hey guys, come join us! It will be fun.” Pushing his straight hair back away from his forehead, he shouted, “Let us enjoy the beach. It’s one of the things we came here for.”
“So what are we going to play?” Tina asked when she got near them. “I mean, its minutes before noon and lunch would be served soon. And I don’t wanna get burned by the scorching sun.”
“I certainly agree with you,” Sam backed Tina up.
“The sun, and the whole of this is all we got to enjoy,” he said cheerfully, pointing at the sand and the endless sea.
Eric looked at Sam and Tina with a silly grin, and then turned to the boys. “Are we not in the mood to play this morning? We must not spoil time here,” Eric said.
“I think he is right,” Fred agreed with his brother. “This does not often happen you know.”
“You boys always win! We are out numbered here that’s why,” Tina said and sighed in a mock annoyance.
“Can’t we just play this afternoon?” Sam suggested.
“Okay. Okay. Debate over,” Justin said. “But you girls should keep your word.”
“Don’t count on it,” Fred told the boys, enough to be heard by the ladies. “With our ‘socialite girls’, their kind don’t want to get down and dirty with us.”
“I bet these ‘socialite girls’ here would get down and dirty with us if they had a chance,” he said, wiping his sweat off his forehead. “Girls should enjoy the same games boys play. Then we also play their any game of their choice.”
“That’s right,” Eric agreed. He and the boys exchanged understanding glances. As men, they felt that they should stick together.
After that they, walked their way to the cottage. The two ladies followed in an uncomfortable silence. Upon the arrival at the cottage, the caterers were preparing the tables when they heard a familiar voice.
“Hey, look who’s back. Hi everyone!”
Grandpa approached them, holding a can of soda. From the expression on his face and the way he greeted, everyone could tell that he is having a good time himself like they do. Grandpa led them to an empty table.
“Are you enjoying here?” he asked, as he passes through occupied table.
The group nodded. “ We are going to play ball later grandpa,” the ladies replied in chorus.
“Really?” he asked.
“You are not kidding, are you?” the lads asked. “They are just being true to their words.”
“You go girls. Knock these proud boys out,” Grandpa challenged the ladies. “I’ll be leaving you now to check out on the others. Enjoy!”
Everyone was waiting for lunch to be served but Aunt Shirley and Grandma was not yet around. They were never late for lunch before. After overhearing their cousin’s conversation in the next table, Fred and Jerry realized that their Grandma actually went to Aunt Shirley’s place to get the six-layered cake grandma has been preparing two days ago
Grandpa leapt to his feet. “Here’s my sweetheart and my daughter. We could start then, “ he snapped, motioning the waiters to serve lunch so they can have their lunch.
When they unload the cake from the car, layer after layer, grandpa could not help but cry. He just embraced grandma as a sign of his appreciation.
After eating dessert, all sat to watch a live band perform and then all who were interested to dance was encouraged to dance. Most of those who remained in their sits were the older population.
Justin looked at his friends, quarter of an hour of idling in their seats. He did not utter a word, but he did notice that the rest of the gang was drowsy.
“Are we going to play ball or what?” Justin asked.
Everybody nodded. It looked like their energy was recharged. They all stared at the idling ball behind Eric.
“Let’s go then,” Fred announced, standing at his feet grabbing the beach ball from the back of his brother’s seat.
“Yes,” Jerry and Eric gave each other a high five. “Remember girls, were going to play rough ball. That means nobody’s gonna be acting like a big baby,” Jerry chortled.
“Yeah. Yeah,” the girls muttered.
In the hot afternoon sun, they began walking their way to the beach, leaving the band still performing.
“I’m gonna tell you something. Let’s walk a little slower than the rest,” Hero whispered to Fred, poking him at the ribs.
They let the group walk a few meters ahead. After being satisfied with the distance, they began to follow.
“Sam admitted that she has a crush on you,” hero said softly.
Fred began to blush, and his eyes grew wide with what he just heard. It never crossed his mind that Sam would ever have a crush on him. He was really flattered by what Hero just told him.
“You are playing one of your tricks on me again,” Fred said, still not believing what he just heard. “What made you say that anyway?”
Hero narrated the whole event that happened that morning as the continued to follow the group’s lead. After hearing the story, Fred ended up confessing his feelings about Sam.
Hero paused after Fred’s confession, he advised Fred to admit his feelings for her before somebody else will. What he advised Fred took him by surprise for he never expected him to agree.
Finally, the group found a good spot where they can play ball, then they turned around towards Fred and Hero. They tucked their hands in front of their chest and stuck their chin out. “Time to play ball,” they called out and hurried to meet them.

chapter 5: Heart versus Reason
After dinner, they decided to go night swimming. They all plunged in the water except for Fred who sat on the sand while watching them. He lay down comfortably on the sand facing the night sky, which was full of stars. Staring at the sky, he began to see a connect-the-stars image of Sam. He simply smiled and brushed off the idea.
However, his little chat with Hero that afternoon made him think twice. He began to fill his mind with what-ifs. After crucially weighing the pros and cons of admitting his feelings for Sam, he settled to admitting it that very night if time and fate would permit him to do such. As if he had left the beach shortly until he heard his cousin’s voice.
“Hi there cousin,” Jerry greeted, drying himself with a towel. “You’ve been quite a loner prior to the game this afternoon. There is something wrong and you and not good in trying to hide. Want to share it with me? Maybe I can help you if you just tell me.”
Fred remained silent; he still has left a part of him soaring in his fantasies. He just stared at his cousin blankly, not knowing how to react. Nevertheless, after a second or two, he began to speak his mind.
“I do have a problem,” he began, playing with the grains of sand at his side. “I’m in love with Sam. You know that I like her a lot. And I don’t know if I’m gonna let her know or what.”
His cousin just smiled and lay beside him. Jerry tried to organize his thoughts before giving out his idea about the matter, and then he turned to his cousin.
“If you really love her, go ahead,” he started. “But let me give you my idea about this. She may have gotten most of our relatives’ thumbs up but you must consider her past. You know that she has the tendencies of fooling around. Make sure she is worthy of you and your love. I knew you really like her just by the look on your face when look at her.”
Fred sat up, hugged his legs and rested is chin on his knees. He stared at his cousin, like he was not there. Finally, his defense came through.
He stared at him intensely as if his looks would look pass through him. “Almost everyone in the family liked her,” he agreed. “She’s one of a kind, but I think she liked my brother too. I can see it by the way she treats Eric, he has a special place in her heart. That pains me.”
“Just like I observed,” Jerry replied, shaking his head. “They seem to be a couple to me. If you think your love for her is that strong then, go ahead and tell her. Nevertheless, may this serve as a stern warning; your relationship with your brother is at stake.
Fred played deaf ears with what he heard. “They are only close friends,” he said, defending his brother. “We three are like siblings, and I believe that he sees her in a different light, not a lover. And I still trust my bro when he says they are not a couple.”
“You’ve said enough and done enough,” Jerry objected. “Stop playing along with their story, you know the truth. You even know better than that. Quit saving your brother’s ass from all of his problems. Let him face it on his own, you have done much of saving him. You already cleared his name when he became the cause of Sam’s infidelity to Brad, which actually caused his untimely demise in the accident. How much more can a brother ask? Let him do his part.”
With those words, Jerry stood up and proceeded to the cottage. Fred was left alone, staring at his approaching friends.
“Fred, you’ve missed a lot,” Hero said, reaching for the towel beside Fred. “You’ve been thinking about Sam right? Well, take my piece of advice, talk to her now or you’re gonna wait forever till she becomes open for market again. She’s a hot property you know. But look for the right timing okay?”
He just smiled and nodded. “Thanks. Don’t tell anybody of our secrets.”
Hero left for the cottage when Eric called out to him. “Hey, are you leaving?” Eric asked, running after Hero. “Ill come with you, I’m going to get my towel and a few stuff.”
Eric turned to Fred and signaled him that he is going to the cottage but will surely return. Left with no choice, Fred just nodded his head in approval.
He was waiting for this chance. He walked to the shore and search for Tina, Justin and Sam. He continued walking, letting his feet meet the rushing water while he walked dreamily, reflecting on Jerry’s words against his heart’s dictates. His heart is like a firecracker that is going to explode. His brain is going to have a systems failure due to the great contrast in the information he has been receiving. With his brain and heart contrasting at one point and agreeing in another, he seemed to be in a no win situation.
He began playing in the shore, kicking the sand off his toes until she heard a familiar voice from behind him.
“Where’s the rest of the group?” Justin inquired, holding Christina by the hand. “Are they done? The night is still young, we could have a couple of hours more.”
“Eric and Hero will be back,” Fred replied, turning towards their direction. They just got something from the cottage. A towel?”
Sam, from Christina’s behind, waved at him “Eric told me that he’ll be back,” she assured Justin and Christina.
“We’ll just be going to get something to eat and a few drinks,” Justin said, walking away from Sam and Fred.

Chapter 6: Skin to skin
“Hey wanna go for a walk?” Fred asked, handing San his towel. “We’ll back as they return. What do you think?”
Sam remained silent for a moment, squeezing the water off her hair. “Sure, that’s a good idea. I have not done that in like a hundred years.”
They began to walk slowly, no exchange of words or anything, just plain walking. The only sound you could hear is the crashing of water against the rocks. They were like strangers to each other due to their deafening silence, and then Fred decided to break the ice.
“Sam, there is something that I wanted to tell you,” he started. “ I’ve been waiting for this chance for quite sometime now. I was just afraid of what other people might say, but now I would not care of whatever they are going to think or say of me,” he continued, now looking straight at Sam.
“Go ahead. Tell me,” she smiled, revealing her dimple on her left cheek. “What is it about anyway? Just spill the beans for me.”
Fred nodded then he cleared his throat. “ You see I have this very big problem. This guy friend of mine has been into you even before you and Brad became a couple. Then he was willing to wait for you to be single again,” he paused, looking for reactions from her face.
She did not respond for all she did was look at the seawater rush to her feet. She wrapped herself with the towel to cover her bare back. She held it by both ends right infront of her chest.
“ This guy had a friend who became close to you that even Brad himself felt jealous of your closeness,” he continued, picking pebbles from the sand. “ But Brad did not mind for he is a friend of his too. Then weeks before the accident, you and Brad had this big fight because of the guy’s friend. You nearly risked it all,” he said, casting a pebble into the sea.
He followed it with a glance and so did Sam. Finally, the pebble hit the water making a little splash. Then they turned to each other, smiled, and then stared at the sand at their feet.
Fred then gazed at the stars and took a real deep breath. “Ah…” he exhaled, walking casually now. “This guy wanted to be with you and give it a shot. He has been in love with you, ever since he first saw you. Now he is worried sick whether to tell you about his real feelings. That maybe, just maybe, even scare you and speed off,” he said, ending his statement.
“Will you help me meet him when we go back to Clarkesville?” she asked, smiling as he turned to Fred.
Fred became speechless, not knowing what to say, he just continued walking. For a minute, he thought of what he is going to say, searching for the right words to come to him. His heart adds to his burden of unspoken words, pounding faster and louder, until he finally found the right stuff in their right places, right words and enough courage and confidence.
Fred slowed down in his walking; he turned to Sam for them to be face to face. She looked pretty even in the dimly lit shore, there is a twinkle in her eyes and her now damp hair looks perfectly black. He took her hand and pressed it against his chest.
“We’re already far from the cottage, but let me tell you something important before we go back.” He said softly, giving her hand a passionate squeeze. As if he was running after a runaway burglar, he hurriedly said, “You see, that guy, you really know him, he is even your friend, and I have to admit it…”
Left hanging, Sam had a big question mark on her face. She nodded lightly, motioning him to continue.
“… that guy is me,” he continued looking at her straight in the eyes. “I LOVE----“
She did not let him finish, Sam placed her forefinger on his lips and replied, “I know it has been you all along, I’m falling for you too.”
After saying those words, she removed her finger from his lips. Fred bent over to kiss her, Sam’s arms flung around his shoulder, and found themselves locked in a very passionate kiss. The kiss which lasted as long as they both can hold their breaths then they began to rest their bodies on the sand.
Sam positioned herself flat on the sand looking straight into Fred’s eyes. Fred bent over to give her a kiss on the forehead then he let his lips travel and ended at the bosom of Sam. He stopped for a moment, looked at her, then he gave her slight push to her side. Naughtily, with the use of his teeth, he removed the strings of her bikini.
Sam returned the favor by removing his hula shirt and let her hands feel the warmth of his torso. On the other hand, Fred’s lips continued exploring the whole body of the woman he loves.
Eventually, the kiss was just a prelude to a deeper and intimate physical attraction and union.

chapter 7:the unexpected guests

They arrived at the cottage, laughing and kidding around, enjoying each other’s company. When they were about to enter, Sam removed Fred’s arm draping around her shoulders. As casual as possible, they entered the cottage, while Hero, Jerry and Eric watching.
“There you are,” Jerry exclaimed, standing from where he is seated. “Josie gave us a ring while you were gone. We used your phone, hope you don’t mind.”
“I know he doesn’t mind,” Sam butted in, tapping Fred’s back lightly. “How’s she? Is she all right?? I miss her, she should have been here enjoying with us all.”
Fred did not like to feel pity for his friend so he tried changing the topic. “Where are Christina and Justin?”
“They are at the bar, near the pool. Go check them out,” Hero replied. “Tina was looking for you.”
“I’ll join them then,” he said, rushing to the door. “I hope I still can catch them there.”
After a while, he found himself at the bar having a drink with them. Justin poured drinks for Fred while Christina ordered for potato chips. Fred wondered at how comfortable and bothered he felt. He thought of Sam for a moment, and then he shook odd the feeling. He was here to tell Justin and Tina what happened; that was all.
With the drink at hand, Fred pulled up to the counter and sat beside Justin. Between sips he said, “ I’ve talked to Sam about what I felt for her.”
“Really, you did?” Tina had stopped eating, waiting for him to continue. It was not that she did not expect it that soon, but he doubted Fred’s fighting spirit.
Fred looked over at Justin and Tina, slight uncertainty in his eyes, “I hope I did the right thing…”
“Well, what did you tell her?” Justin asked.
“I love her.”
Fred took a bite o his chips while they stared at him, waiting for more information. For them his story was more exciting than romantic.
“That’s it?” they asked.
“I told her about this guy liking and loving her, who turned out to be me. However, before I could finish telling her my ‘I love you’, she kissed me,” he said smiling, pointing to his lips.
“Don’t push it to far though. Maybe she is just fooling around. Sam has given false hopes to many other men before you--- even before Brad. Remember, she is in love with the idea of love itself, not with the person. Learn to sense danger for your heart and ego,” Tina advised.


* * *


Waiting at the driveway, he remembered how Sam has been treating his brother. There was this one time at the cottage, and he saw them drinking lemonade in the same glass, but he ignored it and just walked away. Then that incident had led to another, and he saw them kissing at the garden, and Fred let other incidents pass because Eric is still his own blood; they share the same paternal DNA.
“Well goodbye for now. Jerry and I have to stay behind, but I’ll be home soon,” he said in a bit sad tone. “Grandma asked us to stay for a couple of weeks more,” he gave his brother a sad smile.
“So I heard,” Eric confirmed. “Don’t worry about me and the guys, we can handle ourselves.”
“You better get going,” Fred indicated an open van behind them. “I’m glad you will take charge because that would be the same thing I would be asking you. I am happy that we are not just brothers, we are also best of friends.” He added, “You give me call when you get there. Uncle Tony will drive you back to Clarkesville.”
“Thanks bro,” he said, closing the front door. “I’m gonna miss you. Thanks for inviting us over.”
The group head back for Clarkesville before noon, but as soon as they have left, a new batch of visitors arrived: The Dorsey’s.
Mr. and Mrs. Dorsey, together with their daughter Jessica were close family friends before they left for Charleston and settled there. It has been years since they attended Grandpa’s birthday party.
“Happy birthday Grandpa,” they greeted. “It has been quite a while since we last attended your birthday party and now, we are a couple of days late. By the way, you remember our daughter, Jessica?”
“Oh I certainly remember,” Grandpa replied. “She and my grandsons used to be playmates during their diaper days. And those two fine men are Jerry and Fred, they were your playmates before my dear,” he told Jessica, pointing at his grandsons walking their way the beach.
“Go give them hi,” Mr. Dorsey suggested, giving her a little push at her back. “You join them and we aware going to have business with their grandpa.”
“ Go now honey,” Mrs. Dorsey seconded.
Hesitantly, Jessica went to meet Fred and Jerry and in no time, they began to enjoy each other’s company. Just like those diaper days.
“You never wrote us,” Jerry told Jessica, looking at her from head to toe. “You’ve changed a lot. You look pretty as ever.”
‘Thank you,” Jessica said in reply. “ We were always on the road that’s why I never got to write you guys. Actually we are promoting our clothing line in this side of the country and we are looking for endorsers of our ‘Brother Bond’, our new designs and accessories for men under the big umbrella of ‘'7 Lives Clothing Company’.”
“ ‘Brother Bond’? Your own company?” Fred asked. “Well, looks who is with us, the daughter of the ‘7 Lives Clothing Company’. If you need models, my brother and I could always do the part,” Fred said, holding back his laughter for his own joke.
“I’m still me, you know. Nothing has changed that much,” she responded. “Actually, I’m going to study in SPPC this coming Semester. I would be managing the store we are going to open in Clarkesville.”
“That’s great! You can be a part of our circle of friends,” Jerry said enthusiastically. “Just give us a ring or maybe a visit if you need anything. Okay?”
“Okay. And that is a promise.”

chapter 8: the deal
Those two weeks in Caswell seem to be so long for the group, they began to miss Jerry and Fred, but those fourteen days caused Eric and Sam’s exclusive closeness. They spent most of their time doing things together. Sam eventually forgot what she told Eric’s brother, she turned her emotions to Eric. However, she did answer Fred’s text messages and returned his calls but those sweet nothings were just words of mouth.
Fred always thought of her though Jessica was with him, making him want to speed up each passing day for him to be with her. All along, Fred thought that there was something extra-ordinary going on between them, after that night at the beach. He let himself fall bait to the lies of Sam, even Jerry was nearly convinced but the latter gave her the benefit of his doubt. Fred was head over heels for her and was practically knocked off his feet by her pretensions.
Upon their arrival, Fred thought about phoning his brother. Reaching for the phone, he decided to call Sam instead. He is happy to talk about his long lost childhood friend who paid them a visit.
The phone rang twice before Fred heard Eric’s husky “Hello?”
“Eric it’s me.”
“Fred? Where are you man?”
“I’m at home,” Fred said. Somehow, his excitement died, he was expecting Sam he is talking with.
“You’re back? I mean, I think you could give us a visit here at Sam’s place anytime today. The gang would be here at three. Only Sam and I are here right now, would like to drive by?”
Fred felt his stomach tie itself in a knot. For the first time he considered that things between him and Sam were not as he thought. Maybe he should just give her up and let her enjoy the company of his brother. The idea of life at SPPC with Eric as Sam’s man made him feel like crying.
“I hope you won’t mind if I tug Jerry along. We’ll be there by three. Bye,” he said, putting the receiver down.
While he waited for Jerry to finish heating their quick lunch, he mulled over the idea of leaving Sam. He tried to tell himself that Sam is a bitch for leaving him hanging, and he was better off without her. Nevertheless, he knew that was just half the truth. How could a man be better off without the prettiest woman in school? Sure, she is insensitive at times, but as far as he could tell, all ‘popular’ persons were. Sam had her sweet side too, like the time she baked him a cake for no particular reason, or the time she showed him, the letters she had received from all of her acquaintances.
As he thought of her, Fred could visualize her standing in his front doorway in her cheerleading outfit, her pompon at her hand. There’d be no reason for her to stop by that day. However, she wanted him to be the first person to see her in her outrageous uniform. That had been sweet too.
“I can use a little help here,” Jerry said. “We need to finish all of our chores so we could go to Sam’s place ASAP.”
“Okay,” Fred replied. “I’ll be over in a flash.”
By lunchtime, both Jerry and Fred found themselves too excited to eat anything more than a stick of barbecue. The loose shirt, shorts and sneakers felt comfortable for Fred for the first time so he did not dare change for more head turning clothes.
“Are we not going? Why are you not yet dressed?” Jerry asked, fixing the almost untouched food.
“We are going, I just prefer simpler clothing this time,” Fred explained.
Jerry glanced at the clock on the microwave. “You still have a lot of time to change and you are not going to?” he asked in disbelief. “Do you think Sam would be impressed with that kind of get up? Besides, she is a fashion critic, isn’t she?”
“I know,” he replied. “But this is my way of being different. I am dressing up for my own self. That was what Jessica told us, remember?”
His cousin nodded. Then he seems to notice that Fred listened to Jessica whom he saw for the first time in a long time. “Aren’t you into knowing someone better first before listening to their advices?”
“Jerry,” he groaned as the doorbell rang unexpectedly. Jerry stared toward the door, but Fred stopped him.
“I’ll get it,” he offered, jumping up from his chair. “You can’t go to the door with those.”
Jerry looked down at his apron and laughed. “No, I guess you are right,” he said, then turned back to the kitchen.
When Fred pulled open the front door, there was Jessica. Her long silky black hair was very noticeable, and her gray eyes had a greenish tint that it matched the tiny green squares in her sweater. It would not be hard flirting with her, but he knew it was not right. Flirting with Jessica to get Sam’s attention would not be fair for any of them.
“Good afternoon,” Fred greeted.
“Good afternoon. Can I have some of your spare minutes?” she asked pleasantly.
“Yeah.”
As Fred began pulling the door open, Jerry’s deep, sonorous voice from the kitchen called, “Who is it?”
“Who was that?” Jessica asked as she followed him to the living room.
“Its Jerry,” he explained.
“I like your home,” Jessica said as she sat on the baby blue sofa. She knew how to sit like a princess in a throne.
“Actually, this is my dad’s,” Fred said.
“Oh,” was all Jessica could say.
Jessica brought out a blue folder, checking out on some papers. She was glad that he waited patiently as she looked for their company’s application form.
“What are these papers?” he asked finally, after receiving the unfilled forms.
Jessica smiled revealing her pearly white teeth that made her look like a model on those teen magazines.
“They are the application forms of our company. We own sixty percent of the ‘7 Lives Clothing Company’,” she said, running her fingers through her soft, shimmering hair. “I remember you told me that you and Eric could be our local endorsers. It is our first time to bring our products here. And dad agreed that instead of having other persons do the job, he demanded that you both are better since you are our family friend.” Then she added,” “You’ll have every design of our ‘Brother Bond’ in you closet, but it is an exclusive two-year contract with thirty plus modeling shows and lots of advertisement for radio, print and television.”
Fred tried to imagine what they would look like as endorsers on billboards and on ramp. It’s really not a good to see, he thought. Fred had never been offered such amazing deal and he thought: It would be cool to try.
“When will I return these forms?” Fred asked.
“Just give it to me when school starts,” Jessica answered, then she stood up from where she was seated. “Well, I have to go. Still have to process my school papers so I could transfer to SPPC before the semester starts.”
Fred laid the forms down and run to open the door for her. Jessica walked to the door, then bid Jerry and Fred goodbye.
“Taxi,” Fred called as a cab approached.
“Can I give you a call when I need company to school?” she asked, shutting the cab door.
Fred nodded and smiled, “Sure.”

Chapter 9: coming to senses
raging_ritch
“Hey,” Jerry called at the open window. “We are here!”
Josie quickly opened the door; her eyes were very blue with her light turquoise sweater she is wearing. She shook her head to fluff off her brown hair. “Hi,” Josie greeted warmly.
“You look very nice,” Jerry told Josie admiringly. She felt as though he was seeing her for the first time and clearly liking what he saw.
“It’s nice to see you guys back,” the rest of the group greeted. .
“We’re back from a two-week grand vacation from Caswell,” Fred said in reply, his eyes seeking for Eric and Sam.
Ordinarily, Josie would just walk behind the guys who enters Sam’s house after letting them in. But that day Josie merely took Jerry’s hand. “How was your vacation?” she definitely had to get the discussion started.
When Fred and Jerry were finally in the living room, Jerry knew he ought to drop Josie’s hand, but he could not make himself do it. Her warm soft hands felt good around his somehow. Besides, once they finally settle, he reasoned, he would have to let go.
“I sure love the company of you guys,” Jerry remarked, once they were seated in the living room.
“Thanks,” Justin replied for the group.
“”Your whole family seemed nice to us during the party,” Christina added.
Fred nodded as he brought out the forms Jessica had given him “you know, its funny, I used to think that Eric and Jerry would be a pain in the neck, but since they moved here, I began to like them.”
“We’re glad that we moved here,” Eric said. “It was not hard liking and loving my brother and his friends.”
Hero nodded. “Liking and loving you guys was really easy. When I was also new in town, my very first friends in second grade were Fred and Eric. Then you guys came along,” he said giving a smile to everyone.
“Was Josie the first female cast?” Jerry asked, turning to Samantha.
“No, Christina was the first female member,” she replied, and then I joined them when I was in fourth grade. Josie is our baby girl, she’s been the last t female addition so far.”
Thoughts of the group flashed through everyone’s mind. Pictures of the past helped them reminisce the almost-a-decade friendship, except for Jerry.
“Oh, wait!” Fred cried, slapping the side of his head with his hand. “I forgot the offer Jessica had given me. Eric, could I talk to you for a few minutes?”
Eric nodded. “Sure bro!”
“We need to talk in private,” Fred said softly, leading him near the poolside. “I met Jessica after you guys left, daughter of the largest stockholder of ‘7 Lives Clothing Line’. I am in need of a model/endorser of their product. Would you like to be one?”
“Yeah sure,” he told him. “It’s kinda exciting, but who’s this Jessica? Another fling? What about Samantha, Is she not your girlfriend?” he inquired.
Fred’s eyes grew open wide in surprise. “What? She’s not my girl!” Fred protested, pulling a couple of seats up the shade. “I thought you were his boyfriend. Though I like her she seems to like you better so I decided not to pursue a relationship with her,” he added.
“ That’s the exact idea I had in my mind,” Eric countered, reaching for the forms at Fred’s hands. “She said she just wanted her boyfriend to get jealous, it’s all in her plan. All of those hugging, kissing, and holding hands…”
As they sat there, feeling used, Sam was the only thing in their mind. Then suddenly, Fred turned and Eric was filling out the form. He knew he was looking at Eric fill the form up, but he could not help but feel betrayed for both of them. It was not the closest idea that he had in mind. But then Fred thought that incident could be God’s way of telling them that this is the bitter realization would be the start of better brotherhood and the start of something bigger and better for both of them.
It could be hard for both, but they have to face it as it is. The trademark of Sam’s fooling around was played on both young hearts, making them feel sorry for the other and for their own self.
“Did you love her?” Fred asked, accepting the fully signed form from Eric. “I loved her … but I wanted you both to be happy, I didn’t stand your way though it hurts me when I see you together. Do you know that it kills me Everytime she looks at you or when she calls your name first than mine, I felt jealous. Then I wanted to explode when I saw you kissing and hugging …” he said, holding his tears back.
Eric gave him a supportive tap on his back. “ I was falling for her too, but then I thought about you, I don’s want things to go sour between us. I even told her that she should not play with anyone’s heart, but it seems that the game was on us.”
“I’m still thankful that I met her,” Fred replied. “ She taught me how to love. Love doesn’t mean you have to give everything up; you need to be at content within. Hero, Justin and Christina were right all along.”
Eric began to wipe his tears. “ You knew I just broke up with Rica when she entered the picture. She seemed to be everyman’s lady, or at least she was. She made me hope that she loved me, not my part in the soccer team and not my physical attributes, or even our family name. I have loved her with everything like there is nothing left of me to give. Then you also came along, I was in a world of confusion.”
“You really must have loved her,” he said, handing him his handkerchief. “I really just had a crush on her when she joined our group, but I said we were young then. At the time she became a two time cheerleading captain and prom queen all at the same time; she became an obsession, until I realized that I love her. Like what you said, she’s perfect---way too perfect--- to be a real life girlfriend.”
“Only now that I realized all what she said,” Eric said, trying to regain his composure. “She said she could not love me, she wants Paul, the star player of our team. Only now that I realized that she does only settle for the star material type. I remember that time when she began going out with you when you got to win the story of the year and be able to direct and play the lead role. She always wants to be seen in the limelight, the girl of the-popular guy.”
Both stood where they were seated; silence was with their company. Things are now clear between them, after a long period of confusion. They were glad they did, but they were sad about how bitter truth came. The one great thing that they realized after all these is that the family remains as family in highs and lows, dips and twists of life and love’s roller coaster.
“We’ll show her how much she’s gonna miss by giving us up and messing with us,” Eric told Fred, walking their way back to the living room. “We’ll make her feel twice the pain, that she wish she never met us.”
Fred smiled and whispered to his brother’s ear, “I’m his first.” Eric could not believe what he just heard. They stopped at the door; Eric gave him quick punches.
“There are more women who would take us for what we are, all we need is to prove to ourselves and they’ll come running after us. Remember that the world is overpopulated with women and according to stats, time would come that there would four women for every single man,” Fred said, tapping his brother’s shoulders.
Eric gave his brother a big hug. “At least you got to be her first. And man, now I believe that BLOOD IS THICKER THAN WATER. No matter what,” Eric said as the glass door shut behind them.

epilogue:
Five years later after that party, they are again reunited in the same place for the same reason but with additional members.
Justin and Christina finally realized that they were meant for each other after experimenting on their previous relationships. They are now married and are expecting their first baby before the year-ends.
Jerry is still enjoying being a bachelor, having a couple of girlfriends at the same time. The sought after psychiatrist swore not to give all his love for a woman after Josie passed away a couple of years ago due to osteosarcoma.
Sam is now a single mom to two cute little girls after being divorced twice. Her daughter with Paul was named Cire Angeli and her daughter with Frank was named Frainne Edralyn ---named after Eric and Fred respectively.
Hero is now a millionaire after inheriting the family’s transport company. He is now the current love interest of Sam who happens to be the secretary to the company president.
Eric remained single after his eighteen-day relationship with Sam. He graduated at the top of his class in Medical technology but he is currently enjoying his exclusive contract to ‘7 Lives Clothing Line’---the biggest nationwide clothing line. He won model of the year award and is flooded with offers and girls.
Fred is now a hot shot lawyer and is going to announce his engagement to his girlfriend for four years, Jessica while the song “Thank God I Found You” is played on the background on that night.
Two years after the announcement of their engagement, they had a baby to call ALFRED JESSIE.

“Always Freddie & Jessica.”