Down the Shore Read Free Page A

quickly.
    He jumped into his car, but before he drove away he yelled out the window, “Oh, yeah, you'll be having people upstairs in a few days, three boys. I told them all about you girls. I asked them to look after you in case you needed anything,” he smiled and drove off.
    We looked at each other, thinking the same exact thing, leaving us laughing in the driveway. We sprinted inside, running around like two little girls in a toy store.
    Makenna stopped me, grabbing my arm, “Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"
    "That depends, are you thinking how amazing this summer is going to be?” I asked back.
    "No, well yeah, but I was thinking about the guys upstairs. God, I hope they're hot,” she smiled.
    "I'm sure you'll have no problem in the boyfriend department,” I assured her.
    "What about you?"
    "What about me?"
    "Well, aren't you excited about three guys living right above us?"
    "Let's see what they're like first,” I said.
    "Fine, this is going to be so freaking awesome."
    Just like that she turned and ran to her bedroom. As I peeked in her room, I couldn't help but laugh as I saw her jumping up and down on her bed.
    I walked farther down the hall to my room and started to unpack. Boys upstairs for the summer—I wasn't exactly expecting that. It made me a little nervous. I just hoped they weren't total jerks like every other boy in school. I wanted to be able to count on them if Makenna and I ever needed any help. “I hope they're nice,” I uttered under my breath.
    I finished unpacking as quickly as I could. Makenna and I hoped to get to the beach before two o'clock. I walked into the kitchen to put away a few of the things my mother had given me, and looked around in amazement. Someone had decorated the house with the typical beach antiquities: seashells, anchors and fish hanging on the walls. It was perfect! My first summer alone, no parents, no brother and no rules. I just had myself to worry about, and for a brief moment I relaxed, letting images of first love run through my head.
    As I walked back to my bright blue room to get ready, I couldn't erase the grin that seemed like it might take up permanent residence on my face. I ransacked my luggage looking for the perfect bathing suit to wear and discovered a letter my mom must have slipped in when I wasn't looking. How typical.
    My Dearest Abby,
    How do I start? I guess by telling you that your father and I will miss you so much this summer. We have faith in you and that you'll make the right choices while you're away. Please be careful and take care with whom you hang out. You've grown up so beautifully, almost unaware of yourself. You have such a naive way about you that draws people in and they don't want to say goodbye. It's always been a great trait that you have; embrace it. Take pride in yourself and make good decisions. We want you to have a great time and enjoy yourself for you have your whole life in front of you.
    We Love You,
    Mom and Dad
    PS. We'll see you in a few weeks, and don't forget to call.
    It was so like her. I shouldn't have been surprised to find the letter hidden in my bag. I placed it back in its envelope and started to put it away when I noticed Makenna standing in the doorway.
    "Ready?” she asked, impatience written all over her face.
    "Yeah, almost,” I said as I tripped over the cord to the tiny seashell lamp on my dresser. “Be right out, I need to throw my suit on.” I sent her an apologetic look.
    I remembered the two block walk to the beach exactly. We walked past house after house, decks overflowing with patio furniture, kids’ wagons and bikes nestled up against the side of houses, and the sound of seagulls flying overhead. I loved the smell and sound of the ocean wafting and whistling through the air. It all brought me a feeling of overwhelming peace.
    It had been a year since I had last been here, and every year nothing changed. There was one change, though. I had no parents watching over me. I had made a promise