Dying for Summer
Fiction: A lot happened during that summer of eighty-five.
We were fifteen. Such a joyful age. Everything ahead, yet memories to bolster the way forward.
That summer, Laura and I had taken our books down to riverside park, enjoyed the warm weather, while we revised for school exams.
Laura hated school. Was always saying, “I’m dying for summer,” because then we would have our freedom for a few months.
She was a rogue. The best kind. Holiday time brought out the devil in her and being her best friend I rode on her coattails, enjoying any adventures that came our way.
A lot happened during that summer of eighty-five.
On the walk to our spot, we passed a construction site. The builders would whistle and shout. Particularly when we were in school uniform. The pair of us usually giggled and went on our way. But one day Laura was brave and shouted back.
“See you down at the river, near the jetty, after you finish here. Bring beer. School work is thirsty work!”
We ran off, hardly daring to look back. But later that afternoon two guys, both quirky-hot, arrived with some “tins” as they called them. Cold as could be.
Laura and I stopped our revision and acted as if ‘cool’ was our middle name. Drinking the lager and pretending we knew a thing or two about boys. But we didn’t. Both virgins.
We paired up and made out!
When Jeff kissed me, his moustache tickled my face.
I melted into his arms. Folded myself to fit and prayed for more.
Laura disappeared further up the bank. Behind some trees with Gus. While I laid back and opened my legs, for the first time.
It happened fast.
Gus ran back, shouting for someone to phone for an emergency…
Laura had decided to skinny-dip and the current, being tidal, had swept her along. She wasn’t a strong swimmer. We couldn’t see her any more. It was dusk, and the riverbank void of lights.
Her body was found a week later down stream.
Laura — my best friend — died the summer of eighty-five.
THE END
Another Flash:
To read all of my stories and all of Juniper’s private magazine too, then press the button to find out more:
Well, that turned quickly. A sad story.
I remember this story…😭