Summer Edition Novels & Stories

“Keep laughing, and you’ll be sleeping by yourself tonight.” I immediately stopped laughing. “That’s not funny,” I stated. “Probably the reason I’m not laughing,” she countered. “We do have sports and events that we pattern after what you’re used to.” “Like what?” “Solstice Olympics. Summer solstice is like the summer Olympics, and the winter solstice is like the winter Olympics.” “Are the events the same?” “Nowhere close.” “What are they like? Is it fun?” “I’ll take you this summer. You can judge for yourself.”

The two sat side by side watching the river go by. “Sharmaine, what kind of life do you want?” Augustus suddenly asked. Sharmaine looked at the river, her eyes sparkling like diamonds: "I want a peaceful life, in spring I can watch flowers bloom, in summer I can pick fruit, in autumn I can see the leaves fall to the ground and in winter I can see the leaves falling to the ground. make a snowman." Originally, Sharmaine's dream was very small.

“She’s on your side, or at least claims to be… Aren't you… friends of some sort?" She chuckled and shook her head. "You sweet summer child." My face heated. "What does that mean?" "It's a saying about children and seasons." "Is this… from across the border?" She nodded. "A child born in a season only remembers the season after. Summer children only see the outcomes: the harvest of fall. They don't see the blistering days of tilling the land, the winter, etc. You are a summer child: optimistic, full of hope. It's adorable and attractive on you, and… surprising."

Keya P.O.V It was June and school was finally out! No more waking up early, rushing to class, missing breakfast, or doing homework... Well, that is until September comes. But whatever it's summer! And I’m going to the Puerto Rican Parade and Carnival today, woohoo!

“That’s partnership. You need to be there for your film. We’ll make the logistics work.” The idea was both appealing and terrifying. Having her family present versus managing children at a professional event. Support versus complication. “Let me see which festivals we get into first. Then we decide logistics.” That afternoon, Charlotte came home from pre-K with information about summer camp options. The school offered a summer program three weeks in July, half-day structure, enrichment activities. “Can I go to summer camp? PLEASE? Sophie is going and Emma and Zoe and EVERYONE!” Charlotte was enthusiastic. “They do ART and SCIENCE and WATER PLAY!”

Summer then gave a code to Max who happened to be passing by to invite Aciel to gather with the men who were grilling meat in the middle of Summer's backyard. “Dude, looks like we should make room for the ladies to chat. How about grilling meat with the elders over there.” Max put his arm around Aciel's shoulders casually and immediately brought Aciel to join the men who were busy grilling meat. Meanwhile Summer and Eden don't really care about their husbands anymore. They seem busy chattering about pregnancy and also baby issues because Summer wants to have children soon so she can become an amazing mother like Eden.

“I’m sure you and Jessie can get in plenty of beach time over the next few days. Just like old times.” Aiden laughed, for the first time that morning feeling carefree and in her element, elated at the sheer luck of the timing. All of them, Jessie, Mitch, herself, and some other long time friends had practically made a career out of life by the shore, taking full advantage of Adelaide’s cottage being right on the water with its own private little stretch of beach, and grateful for every moment. It could prove all too easy to fall back into that breezy rhythm. “Keep talking like that and I might have to extend this trip into the whole summer.”

I grabbed the home phone and dialled Ezra’s phone number. I knew his number by heart. He picked up on the second ring. “Who the hell is this?” he barked. I calmed down when I heard his voice. “It’s me…” “Summer, princess where are you?” “I-I uh…” “Please tell me you’re safe,” he demanded. “I’m fine physically. I’m in the Broken Creek Pack.” “What? I’m coming to get you. Babe, why did you run off? I would never take a breeder. I’m incapable of hurting you like that.”

Summer was a time where the days were long and sunny with fields of wildflowers. The valley was alive and happy again. Thomas helped Stephen in the vineyard every morning, Elena filled the house with flowers and pictures of birds she found by the river. Julian was not afraid of anything and loved to climb trees and chase chickens, Hannah was always worried that Julian would get hurt.

"I can be Spider-Man and Batman? Best day ever!" He turned and bolted up the stairs two at a time, already lost in his own joy, completely unaware of the storm gathering beneath our roof. Alone in the hallway, my fingers drifted to the pendant resting against my collarbone, the one I had worn every single day for ten years. I didn't need to look at it to know the words engraved across its surface. 'Next summer, find me if you can.' I had written that promise for me and Miguel, believing it was the beginning of a love story.