Falling to Centerpieces by Ellie Cahill

Author:Ellie Cahill
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Liz Czukas

FIFTEEN

IN LAKE MICHIGAN, EVERYONE CAN HEAR YOU SCREAM

I cannot stop laughing.

Having shaken off as much sand as we could, we’ve moved my car to the nearest access to a beach in the park. August is dead serious about his intention to jump in the lake, and it has never been in my nature to dampen people’s terrible ideas. In fact, I’m downright impressed he still wants to do it even after we moved the car. Most people would have lost their enthusiasm.

The problem, and the source of my laughter, is that we had to dig into the trunk to find towels and swimsuits. Which necessitated the removal of about six of the centerpiece trees, which drew a truly hilarious amount of attention from the other beach goers in the parking lot.

No one asks. This is my new favorite thing. They just watch as tree after tree comes out of my car. It’s like a clown car of foliage. I am beside myself with joy over the questions that must be running through their minds. Are those trees? Why do they have trees in the car? Who brings trees to a national park?

I’m still giggling when we separate at the bathrooms to change into our swimming suits. So I can perhaps be forgiven for forgetting that August was about to see the vitiligo all over my torso for the first time.

I used to wear one-pieces to cover as much as I could, even though most of my white spots are on my upper back. I used to wear swim shorts to cover the spots on my thighs. Even kept my t-shirt on while swimming when I was about 12 and 13 years old. But as the condition spread, there was no hiding it. And the older I get the less I care what people think of me. At least, the more I try to care less. It’s a work in progress.

So, I still hold my breath when I notice him noticing. Bless that boy, he doesn’t say anything. He just smiles at me and makes a come on gesture. “The lake calls,” he says.

“It looks cold.”

“What does cold water look like?”

“Like that!”

“Let’s see if you’re right.” He beckons again, with an outstretched hand. And wow, I was right about what he’s been hiding under his shirt. He’s not sculpted like a body builder, but he’s toned and athletic looking. What dentist looks like this? Why does he have to get hotter with less clothing on while I feel so much more self-conscious?

Stop it, I shout at myself. This is an adventure. Be in it. Get out of your head.

I focus on the lake spread out before us. It looks like a slightly calmer, darker ocean. Unimaginably big. My brain is also happy to supply how deep it is, and how many ships are at the bottom. Not to mention the average temperature.

There are a few young kids splashing in the water, but no one over the age of 10 seems to be fully submerged.

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