Chapter Forty-Two: Life’s A Beach
It was early summer when Neil Lu and Ashley Lee joined the Chant household. They knew they had a lot to live up to being helpers in a Dynasty and the first thing Ashley did was book a short holiday on a private beach in Oasis Springs – using Chant money that was literally thrown at him.
It’s a wonderful way to thank them, Marina said. She, Grace and Ashley’s sister had been invited along, mainly because he thought girls loved summer fun – actually, everyone loves the beach, right? - and maybe wooing them would be easier. Not in a sleazy way.
Kessy floated lazily on a doughnut shaped lilo. It was great to enjoy life with her requirements out of the way. It was also fun to watch the young ones, like Darlene Lee was obviously attempting to get Genie’s attention and the two Landgraab girls were clearly not interested in Ashley. And then there was Cora and Neil, they were attracted to each other, smiling shyly and trying to act normal should anyone else join their conversation.
I thought she liked me or she’d begin to when we got ‘older’, Genie was saying to Darlene.
It could be that you’re very close to her. You grew up in the same house so it’s hardly surprising you’d have feelings towards her.Feelings she doesn’t return. He shot a look at Cora and Neil, she was practising making drinks and Neil was stumbling over whatever it was he was trying to tell her.
Ashley was beginning to regret inviting the Landgraab girls. They were very close and no matter what he said he couldn’t get one of them alone without the other butting in.
Sorry, Ash, we just don’t fancy you.You too, Marina?The other girl nodded and giggled.
We may not be Watched Sims but that doesn’t mean we can’t decide our own fates.He sulked for a minute then went off to sun bathe.
I really feel for the girls who’ll fall for him.They’ve no idea what’s in store. I guess his good looks make up for his personality.Grace proceeded to make her sister laugh by doing an Ashley impression.
Genie, if you don’t stop moping around I’m going to drag you into the water and drown you. What would your mother say, hmm? Kessy splashed Eugene in an effort to lift his spirits.
She’s right, you need to stop feeling sorry for yourself and have fun. We’re young and free, right?He mumbled some sort of a reply.
You think Ashley’s going to give up on romance after getting rejected from Marina and Grace? No, he’ll just find some other poor girl to lap up his corny pick up lines. Then she went on about how Johnny had refused her marriage proposal and both Darlene and Genie looked away embarrassed.
If anyone was having better luck with love, it was Cora and Neil. She couldn’t remember the last time someone had made her giggle or act so childish.
I know it is part of your requirement but we’re supposed to be on holiday, Cora. Come and swim some laps with me?
Um... I really should raise my skill some more. My drinks aren’t of the best quality yet.
How about a game of volleyball then?
I – I. OK.
You don’t need to look so terrified!
Just don’t hit the ball so hard.Cora chuckled.
It’s a beach ball, light as a feather.
My Mum is always embarrassing me. Remember that time you came to visit your Dad? Well, she kept trying to push me out of my room so I would talk to you and Cora. Little did she know you were so much younger than me!
That – That was you?
Yeah, I look different now. I’m growing my hair and trying not to wear a hat all the time!
You look really... pretty.
Cora roasted shish kebabs – and a vegetarian alternative for herself – in the late afternoon. A fire pit had already been erected before their arrival and it didn’t take much effort to get a fire blazing. She yelled to the others to join her and Neil. Maybe it was the infernal heat or someone had placed too many logs, whatever it was the blazing fire decided it wanted a bit more fuel and started licking away at Neil’s log chair.
Both Cora and Genie froze.
Not to alarm anyone but there’s a fire, Cora said.
Of course there’s a fire, someone replied.
Then all hell broke loose. Neil ran for dear life, everyone else was screaming and making useless suggestions on how to put out a fire. Cora and Genie continued eating, not fazed at all. Darlene, the only person present with a sensible head on her shoulders, grabbed a fire extinguisher.
Can you please stop screaming and help me? There had been many fires at the Lee and Holiday household for Darlene to be completely immune to hysteria.
With a better monitored fire going, everyone gathered around and praised Darlene’s quick actions. For once she didn’t mind being the centre of attention.
Later, when everyone went for a midnight swim slash water volleyball, Cora once again found Neil by her side.
There’s something I want to say, he began,
I really
like you.
She laughed nervously.
I think – No, I do like you too, Neil.
Before she chickened out, she leaned forward and kissed him lightly.
Oh! They both pulled away. For a moment or two they tried not to make eye contact.
Again Cora decided to brave it and this time she tenderly reached for Neil’s hand.
You know, there’s a lonely looking tent over there. Why don’t we have... um... some fun?
He nodded and she led him towards the tent.
On the other side of the water, Genie and Darlene had snuck away to share a sweet moment of their own.
