Caught in a Haze on This Lazy Summer Day

It was one of those summer days when time seemed to trickle by—one of the times when one might feel like just coasting through life. And she undoubtedly did—her dress fluttering about as she walked the sun-kissed path, the gentle sunlight and the hazy air trailing behind wherever her little feet took her. But the boy could see a certain bounce to her steps despite her leisured pace, just like a breeze. And just like a breeze, she's free.

She was all smiles and starry-eyed as if a new, exciting world was laid bare before her, waiting to be explored. In a sense, it was true.

But she wasn't always like this—looking at her now, nobody would've guessed that she was once reluctant to be there.

***

"So, it is summer already, isn't it?"

"Yeah, it is. And that means school's out—no class for two months or so; pretty sweet, if you ask me."

"I see. That's good to hear."

Two youths were watching the waves at Naval Station New York while talking about mundane and somewhat important things—particularly how their respective families always seemed so busy—before the subject of that season came up.

And now, the Admiral's grandson, Sean Sullivan, couldn't help but wonder why Bel was not at all excited for summer if her understated answer was of any indication.

If the words were from Belfast, then he wouldn't find them so jarring—but Bel is supposed to be the same age as him. Barring those unfortunate enough to be enrolled in summer school and had to miss out on Ninja Turtles and Nintendo binge or whatever they enjoy, youngsters like them would always welcome summer with open arms.

Not that he actually had anything planned—living in an apartment complex offers few opportunities to make friends with neighbors, and most of his schoolmates had already gone on a family vacation or to the aforementioned summer school.

But right now, that's hardly a concern—as he could only wonder if she had plans at all.

"Summer plans? I don't know anything about that," was her reply when he asked about it. The utter nonchalance of it left him baffled—no people he knew had ever said something like that with such normalcy. If they do have no plans, he could reasonably expect them to sound so distressed. In any case, it confirmed what he had suspected all along—that she simply had no idea whatsoever about making the most of the summer days.

"Really now?" He asked again and received almost the same reply—only now she also inquired why he asked.

"Uh, you see, I think it's a waste if you have no plans for summer. I mean, summer breaks exist for a reason, you know? So people can take it easy for once."

"...Do you have any plans, though?" Bel flashed the boy a playful smile, something of a rarity that was both welcome and unwelcome to him—the latter because it'd remind him of Edinburgh and her unfortunate tendency to get fresh with people.

After looking around on instinct to see if that maid was somehow nearby—she didn't—Sean shook his head feebly.

"Yeah, well, no; not for now, at least."

"Oh, too bad; so I guess we're the same, then?" she said, still sounding like it was a very ordinary thing to happen.

"Yeah—but... that's because all my friends were away and—" Sean paused when the realization hit him. How could he miss what was right before him? Not all his friends were away.

"Something wrong?" Bel asked when she decided the pause had lasted longer than it should. She noticed a grin making its way to the boy's face. Typically, it'd be nothing unusual; she had seen it many times before. Today's a little different, she noted—she had Belfast's knack for noticing all the small things, as she found out early on—it was a knowing grin of someone with a plan, something a certain Miss Abercrombie would often have.

"You know, since we're both free...wanna go somewhere?"

That was a question she didn't quite expect, and the feeling of uncertainty it brought her was dismaying, as was the boy's faltering grin.

"...Is...is that okay?"

"Why wouldn't it be okay? Unless you have something to do, that is. But you don't, do you?"

"...Well..." she sighed. Was there any reason to decline? To be self-conscious all of a sudden? To see that hopeful smile disappear completely? There were none, she realized.

"...Where do you want to go, then?"

"Uh...wait, lemme think..." Only now did it occur to the boy that he had no idea what places a girl would like—especially when said girl is Bel. He had never had a female friend before. His friends never either—as they would often say, girls are strange creatures best left alone. And Bel is definitely peculiar, for lack of a better word.

But he then noticed how her eyes would wander to the waters as she waited for his reply, and soon the answer dawned on him. Maybe she's not that hard to figure out after all.

***

Come the next day, he was still feeling triumphant about how well it went. He laughed as he recalled how that feeling got the better of him and her reaction to that sudden declaration.

But still, she accepted, which was strangely relieving—even when he had to break open his piggy bank to fund the trip. The game he had wanted to buy could wait.

He was about to set out when he heard the knocks. Hoping it wasn't someone deciding to make a sudden visit and trying not to look too annoyed, he hurried for the door.

"Bel..?!"

He certainly didn't expect to see her, of all people, show up there—because he could swear he had promised to pick her up yesterday and not the other way around.

"Hi, sorry for showing up so suddenly...but sister Edinburgh insisted that we come here instead," she said, her smile sheepish.

"...Oh, I see...wait a minute—what's Edinburgh got to do with this?"

"Because, young master, there's no way I would allow two minors to go off on their own, you know," Edinburgh spoke as she showed up skipping and humming, merrily oblivious.

"Seriously though, I think we'll be fine on our own," Sean sighed. He had really wanted to glower at the intrusion—which felt like a case of zit he once had, unwelcome and uninvited—but refrained from it out of consideration for Bel.

"But you don't mind, do you, Bel?" Edinburgh laughed, and the girl's smile grew beaming as she shook her head—seeing that, Sean thought keeping his objections to himself was the right decision.

"More importantly, are you not gonna be a gentleman and tell Bel what you think of how she looks, young master?" Edinburgh piped in as she breezed behind Bel as if to allow the boy a better view of the girl.

He certainly didn't notice it earlier because of Edinburgh's sudden appearance, but now he could—her baby blue sundress. The charm bracelet on her right wrist, which he had never seen before. The nondescript pair of sandals. The light sheen of balm on her lips.

It was a perfectly ordinary summer ensemble for an ordinary girl.

"You...look nice, Bel," Sean blurted out when he realized she was not as embarrassed about the whole thing as he'd thought. He then wondered if the air had suddenly become warmer even when they were inside because he was beginning to feel funny and dazzled. He didn't even think of saying something to Edinburgh about her blatant glee at his expense—nor did he notice a rosy Bel murmuring thanks.

"Told you changing into something more fitting for the occasion would be a great idea," Edinburgh giggled, and Bel hummed her appreciation before doing the same. Sean excused himself and hurried back inside to get his things before locking the door behind him.

***

He laughed when Bel turned around just enough so he could see her smile before setting off again to saunter along the Steeplechase Pier.

Sean knew her pause every now and then wasn't to allow him to catch up. She would move away whenever he was about to close the distance between them.

He didn't mind that. She should be like this. At the Playground of the World, being carefree is the norm, and Bel should be no exception.

He eventually caught up with her as she stopped by the railing. Behind them were rows of anglers, patiently waiting for unwary bluefish or striped bass to bite their bait, and children frolicking and fooling around.

Edinburgh was just nearby, taking pictures of whatever caught her fancy—apparently a new hobby she had taken up. He was glad she did, and not just because she was less inclined to make fun of him now. More importantly, for all her talks earlier, she was mostly content with keeping watch from a distance and leaving them alone.

Bel leaned forward to gaze into the glimmering, dappled ocean below, stretching into an endless horizon. She listened to the waves grazing against the columns. She smiled from the sensations. The weather was just a bit hot, but being near the seas felt cool and fresh.

"You know, Bel, the beach is not too far away," Sean remarked as he rested his hands against the same railing.

"Mm. Do you think...we could go there later?"

"Later? We could even go now if you want," Sean got off the railing. He knew she was hopeful. She had the same look as yesterday.

"Now...? Yes, I would love to."

***

"Actually... I've something I want you to try. Take off your sandals," Sean said when they were already at the beach.

Bel dipped her head aside at the curious request, but when she noticed he had removed his, she had no reservations about doing the same. Soon she could feel the scrunching sands engulfing her feet and becoming wedged between her toes, even with so little movement on her part. They were warm like an embrace, and she felt freer.

Bel looked up when she heard Sean calling her name. She saw his back growing further as he walked toward the sea, pausing to beckon her with a wave, then brightened up when she headed his way.

When she reached the shore, he was already shin-deep in the shallows, holding his flip-flops in one hand, and inviting her to join with the other. Bel raised her skirt lightly as she waded through the waters, the lazy, lukewarm current lapping at her heels and ankles—and suddenly, it felt as if a certain longing, one that she had long held within her, was no more.

"Feels good, huh?" Sean asked. Maybe Bel didn't realize how big her smile was, bigger than anything she had ever allowed herself. But he liked that smile. Such refreshing innocence, simple and earnest—he hoped she would always have it.

"Mm. You're right...thank you, Sean."

"Ah, it's nothing...oh, by the way, though—no need to be careful with the skirt. It's gonna get wet anyway," Sean said. While Bel may be content just being there and nothing else, he was sure she could allow herself to be a little more playful today.

Bel's smile wavered just so slightly. The suggestion didn't sound like one at all because he seemed to be holding back a laugh.

"Um, how so...?" she asked. Sean's answer was to splash a touch of water at her skirt. She huffed at the mischief, but his unabashed laughter lingered for some time.

"See? Wet."

Bel returning the favor was not something he expected—but even though his shirt was now as damp as her skirt, he welcomed it. He splashed at her once more, daring her to do it again. Soon, they were exchanging splashes, taking care not to drench the other. Nobody would want to get soaked when they had no change of clothes.

But then again, nobody would be cautious for long when they got swept up in the moment. Before long, they were already wetter than they thought they should be, but not thoroughly so.

And they laughed it off.

Only Edinburgh's showing up before them stopped them from continuing. The sight of the two ruddy, slightly soaked youths left her shaking her head, and she let out an amused snort.

"Well, well. I see you guys are having fun, even though you got yourselves wet," Edinburgh clicked her tongue. Not that she actually disapproved. She wasn't Belfast, and if any, she was happy for Bel. She was smiling like never before, even when she apologized. And perhaps she could be happy for the boy, too, because he looked so pleased.

"Good thing you showed up, then, before it got worse," Sean shrugged. For now, he didn't feel like retorting. In a way, Edinburgh wasn't mistaken. They had fun.

"And anyway, it's nearing lunchtime. Let's grab something to eat before the lines get long," Edinburgh decided to just drop the subject. While she loved some good teasing, there was a pleasant atmosphere between the two, and she wouldn't allow herself to bring that to an end through careless words.

Sean glanced at Bel. She readily agreed with Edinburgh, her eyes gleaming. Maybe she was indeed hungry. Or perhaps she just wanted to relish in the sights. It could probably be both. In any case, he knew they were going to the boardwalk soon.

***

They were sitting on one of the boardwalk's many benches, drying off while Edinburgh went to get food. She told them it would be her treat and that they shouldn't worry about her money because she, despite appearances, was careful with her funds and had a sizable savings account. Sean felt inclined to believe her because there was no way she could afford that brand-new camera hanging from her neck without saving a considerable amount of dollars.

Bel loved the carnival-like feel of the boardwalk and the colorful stalls and how the summer air carried the smell of food they were selling around. She loved seeing the amusement park and its towering Ferris wheel and imagining what rides could be within, even though it was closed for the day.

"Sucks the park closed…I thought we could go there later," she heard Sean grumbling. But it was alright with her that it wasn't open. She loved just being there. With her sister. With him.

"But well...we could always come here again some other time," he went on. Bel smiled. She loved the thought of it, too—that there's always tomorrow and that summer's not going anywhere anytime soon.

"Yes...I would love to."

"What are you guys talking about?" Asked a returning Edinburgh. She wondered why they were smiling at each other and felt she had missed something.

"Nothing important, really," Sean replied. Edinburgh huffed a laugh. Nothing important, my arse, she thought. Nothing so trivial would make anyone look that self-satisfied.

She still didn't feel like prying, so she sat beside the boy.

"Well then, here's your food," Edinburgh passed Sean the pretzel, which he handed to Bel, and the hot dog, which he kept for himself.

"Thanks, Edinburgh, I owe you one," he thanked the maid, only for her to chuckle as she squeezed a slice of lemon on her steamed clams.

"Oh, don't mind. I should be thanking you instead for taking Bel here," Edinburgh replied.

"It's not a big deal, really..." Sean murmured. He was beginning to get flustered for no reason while Bel looked on, still nibbling on her food.

"It is because..." Edinburgh paused to look up to the clear sky, "You guys are still young—and when you're young, you can be carefree. One day—one day, you will suddenly, without warning, find yourselves unable to do that anymore, and you'll wish days like this would always be there. That's why you should cherish times like these."

As she finished speaking, Edinburgh bit into the clam she was holding and sighed. If she were to be honest, she was somewhat jealous of them.

"You know, I don't think it's time yet for you to get all nostalgic and talk like an old woman, Edinburgh. Not when you can still do this all again," Sean said. He had a hand on Edinburgh's shoulder, and she could see them looking back with sympathy as if they knew and understood what she was thinking, no matter how unlikely.

"...Uh, what exactly?"

"...Well, you know, going out like this? I don't mind you joining Bel and me again next time," Sean said, and Edinburgh suddenly found herself becoming inarticulate in the face of the generosity she didn't expect—and from him, no less. She even teared up a bit.

"Oh, that would be great, sister. Please?" She heard Bel joining in. There was a palpable delight in her words that was as reassuring as the boy's smirk. It felt so right. They were right all along.

"Oh, you two... I'll take you guys up on your offer, after all," Edinburgh finally said. "Oh, and I will bring Belfast along, no matter what it takes."

"Yeah, you better," Sean said. If there's someone who really needs to see summer for what it truly is, that would be Belfast, indeed. And judging from how Bel perked up, she must've thought the same.

"Oh...I can't wait," Bel exclaimed, and Edinburgh laughed. It had been a long time since she laughed so openly, and despite it drawing attention, she didn't care. The two eventually laughed along with her, to varying degrees—but they were all youthful.

She soon realized that not enshrining such a pleasant, airy moment would be a waste and rose to her feet. Ignoring their curious looks, Edinburgh walked away a few steps from the bench, then whirled around, camera in hand.

"Alright, give me your best smiles, guys," she declared. Having realized what her intention was, Sean was about to move away when Bel tugged at his sleeve. She didn't need to say anything to get him to stay. And when he attempted to keep a little distance, she simply sidled closer. He didn't try again after that. And he smiled for the camera anyway.

Edinburgh was pleased with the outcome. She was confident the picture would turn up as she wanted it to. For her, a reminder. For them, a memorial. It'd be something they would still recall fondly many years from now.

And they would soon have many of them. This hazy summer day wouldn't be their last.