The Forgotten Ones

partially damp hair. A stranger wouldn’t think she was much older than me she looked so young. Even staring at the TV with her mouth slightly open, she was beautiful.
    “What time will you be heading to the beach tomorrow?” Gram asked without looking up.
    “Nicole says she’ll be here at seven-thirty. “ I sighed, pulling a cooler out of the closet. “What do you think the odds are of that happening?”
    “No comment, Allie-girl,” Gram replied, a twinkle in her eye.

    Sunlight assaulted my eyelids, and I pulled the blanket up over my head with a groan. I’d been dreaming of cloudy, rain-soaked skies, but judging from the intensity of the sun, there weren’t any ominous thunderstorms getting me out of going to the beach today. It was only six o’clock, though, so I climbed out of bed, threw on shorts and a tank top and headed out for a run. At least I’d have a little time to myself.
    When I walked back in the house, my mother was already sitting on the couch watching TV. Pop sat at the table reading the Saturday paper. I didn’t see Gram anywhere—she was probably out back watering her garden before it got too hot.
    “Good morning, Allison,” Pop said, folding down the corner of his paper.
    “Mornin’, Pop,” I said as the smell of fresh coffee drew me into the kitchen where my favorite mug already sat on the counter waiting for me. When I returned to the living room, caffeine in hand, Pop continued.
    “I hear you kids are heading to the beach today,” Pop said, his face hidden behind the newspaper. My mother glanced over at him but quickly looked back to the talk show she was watching.
    “That’s right. Can’t wait.” I dropped down on the couch with my coffee.
    Pop folded down the corner of his paper again, peering at me over his reading glasses. “It’s okay to have some fun once in a while, Al.”
    I snorted in response. Going to the beach with Nicole and her friends didn’t really count as fun in my book. Other than Nicole, I didn’t really feel comfortable around anyone my own age. I’d never fit in, I’d rather just be alone or sit in the backyard with a book while Gram worked in her garden.
    “When Beth was a girl, she and Joanne went to the beach just about every weekend during the summer. They were inseparable.” Joanne still stopped by to visit at least once a week, so I could believe it. She also happened to be Jeff and Ethan’s mother.
    I raised an eyebrow. “Are you trying to tell me something, Pop?” I asked with a smirk.
    “Nah, sweetheart. Just thinking life is too short, you know? I wouldn’t want you to miss out on your share of fun before life gets in the way.”
    “I’m perfectly happy with a good book and a bowl of Double Fudge ice cream.” I grinned widely, trying to show my sincerity, though probably was pushing it toward overkill.
    “It sure isn’t that you’re not pretty enough,” he said, ignoring me. “Those eyes of yours are about the bluest I’ve ever seen. I think all the boys around here are just scared off by your sharp tongue.”
    “Think so?” I couldn’t help laughing as I stood up, patted Pop on the shoulder, and went upstairs to change into my bathing suit.

    I glanced at my watch. It was seven forty-five. If Nicole didn’t show up by eight, I was grabbing my book and camping out in the backyard.
    No sooner than the idea crossed my mind, the screen door slammed. Nicole burst in wearing a hot-pink terrycloth coverall and flip-flops. Her shoulder-length blonde hair was pulled up in a high ponytail.
    “We’re burning daylight here, Al. Let’s go!”
    “Good morning to you, too. You’re practically on time,” I teased.
    “It’ll be a good morning if you have some coffee left.” She whipped open the cabinet and pulled down a travel mug. “Mom and Dad aren’t even up yet.”
    I chuckled. “When was the last time you were up at this hour? I haven’t seen you leave the house before nine-thirty since high school.” The hair salon where Nicole worked at opened at ten o’clock, and she didn’t get up earlier than she had to.
    Nicole ignored me and took a long sip of her coffee, then peered out to the living room. “Whatcha watching, Aunt Beth?”
    “My shows,” my mother answered quietly.
    I kissed Pop on the cheek and walked over to kiss my mother on the head. She didn’t move, and I gave her a tiny smile. “Grab the cooler, Nic. I’m going to get the umbrella and we’re outta here.”
    When the trunk was packed,