It has been a day since arriving in the marvelous beach town of Travelers. The port just bloomed with wonder and excitement. It had to be any special vacation whether they be alone or with family. Missing his family's vacation still upset Lincoln, yet he did not dwell on it, figured if his family was going to have a good time then so should him. Lincoln and Agnes had shared a room with her getting the bedroom and Lincoln got the den. Even staying home alone at the house all week would reach the boredom meter fast.
Looking back, Lincoln still could not believe he was on vacation with his former teacher. The snow-haired child was her loyal assistant for the summer vacation. Right now, Lincoln mind was on his phone, texting and listening to SMOOCH new album. Having got back from her morning workout, Agnes occupied the shower.
As the door open, the teacher came out with a towel. Going towards the bedroom, Lincoln paid no attention to Agnes, nor hear her at the moment. It did not stop the reflection from showing up in the dark part of his phone. Within that glance, Lincoln did not hesitate to slide the appt to cover that brief image. With as much willpower as he could, Lincoln averted gaze at his teacher; hopefully, Agnes did not notice. At that moment, Lincoln did not know if it was hormones or thinking about modesty sake.
It was not until ten minutes later, Agnes came out of her room wearing a white summer dress, sunglasses, and a summer straw hat. Agnes Johnson almost looked like an actress for a romance film. Lincoln blush from the very sight of his beautiful teacher. Never did the teenage boy realize how lovely his homeroom teacher is outside of school. Whoever that homeroom teacher was out with had to be lucky. Times like this Lincoln would often forget who he was in company.
"Are you ready to head out Lincoln?" Ms. Johnson winked to Lincoln.
"Hey who is that?" Lincoln noticed a photo on the ground. It was the same picture from the other day of Ms. Johnson and the man.
"Oh, it was just someone special to me from my past life," Agnes answered with hesitation.
"He looks like a nice guy." Lincoln gave Agnes the photo.
"Yes he was, but unfortunately not all good things are made to last." Agnes turned her back.
By her immediate reaction, Lincoln dared not pry further for an answer, yet already he could tell that the person was more than a friend.
It was only step-one of his adventures as there was more to do. It was a beautiful day for a stroll on the beachside for Lincoln and Agnes. Lincoln accompanied his homeroom teacher as they walked through the ninety-nine-degree weather. Among the fresh outdoors, they were granted the sweet sounds of chirping pelicans and roaring waves.
Being a kind gentleman, Lincoln was in-charge with the task of carrying the stuff. Everything from goodies, blanket, and umbrella. Ms. Johnson just took her purse and tote bags containing a change of clothes for her and Lincoln. At least it was not any of the luggage this time. He still had sores on his shoulders.
Despite the crowded beach, it did not take long to find a spot. Among the beach, Lincoln and Ms. Johnson notice people the stare's as they passed. While it had made Lincoln feel a little self-conscious, Ms. Johnson was in her small world. As the hotel clerk, no doubt they thought it was just a mother and son on a beach trip. Ms. Johnson took the time putting on sunscreen as she left the beach set up to Lincoln. Lincoln took mid-glances at a time on Ms. Johnson upper body to her legs as she applied the sunscreen. After Agnes looked at Lincoln, the snow-haired child quickly turned his head, acting natural.
"One last task Lincoln, can you please run sunscreen on my back?" Ms. Johnson asked before the boy head off.
Lincoln bit his bottom lip nervously. "You want me to rub sunscreen on you?"
"Well obviously, I can't get it myself, so it's best if I have a partner to do it for me, and besides don't you help your sisters with sunscreen sometime?" Ms. Johnson replied, innocently pulling her hair in front.
Lincoln did not deny that. He often helped his older and younger sisters with sunscreen. However, this was not one of his sisters; this was an older woman who was not even a sibling. As Agnes lied on the blanket, Lincoln's nervousness started to tense. Seeing Ms. Johnson's bareback, he swallowed spit. Nevertheless, keeping to his role as her assistant, Lincoln obeyed rubbing sunscreen from her shoulders to her spine.
Despite Lincoln's protest, Agnes repaid the favor as she rubbed sunscreen on his back. Then again, Lincoln did not wish to have another painful sunburn. Thinking that it was just an innocent gesture, Lincoln tried not to enjoy it, nor have great thoughts about it.
Lincoln got relieved of duty enjoying the bright waters, while Agnes lied in the shade with a magazine. Within sight range, Agnes wave to Lincoln like she was watching her child play. Lincoln did the same with innocence. Getting his daily exercise, the snow-haired child swam back and forth. When Lincoln popped from the sea, he shook the drips from his hair. While floating on his backside, a thought came to Lincoln about his sisters. The middle-child could imagine how his sisters were maintaining without him. Knowing how much they love to have fun, it was a significant burden lifted off his shoulders not to have to deal with their shenanigans. And as Lincoln looked at Ms. Johnson, he was already with someone lovely.
When the waves came, Lincoln would take dives into the water. Lincoln decided to try something new by stopping by the stands to rent a surfboard. Although he did not know the first thing about surfing, it looked like fun hoping to follow the online videos correctly. Trying to balance on the board was not easy as he found himself wiggling. All Lincoln had was his feet to navigate the board, but even so, it had to be the proper footing. He was learning the lesson the hard way from all the wipeouts from tripping to slipping, and falling into the deep water. He was already the subject to laughing among swimmers, even Ms. Johnson found Lincoln's display hilarious, not that he cared since he tried wanted to try out the sport. No doubt if Lynn Jr. were here she would try to master it.
Feeling the need to stretch her body and put an end to the laughter, Ms. Johnson joined Lincoln in the water fun. She thought to try out surfing as well but discovered that she was no different. The homeroom teacher was wiping out worse than Lincoln. Now Lincoln was the one laughing at her, yet Ms. Johnson did not take that lightly splashing water on Lincoln. Lincoln retaliated back in the water fight. Among the playful battle, both of them found themselves laughing like children.
The fun increase as Agnes ducked Lincoln into the water. However, Lincoln did not let up by pulling her legs underwater. The two of them were submerged, they swam around together like fish. When Agnes rose from the waters, she flipped her hair back as Lincoln watched. The way Agnes flipped her hair back so gracelessly was like watching goddess of the sea. With a playful smile, Ms. Johnson was refresh and reborn. As they swam back to shore in a race, Lincoln and Ms. Johnson took a break. They worked up an appetite, devouring the contents of the picnic basket.
"I guess neither of us is good at surfing," Lincoln said still laughing.
"Yeah, it's a lot different than riding a rodeo, only with a few knockbacks." Ms. Johnson agreed. She recalls the time of her rodeo accident. As they slipped their spare clothes on, Lincoln and Ms. Johnson took a walk on the beach together like they were a couple, which they were not. At least, that is what Lincoln kept telling himself. "It took me nearly a month just to get my ankle healed."
"I bet that must have been hard for daily exercises," Lincoln replied.
"Come on Lincoln there is still much to do today." Agnes led the way. Lincoln quickly grabbed the beach stuff as well as his clothes following the teacher.
Soon enough on their nice walk, Lincoln and Agnes were interrupted by a college couple inviting them for a friendly volleyball match. Lincoln and Agnes were game as they joined them. Hopefully, Ms. Johnson's volleyball skills weren't rusty, but in her case not at all as Lincoln thought. It was the same woman who survived a rough mechanical bull. As for Lincoln, Lynn's Jr. sports skills had instantly rubbed off on him. He may not have been the best, but he would be able to hold his own.
The college couple was the first to serve the ball. For each service, Lincoln and Ms. Johnson rotated with each other. When Lincoln missed one of the shots, the homeroom teacher backed him like a soldier. She even gave the snow-haired child pointers for Volleyball. Lincoln and Agnes took pride in their teamwork as they hive-five each other for each victory shot. However, they weren't out of the woods yet as the college couple was just getting started.
It was the final shot for the winner take all. The volleyball came at a fast speed. Before Lincoln could intercept, Agnes went ahead of him. She hit the ball with an intensity only into bump heads with Lincoln by accident. But in the end, victory was theirs. And Lincoln thought Ronnie Anne was reckless.
"I'm sorry Lincoln," Agnes said feeling the pain in her skull.
"It's alright, ow," Lincoln replied rubbing his head.
Once again, laughter created from both of them from this fun event. The college couple had even treated Agnes and Lincoln to a can drink for the victory. It was unnecessary, but it'd be rude not to accept the gesture. They could not help by admiring the two as if they were a couple. The college female had even question if Lincoln and Agnes were a couple, which they instantly decline.
As the laughter continued, Ms. Johnson suddenly remembered something.
It flashed back to an old memory many years back. Agnes saw the same man from the photo. Like Lincoln, they laughed and played together.
"We are truly unstoppable Agnes." The man from the photo cheered. "We beat the pants off those jerks."
"Ms. Johnson," Lincoln called out, shaking the teacher out of her nostalgic trance. "Is there something wrong?"
Agnes shook her head. "It's nothing Lincoln, come on let's go."
Lincoln looked at her like she was weird. "Okay, whatever you say." From what he has seen, it certainly seems unlike the teacher to space out. Perhaps it was just his imagination.
On their merry way, Lincoln continued to glance at the many sights of the beach port. Just like the other day, Lincoln's tourist nature took over that barely remembered that he was not alone. Once again, not looking where he was going, Lincoln crashed into a streetlight. As if bumping heads with Ms. Johnson was not painful enough. Fortunately, it did not leave any bumps. The homeroom teacher chuckles at Lincoln's misfortune as she helped him up.
"Perhaps, you should stick close to me Lincoln." She suggested, still laughing on the inside. "That way, I won't have to file for missing persons." Ms. Johnson joked with an amusing wink.
"Have you been here before?" Lincoln asked catching up to Agnes.
"Oh yes, many years ago. It sure brings back old memories. During my years of college, this was the place I often went during summer and spring break. However, I can only do so much with my funds from the school. It can be pretty expensive."
"What about the room?" Lincoln asked.
"I have it rented for a month, thanks to winning a raffle. It saves me a lot of money. Originally my friend and I had this planned for months, but apparently, the loss of a pet is more important than a planned trip."
"Who was your friend?" Lincoln asked curiously.
"She is an old college roommate I barely saw in a while. Back then Tracey Kox and I were a team; then things changed when we went our separate career paths." Ms. Johnson told Lincoln. "I pursued educational studies, while she studied business and now owns her Salon. Tracey also got blessed with four kids who I taught at Royal Woods."
"Really?"
"Yep, when you enter higher education, sometimes your paths can be intertwined with your friends, other times it can distance yourself from them because you have that set goal."
Lincoln could not imagine how will his college life be without Clyde. However, at the same time, she was correct about how paths can change people. Will Clyde and Lincoln be together in college, or will Clyde attend somewhere far or even out of state? Nevertheless, Lincoln did not think about it too much. Right now, he did not know if it was the company of his teacher or his curiosity, but Lincoln embrace the excitement.
Breaking Lincoln's thoughts, Agnes got Lincoln by the arm. Although it may have seemed like a safety precaution, Lincoln was not so sure by the grip. The way Agnes held Lincoln's arm made it feel like it was more than a casual hangout. Through the beachside town of Travelers, Lincoln and Agnes walk through the boardwalk. Among the sidewalk, Agnes showed Lincoln the sights. Like the teacher she is, Agnes had guided Lincoln through many historical landmarks and even educated Lincoln on the histories. Was not what Lincoln was expecting, yet he was fascinated. With how big and wonderous the town was, there was a lot to explore.
While becoming the tour guide for the loud child, Lincoln also looked out for his lady friend. He did not want her running into incoming obstacles like he did. On the walk, Ms. Johnson stumbled into a fountain. Down below, waters sprayed at her in the face, this messing up her hair. It certainly felt very reminiscing of his class project due to Luan's prank. The memory alone made Lincoln chuckle inside. As she was down, Lincoln helped up Agnes, thus getting a glimpse of her bathing suit, now see-through.
"It's not funny." Ms. Johnson bitterly shot back.
Lincoln helped his teacher on her feet. "Your right, it's hilarious." Agnes paid Lincoln an unamused frown. Stricken by the face, Lincoln cleared his throat. "I mean no, of course not." He replied still holding in his laughter.
"I liked that dress." She complained.
Trying to resist looking further, Lincoln gave Agnes a spare shirt to cover up. "So was this one of the memorable sights you wanted to show me?"
"Very funny no, I just did not know it was active at this time, the fountain has been broken." She told the boy.
Resting their feet from the walk, Lincoln and Agnes sat down on a bench. Agnes took off her sandals as she let her feet soak through the sandy surface. The two of them shared a large order of fries. On the side, they started distributing the food among the seagulls. The student and teacher watched with joy as the birds helped themselves to the scraps.
"So you manage to make some friends in middle school?"
"Yeah, it turns out Lynn had the wrong idea of school, but she I had a different experience, so I forgave her for all the wrong advice." Lincoln tossed a fry to the birds.
"Yeah I remember when my mother told me how rough high school was going to be, so I heeded her advice and kept my head down as if I was a cop in jail. but rather than staying away people thought differently of me they thought I was antisocial, one of those emo types, thinking I was too good for them."
"That's rough."
"Yes, but eventually I made some good friends, and most of them moved to pursue further goals. Some even went to other states and countries. You'd be surprised how much things can change over time."
"So was teaching your first choice growing up?"
"No, like other kids I had other dreams. One of them was being a CEO of a big company; another one was being a doctor and a police officer." Agnes talked. "So how are your older sisters doing from what I hear they are having quite a time in college."
"Bobby is pursuing business and Lori is in her general education studies. It was quite heartbreaking for mom and dad to see Lori go, same with Bobby's family." Lincoln chuckled. "It took ten to thirty minutes just get dad off of Lori."
Agnes laughed for a bit. "I bet you must have missed your sisters."
Lincoln reflected four years ago when the family threw a massive farewell party for Lori. It was not only a celebration of graduating high school but getting into a good college. Lori and Bobby made it a plan to attend the same college where Bobby's uncle taught. All the sisters and parents were utterly emotional. Lincoln was almost the same but did not shed tears. Lori knew her felt the same as the others.
Lynn and Rita were still hesitant to see their oldest go but knew deep down that it was a matter of time. Growing up was not something parents can control. No matter how much Lynn Sr. cried, he was going to miss his first-born terribly. Lori was almost in tears herself as she left out the door for her new life in college. As the family said their final goodbyes, Lincoln was the last to wait for his sister. He aided his sister with the last of her stuff.
"I guess this is it," Lincoln said, looking the other way as he tried not to get as emotional as the others, yet Lori knew her little brother well.
Lori paid her little brother a smile and kneed to his level. Within seconds, the eldest embrace Lincoln in a tight hug. "I'm gonna miss you little brother, but don't think this will be the last you hear from me." Lori then cupped Lincoln's face and gave him a peck on the cheek. "I love you so much, little bro."
"I love you too sis," Lincoln replied sobbing. He watched as his eldest sister went into Bobby's car. "Take care of my sister Bobby!" He exclaimed to the boyfriend.
"You got it, little bro!" Bobby exclaimed back.
It was one of the many changes in the large Family. He watched his sister drove off through the sunset. Together, Lori and Bobby were ready for new beginnings. They may be gone, yet communication would always be there. With that thought in mind, Lincoln walked back to the house with that mindful determination.
"Yeah, then over the five years, the others started to follow, thus leaving me now the oldest. Even till this day mom and dad are not used to the change, considering how loud it used to be with the eleven of us." Lincoln explained.
"Growing up is inevitable Lincoln which why you should enjoy the little things while it last," Agnes said. "I mean; look at me, I'm an adult, and I still enjoy Saturday Morning Cartoons."
Lincoln never thought he'd be having a conversation with his former teacher, considering they barely talked even back then. With every word that came out of Ms. Johnson's mouth, Lincoln was interested. As far as he was seeing Agnes Johnson was not like any other woman. Lincoln was almost tempted to trend in the rough territory with her past life.
When more fries came, the flying animals started to get anxious. They were demanding more as they surrounded Lincoln and Agnes like an army. Knowing how city life creatures were, Lincoln knew he had to cautions. Last thing he wanted to end up as city creatures the main course. Seeing the impatient look on the birds, Lincoln took Agnes by the hand and started to run. Both shielded their heads as the birds went after them, unfortunately since Lincoln had more the fry stench on him, he was the bird's primary prey. The birds surrounded the boy with endless pecks. Quickly, Agnes bought a new side of fries and tossed it to the beach. The birds followed that trail of food, therefore sparing Lincoln.
Fortunately, the injuries were not that bad, just a few cuts and bruises. Luckily, Ms. Johnson carried a medkit in her purse. With cotton balls, rubbing alcohol and band-aids, the teacher tended to the boy's injury. Even if Lincoln had saved her, Agnes felt terrible for him getting hurt like this no matter how much he insured her it was nothing. No matter how much Agnes reminded herself that she is not Lincoln's teacher anymore, she felt responsible.
"Ow," Lincoln felt pain to his cheek.
"I'm sorry, I must have used too much alcohol." after the finishing touches, Ms. Johnson applied the band-aid. Suddenly, the middle-child felt a tingle between his lower body. "Lincoln what happened, did they get you in other places as well?"
"No, it's something else, BRB," Lincoln left to the nearby restroom.
After emptying the bladder, Lincoln reminded himself not to drink so much soda pop. just containing it the liquid nearly made his crown jewels numb, at least it was out. Lincoln splash water on his face as he made it to the sink. The boy washes the sweat and bruises off his face. Lincoln hope for no more chaos like that, he gets it enough from either his sisters or the downtown areas.
As he was about to leave, Lincoln's phone went off. Already, he wondered who could be calling him. One would think that Lincoln's friends would have important things to do on their summer vacation. Lincoln's eye widens on the Caller ID. Out of the blue, it was Rita Loud calling Lincoln's phone. As soon as he witnessed the ID, Lincoln's heart skipped a beat.
"Aw dang it!"
