Location: Down at the beach in front of the condo unit.
Time: July 4, 2007 at 11:45 a.m. C.D.T.
Nate was resting comfortably in a lounge chair. He was watching Randy, Lazlo, Clam, and Raj trying their hand at kite surfing. That was one of the few water sports he hadn't tried and, sadly, would never get to try. He didn't let it get him down though. He was looking forward to trying out parasailing a little later in the day. The five had been on the beach since about 9:30 in the morning. They didn't do as much this morning as they had done the first few days here. No this was a day to just do some more relaxing and just take in the sun. Clam hadn't dared to challenge anyone to another tickle contest. Poor Clam and Randy were so exhausted after that first evening on the beach. They slept in for a long time the next morning. Nate was glad the contest took place though as it drew the attention of Angela, the young fox he had met that evening. He had kept in touch with her regularly since then. She and her family were off visiting relatives that lived in Panama City Beach, FL. They were coming back to the condo this evening and she would join Nate and his friends to watch the fireworks show from their balcony on the 21st floor.
Lazlo: (approaching Nate along with the other jellies and Randy) Hey Nate. You see all those cool tricks Randy did while kite surfing. It was pretty impressive.
Randy: Thanks guys but it wasn't all that impressive. I've seen some pretty amazing things done by professionals doing this. This is a relatively new sport for me. This is my fourth year at doing it.
Nate: Not bad at all for just four years experience and Lazlo, you, Clam, and Raj were spectacular considering this was the first time ya'll attempted it.
Raj: Yes well we had a real good teacher. Randy sure has the fundamentals of this sport down.
Clam: Very savvy!
Randy: Again thanks guys but…
Nate: Come on Randy, no need to be so modest. You just scared that if you come off as to arrogant, you'll get tickle-attacked.
Randy: Ah…don't even mention the t word to me for a long time. That had to have been the most brutal competition I've ever been involved with.
Clam: Clam agree!
Lazlo: I bet you do Clam. Speaking of that first evening how's Angela? You talk to her recently Nate?
Nate: I did just this morning. She and her parents are at Panama City Beach right now. Her paternal grandparents live there now. She should be back in time for the big fireworks show over the water this evening. I've invited her to join us and view the show from our balcony. The show should be really great when viewed high up like that.
Lazlo: I know what you mean. I'll be like we're actually up there with the fireworks as they go off and light the night sky. I can't wait for this evening.
Randy: I can't wait either guys. I'm so glad I decided to accompany all of you here.
Raj: I'm very glad too Randy as I'm certain that we couldn't have had even half this much fun if it were Lumpus with us.
Lazlo: Ah…scoutmaster Lumpus is not all that bad but he does seem to lack the zest for fun and adventure that Randy has.
Clam: No fun at all.
Nate: Well Randy you're here with us because my brother Jake has a lot of trust in you and your abilities to ensure our safety. Looks to me that his trust was well-placed and I'm glad the two of you became friends.
Randy: Well what can I say? Jake has turned out to be one of the most well-rounded guys I've known. If most of the people I grew up with went through what your brother went through last year and even earlier with the crash that paralyzed you, I doubt they'd be able to adjust as well as Jake did. It helps to have such a wonderful young lady as Crystal in his life. He's even requested that I be the best man at his wedding. I told I'd think about it but surely there's someone he's known longer than me that would be more fitting.
Nate: Well Jake did have a good bit of friends he hung out with when growing up in Mableton. He tried to stay in touch with them after going to New Mexico but he just got busier and busier and he simply lost touch with most of them. I was worried that at the rate he was going, he wouldn't have any friends in his life at all. That all changed when he met Crystal. I'm glad he let down his guard and let you become a friend of his. Ever since the accident, I believe he's just been real stubborn about letting anyone in. I do hope you consider his offer. Jake has referred to you as one of the best friends he's ever had.
Randy: You know I think I will do this. Friends like Jake don't come around to often. Besides I should have plenty of time to prepare as engagements can sometimes go on for years before the actual marriage. I do sense though that those two will not be waiting that long however.
Lazlo: So romantic. Makes me wander who might be the one I'll marry in the future.
At that statement, Nate, Raj, and Clam started to laugh.
Lazlo: What? What's so funny guys?
Raj: (catching his breath) Come on Lazlo…everybody knows who you'll probably marry.
Clam: (fluttering eyelashes and imitating Patsy's voice surprisingly well) Hey there Lazlo. Would you like some delicious banana bread I made just for you?
Lazlo: hehehe…pretty good Clam but you better be careful. I know where you're most ticklish remember (grins menacingly and wiggles fingers).
Clam: (covers feet) Not necessary! Clam be good!
Lazlo: (giggles) Don't worry Clam. We're good. You do make a point though Clam. I do like Patsy and she definitely likes me.
Nate: A whole lot it would seem.
Lazlo: Yea…but it's way too early for me to be thinking about that yet.
Randy: Definitely Lazlo. You all have plenty of time to consider things like that. Right now just be kids and have fun, much like you've been doing this whole week thus far.
Nate: Definitely agree with that. Now I'm getting hungry. Let's go get something to eat and get refueled for more fun.
They made their way back up to the condo for some sandwiches. Once they were through with lunch, they returned to the beach and began parasailing with the help of Randy's speedboat. This is what Nate was looking forward to all day and he was the first to try it. It was just as cool as he had imagined it to be. Lazlo and Clam felt the same way. Even Raj, who was apprehensive about soaring at such great heights above the waves at first, got a real kick out of it. This went on into the evening. They then left the beach and went to a nearby restaurant to eat. Once back, they got ready to view the firework show that would start soon.
Location: Balcony of the condo.
Time: July 4, 2007 at 10:30 p.m. C.D.T.
Lazlo: This is so exciting guys. I've never seen a fireworks show from this high up before.
Angela: Me neither Lazlo and I've been here for a few of this 4th of July fireworks shows but never this high up.
Randy: At this moment in time, there is nothing that could possibly top this awesome view. I've too have seen some spectacular fireworks shows but this is gonna be real special.
Nate: Though as you said Randy that nothing can beat this show, I hope Jake and Crystal enjoy the one up in Atlanta as much we'll enjoy this one.
Raj: Yes well I have no doubt that they will my friend. No doubt at all.
They all relaxed in their chairs and looked on in awe as the fireworks began to light up the night sky. Brilliant blues, reds, and whites mixed with yellows and greens creating a rainbow of sparkling light that reflected perfectly in the ocean below. This was indeed a perfect night and a perfect show. They all knew that once the show had concluded and when they later laid there heads down to sleep that the brilliant show would continue on long throughout the night in their dreams.
