Disclaimer: Once again, I do not own TDI or any of the characters.
Author's Note: First of all, thank you to all who have reviewed or simply read the story thus far. I want also to apologize for not updating sooner—I've been busy with homework and projects.
Also, I've become somewhat unsure with what direction to take this story in. I know that I don't want to send this story into the abyss of unfinished stories, so I've decided that one of several things can happen—1) I wrap the story up quickly and then move on to a new idea I have planned out in my head (also GxT), 2) PM me with some of your ideas (you would be credited with it in those chapters), or 3) for this to be sporadically updated whenever an idea strikes me. You can include your thoughts in the review.
In the chapter, TDA takes place a year after TDI. Now for the chapter…
I had woken Gwen up a bit earlier, and I smiled at her now as she groggily stepped out of her room. Shaking her head lightheartedly, she mumbled, "You should know that I'm not a morning person."
Briefly, I gently entangled my fingers with hers, motioning for her to follow me. Despite how annoyed she may have been at me for waking her up, she followed without complaining. The walk to the rooftop is quick, and I quietly shut the door behind us. "Look up," I directed, pointing my hand at the sky.
Just above the beach of the Playas Des Losers, we can see the morning sun rising. The color is deep and beautiful, shining on the waters below. Turning my gaze down, I stared at her as she watched in awe of the sun climbing above us. "Beautiful," she whispered.
"Yeah, beautiful."
She smiled and turned towards me. "It really is a rising sun," she whispered, kissing my cheek before walking off.
Returning to my room, I walked to the balcony and sat down, rehashing the moment in my head. Although confused by the statement, I couldn't help but smile as she walked away. I could see the joy in her eyes, feel the crisp wind in my face, and touch the sky as I strummed chords on my guitar.
Summertime is finally here
That old ballpark, man, is back in gear
Out on 49
Man I can see the lights
Looking back, I realize now that I had always loved summer more than anything. As a little kid, it was just a great time. Baseball in the park, strumming the guitar as my granddad watched.
School's out and the nights roll in
Man, just like a long lost friend
You ain't seen in a while
And you can't help but smile
There were a lot of things I didn't expect when I had applied for TDI. Getting on, for one. But I had never expected to meet so meet Gwen, to fall in love with her, hold her hand, and after everything was said and done, to still be her friend.
And it's two bare feet on the dashboard
Young love and an old Ford
Cheap shades and a tattoo
And a Yoo-hoo on the floorboard
The feeling of the grains of sand around my feet as I walked barefoot around the beach, humming softly as the sun set each night. Occasionally, when I passed by her window, I tossed a seashell to the balcony, signaling that she should join me. The crisp ocean wind blowing her hair around as she stared off into the distance.
Perfect song's on the radio
Sing along cause it's one we know
It's a smile, it's a kiss
It's a sip of wine, it's summertime
Sweet summertime
Every moment seemed more perfect than the last. The smile that would briefly cross her face upon seeing me. The majestic grace of the rising sun. The butterflies that fluttered in my stomach as her lips briefly grazed against my cheek.
Temperature says 93
Down at the Deposit and Guarantee
But that swimming hole
It's nice and cold
Once, at Wawanawka, it was burning hot. I could feel the heat biting against my body as it reddened, burning in the fire of the raging sun. But just splashing around in that swimming hole with her, made all the painful heat melt away. It was just the two of us, swimming around the cool, blue waters.
Bikini bottoms underneath
But the boys' hearts still skip a beat
When them girls shimmy off
Them old cutoffs
The first challenge, I had seen her in that bikini. I could feel my heart skip a beat as I struggled not to blush and struggled even harder to regain a natural rhythm to my heartbeat. She exuded a quiet confidence and I was already drawn in.
And it's two bare feet on the dashboard
Young love and an old Ford
Cheap shades and a tattoo
And a Yoo-hoo on the floorboard
Each day that passed with her, I found myself liking the hellhole of a camp more and more. I was with her, and all was right with the world.
Perfect song's on the radio
Sing along cause it's one we know
It's a smile, it's a kiss
It's a sip of wine, it's summertime
Sweet summertime
It didn't last, but it didn't matter. We were happy, we were loved. As I sang the lyrics, I felt my lips curl into a faint smile and my cheek flare slightly red. By now I could feel the full force of the sun, and it warmed my heart.
The more things change
The more things stay the same
Don't matter how old you are
When you know what I'm talking about
Yeah baby when you got
Somewhere in the background, I could hear Gwen's voice now. It had been like that many times, I heard her in my head as I dreamt of the future, as I sang songs meant for her and her alone.
And it's two bare feet on the dashboard
Young love and an old Ford
Cheap shades and a tattoo
And a Yoo-hoo on the floorboard
I didn't want the summer to end, I knew that much. I didn't want to stop spending every day with her, strolling around the beach, driving my motorcycle around the Playas Des Losers as the wind hit my face.
Perfect song's on the radio
Sing along cause it's one we know
It's a smile, it's a kiss
It's a sip of wine, it's summertime
Sweet summertime
Turning around, I was surprised to see her standing behind me. She smiled, rested a hand on my shoulder and said, "It's a beautiful song."
Again, please tell me what you think. Also, I don't own the song "Summertime" by Kenny Chesney. R&R!