The summer was passing quickly. June and July had already faded away. By the time August came around, Katey was dreading the annual vacation to Myrtle Beach. She stared out the window almost in tears the entire way there. Javier sat next to her and joined in conversation with Jeannie and Bert. Susie was engrossed in her summer reading, something she had put off until the last two weeks of the summer. She was assigned to read four books – four very thick books. She hated the fact that she was going to be a junior. Never one for academics, Susie was a typical procrastinator. Already having read the thinnest of the selection, she moved on to Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen. Susie did not see what Katey loved so much about this book. To Susie, it was boring and absolutely dreadful. Next on her list was the even longer Jane Eyre. Susie hated reading and was ready to give up.
She anxiously slammed the novel shut as the car halted outside of the magnificent hotel. Javier stared in awe at the sight of The Carolinian, the hotel where the Millers stayed. Katey struggled to get out of the car because her stomach was so large. She was due to have the baby in about two weeks. She took Javier's hand and proudly walked through the hotel lobby, ignoring the cold stares of tourists. Jeannie, Bert, and Susie headed up to the hotel room, a bell boy carrying their bags behind them. Katey showed Javier around the large hotel. After awhile, the two wandered upstairs to room 409.
Susie was already in her bathing suit, a revealing pink bikini. Jeannie and Bert came out of their room, also in swimming apparel. Javier went to his room and put on swimming trunks, similar to Bert's and Katey changed into a pale pink sundress. She couldn't find bathing suits that fit her. She grabbed her sunhat and placed it atop blonde curls, following Javier and her family down to the beach. The adults sat under an umbrella, whereas Susie wandered over to a group of guys that looked a little too old for her. One of the cuter ones noticed her coming down towards the water where they were playing football. Being a typical guy, he chucked the ball towards her. It made a splash in the warm ocean right in front of her. She picked it up and wandered over towards the guys, shielding her eyes from the sun.
"This yours?" Susie asked, flashing her gorgeous smile.
"Thanks Miss," the boy that threw it replied, taking the ball from her hand. "I'm Danny, what's your name?" He extended his hand and Susie took it.
"I'm Susie Miller." They talked for a while before they decided to go swimming. Katey stood up, noticing the interaction between her sister and the young boy. Javier stood up and they walked hand-in-hand down to the water. Susie noticed them and waved. Katey and Javier waved back.
"Who are they?" Danny asked, putting his arms around Susie's waist.
Placing her hands on his shoulders, she replied, "That's my sister Katey and her boyfriend Javier. She's going to have a baby soon."
"Oh, that's nice." Being a normal teenage boy, he leaned in and kissed Susie. Susie being Susie did not object. By that time, Jeannie and Bert were down by the water and had seen this action. Bert especially didn't like how the young man's hand was steadily edging down his daughter's back.
"Javier," Bert said, leaning closer to him, "go out in the water and tell Susie to get out of the water. I think we should all go to lunch now."
"Oh, Daddy, then Javier would have to get all wet," Katey objected.
"Good point, Sweetheart," Bert smiled at his daughter. "SUSANNE CHRISTINE MILLER! GET OVER HERE THIS INSTANT!"
Not responding to her father's scream, she continued kissing Danny more passionately than ever.
"Susie, get over here now," Jeannie called. "Susanne Christine, I do not want to have to punish you during vacation."
Susie turned her head, and saw her mother waving frantically.
"I have to go," Susie said, "I'll look for you at the hotel."
"Okay, Hun." Danny kissed Susie good-bye and let her swim ashore.
Susie knew she was in for it as soon as she got out of the water. She swam slowly towards the shoreline.
"Susie, you better hurry up," Bert called angrily. With that, she picked up the pace and emerged from the water.
"Young lady, what was that stunt you were pulling?" Bert's face reddened as he screamed at Susie. "What were you thinking? Kissing a boy you barely know?"
"I'm sorry Daddy. He's just so cute."
"I don't want to see it again, Susanne Christine," Jeannie said adamantly.
"Yes, Mother." Susie sighed heavily and trudged up the sand as the family headed to lunch. She couldn't really have a good time on her vacation now that she was forbidden to speak with Danny. When he came over to talk to her, she brushed him off and continued to read Northanger Abbey. Two days before their departure, Javier was helping Susie make dinner while the other Millers were still on the beach.
"How come you've been so melancholy all week?" Javier asked, putting the lasagna in the oven.
"Daddy ruined my only chance at true love. He scared Danny away."
"How did you know he was your true love?"
"I felt like I belonged. I don't know, maybe he wasn't. But I want what you and Katey have. You're young and in love and perfect."
"You're a little too young for that. You're what, sixteen?"
"Yeah."
"You have years. Don't worry. You're a great girl and you're going to make someone very happy. Not everyone finds their true love on vacation."
"Thanks, Javier, I'm glad Katey has you."
