In Hawaii, Mr. Simmons was spending some time at the beach. He did take a camera along with him so he could share pictures for his family and Arnold and his friends. He had been at the beach for almost fifteen minutes. He was lying on the beach towel he bought along. He thought smart by putting some suntan lotion. He thought it made sense to do so before the last minute when he arrived to the beach.
Once Mr. Simmons found a place, he put the towel on the sand and sat down. He sighed as he watched several children run around, yelling, screaming, shouting. There were children of all ages. He did see several teenagers also. While growing up as a child, he was always quiet and softspoken. He still has some of that left, even as an adult.
He saw one kid run around the beach and play tag in the water with several other people. He put his own pair of sunglasses over his eyes. He also grew up being sensitive to the sun and that never changed even as an adult. A minute or so later, he felt somebody tap him on his shoulder. He looked to see who had touched his shoulder.
"Hello," Mr. Simmons said.
He didn't want to sound rude while meeting a stranger like today.
"Hello. Are you just a tourist in town or are you visiting a friend or family member?"
He saw the woman he was talking with now looked like she was about six years younger than his age. She had light blue eyes and had a ponytail in her thick, dark hair. He thought she looked good for somebody her age.
"I'm here for a vacation, so yes, I am a tourist," Mr. Simmons replied.
"So am I. My vacation ends tomorrow, so today is my last chance to be here at the beach. How long have you been here?" she asked.
"This is my second day here. My family thought it made sense to send me away for a while," he told her, "plus school is still in session."
"Oh, yeah. I'm almost done with school myself. Then I'll graduate," she told him.
"Where are you from?" Mr. Simmons asked.
"Washington. That's where my university is located," she told him, "bur I'm originally from Utah."
"Whereabouts in Utah?"
"Salt Lake. I attend the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter – Day Saints. I'm sure you know by now that means I'm a Mormon."
"I know who Joseph Smith was, but I'm really not into history."
"I know a lot of people aren't either. I also struggle with dates myself, but I'm more into science."
"Are you working?" he asked.
"Of course I am. My family won't pay for my college tituation, but they did save up a lot of money for my brothers and sisters to go to college. What about you? What do you do and where are you from?"
"I am a teacher, and I recently got a promotion and raise, so that's why I'm here."
"Cool! What level do you teach?" she asked with curiosity.
"When I first started, I taught fourth grade for several years, and when my former students began high school, my job went to the tenth grade level, so it felt good to be back with them."
"When you go back home, do you return at the high school?"
She found this conversation was getting interesting.
"Of course not. My job involves college, but I am a little nervous about college level."
"That's understandable. To pay for my college tituation, I only mentor children in all sorts of levels except for college."
"I'm sure they pay you well."
"Of course they do. I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't get paid. What subject do you teach?"
"English," he answered.
"That's cool. Thank you. Good luck with graduation."
"Thank you," she said and walked away.