Beach at the South

Cold waves hit the rocky shore while seagulls made loud noises above. The salty wind filled Kyle's nose and woke him up from his dream. He raised his arms and stretched, letting out a big yawn. He reached over and tapped the stop button on his cracked phone. It had been his ocean alarm.

Kyle and his family had arrived at Martha's Vineyard the night before. This year, they were staying in a cabin surrounded by trees. Kyle liked ocean views more, but his little sister, Zoey, convinced their parents to pick the cabin for its privacy. Kyle had chosen last year’s vacation spot, so it was Zoey’s turn now.

He didn’t like using ocean sounds from his phone to wake up, but the cabin was modern and comfortable, which made it easier. He hurried down the thick wooden stairs on the cabin wall, racing Zoey to the kitchen. He beat her by just one step and claimed the first pick of bacon from the hot pile on the marble counter.

Zoey said he cheated by pushing her at the end, but Kyle had already stuffed two crispy strips into his mouth before their parents could decide who was right. Their mom handed Zoey her own plate filled with fruit, hash browns, sausages, eggs, and bacon. Zoey smiled and started eating happily.

Kyle ate quickly and washed it down with his dad’s iced coffee instead of the orange juice his mom had poured for him. He needed the energy. Today was the day he had been waiting for, he was finally allowed to swim at South Beach.

Chase, his dad, noticed and took the glass from Kyle, refilling it from the fridge. Then he looked at the clock. We are leaving in fifteen minutes, buddy. Go get your bathing suit.

Fifteen minutes? Kyle asked, surprised.

If we do not leave soon, we won’t get parking.

You think it is that packed already? Kyle asked.

Chase laughed and looked at his wife. It is 10:30, Kyle.

Kyle was confused. Ten-thirty still felt early to him, especially during summer break. He usually slept until noon. But today was important, so he woke up earlier than usual.

South Beach opens at six in the morning, Chase explained. People start showing up right away. We are already four hours late.

Shit, Kyle muttered.

Watch your language! his mom called from the pantry.

Sorry, Mom.

Ten minutes, Chase reminded him, handing him more bacon to cheer him up.

Kyle threw his Star Wars boogie board into the SUV’s trunk and ran toward the front seat. He opened the driver’s door, admiring the lights and soft sounds of the car. He sat inside, touched the steering wheel, and hovered his foot over the brake.

Just then, his dad whistled from outside. Kyle looked up and saw Chase holding the car’s key fob.

Nice try. It won’t start without this. Out of the seat. And no, we are not bringing your sandcastle stuff unless we end up at State Beach.

Kyle groaned and dragged himself to the passenger side. Zoey laughed from the porch while their mom waved and sipped her coffee.

Chase got into the car, placed his coffee and fob in the cupholders, and started the engine. The car rumbled loudly, and Kyle rolled the windows down. He picked a song while Chase backed out of the driveway.

I get my permit in two weeks, Kyle said. You let me drive in Boston. Can I drive now? It is quieter here.

Your mom does not know about Boston. And this isn’t the Subaru. This one has a lot more power.

And it is cooler.

Chase smiled. Yes, it is. Now put on your seatbelt.

Please, Dad. Mom won’t find out.

When they reached the road, Chase stopped the car and unbuckled his seatbelt.

What did you forget? Kyle asked.

With that tone, maybe I should change my mind.

Change your mind about what?

Letting you drive.

Kyle turned and stared at him, surprised. He saw the familiar grin his dad had when he was about to break the rules.

What about Mom?

She does not need to know.

Excited, Kyle jumped out and ran to the driver’s side. He sat down and looked over the controls like a pilot before takeoff. The car had a lot more buttons than the ones he practiced on, but he was ready.

Chase adjusted a few settings to make the drive easier and safer. Start in automatic. You’ll learn the rest later. Now buckle up, check both ways, and go.

Kyle drove slowly at first, getting used to the feel. When they reached a bigger road, Chase let him press the gas a little more. Kyle reached 75 miles per hour, surprised by how fast the car picked up speed.

Bring it down, Chase said. The limit’s 55.

Kyle lowered it to 57. Chase wasn’t worried about tickets since he was a Boston cop and knew the local officers.

When they arrived near South Beach, the parking lot was packed. Kyle drove back and forth for twenty minutes before a family left and freed a spot. Now came the hard part parallel parking.

He waited for traffic to clear, then turned the wheel and slid the car smoothly into the space. It was a perfect park.

Nice work, Chase said.

Do I get to drive back too?

We will see.

Chase handed him a beach bag, chair, and cooler. He took the heavier items himself. Their mom and Zoey would come later; Zoey wanted new sunglasses after breaking hers on the ferry.

Kyle ran ahead, walking along the dunes. When he reached the entrance of South Beach, he stopped. It was just like he remembered: big waves, clear water, and soft sand.

Do not wait for me, Chase said. Find us a good spot.

Kyle turned and saw the long line of beachgoers behind him. He knew he had to act fast. He took off his sandals, placed them in the bag, and ran.

The six-foot waves crashed loudly. Seagulls circled above, and the wide beach stretched far in both directions. He found a spot near a lifeguard tower and far enough from the tide.

He set up the towels, using sandals and books to keep them in place. He turned on his speaker, but quickly turned the volume down when he saw an elderly couple nearby. Luckily, they smiled and nodded to the music.

Help me out, Chase said, dragging the cooler.

Kyle ran over to help him. Chase applied sunscreen and handed the bottle to Kyle.

Put it on properly, Chase said.

Kyle covered his skin, put on swim shoes, and stretched. He opened the cooler but was stopped.

We eat together, Chase said.

Can I at least have one bite? Kyle begged.

Chase offered him a piece of jerky instead, which Kyle refused. He hated jerky, but now had to wait for food.

Can I go swim? Kyle asked.

Stay where I can see you, Chase warned. Do not go far.

Kyle said he would, but brushed off the warning.

As he ran toward the water, a voice called out.

Nice spot, babe, said Erica.

Chase was surprised to see her so soon. He got up and greeted her.

Kyle found it. Had to chase off some birds first.

Chase looked for Zoey but did not see her. Before he could ask, a girl screamed. He knew the voice, it was Zoey.

He turned and saw people shouting at the water. Red-tinted waves came in. Lifeguards blew whistles. Chase scanned the crowd. Kyle was not there.

As Erica ran to get Zoey, an older man pointed toward the ocean and gently said, "I think that’s your boy."