Jim’s Vacation (Part 1)

Part 1

It was 6pm and the sun was setting while Jim sat sipping rum on the deck of the vacation house he’d rented for the week. It had been several years since they took a proper shore trip where the family could unwind and relax for a long enough time. The kids were older now and easily took care of themselves, finding things to do and friends to hang out with. In fact, Lily and Ben were at the beach several blocks away from where they were staying. They’d promised to be home for dinner.

Molly, Jim’s wife, was leaving tonight however. As is life, an urgent call came in from the Hospital. She needed to be there in the morning to assist in a surgery.

She came to the deck where Jim was sitting and sat down next to him. “Jim” she said. “Im sorry about this. We both knew it’d be a slim chance I wouldn’t get called midway through the trip. At least Ben will make his soccer game and I’ll be able to grab groceries and get the house up and running for when you and Lily return.”

About 3 drinks in, Jim was content with the situation. He had reached the point of the trip where he truly was relaxing and letting the moments occur on their own. He needed this trip and was thankful for the time, albeit 3 days where the family was together. “Its alright Honey. It was a good trip and we had a couple days together – essentially an extended weekend.” “Take your time driving back. Ben will be happy to hear he can hitch a ride home and not miss the game. I’ll stay here and relax in the house while Lily hangs out with her friends.” He smiled sincerely at Molly. “Maybe I’ll even grab a couple cigars from that shop down the street I’ve wanted to visit. With no one here, the smoke won’t be a bother.”

Molly laughed. “Yea, you do that. Enjoy the time alone, relax, but don’t get too drunk if the girls are over. That never looks good.” Jim agreed.

Lily and Ben had been at the beach for 5 hours – and they were tired. They were with a group of friends and had done about everything there was to do. When they first got there in the morning, they built sandcastles until it warmed up. Then the boys played frisbee while the girls tanned. With the sun setting, they found themselves walking the boardwalk – everyone was tired and burnt.

While Ben was a sophomore in college, Lily had just graduated high school and turned 18. She felt a certain degree of freedom as she looked at the summer ahead and the 4 years of college that should be fun. “Lily.” Ben called out amongst the group. “I got a text from Mom. She’s driving home for work tonight and I’m going to catch a ride with her. Dad and mom want us both to have dinner together before we leave.”

Lily realized this was a perfect way to depart from the group who’d likely want to keep hanging out. “Okay” she said. “Sorry guys, we have to go home for dinner. Let us know if you’re doing anything tomorrow!” Everyone said goodbye and the two walked to the car.

“I am burnt to shit!” Ben said.