Chapter 5: Saturday at the Beach

I woke up to sunlight sneaking through my curtains. My cheeks were hot, and I felt weird, like I’d just had a sexy dream about doing something super wrong. In the dream, I kissed and touched my mom’s chest, and even though I knew it was totally off-limits, the memory of it got me all worked up. I knew it was just a fantasy, but I couldn’t shake the feeling.

I quietly got dressed and went downstairs, the silent house feeling like a warm blanket. In the kitchen, Mom was already making coffee, the smell filling the room. I sat next to her, my heart beating faster.

“Morning,” she greeted me, her voice a soft melody.

“Hey,” I managed, trying to keep my tone casual. “How’s it going?”

“Fine. And you?”

“Good. You?” I asked, the words feeling like they were part of a script we both knew by heart.

“I’m okay,” she replied with a smile that could light up the whole room.

We exchanged pleasantries, the conversation as comforting as the warmth of the kitchen.

Then, Cloe appeared, her entrance as casual as if she were fully clothed. She was clad in just her underwear and a tiny top that barely covered her midriff, her body a picture of relaxed allure.

“Hi,” she chimed, her voice still heavy with sleep.

“Good morning,” Mom responded, her tone laced with a hint of amusement.

“Morning,” I echoed, my gaze momentarily caught by the sliver of skin on display.

Cloe stretched languidly, a yawn escaping her lips. “I can’t believe I just slept until 9:00 am. It’s like I’m a teenager all over again.”

“You look great,” I couldn’t help but say, the words slipping out before I could stop them.

“Thanks,” she replied, a playful glint in her eye. “And you two?”

“We’re ready to hit the beach,” I told her, the anticipation of the day ahead momentarily pushing away the remnants of my earlier dream.

“Sounds fun. I need some caffeine first, but I’ll get ready soon too,” she said, reaching for her coffee cup with a contented sigh.

The car purred as we wound our way toward the beach, salty air whipping through the windows. The lot was buzzing with folks hunting for parking spots, all eager for a day of sun and surf.

I felt the pull of the sun as soon as we parked up. I started shedding layers, feeling that familiar buzz of freedom that the beach always brings.

“Yep, time to work on our tans,” Mom said, already behind her shades.

“You bet,” I agreed, eager for some rays. “You will be golden in no time.”

I peeled off the last of my layers as Mom gathered her beach bag treasures. We staked our claim on the sand, spreading out our towels in a colorful patchwork. I lay down, soaking in the sun, and let out a contented sigh.

My eyes drifted shut, the crash of waves lulling me into a relaxed daze. But my tranquility was short-lived. My heart quickened as Aunt Cloe came into view, a vision in a vibrant bikini that left little to the imagination. My eyes locked onto her, taking in the view as her curves moved with a life of their own.

I snapped out of it when I heard Mom’s soft chuckle. Busted.

“Don’t mind me,” she said with a laugh, “Your aunt loves being the center of attention.”

I couldn’t argue with that, my eyes tracking Cloe’s every move. The day had definitely taken an interesting turn, and I couldn’t help but smile at the dynamic of our little family.

“Andy!” Aunt Cloe’s voice rang out, cutting through the sound of the waves.

“What’s up?” I replied, shading my eyes to look at her.

“I’m heading into the water. Care to join me?” she asked.

“Absolutely,” I said, springing to my feet, eager for a splash.

“Last one in is a rotten egg!” she shouted, taking off towards the ocean with a burst of energy.

“Oh, you’re on!” I called after her, sprinting across the hot sand. I managed to dive into the refreshing water just before she did, surfacing with a triumphant laugh. Aunt Cloe splashed in right behind me, her vibrant bikini glimmering under the sun.

“Beat you!” I teased, shaking water from my hair.

“By a hair, kiddo,” she retorted, throwing a playful splash my way. We spent the next few minutes goofing around, diving under the waves, and splashing each other with reckless abandon.

Eventually, we drifted towards the shallows, letting the gentle ebb and flow of the tide wash over us as we lay back in the water.

“This is pure bliss,” Aunt Cloe sighed, stretching out like a satisfied cat.

“Couldn’t agree more,” I said, closing my eyes and feeling the sun warm my face.

Mom, evidently deciding the water looked too inviting to resist, got up from her towel and sauntered over to join us. She waded in with a smile, settling down beside us in the shallow water.

“So, any grand plans for the rest of the day?” Aunt Cloe asked, her tone light and curious.

“Not really,” Mom said, glancing at me. “We were thinking of just hanging out here for a bit longer, then heading home.”

“Sounds like a perfect day,” Aunt Cloe said with a wink. “Maybe we can convince Andy to fetch us some ice cream later. I heard there’s a new place down the boardwalk.”

“Ice cream?” I said, perking up. “You don’t have to twist my arm. I’m always down for a scoop—or three.”

Mom chuckled. “Well, in that case, it’s a plan. We’ll make a day of it.”

As we floated there, the sun high above and the waves lapping at our sides, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for these simple moments. It was these little slices of life, filled with laughter and light-hearted banter, that made for the best memories.

“Andy?!” A familiar voice called out. I turned to see Ms. Parker, my history and literature teacher, smiling and waving. I waved back, feeling a mix of surprise and amusement.