A Summer at Labrador Pond

“Well, if you insist,” he grinned, playfully chasing her as she squealed and ran off.

They spent the rest of the morning catching frogs, fishing, relaxing, and skipping rocks. Lunch was sandwiches that were eaten on the large picnic table. Then they spent the afternoon playing board games outside, cornhole, and frisbee. Sometimes they did activities as a group, other times a couple of people would read or just relax and enjoy the atmosphere.

At one point, while everyone was outside, Mei dragged Owen through the backdoor and pressed her lips to his. The two made out for several minutes before Mei dropped to her knees. She quickly extracted his penis, stroking it several times before taking it in her mouth. Mei gave him a quick blowjob, swallowing everything he spurted into her mouth.

“You were right,” Owen whispered.

“About what?” Mei asked while still on her knees.

“That was definitely a dream.”

Mei laughed and briefly flashed him.

Everyone went for a brief hike, exploring the usual trails and dirt roads. Mei leaned against Owen as she made another joke. Carl slipped an arm around Amelia’s waist, and she rested her head against his shoulder. Owen got a few pictures as they moved, while Amelia picked up a leaf to press later.

After nearly a week together, dinner passed in an easy, comfortable way. The conversations drifted from favorite moments of the week to plans for the fall semester. There was some playful teasing of Amelia and Carl, as well as some jokes about Mei and Owen. They may have gotten closer, but Owen still groaned at Mei’s increasingly terrible “last supper” puns.

The sun dipped lower over Labrador Pond as students from the various houses made their way to the pavilion one final time. Five days ago, the pavilion had been filled with strangers introducing themselves. Now it was filled with hugs, laughter, and promises to stay in touch.

Thomas Greene stepped up onto the stage. “Good evening, everyone. I know you all have packing to do, so I will keep this brief.”

Several students groaned.

“I figured,” Thomas laughed. “When we first advertised this contest, we asked the winners to do three things. Unplug, explore, and make memories. I’ve spent the last week watching you do exactly that.”

Thomas gestured toward the lake. “I saw students who had never held a paddle before learn to kayak, I watched friendships and relationships form, and I saw people cheering each other during tough hikes.”

Carl glanced around, noticing everyone was paying attention.

“The Labrador Pond Summer Challenge wasn’t about collecting stamps,” Thomas continued. “It was about experiencing this place together. I hope every stamp in your Challenge Passport reminds you of a moment shared with a friend.”

Thomas looked around the room proudly. “Three schools earned every single stamp this week: The University of Southern Maine, The University of Massachusetts Lowell, and Boston University.

“Before we finish, I have one last request. I’d like everyone to stand and find someone you met this week. Thank them. For a conversation, a laugh, a hike, a memory. Thank them for making your week better.”

Dozens of conversations started all at once. People were hugging, exchanging numbers, and promising to visit each other. Carl’s first instinct was to thank Sofia, but he noticed Amelia had beaten him to it; both girls were hugging each other tightly. Instead he looked to Marcus.

“Thank you for treating me like one of the group,” Carl said.

Marcus smiled and pulled Carl into a manly hug. “Thanks for coming out of your shell, man. Proud of you.”

“Thank you,” Carl replied.

Nearby, Owen and Mei stood awkwardly facing each other. Mei finally rolled her eyes.

“Oh, come here,” she wrapped him in a hug.

“Thank you for the bad puns and dad jokes,” Owen whispered.

“Thanks for making my pussy purr,” Mei giggled, playfully nibbling his earlobe. “Meow!”

Carl turned toward Amelia. Neither of them said anything, they simply stepped into each other’s arms.

“I hope Labrador Pond gave you something worth taking home,” Thomas said. “Not souvenirs. Something better. Have a safe trip home tomorrow and remember that Labrador Pond will always be here.”

The audience applauded as the sun dipped below the treeline, leaving the pavilion bathed in the soft glow of string lights. Slowly, the crowd began to disperse. There was laughter and flirting: Emma from Northeastern left with Dylan from USM, his hand on her butt as he led her toward his place.

Marcus was talking to the two women from the University of Vermont, while Sofia spoke to Ben from the University of New Hampshire. It was eventually suggested that they return to the house. The six from Boston University started the long walk back, accompanied by three new friends they’d made during the week.

A nice fire was lit, and the group of nine sat in chairs all around the firepit. There was laughing, talking, and drinking as darkness descended fully on Labrador Pond. With so many people, there ended up being several conversations as small groups formed. The two ladies from Vermont were happy to chat with Marcus, while Ben was interested in flirting with Sofia.

Carl and Amelia waited for the right moment to slip away, when everyone was engrossed in their own conversations and not paying attention. Leaving the firelight, the young couple disappeared into the darkness. Using his phone, Carl led them into the woods to the small clearing they had found.

The clearing was probably only about a hundred feet across, but it was perfect. Thick trees served to isolate the area, making it seem like Amelia and Carl were alone in the world. Standing in the middle of the clearing, they were able to look straight up at the stars; the beautiful band of the Milky Way stood out easily. It was perfect.

They kept looking at each other and smiling as they set up the area. Carl placed a large blanket down on the ground, making sure there were no rocks beneath it that would make them uncomfortable. Amelia even brought a couple of pillows in a tote bag, showing how prepared she was.