FICTION

THE SUMMER OF '72

Cindy-KA

Each summer the Rose family went to the Ozark Lakes to spend three glorious months. Their son Joe always enjoyed these three months even if his dad could only be with them during June. They had a nice cabin by the lake and Joe had grown accustomed during the last three years to the swimming and boating that was available. Also, he had made some acquaintances through the summers and was looking forward to renewing these friendships. Up until this summer his male friends had been able to fill his needs. This summer was different, however, as he had just turned 15 and was beginning to become interested in girls although he was quite awkward with them.

His two closest friends, Hal and Gary, were also quite interested in this new subject and of course it came up in their discussions and they talked about some of the girls that were available at the lake in their age group. Joe wasn't quite as impressed with the younger girls since he had had a crush on one of his high school teachers the previous year. Also, since he had no sisters, he was quite intrigued with some of the female mysteries.

One day, while he and his two buddies were at the dock, he noticed a beautiful girl in her early twenties who was having some problems with her packages, and he offered to help. Her name was Ellen Fargo and she lived on the lake about a half mile from where Joe did. He volunteered to help her home with her packages as it wasn't out of his way. She said she could certainly use the help. So they started down the road. They talked as they walked and Joe was very impressed

40