Poems and prose for various contests over the course of the decade. |
The surface of the pool glistened. A welcome retreat on the other side of the fence and since there was no one around, I climbed over and made myself comfortable on the floating lemon lounger that had been circling around and around the cool surface. I called a few of my pals who were only too happy to make an appearance. Both of them figured the iced water would be a sweet treat. Alphie, a buddy they brought with them, was content to sit on the fence and watch us flounder and sputter in the cool liquid. We had been having such a grand time, we didn't hear the commotion that sent the pool's water trembling. Alphie was the first to take off. Jimmy and Ralph struggled to get their barings. I managed to zip out just as the lounger flipped and caught Jimmy; pushing him under the water's surface. I hoped he'd be alright, but there was no way I was going to check. We'd been trespassing as it was. Ralph, I noticed, was long gone. I heard a shriek just as I made it over the fence. I looked back to see Jimmy being fished out. His body sailed through the air. Slamming into the fence below me. He sputtered and let out a dozing buzz as he fell to the soft grass below. Everyone for themselves, I thought, speeding up to make my get away. "Get the bug spray, Gerry. The bloody flies are in my drink. Ghastly things. You can't leave it for a moment... and I need another Lemontini!" Word Count = 264. Notes ▼ |