I wrenched Mother out of bed Sunday morning after several attempts. She whacked her hand at me when I attempted to pull her off the bed, covered her head with two pillows but finally gave in when Doris paraded in front of her with a tray of her favorite blueberry muffins under her nose.

“You haven’t made those in awhile!” Mother accused Doris.

Doris grinned fervently. “I was right to wait, wasn’t I?”

“Hurry up, Mother. Dad’s already packing the car.” I added over my shoulder as I exited the bedroom.

“Aren’t you taking your parasol?” Mother asked as she prodded down the stairs, still munching while Doris helped her with her coat and hat.

“No.”

I glanced out the parlor window. The clouds were flimsy outside.

I had no intention of shadowing the rarely present sunshine.

Summers at Crystal Lake were obviously more comfortable than any other season, even spring, as the days tended to be unpredictable, one day so warm it could be considered June, the next day freezing and rainy.

I unloaded the picnic basket and plastic tablecloth as Charlie pulled out his fishing gear from the trunk of the cruiser and Renee fiddled with her hat and parasol. I bore my eyes down, pretending to be too busy spreading out the tablecloth on the fluffy grassy mound as a few of Charlie’s friends approached him. I could tell that Renee was doing the same as she opened the picnic basket.

“Oh my, Bella!” I was forced to encounter the dark eyes and wide smile of Abigail Miller. “Is that you?” She approached Renee and I with her mauve parasol tilted over her head of raven black hair. Trailing behind her were her two children and their nanny, in whose arms lay the new addition to the already struggling family.

I smiled awkward while digging my hands into the pockets of my knee length coat.

“How have you been, Mrs. Miller?” I attempted a smile.

“Just fine, my dear.” She was still smiling widely. “My, it’s been awhile, hasn’t it? Were you fourteen when I last saw you?”

“That’s right.” I blushed lightly and I hoped she wouldn’t mention the lack of contact again. Renee looked less distraught than me but just as uncomfortable.