the cove

There was a girl I loved, or at least I thought I did, across the cove. She lived here at the lake, and we were mere tourists staying in a cabin just across the way. She would water ski without a care in the world, never noticing me. Even now, I can see her in the water with her life vest on, like it was yesterday. The lush greenery of the Ozarks in the background, her eyes focused and fearless. I wondered what her life was like, did she live here year round? where did she go to school, was this there summer home, was her father rich and powerful? She was more beautiful than the sunset that summer, and our week ended too soon. I would never get close enough to speak to her, and it's just as well since I would be way too shy.

Our week was up, and another 14 year old would be in tomorrow, and he would probably have a crush on her as well. I took comfort in the knowledge that she wouldn't notice him either. I dreamed of her on occasion for years, I guess it was my first crush.