The Beach

Sawyer awoke to the smell of bacon filling her nostrils. She smiled for a moment, taking in the glorious smell before her eyes went wide in panic. She turned to her side to find the bed empty, muttering a “fuck” before pushing the blankets off of her. She jumped out of bed, reaching down to grab Alex’s shirt that was on the floor and tossing it on her body as she dashed out of the room and downstairs. She jumped down the remaining stairs racing to the kitchen and stopping at the entryway where she saw Alex, boxer clad over the stop, cooking the wonderful smelling bacon in a pan.

“Nooo” Sawyer whined, catching Alex’s attention and causing him to laugh. He had heard her racing around the house, and he had assumed it was because of the bacon.

“Good morning to you too Sawyer.” Alex said with a chuckle as he moved to turn over the potatoes O’Brien that were cooking in another pan on the stove.

“You can’t cook breakfast today. You’ve only been here one day, and you only ever cook once a summer. It’s to soon” Sawyer whined, causing Alex to laugh a little more before flicking her away with her hand.

It was true, Alex normally hated cooking. Sawyer had figured this out their second summer together. Sawyer wasn’t feeling well, so Alex had made her breakfast in bed. Sawyer was still convinced that his breakfast was what had made her feel better, though Alex had made it clear his cooking had no magical healing powers. However, Alex had made an arrangement with Sawyer that he would cook once a summer for the two of them, and Sawyer usually tried to save it for their last week together, just to make it a bit more special. She was not ready to see him cooking his second day at the beach.

Alex knew that Sawyer really liked his cooking, which is why he had decided to surprise her this morning when he woke up at an ungodly hour with nothing better to do. They went through an argument every summer about how Alex should cook more, and Alex always disagreed. He hated cooking, because he was pretty impatient, but he knew that Sawyer loved it.

And he had decided that he wanted to make this the best summer possible. He wanted to have really good final memories of his last summer with Sawyer. He wanted every day to be a something new to remember, something exciting. He never wanted Sawyer to forget him or their summers together.

“Relax Sawyer. This is all me. I thought it would be a nice gesture. It doesn’t count as your one meal a summer. You can still call for that when you want it.” Alex said with an eye roll as he turned off the stove burners.

Sawyer raised her eyebrows as she slowly sat down, unsure of what to make of what was happening in front of her. She stared at Alex as he put together their plates, unsure of what to make of what was happening in front of her. Alex walked over to the table, setting a plate in front of Sawyer and one in front of his chair before taking a seat. Sawyer looked at the plate of bacon, potatoes, toasted bagel and scrambled eggs before looking at Alex with a smile.

“These are all of my favorite breakfast foods.” She remarked, and Ale just gave her a cheeky smile as he took a bite of his eggs.

“Yea. I figured since this is our last summer together, we should make the most of it. Even if it means I cook more than once this summer.” Alex said with a shrug, shoving more food in his mouth, his smile ever present regardless.

Sawyer quirked her left eyebrow up in confusion. “So you mean to tell me, all I had to do to get you to cook more was tell you that you were never going to spend a summer with me again. Damn. Wish I’d known that before.” Sawyer said jokingly, still earning a glare from Alex, followed by an eyeroll.

“Fine. See if I make muffins this summer.” Alex muttered, which instantly earned a whined from Sawyer. Alex shrugged.

“Maybe you should think twice before complaining.” Sawyer grunted and rolled her eyes, but kept her voice to herself as she continued eating.

“So I was thinking today that we could build sand castles on the beach, have a picnic, and get some ice cream. Not necessarily in that order.” Alex said as the two finished up breakfast, and Sawyer smiled.

“Like a play-date day?” She asked, her voice full of excitement. Alex smiled back at Sawyer with a nod.

“That sounds wonderful. I’d love to have a play date with you.” Sawyer said softly, a smile gracing her lips.

“Well let’s get to it. Go get ready for a day at the beach.” Alex said, picking up the two empty plates and taking them to the sink as Sawyer squeaked before heading back upstairs in the quickest manner possible, excited for the day ahead of her.

Alex chuckled as he listened to her speed upstairs, rinsing the plates off quickly and leaving them in the sink before making his way up to the bedroom, where Sawyer was just finishing tying her top on. Alex leaned against the door frame, captivated by the girl standing in front of him. He just couldn’t help but stare because he felt such a connection, a draw to Sawyer. She looked so perfect in the zebra printed bathing suit, so simple and so perfect. She was just so different than every other person he had ever met, and she simply made him feel alive.

Sawyer turned as she sensed someone and smiled at the sight of Alex leaning against the door, a soft smile on his face.

“Jake’s a lucky man you know.” Alex said, and Sawyer had to stop her smile from dropping.

“Jake’s not here right now.” Sawyer stated, and Alex nodded, walking forward, wrapping his arms around Sawyer’s hips.

“No. He’s not.” Alex whispered. “This is our summer Sawyer. Ours. It just saddens me that this will be the last summer we have. This is my favorite part of the year.”

“It’s mine too ya know.” Sawyer whispered back. She stood on her tip toes, giving him a soft kiss on the lips, before pulling away, forcing a wide grin on her face.

“I was promised a play date, and you aren’t quite ready. I might just leave without you.” She teased, and Alex scoffed before walking over to the dresser where Sawyer had put his clothes and pulling out his swim trucks, changing right in front Sawyer, who couldn’t help but stare at the nude man before her.

Alex tied the trunks and looked at Sawyer, smirking. “Let’s get this play-date on a roll.”