All Free Novel
78
The sun hung lazily in the sky, casting a brilliant blanket of gold upon the sandy shores of the beach club. The rhythmic sound of crashing waves provided a soothing backdrop to the scene, as the three of us-Ace, Alex, and I-sat under a colorful umbrella, our feet sinking into the warm sand. The scent of salty sea air mixed with the tantalizing aroma of nearby food stalls, creating a sensory symphony that was the essence of a perfect beach day.
“So, who’s up for a swim?” I announced with a mischievous grin, eyeing the inviting stretch of ocean before us.
Ace leaned back in his beach chair, shielding his eyes from the sun with a hand. “I’m definitely in, but you know I’m just going to float there and pretend I’m a merman.”
Alex chuckled, a glint of amusement in his eyes. “You’re a man of simple aquatic aspirations, Ace.”
Ace shrugged, a playful smirk dancing on his lips. “Hey, mermaids have a pretty good life, okay? Plus, they get to sing underwater without anyone judging their singing skills.”
I laughed, imagining Ace serenading the fish with his merman melodies. “Well, at least you’ve got your priorities straight.”
Alex leaned forward, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. “Speaking of singing, remember that karaoke night we had last summer? I still can’t get your rendition of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ out of my head.”Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g
I groaned, covering my face with my hands in mock embarrassment. “Oh, come on! I was just channeling my inner rockstar.”
Ace chuckled, patting me on the back. “Don’t worry, your vocal stylings definitely left an impression.”
Alex nodded in agreement. “Yeah, it’s not every day you witness someone hit all those high notes while attempting the moonwalk.”
We burst into laughter, the memory of that hilariously off-key performance bonding us even further. As our laughter subsided, I turned my attention to the array of beach snacks laid out before us. “Okay, speaking of priorities, who’s ready to devour those nachos?”
Ace’s eyes lit up. “Oh, you know I’m always up for a nacho feast.”
Alex nodded, reaching for a nacho chip and dipping it into the salsa. “Nacho average snack, that’s for sure.”
I grinned, shaking my head at their puns. “You two are a pun-tastic duo.”
Ace waggled his eyebrows. “Pun-tastic? I’m flattered. I’ve finally achieved my life’s goal.”
As we continued to munch on the nachos, our conversation flowed effortlessly from one topic to another, each moment infused with a shared camaraderie that came from years of friendship. It was as if time had no hold on us.
Alex suddenly pointed towards the water, a playful glint in his eyes. “Hey, who’s up for a sandcastle-building contest?”
Ace raised an eyebrow, pretending to ponder the idea. “Well, I suppose I could use my merman instincts to craft the ultimate sandcastle.”
I rolled my eyes, laughing. “Oh, please. We all know you’re just going to dig a massive hole and call it a sandcastle.”
Ace grinned unapologetically. “Hey, holes are just inverted sandcastles, right?”
Alex and I exchanged amused glances, unable to contain our laughter at Ace’s unique take on sandcastle architecture. “Alright, challenge accepted,” I declared, grabbing a bucket and shovel from a nearby beach cart. “Let’s see who can build the most epic sandcastle!”
As we stood back, admiring our sandcastle masterpiece with pride, a sense of accomplishment washed over us. Our creation may not have rivaled the Taj Mahal in architectural prowess, but it held within it the essence of our shared laughter and camaraderie.
However, just as we were about to capture a photo to immortalize our sandy achievement, a whirlwind of energy and innocence came charging towards us. It was a child, no older than four or five, his eyes wide with wonder as he surveyed our creation.
“Wow, cool sandcastle!” the child exclaimed, his voice ringing with unadulterated excitement.
Before any of us could respond, his tiny hands reached out and accidentally toppled a tower, sending a cascade of sand tumbling down. The child’s expression shifted from awe to devastation in an instant, his lower lip quivering as he stared at the fallen sandcastle.
“Oh no, buddy. It’s okay,” Ace said gently, kneeling down beside the child. “Sandcastles are meant to be played with!”
Alex joined them, his voice soothing as he added, “And you know what? We can build an even better one together!”
Tears welled up in the child’s eyes as he looked up at us, his bottom lip trembling as he struggled to hold back his emotions. It was a moment that tugged at our hearts, a reminder of the fragility of childhood and the power of empathy.
As Ace and Alex comforted the child, offering words of encouragement and gentle pats on the back, I couldn’t help but observe the scene with a sense of admiration. Their natural instinct to provide comfort and understanding was evident, and in that moment, I saw a glimpse of the incredible fathers they would someday become.
As I stood on the beach, my gaze shifted between the fading sun and the scene unfolding before me. Ace and Alex were now fully engaged in building a new sandcastle, their laughter and banter carried on the breeze. Their focus was not solely on the castle, but on the pure joy of the moment, as they worked side by side with the little boy who had inadvertently become part of our beach day adventure.
The child’s excitement was palpable as he scooped sand into buckets, his tiny hands working with a determination that mirrored the adults beside him. I couldn’t help but smile as I listened to the exchange of ideas and playful arguments over castle design, each of them fully invested in the shared endeavor.
Amidst the sound of sand being compacted and the soft lapping of waves, I suddenly caught a snippet of conversation that made my heart skip a beat.
“Your girlfriend is really pretty,” the little boy said with an air of innocent candor, his eyes filled with admiration.
Both Ace and Alex paused for a moment, their shovels frozen mid-action. I watched as they exchanged a quick glance, their expressions mirroring a mix of surprise and amusement.
“I know, right?” Ace responded with a chuckle, exchanging a playful nudge with Alex.
Alex nodded in agreement, a knowing grin on his face. “Absolutely. She’s the best.”
As the sandcastle began to take shape under their joint effort, I found myself lost in thought. The simplicity of the scene was a reflection of the beauty that existed in our relationship-an unspoken bond that allowed us to embrace the moment and find joy in the simplest of interactions.
The sun had nearly disappeared below the horizon, casting a final cascade of colors across the sky. The sandcastle stood before us, a testimony to the collective efforts of three individuals from different walks of life, brought together by chance and shared experiences.
As the little boy’s parents approached once more, I watched as they exchanged grateful smiles with Ace and Alex. It was evident that their kindness had left a lasting impact on the child’s day-a small act of building sandcastles that had transformed into an unforgettable memory.
As we prepared to leave the beach, I joined Ace and Alex by the completed sandcastle, the gentle lull of the waves in the background. With a knowing smile, I leaned in and whispered, “You guys are going to make fantastic dads someday.”