I floated under the water for a moment and let the smile widen on my face. It was almost too good to be true. I almost couldn’t believe it. I kick my feet and ease my way back up, turning my face to the warm sun as my face breaks the surface, the smile still lingering on my lips. As I open my eyes, a splash of water hits my face and a cackle of laughter hits my ears. I turn toward the sound and immediately start swimming, chasing the trailing sound and the splashes ahead of me, just out of reach. As we reach the shallows, I hear clammering in the water ahead and dig my feet into the soft sand trying to gain purchase. I reach forward, groping and loose my balance, falling face first back into the water. Wild laughter fills my ears and a wild joy fills my heart. I look up and see you in front of me: hair wild, mouth open, eyes closed, cheeks flushed. I am consumed by a feeling I can’t explain, but it fills me with warmth and drives me to my feet. Chasing you towards the house, wanting only to catch you, to draw you close to me and feel the laughter echoing in your chest. I follow you inside, through the sliding doors of the breakfast room and finally make contact. Electricity spikes through my hand as I grasp your arm and spin you around. I pull your body to mine and bury my face in your neck as I wrap my arms around you. Breathing in the lingering hint of soap mixed with the loamy smell of the lake, I feel your body tense. I pulll back and look into your eyes and decide right then to kiss you for the first time, right there in your aunts kitchen.