On the Edge of This Summer Working at the library, Dana considered her life boring – few visitors came now, as everyone preferred the internet. She spent her days rearranging books on the shelves, dusting them off. If her job had a single benefit, it was that she’d read an unimaginable number of books with all sorts of plots: romances, philosophy… And by thirty, she suddenly realized that romance itself had passed her by. She was at a respectable age – time to start a family – but her looks were unremarkable, and her job was low-paid. She’d never thought of changing jobs; after all, she was content. Only students, the occasional schoolchild, or pensioners now visited the library. Recently, a professional competition was held at the county level, and to her own surprise, Dana won the grand prize: a free two-week getaway to the seaside. “That’s brilliant. I’m definitely going!” she reported to her friend and mother with delight, “On my salary I’d never get to travel, but this – it’s like happiness fell into my lap.” Summer was drawing to a close. Dana was strolling along the deserted beach – most holidaymakers were in the nearby café, as today the sea was especially restless. It was her third day by the sea, and she wanted to be alone with her thoughts and dreams. Suddenly, she saw a boy swept off the pier by a wave. Without a thought for herself, she rushed to the rescue. Thankfully, it wasn’t far from shore. Dana wasn’t a great swimmer, but she could keep her head above water since childhood. The waves helped push the boy closer to the shore, then tried to drag him back. But Dana persisted, and soon she was standing on the seabed, water up to her chest, determined to keep her balance. At last, they made it. She stood in her pretty dress, which now clung to her, and looked at the boy in surprise. “But he’s just a teenager, fourteen at most, though tall – even a bit taller than me,” she thought, then asked, “What in the world made you go swimming in this weather?” The lad shakily stood up, thanked her, and staggered away. Dana shrugged and watched him go. The next morning, Dana woke up smiling. The sun was shining, the weather perfect; from the window, she saw the sea glistening blue, a bit restless, just not like the day before. It almost seemed as if the sea was apologising for last night’s storm. After breakfast, Dana wandered down to the beach and basked in the sun. Near evening, she decided to go for a walk and headed for the park, where she noticed a shooting gallery. In school and at uni, she’d been quite a shot, but her first attempt missed the target. On the second try, she hit it dead on. “See that, son? That’s how it’s done!” came a man’s voice behind her. She turned around and, to her surprise, saw yesterday’s boy. In his eyes, Dana glimpsed a flash of fear – he recognised her, too – and she realized the father had no idea his son nearly drowned. Dana grinned. “Any chance of a master class?” asked the tall, friendly man. “Jenks here can’t shoot for toffee – nor can I, to be honest,” he added with a warm smile. Afterwards, they strolled together, ate ice cream in a café, and rode the Ferris wheel. Dana half-expected the boy’s mother to join them, but both father and son seemed content to be just the three of them. The father, who introduced himself as Anthony, proved a great conversationalist, knowledgeable and increasingly likeable. “Dana, how long have you been here?” he asked. “It’s my first week – I’ve got another in reserve.” “And where are you from, if you don’t mind me asking?” Astonishingly, it turned out Anthony and his son lived in the same town as her. All three laughed. “Isn’t it funny? Somehow we never met at home, but here we are!” Anthony beamed, obviously taken with this gentle, pleasant young woman. Jenks joined in, clearly relieved Dana wasn’t planning to mention yesterday’s incident. They parted close to midnight, the men walking Dana to her hotel and arranging to meet again at the beach the next morning. Dana arrived first, but her new friends were nearly an hour late. “Morning!” Anthony called out, “Forgive us, Dana – honestly, we just forgot to set the alarm and slept in!” “Dad, I’m going swimming,” Jenks declared, making for the waves. “Stop! You can’t swim!” Dana cried suddenly. Anthony looked baffled. “Who, him? He swims well – he even competes for his school.” Dana was surprised, but didn’t argue. Maybe, she thought, she’d simply been mistaken. Their hotels were just next-door. The next few days were an absolute dream. They met each morning by the water, parted late at night, visited sights together. Dana longed to talk to Jenks alone; she sensed something troubled him – or maybe she was just imagining things. She already knew the father and son were staying in the hotel next to hers. Soon the chance came. One day Jenks arrived on the beach alone. “Hi – Dad’s ill, got a fever,” he told her, “but I asked him – told him I’d be with you, so he let me out,” he smiled. “Sorry for assuming – I just didn’t want to be stuck in our room.” “Jenks, give me your dad’s number; I’ll call just to check.” She phoned Anthony. “Hello, Dana. To be honest, I’m not feeling great – got a temperature. Please keep an eye on my lad; he’s promised to follow your lead…” “Don’t worry, and get better. He’s more or less grown up, after all. I’ll come visit you soon,” Dana promised. After a swim, Jenks spawled on the lounger and suddenly said: “You know what? You’re a real friend, Dana.” She glanced at him; he grinned. “What makes you say that?” “Thank you for not telling Dad about that thing – about the pier,” Jenks stammered, embarrassed. “It happened so suddenly – the wave just swept me off, and I sort of panicked.” “Oh, don’t mention it,” she smiled. After a pause, “Jenks… where’s your mum? Why are you two by yourselves?” Jenks hesitated, as though deciding how much to share, then, gathering courage, launched into his story. Anthony’s work sometimes took him away on business trips, leaving Jenks with his mum, Marina. Outwardly, theirs was a model family. But it was, Jenks now realised, all for show – and it was all Marina’s fault. One day, Anthony said to his wife: “Look, I’ve been sent to London for a three-week course – if I pass, I’m tipped for a promotion. It’ll mean a big pay rise…” Marina seemed almost relieved. Her husband left, and she stayed home with their son. Two days later, she told Jenks, “Darling, we’ll have company tonight – my colleague Arthur is coming with his daughter. Arthur and I have drawings to finish; you can keep Kira company. She’s a bit older than you.” Kira, a confident girl, suggested heading out together. Marina handed her son a £20 note. “Of course, treat Kira to an ice cream,” she smiled. Jenks was surprised – his mum never gave him so much pocket money. They hung out for a few hours. Kira, a couple years older and quite savvy, was fun – Jenks was nearly fourteen but tall for his age. The three weeks passed quickly. On the day before Anthony’s return, Kira said, “Well, it’s lucky your dad’s coming soon – I’m sick of distracting you. I only did it because your mum made a deal with mine – that I’d take you out so they could… well, you know.” She cackled unpleasantly. “My lot have been divorced ages, still fighting over the flat…” Jenks felt uncomfortable at how she talked about their parents. Deep down, he believed her. By the time his dad came home, Jenks sensed something was badly wrong. “Should I keep quiet? Tell Mum how I feel? Or tell Dad everything?” Within days, his mother’s coldness to Anthony became clear, and their family was teetering. That night, Jenks decided to tell his father everything, but came home to a fierce row. “Yes, I’ve been unfaithful. What are you going to do about it?” his mother’s voice rang out as he came in from football practice. “Nothing,” his father replied. “I’ll just file for divorce. Jenks will stay with me – seems he means nothing to you.” “Oh, for heaven’s sake, fine – I’ll have a new family,” Marina retorted. Jenks quickly darted to his room and overheard the rest. His mum declared she’d been seeing Arthur for ages and would move out the next morning. Saturday, Jenks lazed in bed, hearing his mum packing. Anthony stared silently at his laptop. Jenks had long since decided to stay with his dad – he disliked Arthur and Kira. He heard the front door slam. His father tried to explain, but Jenks interrupted: “Dad, you don’t have to. I already know – I even thought to tell you myself. I love you. We’ll be fine, just us two.” His father ruffled his hair. “Didn’t know you’d grown up so much, son. I’m glad you’re here. As for seeing your mother – that’s your choice.” But Jenks wanted no contact with Marina just yet; he still hadn’t forgiven her. After the beach, Jenks and Dana dropped in to see Anthony, bringing some fruit. He was feeling perkier and promised to be back on the beach next day. Three days later, Anthony and Jenks had to return home, while Dana had a couple more days left. Summer was ending. On the edge of this summer they said goodbye. Anthony promised to meet Dana at the airport, while Jenks grinned from ear to ear. Dana made no plans, just smiled as she reread Anthony’s sweet messages, always confessing how much he missed her. Before long, Dana moved in with Anthony and Jenks, and it seemed the happiest of all was Jenks: happy for his dad, for himself, and for Dana. — Title rewritten, as per instructions: On the Edge of This English Summer: Dana’s Quiet Library Life, an Unexpected Seaside Adventure, and a New Chapter with Anthony and Jenks

Author Emily TaylorReading 10 minViews 4

On the Edge of This Summer

Working in the library, I, Harriet, always thought of my life as rather dull. Visitors were scarce these days since everyone seemed glued to their phones and computers. Now and again, Id shift books around on the shelves or give them a good dusting. The best part of my job, really, was how many books Id managed to devourromantic novels, dense philosophy, all sorts. Yet, as I turned thirty, I realised with something like regret that all that romance I’d read about had entirely evaded me.

Thirty isnt exactly young, and surely, its high time to settle down. Im not the sort whose looks catch much attention, and my jobs not exactly brimming with financial promise. It never really occurred to me to look for anything different. The librarys only regulars were university students, with the odd sixth-former or elderly person here and there.

Just recently, we had some regional professional competition, and to my utter shock, I won the grand prizea two-week, fully paid trip to the seaside.

How brilliant! Of course Ill go, I grinned to both Mum and my friend Sophie. On my salary, theres no way Id ever afford it otherwise. Its like happiness dropped into my lap.

Summer was fading away. I walked along the edge of a quiet beach, the other holidaymakers mostly tucked away in little cafésafter all, the sea was choppy that day. It was only my third day by the sea, and I longed for some time alone, to wander and let my dreams meander.

Thats when I saw hima boy swept from the pier by a sudden wave. Without a second thought, I rushed to help, grateful that he wasnt too far from shore. Im no star swimmer, but ever since childhood, Ive known how to keep myself afloat.

The waves seemed to help, carrying him as I grabbed the collar of his shirt, only to try and drag him back out. It was a struggleone moment the sea lent me its strength, the next, it threatened to steal us both away. But I managed. Soon, I was standing chest-deep, determined just not to lose my footing, focused on making it to dry land.

My dress was now clinging to me, hopelessly ruined, but as I looked at the boy, I realised he was just thata lad of fourteen at most, though very tall, nearly eye-to-eye with me.

What were you thinking, swimming on a day like this? I asked, panting.

He just nodded and, with a shaky thanks, wandered off, leaving me watching him with a bemused shrug.

The next morning, I woke in my little hotel room and smiled at the sun streaming through the window. The sea gleamed invitingly, bright blue and less menacing than the day before. It felt as if the waves themselves were apologising for yesterdays rough greeting.

After breakfast, I strolled to the beach, stretched out with a book, then sauntered off toward the park as evening neared. Thats when I spotted the shooting rangerandom, but Id always been half decent at it at school and university. My first shot missed completely, but the second landed true.

Look, son, thats how its done! a good-natured mans voice boomed behind me. Turning, I recognised yesterdays boy. The surprise on his face told me he, too, remembered me. I quickly realised his father had no idea his son had nearly drowned.

The man, tall and kind-eyed, turned to me with a hopeful grin. Would you mind giving us a bit of a masterclass? James heres never been any good, truth be toldneither have I, for that matter.

So, we ended up strolling together, sitting for ice cream in a little beach café, and riding the Ferris wheel. I half expected Jamess mother to join us, but no one else turned up or was mentioned.

The man introduced himself as David. It turned out he was lively, witty, easy to talk toand with each minute, I liked him more.

So, Harriet, have you been here long?

Not at allthis is my first week. Ive still another left.

And where are you from, if you dont mind my asking?

Strangely enough, we were all from the same townSheffield. We all laughed at what a small world it really was.

What are the odds? David smiled, looking pleased.

James warmed to me, deciding I wasnt going to get him in trouble with his dad over yesterdays adventure. We all said goodnight, with David and James walking me back to my hotel. Wed see each other the following morning at the beach.

I was first to arrive, but my new friends were nearly an hour late.

Good morning! came Davids apologetic voice. Were terribly sorry, Harriet, honestly. We simply forgot to set the alarm and overslept.

Dad, Im off for a swim, said James, heading for the surf.

Wait! You cant swim! I instinctively shouted.

David looked confused. Who, James? Hes quite goodcompetes for his school!

I was surprised but stayed silentmaybe Id misjudged the situation that first day.

David and James were staying in the hotel next to mine. The next few days were bliss. We met on the beach every morning, spent evenings together, and went on little excursions. I wanted to talk to James alonesomething about him seemed troubled. Or maybe that was just my imagination.

I finally had my chance when James turned up by himself one morning.

Morning. Dads unwellrunning a bit of a fever, he told me. I asked if I could come see you instead. Hope you dont mind.

Of course not, but I should ring your dad to let him know youre with me, I said, and he gave me the number.

David answered, sounding ill but relieved. Sorry, Harrietcould you look after the lad today? Hes promised to do whatever you say.

No worries, David. Hes practically grown, and Ill pop by later and see how youre doing.

Once James came out of the water, he collapsed onto the sun lounger beside me. Eventually, he said, You know, youre a real friend.

I turned to him, raising an eyebrow. Thats rather out of the blue! What makes you say that?

Thanks for not telling my dad about what happened with the pier. I really did panic, and you saved me.

We sat quietly for a bit. Then I asked gently, James Wheres your mum? Why are you and your dad on your own?

He fell silent, evidently weighing up what to say, but, after a moment, he shook his head as if deciding he was old enough to explain.

David sometimes travelled for work, leaving James with his mum, Caroline. Everyone thought their family was happy, but it turned out only to be for show. The fault, he admitted, was his mums.

One day, David told her, Listen, Ive got to go to London for three weeks for a training course. Apparently, Ill get a promotion after, and the pay will be much better…

James said it seemed like his mum was actually pleased to see his dad go. Two days later, Caroline told James, Darling, a colleague from work is coming round tonight with his daughter. His names Alan, and youll need to entertain his daughterEmily. Shes a year or two older than you.

Emily was quick-witted and quite the talker. After a few minutes in Jamess room she said, Shall we go hang out at the park or something?

His mum pressed a crisp tenner into his hand. Of course, go on. And make sure you buy Emily some ice creamyou ought to treat a lady nicely.

He was a bit taken aback; shed never handed him that kind of pocket money for a single outing before. They ended up spending a few hours wandering about, and though Emily was a bit older and seemed to know everything, they got on fine. And so the three weeks passed.

Just before his dad was due back, Emily said, Well, good thing your dads back soonthis has been fun, but Ive got my own life. My dad and your mum made a deal, you know. Id keep you out of the house so the grownups could enjoy themselves. She gave a harsh little laugh. My folks have split up ages ago anyway, still bickering over the house…

James felt sickened by the way Emily spoke of his mum and her dad, half believing, half hoping it wasnt true. When his dad came home, James agonised over what to dokeep quiet? Tell his mum? Or explain everything to his dad?

But then he overheard it anyway. His mothers voice carried through the flat as he walked in from football practice. Yes, Ive been seeing someone else. So what?”

Nothing, his father replied after a moment. Ill file for divorce. James can stay with me. Seems you dont really care

Suit yourself, she said coldly. Ill be starting a new family.

James darted into his room and listened to the rest from behind the door. Caroline said, Ive been with Alan for ages, and you never noticed. Tomorrow, Im moving in with him.

The next day was Saturday. James lingered in bed, listening to his dad tapping at his laptop and his mum packing. Finally he heard the front door bang shut; she was gone.

David tried to explain things, but James stopped him. Dad, you dont have to. I know everything, and Im glad Im staying with you. Well be alright, just us two.

To his surprise, David just ruffled his hair and said, Turns out youre already grown up. You can see your mum if you like, Harrietits her choice, not yours.

But James didnt want to see his mum, not yet. He hadnt forgiven her.

After the beach that day, James and I stopped by to see David, bringing him some fruit. He was already looking brighter and promised hed join us on the sand the next day.

Three days later, David and James had to go home. I had two days left by the sea. Summer was slipping away. On the edge of those last days, we said our goodbyes. David promised to meet me at the airport. James beamed.

I made no plans, simply felt that warm, heady glow as I reread Davids gentle messages, full of longing and hope. Not long after, I moved in with David and James. Of all of us, it felt like James was the happiestfor his father, for himself, and for me.