My name is Rebecca Holden and I am eight years old. I will freely admit to anybody -I hate boys! They have always caused me nothing but T-R-O-U-B-L-E! The only boy I ever liked is my daddy but he does not count.
One day daddy and I visited my Aunt Judy, whom I'd never met. She was Daddy's older sister who had been living in Australia for the past twelve years. Recently she moved back to the U.S. when her husband died of all stupid things -a snake bite.
Aunt Judy had recently purchased an enormous house by the beach. As Dad pulled up his convertible in the driveway, we were greeted by a tall, beautiful lady with dark hair.
"Hi Chris, how's my baby brother?", Aunt Judy said as she and my dad hugged each other.
"Fine! You look super, Judy. This is my daughter Rebecca. Rebecca, this is your Aunt Judy.", as Dad pushed me forward to Aunt Judy.
"What a pretty name -Rebecca. Your dad has told me so much about you that I feel I already know you."
"Dad has told me lots about you, too.", I said as we hugged.
"I have someone for you to meet. Let's go inside.", said Aunt Judy as we follow her inside.
Dad said, "Nice house, sis. You did a wonderful job redecorating."
"Thanks. Griffen honey, would you please come in the kitchen now? I have a couple people who I want you to meet."
"But Mom, I was just going to call Tom and see if he wants to go out on the boat." A tall twelve year old comes out of his bedroom.
"You can always call Tom. Griffen dear, this is your Uncle Chris and your cousin Rebecca."
"Nice to meet you, Uncle Chris. Mom talks about you constantly.", Griffen said as he and Dad shook hands.
"Dad responded, "We would have meet sooner but I could not get your parents to visit us. Rebecca dear, say hello to your cousin."
I quickly responded, "Hi!"
"Hi Becky. How would you like to go sailing? Mom, Uncle Chris, if it is alright with the both of you? " asked Griffen.
"It's fine with me. Chris, you don't have to worry, Griffen is a safe sailor. He does not take unnecessary chances and he is a fantastic swimmer. I will even pack a snack for the both of you to take." Aunt Judy said.
"But, dad..." I tried to protest.
"Sounds like you will be in safe hands. You like to sail and you are a strong swimmer. Besides, it will give you both a chance to get to know each other better.", said dad.
First of all, I hated being called Becky, but now I was going to be stuck spending an entire afternoon with a boy. Just my luck! Someone up there did not like me.
Griffen took the picnic basket and yelled, "Come on, Becky! We don't have all day to waste! There is a nice breeze and I would hate to lose it."
"I yelled back, "Alright Griffen, I'm coming."
Griffen led the way to his boat which was tied to the pier. He carefully stepped down into his 15-foot white sailboat and dumped the basket to the floor. He then helped me into the boat as I tried to keep my balance. Then he untied the boat from the pier.
"Here, you better wear this! I would not want anything to happen to you. It is aleays better to be safe than sorry. Do you need help to put it on? " Griffen handed me a life jacket.
"I can manage to get it on. Do you always wear one?"
"Sure, I do. I am a good swimmer, but Dad has always told me never take a chance when you are on the water." Griffen raised the sails and started the motor.
"Do you miss your dad?" I asked cautiously.
"Sure I do, but i try to be brave for Mom. She misses him alot. I hear her crying at night when she thinks I am sleeping. You better not mention this to anyone, Becky!"
I answered, "I won't tell! How much further before you cut the engine?"
"A little more and then we can cut the motor loose. Look at these waves beat against the boat, Becky.", responded Griffen.
"I anxiously ashed, "Do you think we should be out? The sky is getting really dark fast."
My cousin looked at the sky. "You are right Becky, there is a storm brewing. We should head back. I better see if this motor can go any faster."
"I'm getting scared, Griffen! I see lightning over there and it's getting closer to us."
Griffen responded, "Don't be scared, Becky! I won't let anything happen to you. We better get these sheets down before it starts to rain heavy. Hold on tight." We both tried and finally got the sails down despite the gusty winds and rain.
I suddenly screamed as I saw a bolt of lightning hit the motor.
Griffen tried to start it, but no luck. "Great! Just what we needed -no motor. Good thing there are two sets of oars on the boat just for emergencies!" He handed me a set as we began to row.
I said to him, "Good thing we are not far from the house."
"For once I am glad to see the house. Oh great! My oars are broken. Give me yours."
I handed them to him, but before he could grip it, one of the oars fell into the ocean and ws now lost forever.
"I am sorry, Griffen. What are we going to do now?"
Griffen thought for a few minutes before he seriously asked, "I am not sure if you can handle this, but i really see no other choice. I just hope you can keep afloat for awhile since I am not sure how strong these waves are."
I anxiously asked, "What's your plan? I am a strong swimmer -so don't worry!"
"How about if we tow the boat in? We are about fifty feet away from the beach. Do you think we can manage to do it together?"
"Sure, we can!" I said, trying to sound confident as we jumped into the cold water and held onto the sailboat.
"Are you okay, Becky?" said Griffen as he swam over to my side.
"So far so good. I think I see our parents on the beach.", I answered.
"You are right, Becky! We are getting closer to the beach. Hold on tight! I see a big wave coming."
All of a sudden, I was engulfed in water as I tried to hold my breath. I closed my eyes tightly and prayed that we would live through this mess. Then I suddenly felt sand under my feet. Next to me was my cousin Griffen and his sailboat.
"Are you okay, Becky?"
Getting up and catching my breath I said, "I am fine. How about you?"
"Alright! I'll admit to you, that I have never been this scared before, and for a girl you were fantastic."
"You weren't bad yourself! You can count on me to keep your secret@ Here come our parents to fuss over us." Dad and Aunt Judy came running to us and gave us hugs.
My cousin Griffen was alright for being a boy and I rather like being called Becky by him.
FINIS