Chapter Nineteen:

"I told you, Amy." Jo said carrying a stack of blankets, "You would get your beach day."

Meg had returned home with Laurie over a week ago, with amazing stories of her experience. Laurie was then off to Europe, to meet a family he explained was a very important group of people.

Now they were here, on a beach being introduced to them all. Laurie stood aside, introducing each member of the British family. "This is Fred Vaughn." Laurie pointed to a handsome young man, then moving to the girl next to him, "And his sister Kate."

She waved, sending a warm smile down the line of the other five girls across from them. Elouise shifted on her feet, uncomfortable with the British family eyeing them all down. "And of course you know Mr Brooke."

They all nodded politely, not knowing what else to do. Laurie moved to them, going down the line. "And this is Meg, Amy, Beth and Jo March. Joined by Elouise Myer."

Jo tipped her large hat, which managed to keep poking Elouise in the side of the head.

Fred Vaughn smiled, "So pleased to meet you." His accent was thick, and an intrigued Amy grinned. "Oh, how elegant."

His smile deepened as she stepped towards him, "Remember the name Amy March. I'm going to come to find you one day in London."

"Oh, I certainly will!" He replied.

Elouise made a face, turning and walking from the group. She carried a basket full of cut up fruit, finding a decent spot in the sand. She dropped the basket, wiping her hands on her dress. Elouise slipped her shoes off, discarding her white socks as well before rushing down to the water.

"What are you doing, Elouise?" Amy's voice called, Elouise turned and smiled. She stood by a net with a racket in hand, Fred next to her. Jo and Laurie were on the other side, giving her the same confused look while Beth cheered for them to begin.

"You said I never washed my clothes!" Elouise shouted jokingly, her ankles underwater. Her dress brushed the water, it was cold against her skin. Spring days at the beach were never meant for swimming, but it reminded her of home and all the days her mother would take her despite the temperature. It was a day out of the house, away from father.

Elouise stepped farther, the water rising to her knees. The skirt of her dress began to feel heavy, but she didn't mind. The sand felt good between her toes as she dug her feet into it, smiling at the breeze that pushed her hair over her shoulders. Birds chirped as they flew by, the wind helping them along. She glanced behind her, Amy was no longer with Fred but sitting by her shoes. Jo and Laurie walked along the water's edge, approaching in her direction.

She raised her arms and closed her eyes, "Elouise Lee Myer." She smiled, reciting her name as her mother would tell her to. Now she must whisper a wish, visualizing it flying into the clouds and disappearing where only wishes were welcomed. Elouise missed her mother dearly, "I wish all is well with you, mother. I love you very much."

Footsteps splashed in the water, "Why does it look like you wish for the sun to burn you alive?"

Laurie sent a smile, shoving his hands into his pockets. She looked at him, the ends of his pants rolled up to the knee. "I was only wishing."

"Wishing for what?"

Elouise shrugged, "Do you have wishes, Laurie?"

A nod.

"Would you like them to come true?"

"That is impossible, darling Elouise."

She rolled her eyes, stepping in front of him. The water almost reached her waist now as she grabbed his arms and took them from his pockets. "What are you doing?"

She extended his arms out to his sides, looking up at him. He met her eyes, a curious look in them. The breeze whipped his dark curls around, sun casting him in a golden light. "Close your eyes."

"Why-"

"Close them."

He listened, taking a deep breath of air. Her own hands fell to her side as she watched him, he seemed awfully at peace. "State your name."

"Why-"

"Laurie." She said plainly, "Do you want your wish to come true?"

Elouise watched as his arms inched downwards, she stepped closer to him and brought them back up. "You're quite close to me, Elouise. Is your plan to kiss me?"

She snorted, "No. Now, state your name or your wish won't come true."

"Theodore "Laurie" Laurence."

Elouise sighed, "Now state your wish."

He smiled, "I wish for Elouise to kiss me."

She snickered, dropping her hands from his arms. This time they stayed extended, his smile growing bigger with every second she failed to respond.

"Your real wish, Laurie."

His smile faltered, returning to his normal expression. "Must I say it out loud?"

"Yes."

He said nothing, only taking another deep breath. The water made gentle waves around them, the sound calming.

"I know you made your wish, but beware it won't come to light if the wind does not get to hear it."

Laurie remained still, a small smile back on his face. "I still hope it will."

His eyes flew open as a wicked grin set upon his face, his arms swung out and wrapped around her waist as he flung both of them under the waves. She yelped in surprise as her head went under, she tried whacking him with his arms around her but it seemed to do no good as they resurfaced.

She wiped her eyes, moving the hair covering her face. When her eyes opened, Laurie was doing the same. "Now, what's this about you not washing your clothes?"

Elouise splashed water at him, but he only laughed. His arms found her waist again, "You do know how to swim."

"Yes I do, thank you very much."

"Good." There was a glint in his eyes, "It would be a shame if you had to be saved."

Elouise couldn't help but chuckle at the boy in front of her, "You're quite something, Lauire."

He raised an eyebrow, "A good something?"

I'm afraid yes, she thought, but said nothing as she splashed him with water and wiggled from his grasp. He let her go, though he preferred not too.

Elouise wondered what his wish was, and if it would in deed come true.