Strawberry Summer Read Online Free PDF

much quieter there. Besides, there’s a full moon out tonight. You should see how beautiful Lake Majestic looks.
    “So, you live in Whittington,” Alan said as they leaned against the porch railing, taking in the view and sipping their lemonade. “That’s about a hundred fifty miles from here, isn’t it?”
    “Why, yes, it is.” Chris was surprised. “How did you know where I’m from?”
    “Oh, I just happened to check out your application. I figure it can’t hurt to know something about the people who work for my folks.” He tried to keep his voice light, but it was obvious to Chris that Alan didn’t bother to “research” all of the counselors.
    “What else do you know about me?”
    “Not too much. But I hope to find out more.”
    His last remark really startled her. And here she’d thought he was staring at her from across the room because he didn’t like her!
    “Well, of the two of us, I’d say that you’re the mysterious one, Alan Reed! You seem so distant ... as if you’re a thousand miles away.”
    “Yeah, I know. The truth is, I have been pretty preoccupied lately. Worried about the camp, and my parents, too.
    “But tonight is supposed to be a night for celebrating, not worrying! We’ve got the whole summer ahead of us. Besides, I shouldn’t be burdening you with my family’s problems, anyway. Hey—I have an idea. Are you in a daring mood tonight?”
    “Pretty daring ... Why?”
    “How about a moonlight swim?”
    “Well ...”
    “Come on. We’ll just slip away, and no one will ever even notice that we’re gone. I know I’m in good hands, since you are the swimming instructor and all. Having you there is even safer than inviting along a lifeguard! Besides, you’ve got to admit that Lake Majestic looks pretty inviting!”
    Chris laughed. “You certainly can be convincing! All right, it sounds like fun. Let me go change into a suit, and I’ll meet you at the boathouse as soon as I can.”
    “You’re on!”
    Fifteen minutes later, the two of them were splashing around in the lake, laughing like children who were doing something they weren’t really supposed to be doing. Unwinding in the cool, refreshing water was the perfect ending to the first day of camp.
    “Maybe we’d better get back to the party, before anyone misses us,” Chris said after a while. “I wouldn’t want to hurt your parents’ feelings.”
    “Don’t you think they’ll notice that their son and their swimming instructor both have unusually wet hair?” Alan grinned.
    “Oh, you’re right! I guess that’s the end of that party.” Chris sat cross-legged on the dock, wrapped in the towel she’d brought along. She did feel bad about deserting the party ... but at the same time, she was having a wonderful time. Her swim had revitalized her, it was lovely sitting out by the moonlit lake ... and Alan Reed, much to her continued surprise, was turning out to be excellent company.
    “Since you’re the one who dragged me away from all those homemade cookies, I’d say the very least you can do is tell me all about yourself.”
    “There’s not much to tell.” Alan shrugged. “During the summers, I work here. During the year, I go to high school. I’ll be a senior next year. I’m on the basketball team and the school newspaper, my best subject is science, and I enjoy learning about nature. In fact, I’m really looking forward to Camp Pinewood’s first annual outing next Tuesday.”
    Chris was puzzled. “I don’t remember hearing about any outing.”
    “It’s always one of the hits of the summer. We’re taking the ten-year-olds to a local wildlife preserve. We pack them up with box lunches, load them onto the big blue bus, and lead them on a full day of exploring the nature preserve. It’s always one of the highlights of my vacation.”
    “It sounds like fun. I don’t suppose you can find a place for a swimming instructor....”
    Alan laughed. “I’m afraid you’ll have to stay here and