Miraculously, six very stoned kids made it to Ichetucknee Springs: Conrad drove, I was on direction duty, Danielle and Madison were in the middle doubting us, and in the back, Evan falling asleep on Alexis. We drove through a small town called High Springs, a place not too long ago I passed with you. Swallowing the nausea, I looked forward to the blue water and sunshine.There was some rain and confusion, but finally we made it there beating the crowds, heat, and clouds.
"Let's just jump in," I told Madison. Richie told her to not feel the water, but she didn't listen. And then the fear started, the fear of the 72 degree water that was about to completely consume all of our bodies. Conrad finally dove in. I went next. And then Danielle and Madison followed.
It was like breathing fresh air for the first time, or turning the fan on after sex, or a cool menthol with hot coffee: refreshing. So absolutely and purely refreshing.
Every one wore smiles in the beautiful, clear water as we swam around.
It was the first time I wore my new bathing suit anywhere outside of Daytona Beach. It felt liberating and revealing at the same time, something I felt unsure of until something I caught at Blue Hole Spring.
This was a smaller spring after a little walk, just as beautiful but not as clear. It was dark and mysterious- everyone immediately feared this spring. We fear the unfamiliar.
Before I jumped in, I saw something, or maybe I made it up- I caught him staring at me with this smile on his face. It was serene and close-mouthed.
And then the feeling of being unprotected and insecure disappeared as the cold water enveloped me. It felt so good, better than the first time.
The climax of our perfect adventure: I was caught with a beer in my hand.
I was not of age, the officer said.
He asked for my social. I couldn't remember it.
He asked about my education.
He checked my records.
"I'm a student, sir, and my records clean." He never stopped being an asshole, but I never got a ticket.
Fuck the system.
The drive home was relaxing; everyone was quiet except for the CD I put on. It was the CD that reminded me strongly of Conrad for no apparent reason.
He enjoyed listening to them as we shared the last beer and cigarette; I enjoyed the sunshine on my toes.
We walked later that night with Claude on a route that I don't think I'll ever be able to find on my own, some circle that threw me off my direction and knowledge of Gainesville.
I have never seen lightning bugs in town, and the ones outside I've only seen at dusk while camping. But there they were after nine PM, flying around in this dark patch of woods we came across.
He caught one, we marveled at it, and then he let it go. I stood there with my mouth halfway open as he walked away like it was nothing. A few minutes passed and I looked back at the dark area: each bug could be seen sparkling like glitter coating the nighttime.
"Well, that was sort of magical," I heard bewilderment in my own voice.
"Yea, I'm just romantic like that I guess." He chuckled.
I believed it.
