"Your sister's been and gone already. I just got back from running her over to the pool. They're having tryouts for the swim team this afternoon. Listen, Brent, if she doesn't happen to make it, you be nice to her at dinner tonight. She'll be heartbroken."

"Don't sweat it, Mom," Brent said. "She's a cinch to make it. She's half frog."

His mother laughed. "I suppose I worry too much about you two. How's it feel to be out for the summer? I would have thought you'd have gone up to Gino's with the guys this afternoon or over to the pool. Aren't you celebrating?"

"I decided not to. Maybe I'll hitch over to the club later. I'll see more than enough of them in the next few weeks anyway."

"Well, I think you spend too much time by yourself, Brent."

"It's okay, Mom. I enjoy it. When will we be headed for the island?"

"Probably not until sometime later in July. Your father's got too many things pressing at the office to get away right now. We'll have plenty of time there, don't worry."

"I wish we were going up sooner. That's the best part of the summer. I always feel like I'm bumming around and wasting time at home in the summer. Like at loose ends, you know."

"You can always do some painting, Brent," his mother said. "And the swim club is always there. I'm sure you'll find plenty to keep you occupied until we go."

"Oh, I know. I just like the island better, is all."

"I know you do. I wish we could be going up earlier too. But then Betsy wouldn't have the time to compete on the swim team, so it all works out for the best. You'll just have to be patient."

"You know what I'd like to do this weekend?" Brent said.

"What?"

"Do you think Uncle George would like a painting of his barn for a Christmas present?"

"Oh, I know he would. He'd think that was pretty special."